Tour code: IN002
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Tour code: IN002
The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan State is located in the Northeast of India, an ancient crossroads of civilisations, and known as a wonderland of heritage which is explicitly displayed through beautifully intricate fresco paintings which adorn the walls of the merchants’ mansions (Havelis). Days are spent exploring the rugged, colourful countryside, visiting bazaars, artisans, and schools, meeting the locals and enjoying the incredibly varied regional food.
Jaipur Airport (Flights not included)
Approx 1 hour after arrival (please confirm details)
This tour wonderfully combines revitalising therapies including meditation, yoga, and Ayurvedic massages of various kinds, with mesmerising sights which are explored and absorbed through contemplative walks through ancient forts, castles, palaces and havelis.
Our tour starts with three nights in the beautiful boutique heritage accommodation of the Hotel Khandela Haveli. Located in one of the quietest residential areas of Jaipur, it has wide open spaces, a roof-top pool, and a restaurant which hosts regular evening entertainment such as folk music, dancers and puppet shows all of which have their unique local heritage. The rooms are spacious with a full range of amenities.
After settling in to the accommodation, depending on your arrival time, we will take a tour visiting some of the local sights including: Amer, Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts, the Palace of Winds, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, and the City Palace Museum.
In the evening take a 45-minute Ayurvedic massage before enjoying a nourishing dinner.
Overnight: Jaipur
An early start with yoga and meditation before we enjoy a hearty breakfast. Today we head on an excursion to the village of Abhaneri where we will see the Chand Baori, which is a 14th century stepwell. The stepwell descends thirteen stories into the earth and is bordered by a subterranean palace on one side. On our return journey we will enjoy lunch at the hilltop Fort Madhogarh before returning to Jaipur.
This evening we will be entertained with music and a puppet show whilst enjoying a gala dinner with unlimited drinks.
Overnight: Jaipur
Rise with the sun and start the day with a guided yoga and meditation session. After breakfast we will depart on an excursion to the village of Samode, where we will visit the beautiful mirrored and fresco painted palace, ancient temples and “chhatris”.
This evening we will drive 20-km to Fort Mundota for a BBQ dinner. Enjoy an informal evening of conversation with the owner who breeds race horses and is a great polo player.
Overnight at Hotel Khandela Haveli.
Start the day with a guided yoga and meditation session. After breakfast we will depart for Alwar and check in to the Hotel Gandharva Retreat.
Spread over 13 acres this retreat is owned and run by a well-known tiger expert and his wife – a specialist on Bhuddhist literature. This intimate resort has just six cottages and staying here offers plenty of opportunity to discover more about tigers and Buddhism or just enjoy the peace and quiet of the surroundings.
This afternoon we will take a tour around Thanagazi, visiting the local temples. Enjoy a pleasure boat ride at Visit Lake Silisaid before returning to the retreat for a swim, dinner and overnight accommodation.
Early morning before breakfast, we will take a jeep safari into the thick forests of the Sariska Tiger Sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled as we search for these beautiful well camouflage creatures. The sanctuary is also home to an abundance of flora as well as other wild animals such as bison, chinkara, and deer.
When we return, there will be time to enjoy an ayurvedic massage, before dinner and overnight at the retreat.
After yoga, meditation, and breakfast we will drive to Castle Kalwar where there is sure to be a warm welcome from the owners who stay on the property. The castle is bordered by a lush-green hill behind it and large gardens at the front. The castle has inviting swimming pool, and all the rooms are large, well equipped and tastefully decorated.
After lunch we will explore the local village and school – interacting with the locals and learning about village life. This evening you can enjoy an ayurvedic massage, before a fabulous BBQ dinner is served around the pool.
After yoga, meditation and breakfast we depart on a 100km drive to Kishangarh, arriving at the splendid Phool Mahal Palace in time for lunch. There will be time to enjoy a boat ride on the adjacent lake and explore the nearby ancient fort with its imposing ramparts and rich collection of cannons and chariots.
Return to Castle Kalwar for dinner and overnight.
Your yoga and meditation skills will be honed a little more this morning. After breakfast we will leave for Mandawa, in the heart of the Shekhawati region, a land of breathtaking heritage and rustic beauty. Check into Castle Mandawa for a two-night stay.
Enjoy an ayurvedic massage, dinner and overnight at this majestic Castle.
An early start for yoga and meditation at dawn. After breakfast,we will take a full day tour of the town, visiting Murmuria Haveli which is renowned for its exceptional art, the Open Art Gallery, the Chokhani Double Haveli, the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli and the Harlalka Well.
Visit local artisans who produce wonderful wooden products such as decorative chests, cradles and chairs.
Dinner and overnight at this Castle.
After breakfast, drive to Alsisar and check into Hotel Alsisar Mahal. This Mahal or Palace has a lovely swimming pool, beautiful lounge, dining hall, and comfortable, well-equipped rooms. During the day visit the stone chattris (cenotaphs), Morarka Museum and Laxmi Narayan Temple.
This evening we will enjoy a BBQ dinner by the pool.
Overnight at Hotel Alsisar Mahal.
After breakfast we will drive to Jaipur International Airport where our service ends
