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Ranthambore

Detail of the City Palace, Udaipur,

Bengal tigers & other wildlife • 300 bird

species

Today an exemplar of tiger conservation,

Ranthambore National Park was once

the private hunting ground of royalty. It is

named after the 10th-century, UNESCOlisted

Ranthambore Fort, which lies within its

boundaries. The park now covers an area of

400 sq km and is most famous for its growing

Bengal tiger population, numbering more than

80 individuals. Ranthambore is also home to a

large variety of other animals including sambar

deer, chital, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears and

leopards. There is much to draw birdwatchers,

too, as it is a habitat for more than 300 species

of bird.

The most comfortable time to visit

Ranthambore is between October and March

– the cooler, less humid months – though

summer can promise more tiger sightings.

Udaipur

Rural cycle rides • High tea with the locals •

Kumbhalgarh, the ‘Great Wall of India’

Situated on the shores of Lake Pichola, Udaipur

is undeniably one of India’s most romantic

settings. As capital of the old Mewar state,

it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold

its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim

invasion. From the late 16th century, peace

brought about an era of renaissance in the

arts and encouraged the building of beautiful

palaces and attractive gardens around

the lake.

The surrounding area is dotted with treasures,

including the 500-year-old Jain temples at

Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh. Known as the

‘Great Wall of India’, Kumbhalgarh is one of

the finest examples of defensive fortification

in Rajasthan, a site dominated by majestic

watchtowers and exquisite stepwells, as well as

thriving wildlife.

Bengal tiger, Ranthambore National Park

Experiences in

Rajasthan

Food trail, Agra

On the streets of Agra, you’ll find some

of India’s most delectable chaats (savoury

snacks). Take part in a carefully curated

chaat-crawl, visiting celebrated food stalls

in a tour designed to deliver gastronomic

satisfaction. This is a safe and hygienic way

to sample the best of Indian street food.

High tea in the desert, Jaisalmer

Drive out of Jaisalmer to the Great Thar

desert in time to catch the last rays of

the setting sun. Find the perfect spot to

watch the sun slowly sink over the rippling

dunes. As you watch the sky and sand fuse

in red, gold and orange hues, feast on an

exquisite high tea. Gourmet delicacies are

served alongside warming cups of perfectly

brewed tea or coffee.

Champagne sunset tour of

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

As twilight descends on this historic fort,

join the Mehrangarh Museum curator for

a guided tour of the site’s architectural

highlights, artworks and richly decorated

interiors. The rugged, impregnable walls

and delicate palaces will come alive as you

hear tales of sacrifice and extraordinary

adventure.

Train ride through the Aravalli

Mountain Range

Take a heritage rail journey from Khamil

Ghat to Phulad on a narrow-gauge

train through the spectacular Aravalli

Mountains. You’ll pass waterfalls and travel

through tunnels, in an area that inspired

Rudyard Kipling’s The Man Who Would be

King. If you’re lucky, you may even spot

langurs, peacocks and deer.

Suggested itinerary

Heritage Rajasthan

17 days & 15 nights

from £4,995 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Journey back to a bygone era of pomp and

luxury, experiencing the opulence of the

royal houses of Deogarh, Jodhpur, Udaipur,

Jaipur and the colonial jewel of Delhi.

Days 1-4: Delhi & Agra

Fly to Delhi and stay at the Oberoi Maidens

for 3 nights. Take a walking tour of Old

and New Delhi including the Red Fort and

Rashtrapati Bhavan. Ride the train to Agra for

a visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. (B)

Days 5 & 6: Jaipur

Fly to Jaipur and stay 2 nights at the restored

Royal Heritage Haveli. There is time to

explore independently; and you’ll also visit

Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar

Observatory, and local bazaars. (B)

Day 7: Barli

Drive to Barli for an overnight stay at the

16th-century Fort Barli where you’ll get a feel

for Rajasthan’s history. (B)

Days 8 & 9: Jodhpur

Visit Barli’s local market, rural homes and

cenotaphs before driving to Jodhpur for 2

nights at the strikingly located RAAS Jodhpur.

Visit Mehrangarh Fort and enjoy time at

leisure. (B)

Day 10: Ranakpur & Narlai

Visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur before

continuing to Narlai for an overnight stay

at Rawla Narlai and dinner in the candlelit

stepwell. (B, D).

Days 11 & 12: Deogarh

Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort then continue to

Deogarh for 2 nights at the heritage home of

Dev Shree. The next day is at leisure, or take

a scenic train ride or 4x4 village ‘safari’. (B)

Days 13-15: Udaipur

See the Nathdwara Temples en route to

Udaipur. Stay 3 nights at the Fateh Prakash

Palace, right on the shores of Lake Pichola.

Explore the magnificent City Palace and the

Art & Frames Gallery. (B)

Days 16 & 17: Delhi & Fly Home

Fly to Delhi for a night at the Pullman

Aerocity before flying home the next day. (B)

Tailor-made travel

Contact our experts

020 3930 5073

CoxandKings.co.uk/make-an-enquiry

For more information or to book, contact us on 020 3930 5073 or speak to your travel agent

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