Rural Rajasthan Tour: a luxury escape to hidden Rajasthan
Rural Rajasthan Tour: a luxury escape to hidden Rajasthan
Delhi - Jaipur - Nimaj - Deogarh - Udaipur
Our suggested Rural Rajasthan tour is a twelve-day trip from Delhi to the bustling Indian cities of Jaipur and Udaipur, steering off the beaten track mid-way to discover the charm, beauty and slow pace of life in rural Rajasthan.
Begin with two nights in the thronging capital of Delhi, where you’ll explore the contrasts of both Old and New, from the souk-like bazaars of Chandni Chowk to the tree-lined boulevards of Lutyens’ Delhi. Next, head southwest into Rajasthan and the glorious city of Jaipur, with its iconic pink city overlooked by the splendid 17th-century Amber Fort. As well as discovering these fascinating sites with your guide, you’ll soak up the colourful local bazaars and head to the peaceful outskirts for an evening with elephants. It’s from here that you take a more unusual route, stepping off the typical tourist trail to unearth the hidden gems of rural Rajasthan with a two-night stay at a stunning lake-side camp in Nimaj. Move on to Deogarh and enjoy two nights at Dev Shree, a luxury homestay in the heart of rural Rajasthan where your gracious hosts (descendants of the Deogarh royal family) will show you around; from a scenic ride on the narrow-gauge train to drinking chai with the villagers. Your Rural Rajasthan tour comes to an end in Udaipur, a spectacular city of lakes, palaces and temples surrounded by the Aravali hills. Here in Udaipur, you’ll soak up the best of its romantic architectural splendours and revel in the delights of the romantic Taj Lake Palace hotel.
In a nutshell: Embark on a twelve-day journey through Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, and rural Rajasthan. Discover the bustling markets and historic sites of Delhi, explore Jaipur’s iconic pink city and Amber Fort, and venture off the beaten path to the tranquil beauty of rural Rajasthan. Experience lakeside camping in Nimaj, luxury homestays in Deogarh, and the serene splendour of Udaipur, all while enjoying personalised experiences and luxurious stays along the way.
Best time to visit: October to April for the best weather; May to September for the best price
Ideal length: 11 nights
2024/25 Guide price: ₹455,000 (US$5,349; £4,089) per person based on 2 sharing a room
Day 1
Arrive in Delhi (stay at The Lodhi, Delhi)
Your Rural Rajasthan tour begins on arrival in Delhi, where you’ll be met by a member of our team and chauffeured to The Lodhi for two nights. Previously part of the Aman group, The Lodhi is arguably the most elegant hotel in New Delhi. It’s tucked away in a busy but green area of the capital, close to the Lodhi Gardens, of which it takes its name. The atmosphere here is calm and hushed; the décor is sleek and minimal. Rooms are enormous and come with a private plunge pool. While at The Lodhi, don’t miss dinner at the in-house Indian Accent, awarded as the country’s best restaurant. Those who appreciate history will be happier staying at The Imperial, another of our favourite hotels in Delhi. The newly-refurbished The Oberoi, New Delhi is perfect, too.
Depending on how early in the day you arrive, you can let us know anytime if you’d like to begin exploring this afternoon. Your chauffeur is always on hand, and we’re only a quick call away on your complimentary mobile phone (or WhatsApp, if you prefer).
Day 2
In Delhi
A guided tour of the bustling capital takes in the contrasts of both Old and New Delhi. Accompanied by a local expert, you’ll soak up the Jama Masjid and souk-like Chandni Chowk bazaar, India Gate, the Sikh Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and – if time permits – the Qutab Minar. The sights mentioned here are merely our suggestion, and you’re very welcome to tweak the schedule with your guide on the day itself (you can expect complete flexibility over the style and pace of your tour). If you’d like to take things easy, you may prefer a half-day of sightseeing in favour of time to relax at The Lodhi, or consider adding a third night if you wish.
Day 3
Delhi to Jaipur (stay at Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur)
Connecting the dots between Delhi and the countryside, today your Rural Rajasthan tour whisks you southwest to the Pink City of Jaipur for a three-night stay at the RAAS Rajmahal Palace. It’s one of the most exciting hotel additions to Jaipur for many years, though at over 250 years old, one would be wrong to say it’s new! Originally built by the Maharaja of Jaipur as a pleasure garden for his favourite queen, the palace changed hands many times, even serving a brief stint as the British Residence, before being thoroughly renovated in the 1930s with an art deco style. It has also hosted many notable guests – including Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Mountbatten, and Jackie Kennedy – whom the delicious rooms and suites are now named after. Each room is unique and tells its own story. The bespoke motifs and colours reinforce the room’s theme, particularly in custom-made wallpaper (46 different types of).
Day 4
In Jaipur
Optionally, with an early start this morning, you’ll head to the markets with your guide to experience the flurry of activity here as the Pink City wakes up. Stops would include the fragrant flower market, the wholesale milk market, the vegetable market, and the Govind Dev Ji temple, finished off with a delicious cup of chai (spiced tea) from a famous but inconspicuous chai shop. There’ll be the opportunity to return to the hotel for breakfast and a little time at rest, after which you’ll reunite with your guide to explore the old walled area of Jaipur. It includes the City Palace and its little-known private rooms, the Jantar Mantar observatory, and the elegant Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Bar Palladio is a lovely place to round off the day with a cocktail if you fancy.
Day 5
In Jaipur
Day 5 of your Rural Rajasthan tour brings you to the 16th-century Amber Fort for a guided tour. Afterwards, there’ll be time at leisure to do your own thing. You might like to take this opportunity to browse for interesting souvenirs in Jaipur’s famous markets and emporiums. (When it comes to shopping, Jaipur has something for everyone: from elegant textiles to kitschy wooden camels, even the most frugal visitor is likely to leave the Pink City with one or two pieces tucked in their case! For a souvenir with local fair, we recommend a piece of semi-precious jewellery or blue pottery).
Later, continue to Dera Amer to spend a memorable evening with elephants. It’s a magical place on the outskirts of the city, where you can spend time up close with elephants by helping to feed and bathe them before taking a gentle walk together through the surrounding forest at sunset (Dera Amer do not encourage rides). If meeting elephants isn’t your thing, this can certainly be removed or replaced. Perhaps with a private cooking class or a special dinner recommendation. For those interested in spending time with elephants, Dera Amer is a fantastic and ethical place to do it.
Day 6
Onwards to rural Nimaj (stay at RAAS Chhatrasagar, Nimaj)
Today, your Rural Rajasthan tour steers you off the beaten track to Nimaj for a two-night stay at the charming RAAS Chhatrasagar. Sprawling over the banks of a century-old dam in rural Rajasthan, RAAS Chhatrasagar is an elegant and peaceful camp once used as a hunting lodge for the Nimaj Estate. There are 20 luxurious tents all overlooking the reservoir, tastefully decorated with splashes of colour. The waterbody is the seasonal home to flocks of migratory birds, and your terrace is a wonderful spot for bird-watching as you are served tea at sunrise or for sundowners and birdsong with your sunset. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge for a couple of nights, away from the throng of the busy cities.
Day 7
Relax in rural Rajasthan
Your Rural Rajasthan tour today invites you to relax and do your own thing at RAAS Chhatrasagar. We recommend going on a bird-watching walk – you can spot up to 200 different species! Other activities on offer include visits to local farms and villages and a relaxing boating trip on the lake. In the evening, guests congregate around the campfire under the stars to discuss sightings over a drink or two and feast on delicious local cuisine.
Day 8
Nimaj to Deogarh (stay at Dev Shree, Deogarh)
Remaining firmly off the usual tourist route, your Rural Rajasthan tour continues south to Dev Shree, Deogarh. Your kind hosts, Shatrunjai and Bhavna, descendants of the Deogarh royal family, will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, head out on a Jeep drive into the surrounding countryside for stunning natural landscapes and an insight into the local way of life here in rural Rajasthan, as you pass by an old Hindu temple and see shepherds with their cattle returning home for the day. The excursion ends on a special note with sundowners by the lake, taking in a gloriously warm and beautiful Indian sunset.
Day 9
In Deogarh
This morning, you’ll start the day with a charmingly unique ride on the old nearby narrow-gauge train. As the train slowly chugs along the hills, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of rural Rajasthan, taking in a valley, gorges and distant ridges. Before easing into the plateau of Khamblighat station, you’ll stop at the small station of Goram Ghat, where you’ll be greeted by hordes of monkeys awaiting treats of biscuits and bananas from the regulars! The remainder of the afternoon is yours at leisure to relax in your peaceful surroundings or further explore the local area. We suggest heading to the local chai stall for delicious spiced tea and conversation with the locals.
Day 10
Deogarh to Udaipur (stay at the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur)
Continue southward to the romantic city of Udaipur. On the way, we recommend stopping in Ranakpur to visit the richly carved Jain temple (with 1,444 unique pillars, it’s quite a sight to see!). Ending your tour on an exceptional note, you’ll spend the next two nights at the legendary Taj Lake Palace, a dazzling and dream-like 270-year-old white marble palace that appears to float in the middle of Lake Pichola. For many of our guests, the Taj Lake Palace is the ultimate Indian palace hotel experience and an unforgettable part of their holiday to India.
Day 11
In Udaipur
If you can tear yourself away from the Taj Lake Palace, your guided tour of Udaipur will begin at the magnificent City Palace. This sprawling palace is the largest in Rajasthan and stands on a ridge overlooking the lake. Cupolas crown its octagonal towers, which are connected by a maze of narrow passageways. The rooms inside the City Palace contain decorative art: beautiful paintings, colourful enamel, inlay glass-work, and antique furniture. Continue with a walking tour through the old city, where narrow, winding streets teem with shops selling clothing, silver jewellery, and leather-bound journals. Other highlights include the Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon ki Bari (a beautiful rose garden), and the Crystal Gallery. After a day of sightseeing in Udaipur, we recommend unwinding with a relaxing treatment on the Taj Lake Palace’s Jiva spa boat. To bring out your inner maharana and maharani, we also suggest a private dinner in one of the Taj Lake Palace’s secluded terraces.
Day 12
Depart from Udaipur
You’ll be chauffeured to Udaipur airport for your onward flight to Delhi. Should your international connection depart in the morning, an additional night in Delhi may be wise, though we can tailor this to best suit your schedule once we get stuck into the planning with you.
Our suggested Rural Rajasthan tour is inclusive of accommodation with breakfast, all meals at Dev Shree, a private car with driver throughout, experienced guides, entrance tickets and excursions. In other words, we offer a seamless and hassle-free experience where the only thing you need to worry about is soaking up the sights and enjoying your fabulous hotels! This indicative cost is per person, based on a couple travelling between October 2024 and March 2025, sharing a double or twin room. The cost would reduce significantly during the low-season months of April to September, while it will be noticeably higher during the peak Christmas and New Year period.
Make it more you: The luxury escape to rural Rajasthan we’ve described here is merely a suggestion to serve as an inspiration and can be tweaked or completely transformed until we’ve refined your ideal holiday to India. For example, if you’d like to visit the Taj Mahal, a night or two in Agra can comfortably slot in between Delhi and Jaipur. Similarly, nights can be added or taken away – or other accommodation included – to best suit you. For more inspiration, do check out our 8 Favourite Hideaways in Rural Rajasthan, our Rajasthan with Boutique Hotels sample itinerary, and our Jodhpur, Narlai and Udaipur sample itinerary. If you like the look of Dev Shree, Deogarh but would prefer to combine it with other places, you might find our suggested extension to Deogarh helpful.
All our tours are private and tailor-made to complement your taste and interests. In essence, the itinerary described above is just a starting point, and together we can refine it into your ideal Indian experience.
Like what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. But remember: each of our trips is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do, so tell us about yourself, and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.
