Walk on sacred ground in Rajasthan, India
Follow in the footsteps of maharanis and maharajahs as you explore the opulent jewel in India’s crown.
In India, the land of ancient tales and mystical visions come to life, there is something extra-special about the state of Rajasthan. Sprawling across the country’s north-west and encompassing much of the beautiful Thar Desert, it’s a place of princely palaces and lavish forts where kings and maharajahs have chased immortality. This combination of unique architecture and desert landscapes, along with vibrant cities such as Jodhpur and Udaipur, has made Rajasthan one of 2020’s trending travel destinations. Seeing the dusky-hued walls of a medieval fortress looming above fields and rugged hills in the light of a golden-setting sun is sublime; to spend the night in such a place, like the Alila Fort Bishangarh (alilahotels.com), is one for the bucket list. Here, and at other historic properties reimagined as luxurious accommodation, you’ll be transported to the heady days of the maharajah. Rising like an all-white vision from the waters of Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace (tajhotels.com) offers respite from the cacophony of Udaipur on its serene rooftop terrace. Meanwhile, the boutique, more wallet-friendly Rawla Narlai (rawlanarlai.com) – a beautifully restored 17th-century royal retreat in the scenic Aravalli hills – proves that even princes sometimes know how to save their pennies. Rajasthan isn’t just opulent palaces and acres of polished marble. Life on its streets is equally rich; a colourful dreamscape of sights and sounds. Women in jewel-coloured saris. The bellow of spice vendors and chai wallahs.
Camels and elephants wandering improbably along city streets. A rickshaw ride through the narrow passages of the old city of Jodhpur is guaranteed to excite the senses. A visit to Mehrangarh Fort, a landmark that has loomed over the city since 1459 and was aptly described by writer Rudyard Kipling as “the work of giants”, is a lesson in the country’s majesty and might. Explore the region from a fresh perspective. Celebrate the golden age of train travel aboard the Palace on Wheels (thepalaceonwheels.com), with its lavishly appointed sleeper carriages and dining cars. Glamp in the Thar Desert under a spectacular canopy of stars. Join a camel trek or a wildlife safari in search of leopards, tigers and four-horned antelope.