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'Essence' Itineraries are a new range of shorter itineraries which encapsulate the spirit of each country we offer, within an approximate 8 day period.

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Home > Destinations > Northern India & Rajasthan > Rural Rajasthan & Gujarat

RURAL RAJASTHAN & GUJARAT

Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Delhi.

Day 2 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi in the early hours and transfer by car to the Hotel Oberoi Maidens. This afternoon visit Old Delhi and take an approximate 3 hour private guided Delhi Heritage Walk around Old Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi to Kota – by train
Kota to Bundi – 40kms

This morning leave your hotel and catch the morning train to Kota where you will be met by your driver. Drive north to Bundi and stay overnight at Bundi Vilas. (B)

Day 4 Bundi to Bhainsrorgarh – 100kms
This morning explore the town and the 17th Century Taragarh Fort before continuing through the countryside to the historic Bhainsrorgarh Fort where you will stay for the next two nights. A fortified outpost of the Kingdom of Mewar, Bhainsrorgarh was built in 1741 AD and has recently been beautifully converted into a small, five bedroom hotel that transports you back in time. (B/D)

Day 5 Bhainsrorgarh
Today explore the area surrounding Bhainsrorgarh. The 8th Century Baroli Temples and the nearby tribal villages are particularly fascinating. Nevertheless, you may just wish to leisurely boat on the River Chambal and wander the village that has not changed for centuries. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Bhainsrorgarh to Shahpura Bagh – 200kms
This morning continue onto the small market town of Shahpura and Shahpura Bagh where you will stay for two nights. The history of Shahpura dates back over 400 years and the original house was granted to the present family by Shah Jehan. (B/D)

Day 7 Shahpura
At leisure to explore the area with your car and driver. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Shahpura to Udaipur – 220kms
Udaipur to Dungarpur – 140kms

Morning drive south to Udaipur for lunch before continuing onto Dungarpur in the afternoon – a 13th Century town famous for being the home of the Bhil tribal people and, in the surrounding countryside, a birdwatchers paradise. Stay at the lakeside Udai Bilas Palace for two nights (B/D).

Day 9 Dungarpur
At leisure. (B/D)

Day 10 Dungarpur to Poshina – 180kms
Leave Dungarpur on the bumpy drive through the Aravalli Hills to Poshina. Just over the state border in Gujarat, stay for three nights in Darbargadh a small family owned 17th Century Haveli. (B/D)

Day 11 Poshina
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Day 12 Poshina

Spend the next two days with your hosts exploring the area by jeep. Known for its tribal people, visit some of the villages where craftsmen still make traditional terracotta wares, jewellery and hunting weapons. (B/L/D)

Day 13 Poshina to Dasada – 220kms
Meet your guide who will accompany you throughout Gujarat and drive to Dasada stopping en-route at Patan – home to Patola, one of the richest silk textiles in the world and an 11th Century step well. Later visit some of the settlements around Dasada. Stay for two nights at the eco-friendly Rann Riders Camp located on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch. (B/D)

Day 14 Dasada
Safari to the Little Rann of Kutch – the best birding here is over the winter months from October to March – with the numbers and variety of birds, from plovers and chats to flamingos and storks, particularly astonishing. Time is also spent in the villages including pastoral Vadiara, the silk-weavers of Dasada and the goat-herders of Ambala. (B/L/D)

Day 15 Dasada to Bhuj – 260kms
After a final early safari drive to Bhuj and the Prince Hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

Day 16 Hodka and Banni Villages
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Day 17 Hodka and Banni Villages

Over the next two days visit the Banni villages, north of Bhuj, home to the Hindu pastoral tribes of the Ahirs and Rabaris as well as the Islamic pastoral groups that include the Muthwas and Jaths. Stay two nights in Hodka at the Shaam-e-Sarhad Rural Resort (B/L/D).

Day 18 Hodka to Bhuj
Bhuj to Mumbai – by air

Leave Hodka and return to Bhuj for your flight to Mumbai and stay two nights at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel (Tower Wing room) which stands facing the Gateway of India in the historic Colaba district of the city. (B)

Day 19 Mumbai
Vibrant Mumbai was originally a small group of islands and the transition into one of the greatest cities in the world has been achieved through a continuous struggle against the sea. This morning take a guided Heritage Walk in the Fort area of Mumbai showcasing some of Mumbai’s amazing collection of historic colonial landmarks. These include the Neo–Gothic Bombay University Library, Oval Maiden’s 1930s Art Deco apartments, Elphinstone College, David Sassoon Library and Mumbai’s oldest business district – still home to numerous banking establishments. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 20 Depart Mumbai
Depart Mumbai on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal Five. (B)

STAYING ON

Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended with a cruise on the backwaters.

Festivals – Please click here to include a visit to one of the many festivals of Rajasthan

Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.

A Guide to Price – RURAL RAJASTHAN & GUJARAT

Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,500. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.

Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner

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