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Activity Level: E
Start / Finish: Delhi / Delhi
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India in Living Colour
The Indian province of Rajasthan is the world’s leading supplier of colour; name the hue and you’ll find it here. Scarlet? See the dhurrie rugs and ubiquitous chili peppers. Sage? It goes by in a greenish blur as our chef friend shows us how to cook, Indian-style. Gold? It’s all over the opulent maharaja palace where we spend the night. Saffron? You’ll find it in the turbans and traditional robes of the small rural villages you can bike to on the way to Rajasthan’s finest hotels and the 17thC hunting lodge whose simple authenticity makes it a surprising favourite. Pink? That’s you, thoroughly tickled by the discoveries you’ve made. Come see the rainbow.
Here's a sample of what you can expect on your custom-designed Bespoke Rajasthan adventure. Intrigued? Contact a Bespoke Trip Planner for further details.
Day 1 Sleep like a maharaja at the 347-room Umaid Bawan, one of India’s last great palaces and one-time largest private residence in the world
Day 2 Ride a three-wheeled tuk-tuk through the winding streets of Jodphur
Day 3 Bike sparsely-trafficked roads through mustard fields and villages to the town of Narlai
Day 4 Cycle to the edge of the Thar Desert past villages, Hindu temples, and plenty of camels
Day 5 Visit Ranakpur, a dazzling Jainist temple before a 100% organic lunch atop a mountain
Day 6 Get a glimpse of rural life in the town of Delwara with a local guide
Day 7 Ride the outskirts of Udaipur, or soak up the sights of India’s most romantic town
Day 8 Indulge in some serious luxury at Oberoi Udailvilas, 2007 winner of Travel + Leisure’s “best hotel in the world” title
Day 9 Breakfast in Udaipur, then namasté in Delhi
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Umaid Bhawan, Jodhpur
Constructed on the orders of the Maharaja of Jodhpur as a famine relief project, the Umaid Bhawan is a masterpiece set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens on a hillside overlooking the city. One of the last great palaces to be built in India (and with 347 rooms, once the largest private residence in the world), it was completed just before independence in 1937 and is still home to the Maharaja and his family. Apart from admiring the incredible architecture, you can also visit the Jiva Spa, which offers an unparalleled experience in a perfect environment of lavish comfort and pampering.
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The Rawla Narlai, Narlai
This former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jodhpur is now a delightfully intimate retreat. Comfortable rooms and modern baths blend with the ancient aesthetics of Narlai, while the sound of gentle chanting from the many nearby temples and mosques adds a spiritual element to our stay. Chef Nate Singh prepares meals from secret recipes handed down for generations.
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Devi Garh, Delwara
Tucked away in the age-old Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, the 18thC Devi Garh has undergone years of restoration and reconstruction to regain its past glory. An imposing and impressive structure, it is now a boutique hotel with 23 suites and six tents. Each suite is unique: luxurious and beautiful, embellished with marble and semi-precious stones, yet equipped with the most modern of conveniences.
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The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Udaivilas is the jewel in the crown of the Oberoi properties: it took hundreds of workers and five years to complete, and in 2007 was ranked the best hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure. This grand palace is wonderfully situated on the edge of the lake with views back to the stunning cityscape of Udaipur, it is truly a resort fit for a maharaja, and you’ll feel like one here. Expect to be treated as an honoured guest.
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Easygoing
This trip is rated Easygoing. We cover 25-40 km (16-25 mi.) on our biking days. Routes follow some of the quietest paved roads in Rajasthan. The terrain for the first five days is flat and easy with the odd bumpy stretch. The last three days of biking is in the Aravalli hills, so the terrain is rolling with the occasional climb. Our walking takes us over a mix of rolling hills, city streets and desert flats, with routes covering 2-8 km (1-5 mi.). There will be travel by rail or ox cart as well.
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