Palaces, fortresses, & wildlife trek

This 13-day trip is an immersion in Rajasthani culture: stay in 17th-century castles, visit unspoiled villages from the time of the maharajas, and indulge in the festivities of the renowned Pushkar Fair. In Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, look for diverse wildlife including leopards, wild boar, antelope, wolf, and exotic bird life. We’ll introduce you to friendly local families (many of noble lineage), as you follow our lead through remote villages, for a taste of India you can only experience with us.

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Activities

5 days easy to moderate trekking, 5 days touring

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Trek through Rajasthan’s varied landscape, while enjoying the royal style of living of the maharajas—you can only do this trek with us!
• Attend a festive annual gathering of desert tribes buying and selling tens of thousands of livestock
• Tour enchanting palaces and forts, attend an ancient opium ceremony, and take a jeep safari in Korta
• Explore the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife sanctuary, home to leopards, wild boar, antelope, and exotic bird life

Duration: 13 days Start Location: Delhi End Location: Delhi

Download Detailed Itinerary

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive in Delhi

  Arrive in Delhi, India.

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  Day 2 : Udaipur

  Fly to Udaipur, "Venice of the East," and take an in-depth tour of the lakeside City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan.

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  Day 3 : Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh

  Drive to Kumbhalgarh and hike portions of the 24-mile-long wall surrounding the 15th-century fortress, in a landscape dotted with palace and temple ruins deep in the Aravali Mountains.

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  Day 4 : Kumbhalgarh to Ghanerao

  Trek nearly ten miles through Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary in search of leopards, antelope, sloth bear, and wolf, to the 17th-century castle of Ghanerao, where we stay overnight.

• Day 5 : Ghanerao to Ranakpur

  Trek through tribal lands and local villages, then visit the white marble Jain temple of Ranakpur with its 1,444 unique pillars, then watch rug weavers in action at a dhurrie workshop.

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  Day 6 : Ranakpur to Mithri Lake

  Trek green field and small village hamlets to Mithri Lake, a paradise for exotic birds and wildlife.

• Day 7 : Mithri Lake to Korta

  Trek to Jawai Dam, on one of the most scenic walks on our journey, and drive to Korta Escape, a lodge in the Aravali mountains.

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  Day 8 : Korta

  Morning sightseeing in the village of Korta. Afternoon wildlife safari in an open jeep, sunset high tea in the dunes, and a candlelight worship at a Hindu temple.

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  Day 9 : Jodhpur

  Drive to Jodhpur, dominated by an ancient fortress. Tour the village and visit a group of former palaces.

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  Days 10 - 11 : Nagaur

  January departure: Drive to our tented camp near the town of Naguar and visit the Naguar Fair, where you'll be enchanted by Rajasthani's in colorful traditional garb, thousands of cattle brought in for the fair, and Rajasthani folk music.

  November departure: Drive to Pushkar and visit the Pushkar Fair, where hordes of traders bring their families, camels, horses, and cattle from all over Rajasthan. Take a bath in the legendarily cleansing lake of Pushkar. Watch jugglers, acrobats, and spirited camel races.

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  Day 12 : Nagaur to Jodhpur to Delhi

  Morning drive to Jodhpur (January departure) or Jaipur (November departure), and fly to Delhi. Afternoon free to relax.

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  Day 13 : Depart for home

  Very early morning transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights.

Download Detailed Itinerary

DATES: Best time to go: January, October - November Departures: No group departures scheduled. Private departures are available on the dates of your choice, pending availablity. Call us for details.

PRICING: 2012 Prices $5,295 (10-15 members) $5,795 (6-9 members) $460 internal airfare $2,500 single supplement

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  Taj Hari Mahal

  Spread over six acres of lush, landscaped gardens, this palace of the 21st century offers luxurious refinement. With its Marwar style architecture and Moghul-inspired domes, enameled murals, slender columns, and grand interiors, this is design that lives up to the fantasy. Located close to the city markets, nearby guests can find much to see and experience.

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  Lake Palace Hotel

  Udaipur

  Located in the middle of Lake Pichola and set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains, the Lake Palace Hotel spreads across a four-acre island. Reminiscent of the Taj Mahal with its white marble and mosaic exterior, the opulent silks, richly colored murals and ornately carved furniture inside will make guests feel like royalty.

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  Hotel Aodhi

  Kumbalgarh

  Set on a hillside close to the famous Kumbhalgarh Fort and the Wildlife Sanctuary, this former hunting lodge offers modern comforts in a natural setting. Huge guest rooms are decorated in wildlife motifs, and private balconies offer spectacular mountain views.

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  Korta Escape

  Korta escape is a retreat. Perfect place to relax and enjoy the vacation. Korta escape a serene farm surrounded by famous Aravali range of mountain are 11 beautiful cottages with all modern amenities. Being a base camp for Korta Stables, Ashwarohi Safari, Korta Equestrian center it provide many activities in and around Korta esacpe.

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  Ghanerao Castle

  Ghanerao

  This highly esteemed heritage hotel in the charming Ghanerao region was founded in 1606. The castle is comprised of gracefully built sandstone havelis, marble citadels and beautiful paintings. Guest rooms are decorated with traditional furniture and come with private verandahs.

• Oberoi

  Located in New Delhi, India’s capital city, The Oberoi, New Delhi reflects the city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. Located close to the city center near business, commercial and shopping districts, the luxury hotel overlooks Delhi’s prestigious Golf Club on one side and the heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb on the other. Exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine combine to make this the Capital’s most graceful and elegant hotel.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Nirbhay Singh

  Nirbhay Singh, who runs the Korta Escape, is a 17th generation member of a noble family known as the local Thakur’s, that formerly held a large estate of 8 villages with affiliations to both the Jodhpur and Udaipur kingdoms. The Thakurs have had the honor of being the owners of one of the oldest horse breeding and rearing farms and stables in the region. His family of young, energetic adventurous, horse-loving Rajputs, and his immense knowledge about the history of people and culture of Rajasthan will make you feel a part of the region.

photo credits: ©Keren Su/Chinaspan