A Trek through the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan

Arrive into Delhi, India's capital and a city of two halves. Old Delhi was the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries and is an historic district of grand mosques, majestic forts and crumbling monuments. Neighbouring New Delhi, with its large government buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and pretty white-washed bungalows was purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (N)
Accommodation in Delhi: Maidens Hotel
Upgrade option: Imperial Hotel (or similar)

This morning transfer to Delhi Airport and fly to the attractive ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur. Rajasthan's second city and gateway to the great Thar Desert, Jodhpur is an atmospheric, colourful and vibrant city defined by the mighty Meherangarh Fort, one of the finest in India, and charming old city of winding lanes and tumbledown buildings. (B)
Accommodation in Jodhpur: Ratan Vilas (or similar)
Upgrade option: Raas (or similar)

Today explore Jodhpur with your guide and start the day with a morning visit to the Meherangarh Fort. Wonderfully well maintained, the fort offers a fascinating insight into the historic life of the city and contains many palaces and temples whilst the views from the ramparts are spectacular. Leaving the fort, visit cenotaphs of members of the royal family before taking a walking tour through the lanes of the old city. (B)
Accommodation in Jodhpur: Ratan Vilas (or similar)
Upgrade option: Raas (or similar)

Today leave Udaipur and drive to the bustling rural village of Narlai which is hidden away in the heart of the beautiful Aravalli Hills. Our recommended accommodation in Narlai is the delightful Rawla Narlai which was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal family. (B)
Accommodation in Narlai: Rawla Narlai (or similar)

At leisure to explore Narlai and the surrounding area. You may wish to visit the Jain temple complex at Ranakpur where some of the temples date from the early 1400s or the nearby small rural town of Ghanerao with its pretty red sandstone havelis. Founded in 1606, Ghanerao is also historically one of the breeding centres of the Marwari horse. (B)
Accommodation in Narlai: Rawla Narlai (or similar)

This morning it is an early start for the moderate downhill trek to Ranakpur. Walk back through the forests of the national park and visit the temple of Parshuram Mahadev which is dedicated to Lord Shiva then continue towards the beautifully preserved Jain temple complex at Ranakpur. (B)
Accommodation in Ranakpur: Fateh Bagh (or similar)

After breakfast visit the temples at Ranakpur. The most famous of the temples here was built in 1439 and is particularly beautiful but all are renowned for their intricate carvings and architecture. Later continue through the Aravalli Hills to the city of Udaipur. With its white marble palaces, languid deep blue lakes, well-tended gardens and a back-drop of endless green hills, Udaipur is one of Rajasthan's most attractive cities. (B)
Accommodation in Udaipur: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Fateh Prakash Palace

After breakfast visit the City Palace, an impressive complex of several palaces which overlook Lake Pichola and are still owned by the Maharaja of Udaipur. Places of interest here include the Mor Chowk court, Manak Mahal, Chini ki Chitra Mahal and the Queen's Palace. Also visit the Fateh Prakash Palace and its unique Crystal Gallery and grand Durbar Hall. From the City Palace return on foot to the old town and the intricately carved Jagdish Mandir temple ending the day with a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (B)
Accommodation in Udaipur: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Fateh Prakash Palace