Exploring Rajasthan

I hadn't done a full trip around this area for some years and was amazed at how much everything had changed - for the better!

I started the trip in Udaipur which is my favourite city in Rajasthan, it has been cleaned up and there is so much choice for places to stay from the decadent luxury of Udaivilas and Shiv Niwas to adorable little havelis like Jagat Niwas and the fabulous new Fateh Garh Palace, which both offer great value for money.  I then went off into the countryside to the Aravelli Hills and visited some of our old favourite properties like Rawla Narlai (which is one of my favourites), Deogarh, Fort Seengh Sagar and Rohet Garh, which are all looking great.  I also found a wonderful and cheap haveli called Rawla Jojawar which is in a lovely little village.  I had lunch at the amazingly grand Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur and spent the afternoon looking around the city and found a great little place called Ratan Villas, which is run by a lovely couple,  and popular with expats escaping from Delhi for the weekend.

Then onto my favourite and the highlight of most of our clients trips to Rajasthan, Chaatra Sagar,  the tents are fantastic overlooking the dam which is teeming with birdlife.  The village walk there is one of the best I have ever done.  Continuing onto Shahpura Bagh, a wonderful property run by another lovely couple.  Watching the sunset from the ramparts of the old fort was a highlight there. 

After that, it was off to Ranthambore, where I stayed at Khem Villas,  a great place with lovely cottages.  I was lucky enough to see a tiger and a leopard, which was fantastic.    From there I went to Jaipur, I stayed at the Rambagh Palace,  which I still think is a wonderful place if you are wanting to stay in a genuine rambling city palace and feel part of the Raj.  If you are looking for something smaller then the Samode Haveli is still one of the best choices, or if you are wanting complete luxury there is always the Oberoi's Raj Vilas.   

I then ended the trip with a bit of luxury for myself staying at the newly opened Aman in Delhi, which has a fantastic tapas restaurant,  followed by a few days at Amanbagh, which was so peaceful and a perfect place to end the trip.

Email or call our India Team on 020 7386 4646 for more information.

Costs for our 17-day 'Ultimate Rajasthan' tour start at £2,425 per person inclusive of flights from London.

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