DESCRIPTION:

India is a land of palaces. The word palace conjures up visions of romance, luxury, opulence, and nostalgia for a bygone era. The realms of India’s best known royalty, the Maharajas of Rajasthan, encompassed unrivalled color, ceremony, festivity, majesty, and splendor. But in India, this palace experience does not have to exist purely in the past. Some palaces today still serve as homes to the former rulers, and some as luxury accommodations for visitors. Historically, to unwind from the pressures of responsibility, the Maharajas retreated to hunting lodges and retreats, each unique. Here the royalty and their families unwound in the country, enjoying the pastime of hunting, pursued on an unbelievably grand scale. Tigers were the ultimate prize, followed by deer and antelope, wild boar, game birds and wildfowl. Private hunting preserves were created and thereby, one of the first seeds of conservation planted as these areas are now official notified and one of the cornerstones of modern India’s environmental policy.

 

This unusual journey includes staying in palaces once home to India’s pre-Independence royalty. Another special feature of this trip is visiting - and overnighting - in a selection of hunting lodges, with the opportunity to discover and relive their nostalgia. There is also an opportunity to sleep in the Thar Desert, in comfortably appointed tented camps, to experience night in the desert and dine al fresco under a canopy of stars.

 

Discover the dramatic desert fort of Jodhpur, once the capital of the medieval Marwar Kingdom, and situated at the southern edge of the Thar Desert. Within its cannon-festooned walls, sheer ramparts, and fortified gates is a honeycomb-like maze of palaces, halls, courtyards, galleries and museums. Walk through the old city of Udaipur, wander through narrow lanes, old world dwellings, see its palaces and lakes. Discover its tiny shops, traditional markets, and publics squares. Dine at of the Maharana’s private hunting lodges.

 

Visit several former Maharaja's hunting lodges which evoke the romance and splendor of the state’s princely past. Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is set amidst hills, with majestic Ranthambore Fort as a backdrop, and dotted with ruined temples and pavilions. The park is a natural habitat for tigers, deer, crocodiles, leopards and many varieties of birds. Visit another wildlife sanctuary, known for its wolf, sloth bear, flying squirrel, crocodile and leopard. Overnight at the nearby lodge and visit the 15th century Fort, an immensely magnificent bastion. Meet the local Bhil and Garasia tribal people whom you will see during forays into the wilderness by jeep and, for those who wish, on horseback.

In the Thar Desert outside of Jodhpur take a jeep safari, ride a camel or a horse, take guided walks and visit nearby villages. Experience the desert ambience, with endless oceans of sand broken by dunes, scrub. Spend two nights in exclusive royal tents. In Jodhpur, once the capital of the medieval Marwar Kingdom, tour the fort, dine at a lake palace, and overnight in another palace. Walk among the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur; the central temple in this complex is considered to be a masterpiece of Jain architecture with 1,444 intricately carved pillars, each unique. Visit museums, wander through villages, learn about local crafts, and discover how India's princely past still permeates its culture and conservation outlook today.

 

CONSIDER:

This is a view of India that few Americans see. Of course, the trip can be shortened. As with many special natural history destinations, their remote location is key to their pristine condition. In order to see a variety of wildlife in their indigenous eco systems, long drives and a few flights are necessary. These drives are a wonderful opportunity to observe the beautiful Indian countryside, its villages and farms, and everyday life.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

To Agra to see the Taj Mahal.