Heritage Tour
India’s rich cultural heritage comes alive for our clients in this unforgettable tour of Jodhpur (Blue City), Jaisalmer (Desert City), and Udaipur (Lake City). You will be bowled over by the sheer opulence of the palaces and forts, the stark desert landscape of Jaisalmer, the tranquil lakes of Udaipur, and the bright colours of Jodhpur. For those who love history and want a deeper understanding of the culture of this vast land, this is the tour for you! Three contrasting cities, wrapped up in one incredible holiday!
Jodhpur- The Blue City
Jodhpur is an amazing destination and a real feast for the eyes and soul. The houses were originally painted blue to deflect the intense heat of an Indian summer. Start your tour at the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. This impressive building has been impeccably preserved and has the most amazing views over the city. It also has a wonderful souvenir shop! Rudyard Kipling described the fort as ‘the work of giants’, and this is a truly apt description.
Only a short distance away is the Jaswant Thada, a gorgeous marble cenotaph built to commemorate the life of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, and it is sometimes known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar’. It is a peaceful and beautiful monument and one that shouldn’t be missed.
Leave plenty of time to saunter around the Umaid Bhawan Palace. It is still the home of the former royal family of Jodhpur and is split into a private residence and museum, as well as a luxury hotel operated by the opulent Taj group. It has over 347 rooms and plenty of Art Deco artefacts and is one of the world’s largest private residences, a grand reminder of the regal history of this city.
Jaisalmer – a City in the Thar Desert
Jaisalmer is a city set against the backdrop of the Thar Desert and has a magical quality. Jaisalmer Fort is a living piece of history with families still living inside this ancient building. This means it is one of the few forts in the world which is still inhabited, making it come alive with stories past and present.
Whilst in this amazing city, don’t miss the Patwon ki Haveli, which is a community of five opulent mansions, brimming with detailed carvings and lavish facades. These luxurious homes are a nod to the rich merchant history and fabulous architecture.
Are you the adventurous type? You can visit the Sam Sand Dunes for a night of Indian folk music and camel rides whilst watching the sun set behind the Thar Desert.
Udaipur – The White City of Lakes
To capture the beauty and romance of Rajasthan, you really have to visit Udaipur – the City of Lakes, Venice of the East, and so many more cliches to encapsulate this stunning city. You won’t forget your visit to the City Palace, perched above the banks of Lake Pichola. It is a labyrinth of courtyards with balconies soaring above them, as well as lavishly decorated rooms full of treasures and patterns that really have to be seen to be believed.
The next stop is the Jagdish Temple, a Hindu temple dating back to the 17th century. It is truly awe-inspiring and a reminder of the integral part that religion plays in the everyday lives of millions throughout India.
A boat ride on Lake Pichola is a fun and calming experience. The lake was man-made in 1362, and at its heart is the Lake Palace (now a luxury hotel), and you might recognise it from the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’.
Yet another impressive fort to visit is Kumbhalgarh Fort. An astonishing fact about it is it boasts the second-longest continuous wall in the world, second only to the Great Wall of China. The panoramic views over the Aravalli Hills are another huge bonus!
So hopefully this itinerary will persuade you to explore the wonders of the truly majestic state of Rajasthan and these jewels of its cities.
