Rajasthan’s opulent palaces & imposing forts have long captured the thoughts of discerning travelers around the globe. But, is that all there is to the Land of Kings? Short answer, no. Long answer– Rajasthan happens to be India’s largest state, so it’s tough to say that you’ve seen it all, ever! For those who seek the extraordinary beyond the state’s glorious tourist spots, here’s a look at our guests’ favourite top off-beat luxury experiences in Rajasthan.
SUJAN Jawai: Leopards & Luxury
While Ranthambore’s royal Bengal tigers command the spotlight, Jawai’s exceptional fauna offers an altogether more exclusive encounter. Here, in the world’s leopard spotting capital, you will find yourself tracking these big elegant cats, in what feels like your private wilderness. Adding a touch of local heritage are the guides who lead your journey in the wild– they are none other than Jawai village’s Rabari tribe herdsmen!
The accommodation perfectly complements the extraordinary leopard safari. SUJAN Jawai’s artfully designed luxury tents rival the finest of hotel suites. Featuring antiques for a colonial charm & traditional Rajasthani decor, these premier tent stays overlook the vast, rugged Aravalli landscapes. This experience is best done between October & March, when the wildlife is out & about.
Living Heritage in Bishnoi
A short drive from Jodhpur will bring you to the Bishnoi village, where time seems to stand still. The name “Bishnoi” itself is derived from the community’s core beliefs: “Bish” meaning twenty, and “Noi” meaning nine in the local language, referring to the 29 principles that guide their exceptional way of life. With our tailored tours, you could perhaps visit Bishnoi homes, observe their unique daily life and even enjoy a traditional meal.
Here, master artisans practice art– passed down generations– with plausible dedication. Watch the fascinating weaving of durries and khadi textiles, and the potter’s hands bringing clay to life atop a rotating wheel. Don’t be surprised if one of them offers to teach you a bit of their art. Perhaps, one of these exquisite crafts can be your souvenir– closer to the local heritage than any typical keepsake!
A Live Farm-to-Table Feast
The universal language of food never disappoints. On Jodhpur’s pastoral outskirts is our next experience, called “Mharo Khet”. This immersive tour takes you through a traditional Indian working farm– walking alongside farmers & learning how they have impressively maintained age-old agricultural practices for generations. Your experience culminates with their extraordinary alfresco farm-to-table lunch, featuring a variety of traditional Rajasthani specialities & continental dishes, each prepared using seasonal ingredients, harvested fresh from the farm.
The Desert Jewel: Khimsar Fort
Undoubtedly one of the most wonderfully restored fort hotels in Rajasthan, the 16th-century Khimsar is perched in the ethereal sand dunes of the Thar desert. Surrounded by the Khimsar village, the fort is only about a two hour drive from the Blue City, Jodhpur. What makes it more special than the other heritage hotels in Rajasthan you ask? A part of the fort is still the residence of the royal descendants! Perhaps you’ll also adore its enticing location in the middle of long stretches of the golden desert.
The fort’s recent restoration is perfectly balanced with handcrafted period furniture, alongside what I’d consider are modern amenities, such as the manicured courtyards with recliners. I particularly love an exclusive sundowner there. But I suppose dining under the starry skies, right beside a gorgeous desert lake, is more spectacular. Owing to the internet, the fort is gaining attention like all pretty things do– which means if you’re looking forward to your next grand stay here, book your suites in advance!
Dawn in the Desert Sky
An experience I can imagine the Maharajas really missing out on. Only a few know how to fancy the privilege of bird-eye views of all the majestic tourist spots within Rajasthan. Drifting over expansive ancient forts & colorful towns will certainly take over your thrill of flight. But hot air balloon rides are even better when done at sunrise– be it over Jaipur’s massive Amer Fort or Pushkar’s holy lake & temples.
Watching the royal land wake up from the sky, you’ll understand why some stories are best told from above. Photographs are, of course, all stunning & so will be your indelible memories from the Land of Kings. Each ride lasts about an hour, and every moment is worth it. It’s always better to secure your spot in advance, during their operational months between September to April.
FAQs
The best places to experience Hot Air Ballooning in Rajasthan are:
1. Jaipur: The Pink City is fascinating to watch from above, especially the Amer Fort & the walled city– where all of Jaipur’s gems lie, including the Hawa Mahal & the City Palace.
2. Pushkar: Expect staggering views of the Holy lake & many temples.
3. Jaisalmer: The Golden City’s expansive views of the desert & the Jaisalmer fort are particularly stunning to watch from above.
Absolutely! While off-beat experiences come at the cost of being remote & lesser known, the best ones will always match the comfort of luxury like any other. Rajasthan in particular has a great bunch of off-beats places to explore, all complemented with the finest accommodations & transport.
Besides the indelible memories, you can expect to find traditional handicrafts to take home. Bishnoi’s durries & clay pottery are among our guests’ favourite souvenirs. Other artisanal crafts are readily available in the local heritage markets throughout Rajasthan– Johari Bazaar & Clock Tower Market being the top choices.
The best way to book a customised off-beat luxury itinerary for Rajasthan is via a reputable travel agency in India. Contact TRAVELOSEI at 1(800) 917-1663 or share your requirements through this quick form.
