Rajasthan & the Bundi Festival

Discover the intimate and authentic side of Rajasthan on this 15-day slow travel group journey. Witness the magical Bundi Festival, explore historic forts, walk through peaceful rural villages, and experience the silence of the Thar Desert.
€2376 per person, based on a shared twin room.

Highlights of the trip

Start:

Udaipur

End:

Delhi

Journey:

,

Travel style

Duration:

15days

Start date:20/11/2026
End date:04/12/2026
2376P.P
€2376 per person, based on a shared twin room.

Book now

General description

Experience one of the most fascinating states of India off the beaten path. Behind the majestic palaces and mythical cities lies an intimate, authentic Rajasthan, where life flows peacefully in rural villages. This curated 15-day slow travel journey brings together the best of both worlds. Explore world-famous forts and monuments while immersing yourself in remote districts, meeting the nomadic Rabari camel herder communities, and enjoying candlelight dinners by stepwells. The true highlight is the Bundi Festival: for two days, this gorgeous historic city becomes an open-air stage for traditional parades, folk music, dances, and local markets. More intimate and confidential than other festivals, it offers an unmatched glimpse into authentic Rajasthani heritage. 

€2376 per person, based on a shared twin room.

Travel schedule

Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur

Arrive at Udaipur Airport and receive a warm welcome from your French-speaking Heart of India Travel representative. Depending on your arrival time, rest or enjoy a guided walking tour of Udaipur’s historic old town with its bustling streets, ancient temples, and heritage facades, with a potential visit to the Udaipur Palace. In the evening, attend a traditional folk dance performance.

Day 2: Udaipur – Narlai

After breakfast, depart for Narlai (3 hours drive) through the scenic Aravalli Hills and traditional Rajasthani villages. En route, optionally visit the famous white marble Ranakpur Jain Temple, renowned for its 1,444 uniquely carved pillars. In the evening, experience a magical candlelit dinner near an ancient stepwell, enhanced by the enchanting spiritual chants of a Sufi musician.

Day 3: Narlai

Early in the morning, embark on a nature hike toward Kumbhalgarh (approx. 14 km) through the rugged Aravalli wilderness. Visit the impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by a spectacular 36 km wall, the second longest in the world. In the late afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Narlai village to meet local residents.

Day 4: Narlai – Dera Village

Start with an early morning jeep safari to meet the Rabari tribe in their daily environment. After breakfast, depart for Dera Village (4 hours drive) in the serene Thar Desert. Settle into Kaner Retreat, India’s first desert botanical resort. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the Oran and Kaner botanical gardens to discover endemic desert flora. All meals are included.

Day 5: Dera Village

Spend the morning visiting a family of camel, goat, and sheep herders, and enjoy a jeep safari to meet the local villagers. Next, explore the pottery museum, followed by a unique 7-course ‘Kaner Clay’ lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy high tea and a jeep safari through the unexplored desert, ending with a magical dinner on the dunes.

Day 6: Dera Village – Jodhpur

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur (1.5 hours drive), the famous ‘Blue City.’ Settle in, and optionally visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort or enjoy shopping at the traditional Anokhi boutique. In the afternoon, take a guided tour through the old town’s narrow blue alleys. Visit the Sambhali Trust, an inspiring local NGO dedicated to empowering underprivileged women. In the evening, enjoy a local cooking class and dinner.

Day 7: Jodhpur – Bundi

After breakfast, drive to Bundi (6–7 hours drive). You can choose to stay in a rural village (Tehsil) about an hour from Bundi for an authentic local immersion and evening walk. Alternatively, stay in a charming heritage hotel in the heart of Bundi, ideally located to join the festival festivities early the next morning.

Day 8: Bundi (Bundi Festival)

Experience a spectacular day at the Bundi Festival, a vibrant cultural event. The festivities begin around 08:00am at the Bundi Palace with a sacred ceremony dedicated to Lord Ganesh, followed by a colorful procession through the streets with folk musicians, dancers in traditional attire, decorated animals, and lively cultural performances.

Day 9: Bundi – Barli

After breakfast, depart for Barli (3–4 hours drive) and check in at a magnificent 350-year-old fort hotel. Relax by the pool or stroll through the quiet village to meet the friendly locals. If a local wedding or procession takes place, you will be cordially invited to witness and participate. Stay is on a half-board basis.

Day 10: Barli

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of the fort led by the owner, who will share stories of his royal family heritage. Visit the local school supported by the fort. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-3 hour heritage walk through the village, visiting local homes and farms. In the evening, savor a candlelit dinner in the elegant Rani Mahal royal dining hall.

Day 11: Barli – Jaipur

Depart early for Jaipur (4–5 hours drive), stopping en route in Bagru, famous for hand-block printing. Learn about this ancient craft and print your own pattern. Arrive in Jaipur or Amer in the late afternoon. If a wedding is taking place, you will have a respectful opportunity to observe the vibrant celebrations at a local resort.

Day 12: Jaipur

Experience Jaipur’s old town and palaces early in the morning on an original cycling tour as the city slowly awakens. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic old town, exploring local crafts and architecture. If staying at Khas Bagh, you may have the opportunity to watch an authentic polo match.

Day 13: Jaipur – Sariska

Start the morning by visiting the majestic hilltop Amber Fort, showcasing stunning Rajput and Mughal architecture. Afterward, drive to Sariska, stopping at picturesque villages along the way. Settle into your nature resort, and embark on a late afternoon jeep safari through the wild, preserved landscapes of Sariska National Park.

Day 14: Sariska

Embark on a deep wilderness safari in Sariska National Park, a pristine sanctuary nestled in the Aravalli Hills, offering opportunities to spot tigers, leopards, antelopes, and rare birds. Enjoy a free afternoon, and in the late afternoon, take a scenic walk to a panoramic spot for high tea at sunset.

Day 15: Sariska – Delhi Airport – Flight Home

Transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (approx. 4–5 hours drive) for your return flight home. Evening or night flights are highly recommended to allow for a relaxed journey to the airport.

Services Included:

  • Warm reception and assistance upon arrival at the airport.
  • Private air-conditioned Toyota Innova Crysta vehicle with an English-speaking driver, including all fuel, tolls, and taxes.
  • Comfortable heritage and boutique hotel accommodation with breakfast.
  • Excursions and guided visits as listed in the daily program.
  • 24/7 dedicated local assistance throughout your journey.
  • Meals explicitly indicated in the daily itinerary.

Services Not Included

  • International flights.
  • Indian visa fees.
  • Mandatory travel and cancellation insurance.
  • Meals not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Monument entry fees (unless specified).
  • Personal expenses (tips, drinks, shopping, etc.).

The highlights of the trip

  • Bundi Festival Open-Air Celebration
  • Kaner Retreat Desert Botanical Oasis
  • White Marble Temple of Ranakpur & Udaipur
  • Local Traditions and Living Heritage
  • Sariska National Park Wilderness Safari
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