CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR IN RAJASTHAN

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive into Delhi and check in to the Imperial Hotel.The Imperial is Delhi's landmark hotel, built in the 1930s as an integral part of Edward Lutyens' New Delhi and located conveniently close to Connaught Place, home to numerous interesting shops and restaurants. The hotel has retained its former colonial-era elegance and offers a very high standard of accommodation, service, excellent facilities and a number of highly acclaimed restaurants, as well as being home to a fascinating collection of 18th and 19th Century art.

Overnight: The Imperial Hotel

Day 2 Explore Delhi

Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Delhi with a private driver and guide exploring as much of the city as you would like. We recommend you take an early morning tour of Old Delhi, a stark contrast to the wide avenues of New Delhi, with small winding streets and bazaars surrounding the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

Overnight: The Imperial Hotel

Day 3 Fly to Udaipur

After a leisurely breakfast, you will take a short flight to Udaipur. On arrival, you will transfer by road to Devi Garh, your home for the next three nights. Contemporary minimalism defines this glorious 18th-century fort-palace, situated around 40 minutes from the city. Enjoy delicious cuisine in the pavilion restaurant with spectacular views over the Aravalli hills and relax in large, bright and airy surroundings with sleek local white marble and semi-precious stone detailing.

Overnight: Devi Garh

Day 4 Udaipur

Merry Christmas! After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Udaipur with your local guide, including a visit to the imposing City Palace, which dominate the east banks of Lake Pichola. The afternoon is yours to do as much or as little as you please. This evening, enjoy a relaxing private boat ride on the lake, which will enable you to see the city in its full glory. Return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

Overnight: Devi Garh

Day 5 At leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy time at Devi Garh. A visit to Delwara Village and its ancient Jain Temple are well worth a wander or you may wish to explore the Aravalli Hills, which are among the oldest mountain ranges in India. A walk across the gentle hills is an enjoyable and refreshing experience.

Overnight: Devi Garh

Day 6 Leopard Safaris

After you have bid your farewells to Devi Garh continue by road to Narlai, a small 15th century rural village. Your stay includes two leopard safaris and your first one will be this afternoon. In the evening, the view from Elephant Hill with a guide is well worth the climb to the top for a birds eye view of the village and to watch the sun go down.With its close proximity to Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh, Narlai is the perfect stopping point between Jodhpur and Udaipur. The building itself dates back to the 17th century and was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family who own it to this day. The family has spent considerable time restoring the property. Stay in characterful, beautifully designed rooms each varying in shape, size and decor.

Overnight: Rawla Narlai

Day 7 Leopard Safaris

Rise early to track leopards with a local and knowledgeable tribesman. You will rejoin your guide this afternoon for a fascinating village walk to learn about the traditional way of life in the desert. Narlai has an extremely close-knit community and spending time with these kind and gentle people is a privilege. You evening will be at leisure.

Overnight: Rawla Narlai

Day 8 Mihir Garh

Continue to Mihir Garh, a journey time of around 2 ½ hours. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore and relax with the exceptional countryside views from your spacious suite.As a member of Relais & Chateaux, this palatial fortress sits proudly in the Thar Desert with a cobalt blue sky as the perfect backdrop. Mihir Garh was once a vision for its owners, now a remarkable reality. Perfectly positioned in the colourful state of Rajasthan and 55 kilometres south-west of Jodhpur, this majestic fort, built to look like a sand castle, holds nine exceptional suites all personally designed and visualised by Rashmi, one of the owners. Each suite has the benefit of either a private plunge pool and views of the rugged landscape or a bubbling Jacuzzi housed in one of the fort's turrets for privacy.Accommodation is on full board basis at Mihir Garh.

Overnight: Mihir Garh

Day 9 Horse Riding and Desert

Today your guide will take you on a fascinating visit to a Bishnoi tribal village. The Bishnoi are remarkable people who live by 29 principles set forth to facilitate their life in the desert. They speak Bisnoi, which is a dialect of Rajasthan and live a simple and wholesome life. In the afternoon, you will be able to explore on horse-back. Mihir Garh is owned by one of the keenest horsemen in Rajasthan, with some of the finest 'Marwari' horses in the stables. There are exceptional riding safaris through the local countryside and into the desert.

Overnight: Mihir Garh

Day 10 New Year's Eve Party 

After breakfast, you will continue to Jodhpur, a journey time of around two hours. Spend the rest of the afternoon settling in to your hotel, a true highlight of your time in Rajasthan. This evening, bring in the New Year with the other guests of Umaid Bhawan and the Maharajah of Jodhpur who always loves to join in with New Year's Eve celebrations at the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort. Dinner is included this evening.

Overnight: Umaid Bhawan

Day 11 Jodhpur

Enjoy a half day in the Blue City with a guide and the rest of the day at leisure in the palace.

Overnight: Umaid Bhawan Palace

Day 12 Mumbai

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai for your final evening. 

Overnight: Taj Santa Cruz

Day 13 Fly Home

At the appropriate time, a Red Savannah representative will meet and transfer you to the airport to check-in for your flight home.