A leisurely journey through traditional India which is centred on the delightful rural towns and often overlooked villages of princely Rajasthan, a focus of this itinerary is on the many ancestral homes and charming homestays for which this glorious state is well-known.
The accommodation on offer in Rajasthan is incredibly diverse and this itinerary has been built to show how the best of these family-owned properties can be combined. After a day to explore Delhi, leave the city behind with stays at the towering fort of Ramathra and remote Junia Bagh. From Junia head to Shahpura, delightful Dev Shree, Chanoud and Narlai. End the journey at Premkunj where a visit can also be made to the lakeside city of Udaipur.
Delhi – Ramathra – Junia – Shahpura – Deogarh – Chanoud – Narlai – Upli Badi – Delhi
Trip Highlights
- A delightful family run property, Shahpura Bagh provides a true flavour of the region
- Junia, a lakeside family homestay, is ideal for countryside rambles and birdwatching
- At Dev Shree enjoy evening sundowners and learn to cook authentic Rajasthani recipes
- Enjoy Rajput hospitality and excellent birdwatching at tranquil Ramathra Fort
- Stay at Rawla Narlai which was once owned by the powerful Jodhpur royal family
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK and fly to Delhi.
Day 2
Arrive Delhi
Arrive into Delhi in the morning where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Consisting of historic Old Delhi with its imposing mosques, majestic forts and crumbling monuments and New Delhi, the grand colonial capital designed and built by the British during the 1930s, Delhi is culturally and architecturally a city of two distinct halves.
Haveli Dharampura
The Claridges New Delhi
Day 3
Delhi
Spend today exploring the city with your guide, starting the morning in Old Delhi. With its Mughal history, atmospheric lanes, lively markets and grand public and religious buildings, there is plenty to see. Highlights in Old Delhi include the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, the colossal Red Fort and famous Chandni Chowk market. In the afternoon cross the city to New Delhi. The wide tree-lined avenues, large government buildings and spacious parks strike an immediate difference to the narrow medieval lanes of Old Delhi with the influence of architect Sir Edwin Lutyens clearly evident. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutb Minar, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and, if time permits, the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple.
- Breakfast
Haveli Dharampura
The Claridges New Delhi
Day 4
Delhi to Ramathra – 340kms
After breakfast leave the capital and drive south to the small rural hamlet of Ramathra. Set deep within the Rajasthani countryside, here you will stay at 300 year old Ramathra Fort. Set high on a hilltop with spectacular views of the surrounding hills and countryside, the fort still belongs to the descendants of the founder Thakur Bhoj Pal and has a tranquil setting nestled within the farming communities of eastern Rajasthan.
- Breakfast
Ramathra Fort
Day 5
Ramathra
You will be at leisure today to enjoy Ramathra. With secluded gorges and hidden shrines, traditional farming hamlets and rural Rajput hospitality, Ramathra is rural India at its best. Visits can be made to the small hamlet of Ramathra, meet the farmers and herders that work this land and discover a number of secluded shrines. The birdwatching, both from the fort and nearby lake, is also excellent with both resident and migratory species present depending on the time of year.
- Breakfast
Ramathra Fort
Day 6
Ramathra to Junia – 235kms
Leave Ramathra and continue by road to the tiny rural village of Junia. Here stay for two nights at charming Junia Bagh, a family homestay set on the edge of a man-made lake positioned within a centuries-old orchard.
- Breakfast
Junia Bagh
Day 7
Junia
Today enjoy Junia. Birdwatch by the lake, meet local villagers, walk the orchard and wider estate or, simply, relax and enjoy the unhurried pace of life. A visit can also be made to the town of Bundi and its fort and palace complex.
- Breakfast
Junia Bagh
Day 8
Junia to Shahpura – 70kms
This morning leave Junia and continue to the small market town of Shahpura. The history of Shahpura dates back over 400 years and the original house was granted to the present family by Shah Jehan. Accommodation is elegant with a mixture of Rajasthani and colonial furnishings and there is also a beautiful swimming pool in the grounds.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Shahpura Bagh
Day 9
Shahpura
At leisure to enjoy and explore Shahpura Bagh at your own pace. Activities here include bicycle rides, walks by the lake, visits to the local temples and nearby town or the chance to explore a neighbouring 17th century fort.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Shahpura Bagh
Day 10
Shahpura to Deogarh – 125kms
After breakfast leave Shahpura and continue by road to Deogarh, a friendly agricultural town set in the heart of the Aravalli Hills. Stay at delightful Dev Shree, the home of Shatrunjai and Bhavna and an ideal base from which to experience authentic rural India. This evening, accompanied by your hosts, venture into the countryside for sundowners.
- Breakfast
Dev Shree
Day 11
Deogarh
There is plenty to do today, both in Deogarh and throughout the wider region. Take a ride on the local train where the line and equipment date from the 1920s, spend a few hours in Deogarh’s old town, do some birdwatching, take a cookery lesson or, simply, relax by the swimming pool with a good book.
- Breakfast
Dev Shree
Day 12
Deogarh to Chanoud – 130kms
Located midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur, the 300 year old fort-palace of Chanoud Garh is a morning’s drive from Deogarh. Steeped in history and nestled right in the heart of a lovely little village from which it takes its name, the fort has changed little over the last century with the family actively involved and still living in one of the adjoining wings.
- Breakfast
Chanoud Garh
Day 13
Chanoud
At highlight of a stay at Chanoud is a visit to the salt pans home to nomadic sheep-herding communities. The salt pans also provide an important habitat for several migratory bird species. Also take a walk around the village, visit the family temples and explore the fort. Chanoud Garh is also a wonderful place to experience Holi or Diwali should your stay coincide with these important Hindu celebrations.
- Breakfast
Chanoud Garh
Day 14
Chanoud to Narlai – 65kms
This morning leave Chanoud and continue to the bustling village of Narlai. Hidden away in the heart of the beautiful Aravalli Hills, stay for two nights at the delightful Rawla Narlai which was the favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur royal family.
- Breakfast
Rawla Narlai
Day 15
Narlai
At leisure to explore Narlai and surrounding area. Options include a visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort, which once guarded the ancient border between the kingdoms of Udaipur and Jodhpur, or the historic town of Ghanerao, a breeding centre for Marwari horse and known for its pretty red sandstone havelis. At sunset it is also possible to take a wildlife safari from Rawla Narlai where, if lucky, elusive leopard may sometimes be seen.
- Breakfast
Rawla Narlai
Day 16
Narlai to Upli Badi via Ranakpur – 125kms
Leaving Narlai today head towards Udaipur stopping on the way to visit the grand Jain temples at Ranakpur. Visit the complex then continue on to Premkunj, a small homestay located to the west of Udaipur. Despite being just twenty minutes from Udaipur, Premkunj is far-removed from the bustle of the city and has a lovely tranquil rural setting.
- Breakfast
Premkunj
Day Days 17 & 18
Upli Badi
Over the next two days enjoy Premkunj and the surrounding area. Take guided walks in the local village and surrounding countryside, explore the nearby private nature reserve, bird watch on the estate and visit Udaipur’s old town and grandiose City Palace complex.
- Breakfast
Premkunj
Day 19
Upli Badi to Udaipur – 45kms / Udaipur to Delhi – by air
After breakfast leave Premkunj and transfer to Udaipur Airport in good time to catch the flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and taken to your airport hotel for an overnight stay.
- Breakfast
Andaz Delhi
JW Marriott Aerocity
Day 20
Delhi to the UK
After breakfast transfer back to Delhi Airport for your flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay…
Travel east from Delhi crossing into neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. Here stay at Chambal Safari Lodge, a charming family-owned property. See rare gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin in the Chambal River and visit the atmospheric temple town of Bateshwar.
Bera in western Rajasthan is one of the best places in India to see leopard in the wild. The rugged landscapes provide the perfect habitat for these elusive creatures and there is also excellent birdwatching. Bera is located midway between Narlai and Udaipur.
Keoladeo National Park is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world and can be included at the start of this tour. Predominately wetlands interspersed by wooded areas, the reserve supports both over-wintering aquatic birds and many resident Indian species.
Discover Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station located west of Udaipur close to the border of Gujarat. Offering respite from the heat of the plains, the emphasis here is on the natural environment with good walking and fine birdwatching.
Guide to Price
20 days from £4995 per person
What's Included
- International flights and domestic flights
- Train travel as specified
- Private car with English speaking driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
from £4995
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. Virgin Atlantic have daily flights to Delhi and Vistara fly direct to Delhi. Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways also have excellent connections via their respected hubs to Kolkata, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Goa, Jaipur and Lucknow and fly from airports all over the UK.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 8 and 10 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 12 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
India is +5½ hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports are able to apply for an e-Tourist Visa (eTV). There are three different eTVs - a one month eTV (valid for 30 days), a one year eTV (valid for 365 days) and a five year eTV (valid for 5 years). Applications for the one month eTV can only be made within 30 days of travel to India. Applications for the one year eTV and five year eTV can only be made within 120 days of travel to India.
Please note that the very latest an Indian eTV application can be made is 4 days prior to travel to India. The eTV becomes active from the date of entry into India. It is not valid for Protected or Restricted areas.
All international passengers arriving in India are required to complete an e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours prior to arrival India. This applies to all nationalities and must be submitted online via the official portal https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Do’s & Don’ts
Smoking and drinking in public places is prohibited in India – with smoking this includes public areas in hotels, restaurants and bars.
E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India. You will be unable to buy e-cigarettes or bring them into the country.
Always ask permission before entering a temple and remember to remove your shoes and any leather objects such as bags, belts or wallets. It is fine to wear socks.
When in a Buddhist temple you should always walk in a clockwise direction with the main building to your right.
Modest, loose-fitting clothing is preferable and is essential when visiting religious places. When visiting a Sikh Gurudwara the head needs to be covered.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
When eating, only the right hand should be used. Indian culture considers the left hand to be unclean.
Money
The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy and can be done at international airports, most hotels or banks and it is always a good idea to ask for some small denomination Rupee notes. ATMs are now common and reliable in all main cities and credit cards are widely accepted by most hotels, shops and restaurants. In rural areas or wildlife reserves ATMs and money exchange facilities are limited so having cash is essential.
Please note that there are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. Pounds sterling and other foreign currencies are allowed to be brought into India. For more information please visit the FCO’s Foreign Travel Advice for India.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in India is part of everyday life. In restaurants and for room service a 10% tip is appreciated and at smaller hotels and homestays a communal ‘tip box’ is common.
For drivers and guides, hotel staff and at national parks, the following amounts should act as a guideline. Please note that these figures are based on two people travelling together:
Tour driver: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Tour guide: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Naturalist (national parks): INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Jeep Driver (national parks): INR 500 per day & per safari (not per person)
Hotels (communal tip for all staff): INR 1000 to INR 1500 per day (not per person)
Food & Drink
India is known the world over for its food and especially its vegetarian cuisine. Spice plays an important role in dishes throughout the country as do breads, rice, pickles and chutneys. Although nearly every region has its own speciality, there is a divide between the cuisine of northern India and southern India – the north with its meat dishes influenced by the Mughals and the lighter, fruitier, coconut based dishes of the south. Desserts are common in India with kulfi ice cream and gulab jamun two of the best known and most popular. Nearly all tend to be very sweet, milk based or fried.
The most common drink in India is chai tea which can be bought on nearly every street corner. The yoghurt drink lassi – whether sweet, salty or fruity – is also easy to find. The popularity of coffee has spread from the south whilst Indian beer is well-respected. There is also a fledgling wine industry centred on Nashik in Maharashtra.
Accommodation
There is a huge breadth of accommodation in India with styles varying across the country. India is famed for its heritage properties, the majority of which tend to be found in the north of India. These come in all shapes and sizes from beautifully restored buildings and luxury palaces operated by distinguished hotel groups to small privately owned forts and ancestral homes.
Homestays are also very popular and found throughout the country. Whether a grand and luxurious family residence, heritage property or simple abode, they offer a high level of service and a unique glimpse into everyday Indian life. Please let us know if you would like to include a homestay into your itinerary. In more remote regions, hotels are likely to be clean and simple whilst wildlife accommodation is generally either in jungle lodges or comfortable tented camps. For those looking to relax there are many excellent beachside hotels and an increasing number of retreats specialising in both Ayurveda and yoga.
Shopping
With wholesale markets and bazaars, innumerable shops and stores, India is a shopper’s paradise. The country is best known for carpets and dhurries with Rajasthan, Kashmir and Leh best for these. There is also a bewildering range of clothing, fabric and leatherwear found not only in the smallest of villages but also the largest cities. Gems, silver and jewellery (valuable or costume) are popular throughout the country but especially in Jaipur and Hyderabad whilst Kochi is noted for its antiques. Spices can be bought all over India but purchased straight from plantations in the south. Darjeeling, Assam and the Western Ghats in south India are all known for tea.
Suggested Reading
For India travel advice, Footprint, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt have excellent guide books whilst Nelles Maps have comprehensive and up to date maps of the Indian subcontinent. There is also a wide range of literature including from famed authors such as RK Narayan, Vikram Seth, Paul Scott, VS Naipaul, Arundhati Roy and Salman Rushdie. Vivek Shanbhag's more recently translated book 'Ghachar Ghochar' also comes highly recommended. Other good books on India include:
‘India: A History’ by John Keay
‘The Great Arc’ by John Keay
‘No Full Stops in India’ by Mark Tully
‘India in Slow Motion’ by Mark Tully and Gillian Wright
‘City of Djinns’ by William Dalrymple
‘White Mughals’ by William Dalrymple
‘Chasing the Monsoon’ by Alexander Frater
‘The Tears of the Rajas’ by Ferdinand Mount
‘Plain Tales from the Raj’ by Charles Allen
‘Mughal Architecture and Gardens’ by George Michell
'Tea, Love and War: Searching for English Roots in Assam' by David Mitchell
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on India the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We truly had the holiday of a lifetime
CM - India - March 2024
We truly had the holiday of a lifetime thanks to the exceptional guides and drivers we met along our trip in Northern India. The itinerary had the perfect balance of tours, travel days and rest days for us and was meticulously planned and executed. We'd love to use Pettitts Travel again in the future and will absolutely be returning to India.
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