ROYAL RAJASTHAN REIMAGINED

Arrive into Delhi and transfer to your luxury sanctuary near the airport. Meet your fellow adventurers and your exceptional guide, Marieke’s colleague for over two decades, Thakur Durga Singh.

There is a short flight to Jodhpur then journey to one of Rajasthan's most impressive and beautifully conserved forts within the walls of which is the "Abode of the Queens" restored into your beautiful accommodation.
The palaces contain Rajasthan’s most extensive and important collection of newly re-discovered murals, and the water gardens have been restored to their full majesty.

This morning drive through stirring desert landscapes to the city of Bikaner, one of Rajasthan’s most northern outposts often bypassed by travellers- yet significant for the achievements of an enlightened Maharaja who modernised education, banking, agriculture, irrigation and the justice system. Your exquisite boutique hotel is the former home of the last reigning Maharaja where art deco meets contemporary European tastes.

A full day’s sightseeing includes the exceptional 16th-century Junagarh Fort, a huge complex of ornate buildings and halls, and Museum that displays traditional textiles and royal portraits; the ornate red sandstone Lalgarh Palace and Laxmi Niwas Palace both built in 1902; the exquisitely decorated Rampuria Havelis and various significant temples.

Three nights spent in the latest sophisticated addition to Jodhpur, the creation of the energetic Rohet family that boasts 10 suites beautifully conceived with hand painted murals, bespoke furnishings that represent a modern take on Rajasthan tradition. Lounges, terraces, manicured gardens, quiet nooks and a pool feature.

Today visit the marvellous treasures and splendidly rich museum collections of the Mehrangarh Fort, the Royal Cenotaphs, the bazaars in the old city, as well as the astonishing Umaid Bhawan Palace’s Museum. There is now also a new elegant precinct for shopping at Chand Haveli (Moon House) near the Tunwar-ji ka Jhalara (Step well).

A more leisurely day that will be curated according to guests’ interests. We might visit the Mandore gardens, the Umaid Bhawan Palace museum, or a pandora’s box of textiles, take lunch and a stroll through the extensive gardens at Balsamand Palace or enjoy a safari out to the countryside to visit the traditional Bishnoi tribes.

This morning visit the splendid living Jain temple at Ranakpur with over 1444 white marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail.
This afternoon settle into your sumptuous palace suite at Devigarh, one of Art of Living’s all-time favourite boutique hotels. Surrounded by the majestic austerity of the Aravali mountains, this is a divine hotel (18thC fort on the outside and sleek contemporary Indian on the inside) with wonderful food, service, pool and spa and your sanctuary for two nights.

A full day’s excursion to the romantic city of Udaipur to visit the City Palace complex and have enough time to roam and explore the old city's maze of narrow winding streets, home to merchants, artisans, Mewar folk art, jewellery, antiques. The human cacophony is a bustling contrast to the tranquillity of Lake Pichola where Jagminder palace and the glorious dusks can be contemplated from a boat on the lake to catch the sun setting over the Lake Palace.

This morning reach the charming, unspoiled village of Deogarh and settle into your elegant, stately home and meet dear friends and your hosts, one of Rajasthan’s most hospitable families. This evening, drinks are served in the courtyard, warmed by braziers before a splendid dinner of family recipes. If leopards have been sited, there may even be an opportunity at dusk to go and spot one.

Today enjoy a gentle trek through the beautiful Aravali hills that enjoy a vast and varied birdlife. Relax on bolsters under colourful tents as a lavish “bushtucker” lunch is prepared for you over open fires overlooking a vast temporary lake created by the past monsoon. This stately home is renowned for its cuisine and a cooking demonstration is available for culinary enthusiasts.


This afternoon reach the Pink City of Jaipur, a marvellous synthesis of Hindu, Jain and Mughal influenced architecture. All around the magnificent palaces and buildings are bazaars teeming with people, camels and horses. Three nights are at an intimate heritage hotel founded by our guide Durga Singh.

Today, visit the 16thC Amber Fort, the epitome of royal architecture that has enjoyed a sensitive restoration in recent years. Nearby is the wonderful Anokhi Textile museum celebrating the history of block printing for which the city is famous. 
Segue back to the heart of the Pink City visiting the City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar), an enthralling 18thC observatory of still functional sculptural forms.

Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise and Marieke has a curated list of the best places.
Alternatively textile enthusiast are encouraged to visit the splendid Nila House; for art and architecture buffs we recommend Jawahar Kala Kendra designed by architect and urban planner, Charles Correa and or the Sculpture park at Nahargarh Fort. We can also arrange a private visit to one of the most outstanding private art collections in Jaipur.

Afternoon fly back to Delhi to meet international flights home. OR

Join us for a couple of extra days to enjoy the ultimate spoil. Of all the new properties I investigated in March ‘23, this property was a sublime stand out and stunning in the most understated way: the elegance of cool whitewashed bedrooms, flower and fountain filled courtyards, an organic vegetable garden, various sitting rooms with plush couches, a library, gorgeously decorated contemplative sanctuaries, a heavenly swimming pool and really delicious cuisine.

Allow us to plan an extension to the Taj Mahal, a luxury wellness retreat, a visit to India’s holiest and oldest city Varanasi or perhaps a wildlife experience.

The Shekhawati region,India's largest outdoor art gallery is renowned for its mansions richly decorated in frescoes.
 Visit the ancestral Havelis of Nawalgarh and Mandawa created by wealthy merchant families who commissioned Jaipur's finest artists to elaborately decorate their mansions in exquisite paintings.

Return to Jaipur to fly to Delhi in time for international departures.

SUGGESTED EXTENSIONS:
- Taj Mahal
- Tiger Reserves
- Wellness Retreats
- Varanasi and the temples of Khajuraho