Secret Rajasthan

India: No visit to Rajasthan is complete without visiting iconic cities such as Jaipur 'the pink city' and Udaipur 'the lake city', however to really get under the skin we have designed an itinerary taking you through some of the lesser known villages and towns of Rajasthan. Secret Rajasthan offers a mix of urban and rural Rajasthan, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy what this fascinating state, also known as the 'Land of Kings' has to offer.


Tour Includes:

  • 2 nights in a 4 star hotel. 2 nights at a tented camp. 12 nights in traditional properties.
  • 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.
  • Private vehicle, normally a saloon car for one or two people.
  • Local English Speaking Guides for sightseeing on a private basis, including all entrance fees.
  • Private guided transfers to and from all airports
  • Driver/guide's expenses.


Departures: Daily

Flight Inclusive Price:
Based on return economy class flights with Jet Airways from London Heathrow to Delhi. This will add 1 day onto your itinerary. UK Airport Passenger Duty and airport taxes are also included.

Tour Prices:
Whilst all best endeavours are made to ensure the prices for private journeys on our website are accurate - given the nature of peak season air supplements and fuel surcharges - prices given above may vary depending on departure date and availability.

How to book your Private Journey

Secret Rajasthan

Secret Rajasthan

Day 1: Delhi
Arrive at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon you will have a short city tour with your guide, visiting the main cultural and historical sites of this fascinating city. Highlights include a visit to the new town to see Rajpati Bravhan and India gate, and in the old town, the spice market, Jama Majid Mosque and the Red Fort. The tour will end will a visit to the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, after which you will return to the hotel. (B)

Day 2: Delhi - Jaipur
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel, transferred to the train station and accompanied to your seat on the train. The journey will take approximately 5 hours and on arrival you will be met by a local guide and taken to the Samode Palace, where you will spend the next three nights. (B)

Day 3: Jaipur
Today you will have a tour of Jaipur, the 'pink city' visiting the fascinating old Royal Observatory built by Jai Singh II, which houses the largest sun dial in the World, the City Palace Museum, the Palace of the Winds and it's impressive facade and finally the stunning Amber Fort, which is a 9km drive from the city. You will be taken back to your hotel at the end of the tour. (B)

Day 4: Jaipur
Day free to enjoy the Samode Palace. (B)

Day 5: Jaipur - Nimaj
Morning transfer to the small town of Nimaj in central Rajasthan. Staying at the luxury camp of Chhatra Sagar, on a dam above the lake, this is a gorgeous place to relax and unwind. As well as checking oout the impressive bird life, you'll be able to visit the local villages, school and potters that work nearby. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Nimaj
Day free at Chhatra Sagar. You will be able to arrange your own excursions at the camp, including village and farm walks and bird watching. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Nimaj - Khamli Ghat- Narlai
Morning pick up from your hotel and transfer to Marwar Junction where you will enjoy the regional two hour train journey through the Khamli Ghats and on to the Aravalli plateau to Narlai. The journey was made famous by Rudyard Kipling's classic tale, The Man Who Would be King. At the end of this spectacular journey you will be transferred to your hotel in the village of Narlai. (B)

Day 8: Narlai
Today you will be able to sit back and enjoy the pool and facilities at your hotel or arrange excursions, such as village walks, bird watching, horse riding and cattle cart rides, amongst other things. (B)

Day 9: Narlai - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Udaipur. This journey will take most of the day as en route you will be taken to visit the stunning 15th Century Kumbhalgarh Fort in the Aravalli Hills. You will then continue to the journey to visit Ranakpur, home to a beautiful 15th Century Jain temple made up of 29 halls and 1,444 intricately carved pillars. The last leg of the journey will end in Udaipur at your hotel. (B)

Day 10: Udaipur
Full day city tour of Udaipur, the Lake City. Your local guide will collect you from your hotel and take you to visit the highlights of this beautiful city including the City Palace, which was built in 1559 A.D and sits on the edge of Lake Pichola, the Jagdish Temple, the Garden of the Maid's Honour ; Sahelion Ki Bari, the remarkable Eklingji Temple located about 22km from the city centre and finally to end the tour you will take the cruise on the Lake Pichola, passing by Jagniwas Island, which is home to the famous Lake palace hotel and Jagmindir Island built by Maharaja Jagat Singh. Return to your hotel. (B)

Day 11: Udaipur - Shahpura
Today your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Shahpura, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Arriving in Shahpura you will be taken to your wonderful accommodation and have the rest of the day free to relax and unwind in this gorgeous rural setting. (B)

Day 12: Shahpura - Bundi
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the town of Bundi, which will take approximately 2 hours. On arrival you will be taken to your accommodation in the town centre. The rest of the day will be at leisure. (B)

Day 13: Bundi
This morning your local guide will collect you from your hotel and take you to visit the main sights of Bundi, starting at the Bundi Palace which towers over the city. The Palace is a famous for its fine murals. You will also visit the Rani Ji KI Baori before going on an old city walk to the colourful vegetable market. After lunch you will visit the Shar Bagh, Kipling Palace and Bundi Museum. (B)

Day 14: Bundi - Delhi
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the train station for your day journey of approximately 6 hours to Delhi, your guide will accompany you to your seat and a local guide will meet you off the train in Delhi and transfer you to your hotel. (B)

Day 15: Delhi
Transfer to the airport, where your tour will end. (B)

How to book your Private Journey

Secret Rajasthan

Without flights

DatesTypePrice Per PersonSingle Supplement 
1 Jan 12 - 31 Mar 12Adult Price From£2,590 £1,670 Make an Enquiry

With flights from the UK

DatesTypePrice Per PersonSingle Supplement 
1 Jan 12 - 31 Mar 12Adult Price From£3,210 £1,670 Make an Enquiry

* Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

Secret Rajasthan

Please select the regions you are interested in.

Amet Haveli

Udaipur

Located on a small peninsular on Lake Pichola near the Hanuman Ghat and directly opposite the magnificent shoreline of...

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Bundi Vilas

Bundi

Bundi Vilas is a fabulous heritage property in the heart of the old city, with a backdrop of the Garh Palace and the...

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Claridges Hotel

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A treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950's, Claridges has been refurbished to create an elegant, timeless and...

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Samode Palace

Jaipur

Winner of the award for the best heritage hotel in the country, this magnificent palace is one of India's most charming...

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How to book your Private Journey

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More useful information when travelling to:
Rajasthan & the North

Flight Information

Flight time to Delhi from London is 8:30hrs, with a host of airlines including Jet, BA and Virgin. The same airlines also fly direct to Mumbai in around 9hrs. If flying to regional airports Jet are likely to offer the simplest connection.

Useful Tips

Depending on where you are travelling you can use the following to help you:

Kashmir & the Himalayas:
• If flying to Ladakh, rest on arrival. You might not feel the need, but you will if you don't and then it can be too late
• Staying in Srinagar, take a shakara through the old town, along the Bund. It’s not on the normal tourist circuit and its fascinating
• Be sure the visit the floating veg market
• If you want any clothes made, ask 95-year-old Tailor Tim - he's been doing it since British times
• In Amritsar check out the lassi, just behind the Golden Temple " joint best (with Varanasi) in the whole of India

Rajasthan & the Northwest:
• In Delhi, take the Metro: it’s clean, efficient and saves hours when sightseeing
• Again in Delhi if looking for general shopping - rather than souvenirs - try Khan Market
• Don’t take cash - use ATMs… they're everywhere
• Don't get caught up with guides shopping trips. Only go to the emporiums if you really want to
• Always carry plenty of small notes - getting change for a 5,000 rupee note is impossible

Kerala & the South:
• If staying in Cochin try the Brunton Boatyard for dinner - the open-air seafood restaurant is great
• Go for a walk along Covolum Beach " it’s one of the best the subcontinent can offer
• On the rice barge use candles. It's much more romantic and your ceiling won’t get covered in insects
• If travelling with kids, take the tree houses at Wayanad, they'll love them

Goa & Central India:
• Check out the veg market in Mysore - great place for photography
• If visiting Hampi, take your trunks, a swim in the river at sunset is awesome
• Take your driving licence - getting around Goa and Hampi is best on a moped
• Don’t miss the Hyderabad bazaar " it’s as good as Lahore
• Be warned, if in Goa on New Year’s Eve take care - the locals go a little crazy!

Kolkata & the Northeast
• Enjoy a lassi in Varanasi - jont best in the country!
• Try the Thali at the Peerless Inn in Kolkata - its delicious
• Also in Kolkata, take a tram - it’s a great way to get close to local life
• If travelling in October - just after the monsoon - take plenty of mosquito repellent
• In Jan and early Feb be prepared for early-morning fog on the Ganges - it can get pretty thick
• Make sure you have the right permits - some parts of this region you'll need special permission

When To Go

Travelling through Rajasthan from October to March you will generally experience warm days with plenty of sunshine and mild evenings. The same can broadly be said of travelling in the south.

If visiting Kashmir or the HImalayan regions then the main thing to remember, especially if travelling up from the Indian plains, is that weather-wise, anything can happen. There is the potential for chilly conditions on the high mountain passes. Therefore, as with so many of Wild Frontiers’ mountain trips, you need to come prepared for any eventuality.

Packing List

Below is a list of general items you might take with you on a Wild Frontiers trip to India. With your booking confirmation you will receive a packing list specific to your tour, so please treat this as a general guideline only.

Luggage:
It is best to use a soft bag - rucksack/hold-all/duffel bag - so it can be transported and stored more easily.
On all our trips a small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.

Clothing:
In general you should bring clothes you feel comfortable with. However, you should be aware of certain cultural sensitivities, particularly when visiting religious sites.
Therefore as a guide we suggest a packing list like this:
• 4 x Light cotton shirts or T-shirts, short sleeved and long
• 2 x Lightweight jumpers or sweatshirts
• Good quality fleece or warm jumper
• 2/3 Pairs of cotton trousers. If preferred, women can wear dresses and skirts
• An extra “outfit” if you’d like to dress up a bit on occasion
• Sun hat or cap
• Head scarf for ladies when visiting mosques
• Swim suit or trunks
• Pair of recreational shoes
• Pair of adventure sandals, trainers or pumps
• Flip flops/sandals for showers

Equipment:
The following is useful extra equipment for you trip:
• Travel towel, travel soap and toiletries
• Torch (LED head-torch keeps your hands free)
• A bandanna or large handkerchief is useful for dusty tracks
• Pair of good quality sunglasses
• Water bottle
• Plug adapter (see ‘Electricity’ section)

Personal First Aid Kit:
While we do carry a large medical kit on all our group tours, we would still advise that you take some of the basics with you. This should include:

• Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
• Antibacterial dry hand wash
• Painkillers: paracetamol & ibuprofen
• Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
• Malaria Tablets (if necessary)
• Travel motion-sickness tablets if required (e.g. natural ginger tablets)
• Diarrhoea remedies
• Antihistamines
• Cold/flu decongestants
• Mosquito Repellent
• Insect bite cream
• Laxatives
• Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips/Blister pads
• Sunscreen (30+ factor)
• Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
• Contact lenses and solution if required
• Tweezers
(A kit with most of this in is available at www.nomadtravel.co.uk)

Optional Extras:
• Ear plugs (if sharing a room / camping)
• Alarm clock
• 3-4 plastic carrier bags are very useful for dirty washing, dirty shoes and rubbish
• Binoculars
• Small packs of tissues
• Money belt or secure pouch for money and passport etc.
• Eye patches if light affects your sleep
• Sewing kit/scissors
• Writing materials
• Spare batteries/camera memory cards
• Swiss Army knife
• Universal bath plug
• Calculator (for currency conversion)
• Trekking poles

NB: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are rare. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Hand Luggage:
Although it is very rare that luggage goes missing on flights, it has been known to happen and so it’s a good idea to carry a spare top, toothbrush, wash kit, underwear and any other essentials in your hand luggage so that you can at least freshen up while waiting for your bags to catch you up. If you wear your sturdy shoes/boots it will also reduce weight in your luggage and keep them safe.

Practical Information

Time:
India is 5.5hrs ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com

Food and Alcohol:
One of the great myths about travelling in India is that the food is poor. We are delighted to inform you this is definitely not the case. Indeed many people find the delicious food to be one of the highlights of a visit to India, there is endless variety " it’s not all spicy " and can cater for any specific needs.

In terms of Alcohol, everything is available but often hard to get hold of and the quality is sometimes questionable.

Electricity:
Those bringing video & digital cameras that require battery chargers should also bring a two-pin, continental style adapter. In most hotels you can charge from the mains using a travel adaptor plug, in India they use 230 volts.

Money:
In India the unit of currency is the Rupee.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com

A few points to help you plan:
• Payments are mainly made in cash.
• Some hotels and banks accept credit cards.
• There are ATM’s in the large towns and cities although you may incur a charge. It is unwise to rely on this as a means of accessing cash due to unreliability.
• If using ATM machines, be sure to notify your bank before you travel.
• Pounds Sterling, Dollars and Euros are easily exchanged in Delhi and some large towns
• Travellers Cheques can only be changed in the city during business hours, not ideal.
• It is useful to bring lots of small denomination notes.

Language & Religion:
In India, the major language is Hindi, with 17 other official regional languages and English as a common language for all. Religion is mainly Hinduism alongside Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Christianity.

The Kashmiri’s are mostly all Muslim and dominate the northern section of the Jammu and Kashmir state. They speak Urdu which if you know any Hindi, you’ll notice some similarities.

In the Himalayan Mountains of Ladakh the locals show a strong resemblance to the Tibetans in both appearance and language and were Buddhists until a few hundred years ago. Most Ladakhi’s in Leh District and Zanskar are Tibetan Buddhist

Cultural Sensitivity:
At Wild Frontiers we are very aware of the ethical impact tourism can have on ancient cultures. We realise that taking a group of tourists through such a region can have a negative impact on the lives of those who live there and on all our tours we therefore go to great lengths to minimise the negative and accentuate the positive…after all, there are also many good things that the tourist can bring.

To help this process we ask that our clients do not hand out pens or sweets to children. As one sign in Egypt emphatically put it, ‘Please don't make beggars out of our children!' No matter how well intentioned, in our opinion the dolling out of free gifts fosters a ‘beggar mentality' that is ultimately extremely destructive to a society. In addition we do not condone giving out money to beggars or ‘students'.

However, we also realise that we are exceptionally privileged to be travelling in areas where most of the people have far less than us and that the desire to ‘help' can be very powerful. As a result we ask that you refer to your trip dossier for information on the Wild Frontiers Foundation which supports specific projects in the areas where we travel.

Photography:
Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. Photographing members of the army, police or official personnel can lead to your equipment being confiscated and bridges, borders or government buildings are usually the strictest.

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