Rajasthan in Style - Absolute Asia Tours

On arrival in Jaipur, you'll be met by a MWT representative, who will accompany you to your hotel.

You’ll be collected this morning by a lady driving a distinctive pink e-rickshaw. The Pink City Rickshaw Company is an non-profit-organisation which offers much-needed employment opportunities to women from Jaipur’s low income households. You’ll be driven to Govind Dev Ji, one of Jaipur’s most sacred Hindu temples, in time to witness the morning ritual of ‘unveiling the deity’, while offerings are made and prayers are chanted. The temple is within the city palace complex - with your guide, stroll around this impressive array of Rajashtani and Mughal buildings, some of which are still occupied by the royal family.

Head next to the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a remarkable 18th century collection of astronomical structures including the world’s largest sundial, which is accurate to two minutes. Return to your hotel for a break, pausing at the Palace of Winds for a photo opportunity, before a late afternoon visit to the Amber Fort for a memorable sunset view of Jaipur from its marble ramparts.

Prepare for a very early start this morning, but we promise that the hour-long sunrise balloon flight over Jaipur will make it worthwhile! The balloon will soar above Jaipur’s historical forts, palaces, countryside and villages, with your knowledgeable on-board guide pointing out places of interest as the sun rises.

(Please note that the balloon flight and associated transfers will be shared, that the direction and duration of the flight will depend on the wind, and that if weather conditions are unsafe the flight could be cancelled altogether.)

Once your feet are back on the ground, you'll be returned to your hotel in time for breakfast and a few hours at leisure, before meeting your guide in the late afternoon for a walking tour of the Old City. This chaotic maze of twisting alleys offers a fascinating and rather intense insight into local life, as - with your guide - you weave between the market stalls, food vendors, tuk-tuk drivers, cyclists, and strolling cows and goats. You'll pause to sample popular snacks, and observe local artisans at work. You'll also get the opportunity to meet and take chai with a local family.

Set off for Fort Barli, where you'll be welcomed by the family, who are descended from the regional monarchs. Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing into your peaceful surroundings, and preparing for your evening meal - a traditional royal dinner.

After waking for breakfast in your regal fort, you'll switch to a more humble style as you set off to explore the surrounding farmland and villages in a traditional bullock cart. These are actually very comfortable, and a very relaxing way to sway through the landscape, stopping to explore villages and colourful markets, and visit the homes of a leather worker and potter. After your gentle adventure, you'll return to Fort Barli for an afternoon at leisure.

Bid farewell to Fort Barli and depart for Jodhpur, where you'll have an afternoon at leisure before setting out to Mehrangarh Fort in time for dinner at Chokelao Mahal, which boasts spectacular uninterrupted views across the illuminated fort on one side, and a bird's eye view across Jodhpur on the other.

Spend your morning with an expert local guide, exploring the lesser-known treasures of the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur on foot. Stroll through the narrow alleyways lined with indigo buildings, experiencing local life and meeting the residents. While your guide shares stories of the city, you'll discover ancient stepwells, visit a historic Krishna temple and meet the priest's family, sample Gulab Jamun and other traditional Indian sweets, and spend time at a community kitchen. Finish at the city's famous 19th century clocktower, where you'll be driven back to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 - 

Includes:

Head south to your safari camp in Jawai, where you'll have time to settle in and freshen up before a late afternoon 4WD safari, looking for leopards, with the help of an experienced naturalist. Although a sighting cannot be guaranteed, sightings are extremely frequent. The area is also home to monkeys, deer, lizards, and an incredible variety of birdlife, which your guide will be able to identify. Storks, herons and flamingos can be spotted around Jawai dam, where you're also likely to see crocodiles.

Set off early this morning in the jeep, on safari to spot for leopard and other wildlife. Listen out for the sounds of nearby villages coming to life as the sun rises, and return to camp in time for breakfast. Later in the morning, you'll head off to meet members of the Rabari tribe, a nomadic herding community who have roamed northwest India for centuries. Recognisable by their distinctive outfits, the tribe have a fascinating harmonious relationship with the region’s wildlife. Once you're back at camp, the rest of your day will be at leisure.

This morning you'll be driven to Udaipur, stopping en route to see the beautiful 15th century Jain temples at Ranakpur. Scenes from Jain scriptures are intricately carved into the pillars and ceilings of these white marble buildings, and the site is an important destination for Jain pilgrims. Continue to Udaipur, where you'll take a boat trip on the lake for scenic views of the City Palace, the lakeside havelis, the bathing ghats and the city’s mountainous backdrop as the sun sets. Don’t forget your camera!

Spend the morning exploring Udaipur with your expert local guide, beginning with the majestic city palace for a taste of royal life in Rajasthan. It's the largest palace complex in the state, having been enlarged over the centuries by successive rulers, and contains an interesting museum full of well-preserved artefacts. Enjoy impressive views from the palace towers before heading on to a nearby 17th century temple, with intricately carved stonework and beautifully decorated ceilings. Finally, plunge into the hubbub and narrow lanes of Old Town, with its bustling bazaars which sell everything from jewellery and miniature paintings to spices and clay pots. Ornately decorated havelis and Hindu temples line the streets, and painted frescoes adorn many of the buildings. Having completed your tour, the remainder of your day will be at leisure.

Your day will be at leisure to explore the town.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.