Rajasthan is India’s largest state, yet many tourists only see one tiny part of it. The pink city of Jaipur, the state capital, makes up one corner of the Golden Triangle, India’s most famous itinerary.
While there is no denying Jaipur’s charm, there is more to Rajasthan. Second time visitors sometimes plump to spend an entire trip exploring its desert fortresses and opulent palaces. And for those on the Triangle itinerary with more than a week in India, Rajasthan’s sights make a convenient and varied extension.
Roop Kumar, sales development manager at Cox & Kings, believes Rajasthan has a huge amount to offer tourists. “You can touch history here, by staying in a fort or palace that is 600 years old. Former Royals open up their homes to tourists, offering real Rajput heritage and hospitality. But you can also get really close to genuine rural India, visiting villages where you’ll rarely see another tourist. And there are excellent opportunities to view India’s wildlife,” he says.
The new Transindus brochure, set to launch next month, will feature five new tours, two of which are in Rajasthan. And with the likes of Cox & Kings, W&O Tropical Locations, Thomas Cook Signature, Kuoni, Explore and On The Go all offering a range of Rajasthani options, clients are spoilt for choice.
Headline sights
Jodhpur: The second-largest city in Rajasthan is called the Gateway to Thar, due to its position at the edge of this vast desert in the west of Rajasthan. It’s called the blue city too, as most of the Brahmin houses in the old town are painted a vivid indigo shade. It’s dominated by the hilltop Mehrangarh Fort, which has 1.8 miles of massive ramparts and contains palaces, temples and gardens.
Jaisalmer: Also in the Thar Desert, the city is close to the border with Pakistan. Called the Golden City, and built from sandstone, its fort, unlike most in India, is still inhabited. This living desert citadel is home to shops, havelis and Jain temples. Camel or jeep trips into the desert are popular.
Udaipur: Set in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains in Rajasthan’s south, Udaipur is famous for its lavish palaces and the interconnected lakes they surround. There are numerous gardens to visit and horse riding in the mountains for the active.
Ranthambore: Once a Maharajah’s hunting ground, this National Park is one of the best places in the country to spot tigers. Guests take game drives and stay in hotels or luxury jungle camps, such as the Oberoi Vanyavilas and Aman-I-Khas.
Hidden gems
Roop Kumar recommends visiting small villages to experience local life in a very un-touristy way. “Step beyond the thick lines that join Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, and you will find Rajasthan’s hidden treasures,” he says.
“At Rawla Jojawar you can stay with the local Maharana. He’s the sweetest old man, who will drive you around in his 1920s family car. Or at Shahpura Bagh you stay with a local family who own a large estate. You can breakfast at the top of an abandoned fort, and lunch with the family. The wife of the eldest son will show you how to make her recipes.”
Satyan Bhalla of Transindus reports that new property Ranvas at Nagaur, a boutique retreat within the city’s fort, has been very popular as a two-night extension to a Golden Triangle tour, giving an insight into rural India. “This little gem is halfway through its first season and all guests have been bowled over by it. Not only is the setting unique, but it has been beautifully restored to its former glory.”
A three-day Sufi festival takes place at the fort and brings the quiet desert outpost alive with candlelight and delicate music.
Where to stay
Rajasthan is perhaps most famous for its heritage hotels. It’s easy for guests to stay in painted havelis or historic mansions, or within forts or royal palaces.
The Taj group of hotels has a number of heritage properties, including the famous Lake Palace at Udaipur, Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace and Umaid Bhawan Palace, once home to Jodhpur’s ruling family and setting for Liz Hurley’s wedding to Arun Nayar in 2007.
There are also plenty of independent options, from Khimsar Fort, where guests dine at tables stationed along its thick ramparts, to Rawla Narlai, a hunting lodge dating back to the 17th century.
Tented camps such as Manvar and The Serai are available in the Thar Desert, and Chhatra Sagar is a relatively new option offering green vistas from its position on top of an ancient dam between Pushkar and Jodhpur.
Visitors can sleep on the rails by taking advantage of one of India’s luxury tourist trains. The Princely India itinerary of the Maharajas’ Express, and the Palace on Wheels train visit some of Rajasthan’s finest sights.
Sample product
Cox & Kings offers the 15-day Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan escorted group tour from £2,039 including flights with Jet Airways or Kingfisher Airlines, 13 nights’ accommodation with all breakfasts and some other meals, transport and guiding. Tour visits Delhi, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Manvar, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jojawar and Jaipur.
Book it: 020 7873 5020, agency.sales@coxandkings.co.uk
Transindus offers the 16-day Royal Rajputana tour from £2,845, visiting Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Nagaur, and includes flights, transfers and travel within India, B&B accommodation, expert guiding and entrance fees. Book before March 31 to receive a 5% discount.
Book it: 020 8566 3739
W&O Travel Tropical Locations offers an 18-day Land of Maharajas, Painted Havelis and Deserts tailor-made itinerary from £3,340, including British Airways flights to Delhi, visiting the northern Shekhawati region, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur. Bed and breakfast accommodation, a private driver and private guided sightseeing are included.
Book it: 0845 277 3310, W&O Travel agent site
