Just off the main tourist track in Rajasthan are some lovely small palaces and hunting lodges of erstwhile maharajahs. Linked to make up a complete itinerary, they provide a uniqu experience and exposure to aspects of India you may not otherwise notice if you stick to travel in the main tourist cities.
Reputed to be impregnable, Kumbalgarh stands proudly along the border of Jodhpur and Udaipur. On its massive ramparts six horseman could ride abreast. To this day it remains a stern and forbidding sentinel over the countryside.
In comparison, Udaipur is soft, a romantic oasis in the midst of a harsh land, with gentle waves lapping at the feet of marble palaces. A slow boat ride across Lake Pichola reveals the beauty of the city, the richly ornamented havelis that line the banks and the bustle of activity along the ghats. Stay at Udai Kothi Hotel to be right in the heart of it all.
Almost at the gates of Jaipur, the richly decorated and elegantly managed Samode Palace takes you back in time, to when the rhythm of ankle bells beckoned from mirrored halls and soft whispers of intrigue scurried around the corners of the palace forecourt. This amazing hotel offers up a surreal experience with the most authentic details in a luxurious setting.
Echoes of the past are drowned by the cacophany of birdsong that carries to the little village of Nimaj overlooking the Chhatra Sagar Dam, while the fort of Devi Garh has been innovatively converted into a beautiful boutique hotel with the perfect combination of minimalism and heritage. It also features a perfectly indulgent L'Occitane Wellness Spa, and stunning rooftop pool with sweeping views of the Aravali Mountains.
So, the suggested itinerary to take in these places starts in Delhi, drives to Samode, Nimaj, Rohet Garh, Kumbhalgarh, Devi Garh and finishes at Udaipur. Leave at least a couple of days in each place to truly soak in the experience and minimise long drives. You can fly on to your next destination from Udaipur, or catch a train to Agra and witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal.
The unique nature of travel to India allows up close cultural encounters and abundant heritage in the form of architecture, staying in restored forts and palaces that have been transformed into beautiful hotels of the modern era, allowing you a holiday experience like no other.
Travel to India is enhances with insider knowledge and tips about the best places to see and stay. We have spent months travelling in India to discover those perfect out of the way places that capture the essence of this amazing country.
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