India

Heritage-luxury experience in Rajasthan

India

Heritage-luxury experience in Rajasthan

India

Heritage-luxury experience in Rajasthan

India

Heritage-luxury experience in Rajasthan

India

Heritage-luxury experience in Rajasthan

Heritage-luxury experience in Rajasthan

11 Days

This exclusive itinerary – that we like to call heritage luxury experience – has been carefully crafted by Conscious Journeys’ experts in each destination for a particularly local and one-of-a-kind experience. In designing this itinerary, we worked in close collaboration with local hotel owners, who are passionate about their localities, which they call home. In this way this tour become a life-time experience which allow you to discover secret spots, traditional art, culture, activities and cuisines of each destination. This itinerary has been designed through personal experience, first-hand knowledge and trusted recommendations from a local’s perspective, offering you unique holidays in India that go well beyond the typical touristic itinerary. We have curated signature experiences in all destinations while “living” in unique heritages properties which are evocative and will allow you to experience a true sense of cultural heritage, within the warmth and attention to detail typical of Rajasthan hospitality. Therefore, with our carefully curated selection of exclusive properties and activities throughout Rajasthan, this tour will offer you an unique and exclusive holiday. Our resort and lodges are more than a place where to sleep…But very special locations where you can live unique experiences!
This tour will bring you to experience the hearth of Rajasthan, while you are staying in the best heritage-luxury resort available in each destination. This trip gives you an opportunity to explore the most famous cities of Rajasthan and simultaneously discover the real Rajasthan through visit of rural villages and off- beaten destinations on spirited journeys set to open your eyes, heart and soul. The tour starts in the Indian capital of Delhi, where you will have the opportunity to discover the main sites of the old Delhi. On the way to Rajasthan, you will enter the desert of Thar with a first visit to Mandawa, a beautiful city also known as the “Open Art Gallery” for its incredible cultural and historical heritage. After 1 day spent in the extraordinary athmosphere of traditional Rajasthan, you will head to a beautiful and suggestive sand dune fort of Khimsar. From here you will reach the desert fortress of Jaisalmer. Here you will have a chance to experience an adventurous camel safari, observing native wild life and villages as you ride your camel through the isolated sand dunes. You will also assist at a magical sunset in a campsite in the desert, where you will have a delicious dinner by a camp fire and sleep under the clear starry sky. From the thar desert you will move to discover the main cities of Rajasthan, starting from the blue city of Jodhpur and ending to the the pink city of Jaipur. As you last visit, you will have the chance to discover the famous building of Taj Mahal, an UNESCO world heritage site, which was originally built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, in the loving memory of his wife, before returning back to Delhi for your flight to home.

JOURNEY OVERVIEW AND PROGRAM DETAILS

1° DAY: VISIT TO DELHI

Delhi
Arrival at Delhi airport. Transfer to hotel for some rest. Around 10 am after breakfast you will start your guided tour of Old Delhi. In particular, you will visit the Red Fort (visit only from outside), a UNESCO World Heritage since 2007, built in 1639 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (the creator of the Taj Mahal), the the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, where an ancient copy of the holy Quran written on Deer skin is preserved. Visit small lanes of this part of the city such as Chawri Bazar, one of the busiest street of Old Delhi. Later visit Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Ghandi cremation. After lunch you will visit new Delhi with its Government buildings such as the India Gate, an arch erected in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I, and the Parliament House. In the late afternoon we will continue the visit with the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship in India, known as the “Sarovar.” Then trasfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Delhi (D)

2° DAY: TRANSFER TO MANDAWA

After breakfast transfer by car to Mandawa (about 5,5 hours). Mandawa is surely famous for its iconic artistic Havelis that preserve the Rajasthani as well as Indian History of the late 18th and the early 19th Century in the best way possible. On arrival check in into the hotel, which has been converted from a part of the fort into a heritage hotel and is famous for its painted arched gateway, beautiful frescoes, exquisite carvings, paintings of Lord Krishna and mirror work. Later you will start your guided tour of Mandawa. Visit the Mandwa Fort, built by Newal Singh, the first descendant of the Shekhawati rulers. Ensconced in the Aravallis, the fort was established to protect the flourishing trading outpost of Mandawa in the Shekhawati region.
Overnight in Mandawa. (B, D)

3° DAY: TRASFER TO KHIMSAR

Mandawa-Khimsar
After breakfast, drive to Kihimsar (around 4 hours). Arival anch check in in the hotel. Nestled among the mysterious, Khimsar sand dunes is the royal fort of Khimsar, which has stood the test of time. Built by Rao Karamsiji, son of Maharaja of Jodhpur Rao Jodha, the heritage palace radiates elegance, honour and luxury. The Royal Family of Khimsar is delighted to host you in their ancestral home, which is a true reflection of their legacy. The 15th-century fort, surrounded by sand dune villages and sprawling foliage, offers you a chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime ‘royal’ escape. Resting on the edge of the Thar Desert, the redefined Rajasthani hospitality of the heritage hotel will make your stay unforgettable. In the late afternoon you will visit the Ethereal Sand Dunes village Of Khimsar, where you can savour the magnificent Thar Desert in all its glory. The exclusive haven is home to Rajasthani ‘Dhani’ (dwellings) huts that surround a tranquil blue lake, which is an integral part of the local Rajasthani community.Experience the golden sunrise or the colourful sunset, dine near the picturesque lake under the twinkling stars of the night sky, or embark on a desert safari – the village will surprise you at every turn.
Overnight in Khimsar (B, D)

DAY 4: TRANSFER TO JAISALMER

Khimsar – Jaisalmer
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer (5 hrs drive), en route visit Pokaran and visit Shikarpura village in Luni tehsil, famous for its terracotta pottery. The most western desert town of India. The Golden City!! Check in hotel near the Fort. explore the city with a guided tour of the Golden Fort, Jain Temple, Gadisar tank and Havelis. Transfer to the hotel for check in. In the afternoon, enjoy a Jeep ride around Jaisalmer through abandoned ancient capital and historical moment, and have the possibility to experience a camel ride while you are enjoying a wonderful sunset over the desert.
Overnight in Jaisalmer (B).

DAY 5: JAISALMER- DESERT SAFARI

Jaisalmer
The tour departure is early in the morning at 6:00 am by jeep to the campsite, 60 km outside of Jaisalmer, where breakfast is served in time to watch the stunning sunrise at the camp. The adventurous camel safari starts with a visit to Unda village (a traditional Rajput village) after which the ride continues, also paying a visit to Bheelo ki Dhani (a village of tribal people). Lunch and rest in the shade of some trees near the oasis as the sun is fierce at this time of the day. Later the camel trek sets out again from Koda village (Mixed caste village). You can watch native wild life and villages as you ride your camel through the isolated sand dunes (Khayala). You continue your trek across the desert, stopping on the way to watch the magical sunset before arriving at the campsite for your first night. After experiencing the desert, you can start your evening by watching a delicious dinner being prepared for you over the camp fire and you can conclude your first day with the dreams of the desert while sleeping under the clear starry sky on your clean bed roll. Overnight in the camp site (B, L, D).

DAY 6: DESERT SAFARI – JAISALMER- JODHPUR

Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur (270kms, approx. 5,5 hrs. drive). Arrive in Jodhpur and proceed to hotel for check in. Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. You will start with the visit with the Jaswant Thada (Cenotaph), the clock tower and later you will have the opportunity to admire the bazaars in the narrow lanes of city. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight in Jodhpur (B)

7° day: JODHPUR

Jodhpur
In the morning, after breakfast, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and the bazaar. In the afternoon later go for a jeep safari in a Bishnoi village. Bishnoi village of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is scenic beauty marked with Khejri trees and deers. The villagers are staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, especially the sanctity of plant and animal life. During the safari will visit families of shepherds. You will see how shepherds live in traditional way, working with animals like goat, sheeps, Camel etc. Here you will have the chance to spot wild animals in their natural habitats, many species of desert animals are found there some of them our Antelopes, Gazelle, Dumessille Crane, Rabbits, Blue Bulls, Migrated Birds, Peacocks etc. Later return to the hotel.
Overnight in Jodhpur (B)

8° DAY: TRANSFER JAIPUR

Jodhpur-Pushkar-Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur (5,5 hrs drive), the largest city of Rajasthan and an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy. On the way you will visit the holy city of Pushkar; you may meet citizens from the most part of world in quest of finding the inner self. Hinduism is a thought process and this you can see it in Pushkar. Enjoy a meal overlooking the lake. Spend time visiting the Brahma temple, Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, and if you are lucky meet a Yogi meditating near the lake. The temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-God Brahma in India and remains the most prominent among them. Although the present temple structure dates to the 14th century, the temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is mainly built of marble and stone stabs. It has a distinct red pinnacle (shikhara) and a hamsa bird motif. The temple sanctum sanctorum holds the central images of Brahma and his second consort Gayatri. Later transfer to Jaipur and check into the hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur. (B)

9° day: VISIT AMBER FORT

Jaipur
After breakfast visit the Hawa Mahal on way to Amber fort. Jeep ride to the ramparts of Fort. After lunch visit the Anokhi Museum and understand how handicrafts plays such a big role in rural India’s economy. In the afternoon visit the Royal palace and the ancient city. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture. With splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis; Jaipur turns out to be an ideal tourist destination. It is not just the royal buildings and palaces that this city offers. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewelry. These intricate works of art add life and color to this Pink City’s uniqueness. Also, the serenity of lush gardens and floral array acts as the cherry on the cake of fabulous landscapes. All this make a picturesque view that tends to enthrall any visitor. Walk around the uniquely constructed city, observatory, bazaar and understand the history of the place.
Overnight in Jaipur. (B)

10° DAY: TRANSFER TO AGRA

Jaipur-Agra
After breakfast you will be transferred to Agra (around 4 hrs). On arrival check in the hotel and later enjoy a lunch in a small restaurant supported by a local NGO that helps women victims of acid attacks. After lunch you will start to discover the most unknown parts of the Agra. Explore the old city on a walking tour led by a local guide who shows you daily life away from the typical tourist attractions. Learn about Agra’s history, architecture, and traditions as you discover the old market and its surroundings. The first stop will be the Jama Masjid, a big mosque opposite to Agra Fort. You will continue walking along the narrow lanes of old Agra, meeting a local family living in the area. Later you will visit the ancient Manka Meshwar temple (Shiva temple), followed by the wholesale spice market, Rawatpara, where you can find Agra petha, a candy made from ash gourd. You will also observe the bustle at the shoe mandi in Johri Bazar, the only street of Ayurvedic doctors, the paan (betel leaf), and the food street of Seth Gali.
Overnight in Agra (B, L)

11° day: VISIT TAJ MAHAL

Agra-Delhi
In the morning visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), one of the most famous and visited monument of all over India, a real epitome of love and romance… The Taj Mahal, is a UNESCO world heritage site, which was originally built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, in the loving memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is built in white marble as a mausoleum for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. It is now a universal symbol of love, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taj Mahal was built in the year 1653, which is symbolized by the fact that there are 16 gardens and 53 fountains. It took 16 years for this symbol of love to be completed, and thousands of artisans contributed in the making this monument. After the visit, transfer to Delhi airport for your international flight.

ACTIVITIES

  • explore the Indian capital Of New Delhi, through the eyes of young guides trained by a local NGO,
  • Visit Mandawa and and explore its world-famous historical fort
  • explore the Shekhawati region and participate in local initiatives, such as camel treks
  • spend one night at the Khimsar Fort, one of the favorite palaces of Mughal kings,
  • discover the Golden City Jaisalmer, the most western desert town of India,
  • experience the Khuri Sand dunes for camel ride and see the sun setting over the desert landscape,
  • experience the desert enoying a delicious dinner over the camp fire and sleep under the clear starry sky,
  • visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and the bazaar of the Blue city of Jodhpur,
  • visit the holy town of Pushkar, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrim center famous for the camels fair and the Brahmas temple
  • visit on discover the pink city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan,
  • discover one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal, the epitome of Mughal art,

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The whole itinerary has been designed to promote direct or indirect benefits for local communities, environmental conservation and protection of cultural heritages. For this journey, we have selected traditional accommodations sensible to social and environmental issues, following general principles and practices of responsible tourism.
North India is full of contradictions, here extreme richness and poverty coexist. On the one hand magnificent Havelis and ancient buildings transformed into luxury hotels, and on the other people who have nothing.
The selection of accommodation facilities is very important and cannot disregard respect for traditional local architecture; in this way the monetary flow deriving from tourism contributes to the protection of historic buildings. The economic impact of tourism makes it possible to renovate and preserve some of the palaces, fortresses and historic residences, which otherwise would be abandoned or destroyed; with a responsible tourism tour, local communities and NGOs can also benefit from it. In Jaisalmer, for example, there will be the possibility to stay in a wonderful heritage hotel which was created inside a portion of the historic fort.
This tour combines famous tourist destinations and lesser-known places in order to distribute in a fairer way the economic flow produced.
Moreover, staying in traditional places rich in history, allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culture of the place, making it possible to create an authentic encounter with the local communities.
Local NGOs and voluntary associations will show tourists the reality of their country, through their daily activities.
In Agra there will be a lunch in a fair-trade cafe that supported by a local NGO that helps women victims of acid attacks and a responsible tour that explains the history of the Taj Mahal.
Often hotels and restaurants exhibit artists from the region, but without creating real contact with the artist himself. During our tour, instead, it will be possible to visit their homes; in this way the tourist will have the opportunity to better understand their art and their culture, while the artist will not have to compromise, retaining his decision-making power.
Our contribution to these communities ensures the maintenance and strengthening of their autonomy; the possibility to improve their skills and create a network of artists covering all of Rajasthan, in order to expand the benefits drawn from Responsible Tourism. We organize workshops to learn not only their traditional crafts, but also to better understand their social context. We also propose a Responsible Shopping, buying products directly from artisans, without any intermediary making profits, often unreasonable, at the expense of producers. Likewise, we encourage home-stays, so that the economic benefits go directly to the communities.

HOTELS

HOTEL CATEGORIES: LUXURY HERITAGE RESORT
For this experience, we have selected special heritage resort, which represent the best choice for each destination. All the selected facilities aim to let you discover the essence of the city where you will stay and to experience the real Rajastani culture and hospitality. Also, all the structures have been selected carefully according to criteria of social and environmental impacts.
For each destination we have selected the following resorts:

Delhi: Dharmapura Haveli
Haveli Dharampura is unique for being the only bonafide luxury heritage hotel in the former Mughal capital, Old Delhi. Built around 200 years ago, Haveli Dharampura derives its name from its locality. ‘Dharampura’ was named after the word ‘Dharam’ – religion, owing to the presence of a large number of Jain temples and the building’s proximity to the historic Jama Masjid. The 14 beautifully designed rooms give you the opportunity to relive the Mughal era through their architectural beauty while living amidst up-to-date comforts of modern times. The restoration is a strong case for Delhi to be listed as a world heritage city by UNESCO. At the Havelis – cuisine, culture, rituals and daily life come together to paint an evocative timeless canvas of experiences. The experiences within the Haveli allows you to see old Delhi as an insider. The early morning mix of sounds and rituals – from the muezzin call to prayer at dawn from the minarets of the Jama Masjid, the morning flurry of the wings of the homing pigeons, to the kites on a free fall in the late afternoon to late evening bustle of the city’s denizens and lanes pack up for a short night.

Mandawa: Mandawa Legacy
Located in Mandawa – which is globally renowned as the “World’s largest Open Air Gallery” – The Legacy Mandawa is filled with hundreds of ancient havelis which are painted over with priceless frescos that draw in discerning guests from across the globe. The rooms and suites built around the courtyard are a restive shade of green, while the frescoes many of them restored close to its former brilliance blend gently with the freshly painted walls. This special resort will ensure the authentic atmosphere of a luxury-heritage hotel.

Khimsar: Fort & Dunes
Nestled among the mysterious Khimsar sand dunes is the royal fort of Khimsar, which has stood the test of time. Built by Rao Karamsiji, son of Maharaja of Jodhpur Rao Jodha, the heritage palace radiates elegance, honour and luxury. Located only 8 km from the hotel, you can find the Khimsar Sand Dunes, where you can savour the magnificent Thar Desert in all its glory. The exclusive haven is home to Rajasthani ‘Dhani’ (dwellings) huts that surround a tranquil blue lake, which is an integral part of the local Rajasthani community. Experience the golden sunrise or the colourful sunset, dine near the picturesque lake under the twinkling stars of the night sky, or embark on a desert safari – the village will surprise you at every turn. The palm trees scattered along the desert lands, the regal aura of the luxury huts and the overall romantic atmosphere of the village depict royal magnificence at its best.

Jaisalmer: Killa Bhawan
Ajit Bhawan is nestled between the Umaid Bhawan Palace that sits on a hill & the Mehrangarh Fort that towers over Jodhpur, as a guardian of the city. It is an ancestral home steeped in history with a contemporary footprint. All its rooms and suites tell a story about the Jodhpur legacy. These comfortable spaces have been designed with local aesthetics and modern facilities to create an exclusive experience for our guests, who can experience the typical Rajasthani hospitality, provided by a competent team to make sure you are looked after as the guest of the royal family.

Jodhpur: Ajit Bhawan
Ajit Bhawan is nestled between the Umaid Bhawan Palace that sits on a hill & the Mehrangarh Fort that towers over Jodhpur, as a guardian of the city. It is an ancestral home steeped in history with a contemporary footprint. All its rooms and suites tell a story about the Jodhpur legacy. These comfortable spaces have been designed with local aesthetics and modern facilities to create an exclusive experience for our guests, who can experience the typical Rajasthani hospitality, provided by a competent team to make sure you are looked after as the guest of the royal family.

Jaipur: Samode Haveli
This heritage-luxury hotel represents an urban oasis in the historic walled city of Jaipur. Samode Haveli is a traditional Indian mansion set in a verdant garden with apartments arranged around a series of intimate courtyards. Built 225 years ago as a residence of the rulers of Samode, it is still occupied by their descendants, who have converted their home into a luxury hotel.

Agra: ITC Mughal
Sprawled over 93077 sq. m of Mughal-style gardens, with the characteristic use of water channels, fruit trees, flowers and shaded walkways, the resort is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. In close proximity to the Taj Mahal, this luxury resort offers 233 luxury rooms and suites, a beautiful spa, signature cuisine offerings and a range of elaborate banqueting facilities. It recreates a paradise for the contemporary Mogul – exemplifying the splendour and perfection that was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.

RAJASTHAN: WHEN TO GO

The climate of Rajasthan can be divided into the following four seasons: Summers (April to June), Monsoon (July to September), Post-Monsoon (October to December) and winter (January to March). Summers in Rajasthan are hot and humid with the average temperatures rising up to as high as 45 degrees Celsius at times. Rajasthan is a popular destination across the globe and is visited by tourists throughout the year thanks to a pleasant climate during all the year. However, the best time to visit Rajasthan is considered the period between the months of October to March.

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