Off the Beaten Track in India

Discover the top attractions of Agra including Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638 when Delhi overtook Agra as the capital of the Empire, and the Taj Mahal, a marble mausoleum that's classed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

Boasting a unique and flourishing biodiversity, you'll explore the Chambal River's back waters and banks aboard a safari boat to catch glimpses of an array of fascinating wildlife; observe the fish-eating gharial crocodiles, identifiable by their narrow snouts, basking in the sun; see muggers and turtles swashing through the water; and watch the myriad of migratory and residents birds flit around the riverbanks.

Afterwards, you'll visit Bateshwar Temples, a complex comprised of 200 sandstone temples, 101 of which are dedicated to Shiva, whilst the remaining ones celebrate Vishnu and Shakti. The complex is one of the most significant spiritual and cultural centres in India, and gives a fascinating insight into the rich history of the region. 

Embark on a tour of Samode, a quiet town nestled in the foothills of the arid Aravalli mountain range, learning about the fascinating royal history and culture of the town.

The following day you'll visit Jaipur, the capital of India's Rajasthan state, exploring the city's 16th-century hilltop fortress Amber Palace, which boasts an elaborate façade that is astoundingly intricate in its pink sandstone carving, the grand City Palace, an opulent, colonnaded complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, and Jantar Mantar, the most famous of five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. You'll also enjoy a tour of Old Jaipur at night, experiencing traditional food from local vendors and admiring the work of local artisans. 

The reservoir that RAAS Chhatrasagar straddles is home to an extraordinary diversity of birdlife, with over 200 avian species frequenting the surrounding area. At the lodge, you can enjoy an array of birdwatching opportunities, from nature walks to boating on the lake. 

Afterwards, enjoy a visit to a rural farm and village to discover the fascinating way the locals live, learning about how they maintain their livelihoods. Follow your farm and village exploration with a visit to a local school, where you can meet the school children and learn about daily life in rural India.

Jump into a Jeep and head across the arid expanse of the Thar Desert on a "Village Safari" to experience life in rural Rajasthan. See how local people live their lives and interact with them to hear their fascinating stories and engage in their local customs. You'll also enjoy a traditional Rajasthani "Shikaar" dinner experience, an outdoor dining concept from a bygone era when "shikaar" hunting was the only means of providing food.

Explore Jawai's wilderness in a customised 4x4 vehicle in the company of an informative guide to track down and observe from a safe and unobtrusive distance the region's thriving leopard population. As well as leopards, Jawai's wilderness is home to some 100 species of migratory bird, as well as large mammals such as bears, wolves, hyenas, and panthers. The cool waters of the Jawai River, meanwhile, are home to crocodiles, which can be glimpsed skulking through the water or sun-bathing along the riverbanks.

Enjoy an enchanting private boat ride in the evening across the lucid waters of Lake Pichola, an artificial freshwater lake that was created in the year 1362. Traversing this tranquil lake by boat is one of the best ways to marvel at the city's magnificent historic architecture and monuments, with grand palaces and edifices lining the waterfront. 

The following day, you'll enjoy an Udaipur City Tour, learning more about the city's fascinating history and culture whilst visiting sites such as the City Palace and Jagdish Temple.