Rajasthan Heritage Hotels and Havelis

Jaipur Arrival

Welcome to India! Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation, and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the “Pink City” due to the pink colored buildings and avenues.

Your heritage home stay, Khas Bagh, is a farm retreat tucked away in the Aravalli hills. A stone's throw from the 12th century Amer Fort, Khas Bagh was built on the lines of a medieval style haveli with open courtyards, verandahs with arches, and intricately carved stone pillars and jaalis, all locall handcrafted. Eighteen luxuriously appointed rooms with antique furniture, a pool and a polo lounge with black and white family photographs all add to providing an authentic bespoke Rajput stately homestay experience. Overnight.

Evening at leisure and overnight.

Jaipur - Rajsamand

After breakfast, drive to Rajsamand (4.5 hours) and transfer to your hotel. Located in rural Rajasthan, Devshree is an elegant and classic homestay with the your hosts Bhavna and Shatrunjai. The 8-bedroom house was constructed in a traditional haveli style with deep verandahs and intricate courtyards of Rajput architecture and influence. The interiors are airy and spacious, and the décor has a contemporary twist. The central courtyard is lovely to soak in the warm sun or sit by the cauldron of fire on the cold winter evenings.  As the sun sets, you hear the villagers returning to their homes with their cows and goats, a golden time of day referred to locally as gaudhuli. 

Join Shatrunjai for a rural rumble  in a specially customized four-wheel drive. The drive continues along the Ragho Sagar Lake where you will be told about the birdlife  before you stop at the family cenotaphs. The next stop is the Cave Temple with its steep flight of stairs. But before you head to the temple, biscuits are bought and fed to the fishes in the Step-well. At the temple, you will Shatrunjai will discuss Hinduism, Spirituality, Meditation (which he himself practices), and the significance of the knots of the sacred thread of the Hindus. From the temple, you will be driven on the dirt road further inside the hinterland crossing many dhanis (small farm houses) and farmlands. The drive ends by a lake where tea and cookies are served amidst a gorgeous sunset. Overnight.

Rajsamand - Pali

In the morning, drive to Pali (2 hours). In the late nineteenth century, Thakur Chhatra Singh of Nimaj, a powerful noble of the desert kingdom of Marwar (Jodhpur), decided to dam a seasonal stream flowing through his estate. His vision was to create a water reservoir which would harvest the monsoon rains. It was an ambitious project and a great drain on his resources but Thakur Chhatra Singh remained true to his vision. The dam was completed in 1890 and changed the dry scrub into prime agricultural land. Farmers struggling for sustenance on parched lands were invited by Thakur Chhatra Singh to settle around the reservoir. The property is now a luxury heritage experience in rural Rajasthan.

By the early twentieth century, Chhatra Sagar had developed into a lush green oasis. With its wide open spaces and enchanting views, it became the entertainment venue of choice. To capture the outdoor “big sky” feel, permanent construction was deliberately kept to a minimum. A luxury tented camp was created for each party. For many dignitaries visiting Nimaj, “Camp Chhatra Sagar” was the highlight. Legendary sporting parties with high tea and exotic dinners became a regular feature. 

Afternoon at leisure and overnight.

Pali - Mount Abu

In the morning, drive to Mount Abu (3 hours). The drive today takes you across the Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range in the world. Away from the cities and popular tourist routes,  you will see many vignettes of Rajasthani rural life. Your destination is the only hill station in Rajasthan- Mount Abu. Set on a high rocky plateau in the Aravalli Range and surrounded by forest, it offers a relatively cool climate and views over the arid plains below.

Connaught House is a charming English country cottage set in shady gardens within walking distance of the town of Mount Abu and the famous Nakki Lake. This property of the Maharaja was formerly the official summer residence of the Chief Minister of the princely state of Marwar.

In the afternoon, visit centuries-old Dilwara Temples, ornately carved from white marble and of great spiritual importance. The temples are famous for their use of marble and intricate marble carvings. The five marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. Some consider them to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The temples have an opulent entrance, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are in the midst of a range of forested hills. Evening at leisure and overnight.

Mount Abu - Udaipur

In the morning, drive to Udaipur (4 hours). With a wealth of enchanting lakes, Udaipur is a true oasis in Rajasthan. Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus gardens, and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets, painters, and writers. The city's inherent romance, beauty, and remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor continue to enthrall travelers. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white.

In the evening visit the Bagore Ki Haveli. Every evening, the haveli stages performances of traditional dance and music of Rajasthan. The haveli looks marvelous with glowing lights in the night. Bagore Ki Haveli is a perfect place to explore the ancient architecture and lifestyle of the royal family. The upper courtyard makes an atmospheric setting for the fabulous nightly Dharohar performances of Rajasthani dance. 

Your proposed accommodations are at Fateh Prakash Palace, once awarded as the Best Grand Heritage Hotel. The Fateh Prakash Palace is majestically located along the shores of Pichola Lake in Udaipur. The palace gets its name after one of the greatest rulers of the Mewar dynasty, Maharana Fateh Singh. The palace was renovated and converted into a heritage hotel, known for its par excellence and royal architecture. The palace features distinctive turrets and majestic domes. The palace also showcases a treasure-trove of priceless paintings, exquisite chandeliers, and collection of unique crystal and crockery. Overnight.

Departure

Today, transfer to the Udaipur airport for your onward flight. Bon Voyage!