This in-depth tour of Rajasthan takes you to some of its iconic cities and hidden rural villages. Travel through Mandawa and Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region, renowned for its intricate havelis. Drive to Bikaner, on the fringes of the Thar Desert. Stop off at the village of Kheechan where thousands of Desmoiselle Cranes congregate each year (Oct-Nov) and continue on to the spectacular desert city of Jaisalmer and wander the labyrinthine alleyways of its living fort. Drive to the Blue City of Jodhpur, visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort and the nearby Bisnoi tribal community. Finally end your Rajasthan trip in Udaipur, known for its lakes and magnificent palaces. Stay in some of Rajasthan's best boutique properties and support local people and initiatives through a number of sustainability-themed activities enriching your travel experience.
Note: this tour does not include Jaipur or Ranthambore. If you wish to include these places you could extend your trip by doing our Golden Triangle tour or we can customise your tour so you can add these places at the start or end of this tour.
Delhi - Nawalgarh - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Kheechan - Jodhpur - Bishnoi Village - Chanoud - Udaipur
On arrival in Delhi airport you would be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure or you can take a walking tour of Hauz Khas village.
Let us know if you would like to arrive earlier for a pre-tour of Delhi or to visit other places in India.
Meal plan: n/a
After breakfast, you will be driven to Nawalgarh in Rajasthan's Shekhawati region. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. After resting for some time you will proceed for a nature walk and farm visit followed by high tea.
Overnight in Roop Niwas Kothi, Nawalgarh
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Mandawa, known for its intricately designed havelis. You will visit the Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli and Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli.
Return to Nawalgarh, rest of the day you will be at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore area on your own.
Overnight in Roop Niwas Kothi, Nawalgarh
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, continue your exploration of Rajasthan as you set off for the old city of Bikaner. On arrival, check into the heritage hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the property. Enjoy sundowners in the evening.
Overnight in Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be taken for half day sightseeing of Bikaner visiting the famous Junagarh Fort, Museum and Lallgarh Palace. Afternoon is at leisure and then early evening proceed to the sand dunes of the Thar Desert to watch the sun set. Optional camel ride can also be arranged. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast set off for the Golden City of Jaisalmer. En-route visit the village of Kheechan, where huge flocks of Demoiselle Cranes return from their breeding grounds in Eurasia. Stop off for lunch and then continue your journey to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, check into hotel and rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Killa Bhawan, Jaisalmer
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer visiting the vibrant Jaisalmer Fort, the havelis (Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim Singh-ki-Haveli), Gadi Sagar and the museum. Afterwards we will visit a local NGO which is doing sterling work to support women and girl-child empowerment and development. After lunch, you will go to a workshop to watch intricate mirror work done by ladies followed by puppet making, which can be purchased as souvenirs and also support the women. Return to the hotel.
Overnight in Killa Bhawan, Jaisalmer
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for the Blue City of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan. Stop en-route at an eco-farm where you will take a tour of the farm showing how crops, vegetables and fruit are grown here using traditional methods. Enjoy a delicious lunch here and then continue on to Jodhpur. The afternoon will be at leisure, then enjoy an early evening heritage walking tour of the old city.
Overnight in House of Rohet, Jodhpur
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
After breakfast, drive to the nearby Bishnoi villages to experience how the Bisnoi people live in harmony with their surroundings. They also play an important role in protecting the endangered blackbuck. Later, you will be taken for half day sightseeing of Jodhpur to visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Evening free at leisure.
Overnight in House of Rohet, Jodhpur
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be driven to the small village of Chanoud. Rest of the day you will be at leisure to explore this charming village yourself or you can relax in the fabulously restored 300-year old fort - Chanoud Garh. In the evening, try your hands at preparing some traditional Rajasthani cuisine followed by snacks and dinner.
Overnight in Chanoud Garh, Chanoud
Meal plan: n/a
After breakfast, you can take a village walk to see the local school, artisan workshops shops and the historical temples. Return to hotel and enjoy your lunch. Afternoon is free at leisure. Early evening take a jeep safari in the countryside (on a shared basis) to witness the spectacular sunset view.
Overnight in Chanoud Garh, Chanoud
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast drive to the Lake City of Udaipur, one of the most picturesque cities in Rajasthan. En-route you will visit the impressive Ranakpur Jain Temples. Afterwards, continue drive to Udaipur. Early evening take a private boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Overnight in Jagat Niwas Palace, Udaipur
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, take morning tour of the Lake City, including the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-badi. Afternoon is free time for you to explore more of the city yourself and to buy any souvenirs (Udaipur is famous for its miniature paintings).
Overnight in Jagat Niwas Palace, Udaipur
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, take a heritage walking tour along some of the hidden lanes of Udaipur where you will learn more about the history and culture of the city. Sample some street food/snacks and pop into some of the small shops for any last-minute souvenirs. Udaipur is known for its 'miniature' paintings. Afternoon is at leisure and later in the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration at a homestay where you can also chat to the lovely owners.
Overnight in Jagat Niwas Palace, Udaipur
Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner
Transfer to Udaipur airport for your flight to Delhi or Mumbai, and connect with your international flight home.
Note: extensions to other parts of the region or India can be organised. Contact us for more information.
Meal plan: Breakfast
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
Unwind in the serene atmosphere and old world charm of the hotel and experience the true essence of Rajasthani hospitality. It is a horse lover's paradise, with stables of the most popular breed of horses in India - the Marwari. The main activities at the hotel spur from the horses, from visiting the stables to riding the horses. The rooms are elegant and bright and offer views over either the stables, lush gardens, or the pool. Rooms are en suite and are fitted with air conditioning.
Comfortably appointed, the Residence Rooms are a tribute to the eclectic tastes of the household. Elaborate ceiling details, Bikaner terrazzo floors and traditional crafts sit in harmony with Portuguese tiles and a distinctly English colour palette. Light and fresh, these rooms are a calm sanctuary set apart from the hyperactivity of the city.
Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel is an early 17th century haveli nestled in the fertile valley on the eastern banks of the famous Lake Pichola. The haveli is made in the typical Mewar style and provides visitors with a very relaxing and regal experience. The hotel also offers excellent views of Udaipur's palaces.
On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha
Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces
Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
A real life Jungle Book.
Ideal extension to Bhutan
Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway
After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches
Himalayan treks, village walks and more
Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.
Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.
Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife
Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh
Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam
Golden Triangle and the Himalayas
Travel India's Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh
Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival
Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India
Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations
Tropical mountains, tea & spice plantations, and backwaters
Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan
Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland
Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants
Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages
Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India
Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan
Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms
Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India
Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala
Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip
Take in the highlights of central India
Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine
Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans
Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures
Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland
Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns
Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh
Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism
Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot
Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth
Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages
Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions
Track India's tigers, leopards & lions
Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife
Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala
Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh
Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys
Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan
Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India
Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches
Jennifer , Raj, Tigers & Mangroves, IndiaKolkata is a real eye-opener. The walking tour was a real highlight and our guide was great at showing me places I`d never have found otherwise. The Sunderbans was just beautiful. The guide was very friendly and the boat cruises were relaxing. My cottage was delightful and the food at the Tiger Camp was delicious. A great way to end the trip!
Vladimir Lange & Amy Opfell (USA) , Tailormade IndiaOutstanding trip, custom made to our desires. Once again, Travel The Unknown did not disappoint, exceeding our expectations. The in-country coordination worked with clock-work precision.
Andrew Martin , Tailormade North East IndiaI`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.
Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tourThis trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.
Rachel , Spirit of South India, IndiaWe went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Tracey & Gary , Tailormade IndiaI would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.
Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, IndiaThis was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.
Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, IndiaThis was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.
Vik , Kerala Calling, IndiaThank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.
Ann Holgate , Tailormade IndiaA really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.
Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, IndiaWhat an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.
Elaine & Neil Smith , Delicacies of North India, IndiaThe tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.
