Tailor Made Holidays in Rajasthan & The North, India: Highlights

Look for lions on safari in Gir

The best way to see the king of the jungle is by going on a jeep safari at Gir, when you may even get the chance to see a mother lion and her cubs. Today Gir boasts of being the only habitat of Asiatic lions in the world. One can always tell the difference between an African and Asiatic male lion because their ears are always visible, whereas on an African lion they are always hidden by the mane. Asiatic lions are also slightly smaller than their African cousins, although the largest Asiatic lion on record was an imposing 2.9 m in length. Gir is characterised by rugged terrain with low hills and mixed vegetation with beautiful stands of teak and acacia with grassy plains.

Read more about: Sasan Gir National Park
 
On safari in the Little Rann

A jeep safari is the best option to explore the vast open expanses of the Rann of Kutch. The Wild Ass is the main attraction and groups of 10 or more can often be sighted grazing on the patches of grass - a wonderful sight at sunset with their dark silhouettes against a flaming orange sky. The ass learn to run from birth and you might see small foals born between July and September darting about at great speed. The adults can run at an average speed of 24 kph for up to 2 hours and sprint at 70 kph in an emergency. As well as the asses you might see herds of black buck nearby and flocks of flamingoes.

Read more about: Little Rann of Kutch National Park
 
Soak up the colours of Rajasthan

Rajasthan simply bursts with colour, and each one worn in its own unique way has a different meaning. The vibrant colours really contrast well with the semi-arid state, from the vivid turbans and brightly coloured saris there is nowhere that can match the kaleidoscope of colours. Combine all this with the Holi festival and feast your eyes on a never-ending rainbow!

 
Discover the lake city of Varanasi

Varanasi is known to be one of the oldest and one of the most religious cities in the world and it was once said by Mark Twain ‘Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together’, and still to this day the old town has not changed much over the years. Varanasi stretches along the crescent of the River Ganges and the waterfront is dominated by long flights of stone Ghats. Here you can witness the thousands of pilgrims and residents performing their daily ritual ablutions as well as the funeral pyres and the wonderful evening ceremony. Leading back from the Ghats is a mishmash of tiny streets that all seem to lead back on themselves and are all filled with tiny Hindu temples, people, bicycles and the occasional cow. A great place to get lost for a day or two.

Read more about: Varanasi
 
Visit Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur

The city of Jodhpur has so much history behind it but visiting the Meherangarh Fort is the absolute highlight, where you are treated to magnificent views from the top. Besides this you can explore the well kept museums and listen as your guide tells the tales of this fascinating fort.

Read more about: Jodphur
 
Admire the historic havelis in the Shekhavati Region

The Shekhavati Region in the northern area of Rajasthan is famous for its frescoes, murals and beautifully painted havelis that makes this area an open air art gallery. These intricately yet simply painted havelis depict stories based on the mythological themes and local legends of the area as well as in more recent times the arrival of western civilisation. The Shekhavati region is a wonderful place to witness the infusion of new and old society coming together in perfect harmony.

Read more about: Shekhavati
 
Birdwatch at Keoladeo Wildlife Sanctuary

For any keen ornithologist it is a must when visiting Rajasthan to visit Keoladeo Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Bharatpur, approximately 1 hour's drive from Agra. There are a myriad of bird species here including migratory species; Spoonbills, herons, cormorants, storks, Openbills, Ibis and Egrets. Wintering fowl include Teal, Pintail, Gadwall, coot and geese. There are also a wide variety of wetland birds of prey including many types of eagles, vultures and owls as well as a number of year round waders. The best time to visit is between October and March and if there is a good monsoon you will have the opportunity of spotting thousands of birds.

Read more about: Bharatpur and Keoladeo Ghana National Park
 
Go horse riding in Rohet

Approximately 25 miles south of the historic fort city of Jodhpur lies the small rural village of Rohet. In Rohet you can stay in the beautifully restored Manor Hotel, where you are given the opportunity to explore the rugged landscape of the Aravali Hills on horseback. The owner of this hotel has a number of local Marwari horses and offers a great day experiencing the local culture of the surrounding villages of Rohet including a relaxing picnic en route. This is one of the most peaceful ways of experiencing the local wildlife and visiting the village peoples of Rajasthan.

Read more about: Rohet
 
Lose yourself in the 'open air art gallery' at Mandawa

This is the most gorgeous, sleepy town in the Shekhavati region North of Rajasthan. Here the desert takes over and camels become the main form of transport. It is the 'largest open air art gallery in the world'; as part of the former silk route, traders here flourished, building beautiful havelis decorated with frescos as a symbol of their success.

Read more about: Shekhavati
 
Revel in Rajasthan's festivals

During Holi (March), Diwali (October/November) and Pushkar (November) festivals, you not only get to see the immense celebration of colour in Rajasthan which is part of the local people's everyday lives but you can also involve yourself in the wonderful culture of this region. See how people let their hair down, feast your senses on the wonderful colours, captivating music, wonderful array of food and watch as the contagious smiles capture entire towns and cities.

 
Enjoy some rural relaxation in Orchha

The tiny and beautifully relaxing rural village of Orchha, within the northern state of Madhya Pradesh not only offers a myriad of temples, cenotaphs and a magnificent fort that took 13 years to complete for 1 night's stay, but also benefits from sitting on the edge of the rocky River Betwa, possibly the bluest river in India. The very religious people of Orchha are incredibly friendly and offer a warm welcome to all visitors that descend on the small village of which they are all so proud. This is a fantastic place to rest and recuperate for a couple of nights on your journey in the north.

Read more about: Orchha
 
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