Beyond the Palaces: A Journey into Rural Rajasthan - 16 Nights / 17 Days

2N Delhi 1N Neemrana 1N Bharatpur 2N Karauli 1N Bundi 2N Shahpur Bagh 2N Jojawar 2N Jawai 3N Mumbai

Flights
Breakfast

Overview

This journey into rural Rajasthan unfolds as an authentic cultural odyssey through living heritage, handcrafted traditions, tribal landscapes, and ancient architectural marvels. Starting in Delhi, you are introduced to layered histories before moving into the lesser-known interiors of Rajasthan.

Neemrana sets the tone with its majestic fort palace, revealing centuries of architecture, art and royal legacy. Bharatpur offers a world-renowned bird sanctuary, where rickshaw rides through wetlands reveal the harmonious rhythm of migratory birds and native wildlife. In Karauli, you step into palatial heritage homes, visit charitable schools, organic farms and witness village life through camel cart rides.

A deeply personal experience unfolds as you interact with communities, explore NGO-run workshops, discover vintage cars and journey into Kaila Devi Sanctuary, where traditional villages thrive within a protected landscape.

Bundi surprises with its blue-washed lanes, ancient stepwells, palace murals and the magical Chittra Shala, a treasure of miniature paintings. Shahpura Bagh brings slow luxury: countryside drives, tribal encounters, heritage walks, cooking sessions, acupressure therapy and time to unwind amidst serene rural beauty.

In Jojawar, the thrilling local train ride through steep ghats and forested valleys offers one of the most scenic journeys in Rajasthan, followed by a jeep safari meeting the semi-nomadic Rabari community. The journey deepens in Jawai, India’s leopard country, where rocky landscapes and wilderness safaris bring extraordinary wildlife sightings.

Your final stretch takes you to Mumbai for a contrast of island caves, coastal heritage, bustling markets and the insightful Dharavi tour, showcasing resilience, creativity and community spirit. This itinerary is designed for those who seek authenticity, storytelling and deep cultural connections while travelling slowly through India’s most soulful landscapes.

Itinerary

A rural-centred journey through Delhi, Neemrana, Bharatpur, Karauli, Bundi, Shahpura Bagh, Jojawar, Jawai, Udaipur and Mumbai, featuring wildlife encounters, tribal villages, heritage forts, island caves and immersive cultural experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi−

On reaching the Delhi airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our personnel and transferred to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2: Visits in Delhi+

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing covering Qutb Minar, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Lodhi Garden, Raj Ghat and Dilli Haat, exploring layers of history and contemporary culture.

Day 3: Delhi to Neemrana+

Morning drive to Neemrana. Your stay is at the historic Neemrana Fort-Palace, built in 1464 and now a magnificent heritage hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Optional activities include a camel cart ride to an eighteenth-century stepwell or a guided tour of the fort. Overnight in Neemrana.

Day 4: Neemrana to Bharatpur+

Spend the morning relaxing at the fort before driving to Bharatpur. On arrival, check in and unwind at your hotel.

Day 5: Bharatpur to Karauli+

Start with a cycle rickshaw ride in the celebrated Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, home to over 300 species of birds and diverse wildlife. Later, enjoy a visit to Kaleidoscope National Park in a manual rickshaw accompanied by a naturalist.

Afternoon drive to Karauli and check in at a century-old palatial residence. Visit the City Palace with its wall paintings and carvings, and attend the evening Aarti at the Krishna temple. Enjoy a camel cart ride through the village exploring local handicraft shops. Overnight in Karauli.

Day 6: Karauli+

Explore the campus, including vintage cars, organic farms, livestock and a charity school. Visit NGO-run handicraft workshops. Later, enjoy a jeep safari to Kaila Devi Sanctuary, exploring villages inside the protected landscape. Optional visits include the Kaila Devi Temple and its hospital. Overnight in Karauli.

Day 7: Karauli to Bundi+

Drive to Bundi, a charming town surrounded by the Aravalli hills and known for its stepwells, havelis and striking fort. Visit the Chittra Shala and mural-rich palace structures. Evening free to explore the old lanes and bazaars. Overnight in Bundi.

Day 8: Bundi to Bhilwara+

Drive to Shahpura Bagh, a serene heritage stay offering immersive countryside experiences. Enjoy bird-watching or simply relax amidst the tranquil setting. Overnight at Shahpura Bagh.

Day 9: Shahpura Bagh+

Visit the historic quarter of Shahpura and Arya Samaj School. Explore tribal and village settlements in the countryside. Return for a detailed cooking session. End the day with an acupressure therapy session. Overnight at Shahpura Bagh.

Day 10: Shahpura Bagh to Jojawar+

Drive to Jojawar, a picturesque town with a charming heritage hotel. Arrive and spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Jojawar.

Day 11: Jojawar+

Enjoy a scenic two-hour local train ride through valleys, forests and steep ghat sections. Later, take a jeep safari to visit Ribari villages and learn about this semi-nomadic community. Overnight in Jojawar.

Day 12: Jojawar to Jawai+

Morning drive to Jawai, known for its leopard population. Enjoy a jeep safari to spot leopards. Overnight in Jawai.

Day 13: Jawai+

Enjoy a morning and afternoon safari in the rocky terrain of Jawai, dedicated to observing leopards and wildlife. Overnight in Jawai.

Day 14: Jawai to Udaipur and Fly to Mumbai+

Transfer to Udaipur airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival, you will be received and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 15: Boat Trip to Elephanta Caves+

Start early in the morning and take a boat ride to Elephanta Island to explore the UNESCO-listed rock-cut caves. This monument is home to ancient sculptures and majestic chambers. The island is located in the middle of Mumbai harbour, 9km northeast of the Gateway of India; the motor boat ride takes 1.5 hours each way.

Elephanta Island was so named by the Portuguese after the statue of an elephant near the island's landing area. The entire cave temple complex covers a large area, consisting of a main chamber, two lateral chambers, courtyards, and several subsidiary shrines. The caves contain stone carvings dating back to the 5th century. After exploring, return by boat. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 16: Mumbai City Tour and Dharavi Tour+

Begin with visits to the Gateway of India, St Thomas Cathedral, Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay University, Town Hall, Victoria Terminus, Crawford Market and Dhobi Ghat. Afternoon Dharavi Slum Tour covering industrial units, recycling enterprises, pottery, bakeries, garment workshops and residential communities. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 17: Departure.+

Transfer to Mumbai airport for your international flight home