Private journeys in seven lands · a planner replies within one working day
Try "Udaipur", "tiger", "honeymoon", "Ladakh in July"
Eight nights through the forts of southern and eastern Rajasthan: three on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, a night by the great fort of Chittorgarh, two in Bundi among murals and stepwells, and two in Ranthambore for tigers, ending in Jaipur.
This journey follows a less travelled line across Rajasthan, from the lakes of Mewar to the small kingdoms of Hadoti. After three nights in Udaipur, it moves east to Chittorgarh, the old capital of Mewar and one of the largest forts in India, and on to Bundi, whose palace murals and stepwells few visitors see.
It ends in Ranthambore, where the fort inside the park belongs to the same World Heritage listing as Chittorgarh, with two nights of tiger safaris before the drive to Jaipur. It suits repeat visitors and anyone more interested in history than in the busiest sights.
Highlights
Day by day
Your driver meets you at Udaipur airport and takes you to the jetty for the boat across to the Taj Lake Palace. Lunch, rest and an afternoon in the courtyards. At sunset, a private boat on Lake Pichola past the ghats and Jag Mandir, then dinner at the palace.
Visit the City Palace at opening with a Mewar historian, who will set up the story of the kingdom you follow over the next week. Walk through the old city to the Jagdish temple and Bagore ki Haveli. Afternoon at leisure, then the Monsoon Palace at sunset.
A full day in the Aravalli: the Ranakpur Jain temple at midday, with its 1,400 carved pillars, then Kumbhalgarh Fort in the afternoon, walking a section of its walls before returning to Udaipur in the evening.
Drive east to Chittorgarh and spend the afternoon on the fort with your guide: Rana Kumbha's palace, the Meera temple, the Tower of Victory and Padmini's palace. Stay the night at a heritage castle nearby, a simpler stay chosen for its setting.
An early return to the fort to see the Kirti Stambha in the morning light, then drive to Bundi. After lunch, walk the old town to Raniji ki Baori and Nagar Sagar Kund. Overnight in a heritage haveli below the palace.
An early climb to Taragarh Fort for views over the town. Then the Garh Palace and its Chitrashala murals in the morning light. Afternoon at Sukh Mahal and Jait Sagar lake, and the 84-pillared cenotaph.
Drive north-east to Ranthambore and check in at The Oberoi Vanyavilas for lunch. Afternoon safari in the park with a naturalist, looking for tigers near the lakes and ruins.
A morning safari, then climb Ranthambore Fort to the Trinetra Ganesh temple between drives. A final afternoon safari. Farewell dinner at the lodge.
After breakfast, drive or take the train to Jaipur for your onward flight, or begin a Jaipur extension. Check current status of flight and train times before you travel.
Included
Not included
Where you sleep
An 18th-century white marble palace that covers its own island in Lake Pichola, reached only by boat. Built as a royal summer retreat and run by …
A luxury tented resort on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, with large canvas tents set in landscaped gardens, a spa and naturalist-led safaris. It is …
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Questions travellers ask
Travellers who have seen Jaipur and want more of Rajasthan's history, or anyone who prefers quieter forts and towns to the busiest sights. It still includes Udaipur and tigers. A Mewar historian sets out the story in Udaipur, and you follow it through Kumbhalgarh, Chittorgarh and the murals of Bundi. Heritage stays in Chittorgarh and Bundi are simpler than the palace hotels.
It lets you see the fort in the afternoon and again early the next morning, and breaks the drive to Bundi. Guests who prefer luxury can visit from Udaipur instead and drive straight to Bundi. The afternoon covers Rana Kumbha's palace, the Meera temple and Padmini's palace, and we return in the morning for the Kirti Stambha in early light. The heritage castle is simpler than the palace hotels.
No. Bundi has small heritage havelis, comfortable and full of character. We choose the best available for two nights. For full luxury, the Bundi stop can be one night. The haveli sits below the Garh Palace, so the Chitrashala murals, Raniji ki Baori and the old town are a short walk away. The spare night can go to Ranthambore or Udaipur.
Two nights gives three safaris and a fair chance of seeing a tiger. Add a third night for five drives and better odds. Each safari is with a naturalist in the park, and between drives on day 8 you climb Ranthambore Fort to the Trinetra Ganesh temple. Safaris are subject to permits, and the main zones close from 1 July to 30 September; check current status before you travel.
The region of south-eastern Rajasthan ruled by the Hada Chauhan Rajputs, including Bundi and Kota. It is known for its own schools of painting and for its forts and stepwells. On this journey you see it in Bundi over two nights: the Chitrashala murals in the Garh Palace, Taragarh Fort above the town, Raniji ki Baori and the 84-pillared cenotaph.
Yes. Reverse the route: Jaipur, Ranthambore, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Udaipur, ending with a flight from Udaipur. Ranthambore is about 3.5 hours from Jaipur by road, or you can take the train. The drives in between stay at around 2 to 3 hours each, and three nights on Lake Pichola then close the journey quietly.
November to March. The monsoon is beautiful in Bundi, but Ranthambore's main zones are closed then. Winter days are usually in the 20s °C, good for climbing Taragarh and walking Chittorgarh, while dawn safaris in open vehicles can be cold in December and January. October also works, if warmer, and from April the heat makes fort walks hard. Park dates change, so check current status before you travel.
About 650 km, with no day longer than 3.5 hours except the Kumbhalgarh excursion, which is a full day out from Udaipur. The transfers are Udaipur to Chittorgarh in about 2 hours, Chittorgarh to Bundi and Bundi to Ranthambore in about 3 hours each, and Ranthambore to Jaipur in about 3.5 hours, where the train is an option. A private car and driver is with you throughout.
Yes, per person, twin sharing, from the figure shown. It varies with dates and room categories. Single travellers pay a supplement. The room categories you choose at the Taj Lake Palace and The Oberoi Vanyavilas change the price, and it rises over Christmas, New Year and Diwali. Flights are not included. We confirm a firm quote once your dates are fixed.
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