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This
is a list of off-beat retreats that give their guest a unique experience instead
of the regular monument hopping run-of-the-mill itinerary. This comprise a lot
of rural retreats, desert retreats, hunting lodges and resorts that have chosen
to agree to differ and tread a different path that presents a completely new dimension
of Rajasthan to the guests. Overseas guests have loved these from their inception
and Indian travellers have started to discover these and appreciate.  Rawla
Narlai, Narlai
– Rawla Narlai is situated Midway between Udaipur
and Jodhpur and Offers a peek into the rural Rajasthan. Rawlas are basically heritage
homes of the Village chieftan which is now restored and renovated with heritage
interiors and still retains a rural feel.
Activities:
Jeep Safari into nearby Forests where Deer, Leopards and Chitals can be spotted.
The safari also extends to a visit to the nearby Handicraft centre where locals
craft Dhurries and handcrafted Textiles. During Winters, Evenings are dotted with
a traditional dance performances and cuisine served here is typically Rajasthani.
A trek on the hill hugging the Rawla is also possible.
Access : Falna Station : 20 kms. Udaipur :
140 kms Rohet
Garh and
Wilderness Retreat, Rohet
near Jodhpur – Rohetgarh a retreat just on the outskirts of Jodhpur. Here again
a village chieftains house is now converted into a fine retreat next to a river
stream. Wilderness Camp is a tented camp 17 kms from Rohetgarh and guests choose
to stay overnight there after a full day horse safari. Activities
: -
Village
Safari -
Horse
riding & An extensive one to five day horse safari programme. -
Picnics
in the countryside. -
A
one day camel safari through neighbouring villages with picnic lunch. -
A two
day cooking workshop on traditional cuisines, including a visit to the spice market
and cooking demonstrations by selected local chefs.
Access : Jodhpur - 40 kms Deogarh
Mahal, Between Udaipur
and Jaipur–
Deogarh
Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill
and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes,
strewn across the countryside. At
a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than surrounding Rajasthan.
This started as a stopover point on the Udaipur-Jaipur route but now become a
destination by itself. Activities
that one can indulge in while at Deogarh - Rural
Ramble - a Jeep drive into the countryside with an escort
- Rural
Rail - A local train ride through a wooded hill section ( Deogarh to Phulad. 1930’s
train)
- Trekking (in the hills)
- English
saddle horse riding around the hotel and the nearby villages.
- Romantic
horse-carriage ride
- A walk through the
village
- Boating on the lake ( monsoon
permitting)
- Bird watching (near the lakes)
with an expert
- Picnics
- Bicycling
single or tandem
- Special romantic dinners
- Motorcycle on hire for a trip in the countryside
Access
: Udaipur - 130 kms Chanwa
Luni, Jodhpur
Outskirts–
Fort
Chanwa Luni is owned and run by direct descendents of Rao Jodha and now
an exquisite heritage hotel and a welcome difference to a more urban looking jodhpur. Activities
: -
Day
Out with Tribal Community : A day out with a particular local community
viz "Bishnoi", "Patel" (Agriculturist) "Moila" (Potter),
"Prajapat" (Weaver). The guests are made to dress same as like their
host and join the family forms early morning to lead the same life style as of
host till evening. Mineral water, Meals and interpreter are arranged by hotel. -
Picnic
Lunch at Desert Oasis: In the morning depart for a jeep safari visiting
"Bishnois" , "Patels" , "Raikas", "Moilas"
and "Prajapat" communities. Sighting antelopes on the way, arrive at
desert Oasis where mouth watering picnic lunch awaits you, A separate bar is set-up
under the cool shades of trees. -
Half
Day Jeep Safari: In the afternoon, depart for a jeep safari visiting
"Bishnois" , "Patels" , "Raikas", "Moilas"
and " Prajapat" communities, sighting antelopes on the way, arrive at
picturesque setting to view sunset from a hillock with a temple on top. Tea /
Coffee and snacks are served while viewing beautiful sunset. -
Excursion
to Jawai dam & back with Picnic Lunch, Guest can go for walks, treks or cycle
in the surrounding hills, They can also do fishing, boating or sight crocodiles
in the Jawai lake or look for panthers living in the hills. Access
: Jodhpur - 30 kms Manvar, Between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer–
Manvar is an oasis. The arid backdrop, the greenery within, ethnic rural feel
and warm hospitality is very refreshing. Manvar Desert Camp
a few kilometers away is much more exclusive and private desert retreat (as compared
to the more touristy Sam). Activities
- Three safaris, each involving numerous
visually stimulating sights and sounds to add to the excitement of your stay with
us. Manvar Safaris offer great outdoor
adventure and a taste of the Thar Desert. Visitors can choose between camel and
Jeep safaris. Visitors can visit tribal (bishnoi) villages, see desert wild life,
watch local craftsmen at work and enjoy the beautiful sand dunes.
Access
: Jodhpur - 115 kms Shahpura
Bagh, Between Chittaurgarh and Ahmer–
Shahpura
Bagh is a 30-acre heritage estate (1630 AD) Situated midway between Jaipur and
Udaipur. This was a summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura and now a fine
heritage hotel. Estate is surrounded by lakes, greenery and is ideal for those
seeking some activities and also for those looking for pure relaxation. Activities
-
Visit to the local
craft centre. -
Fishing
and Boating on the lakes -
Birding
in the wetlands around the area (Nahar Sagar, Umaid Sagar and the Arvardh Dam,
along with 250 small lakes form the heart of a verdant wetland refuge). Access
: Udaipur / Jaipur - 220 kms, Kota - 120 kms Castle
Bijaipur, Between Udaipur and Bundi
near Chittaurgarh (40 kms)–
Castle
Bijaipur is a 16th century castle set in the serene vindhyanchal ranges near Chittaurgarh.
Castle Bijaipur is located 40 kms up a hill from Chittaurgarh and is literally
"Middle of nowhere" kind of a place. The Royal family welcomes and spends
a lot of time with the guests which is a big bonus. Instead of remaining a mere
stopover, its developed into an activity based destination where guests love the
heritage stay and explore areas around. Activities
: A wildlife sanctuary adjacent to the castle has leopard, chinkara, spotted and
four-horned deer, crocodile and wild boar as well as a variety of birds. Jeep
and camel safaris, trekking and camping, visits to nearby pangarh fort and boating
and fishing in its lotus lake, and local tribal folk songs in the evenings are
other amusement activities arranged here. Horse Safaris can be arranged on prior
request. Access
: Chittaurgarh - 40 kms, Udaipur - 140 kms Leopards
Lair, Bera - Leopards Lair Resort is located at Bera at 150 kms from Udaipur
and 50 kms from Ranakpur and run by the Royal family with a wide experience in
Wildlife safaris and Photography. Bera is very good village surrounded by hills
& forest. Activities
- In the morning you can take a drive to the lakes situated in the vicinity of
Bera, good for people who like bird-watching and the occasional sightings of crocodiles.
During Leopard safari in the evening you can spot leopards. Other wildlife sightings
comprise Blue Bulls, Wild Jungle Cats, Hyenas, Wolves, Jackals, Hare, Red Fox,
etc. Access
: Udaipur - 150 kms, Ranakpur - 50 kms Siana
Adventures, Siana - Siana
Gardens
is really a farm located just
outside the town where the family grows wheat and mustard. The family lives on
the premises and personally looks after the guests, their stay, safaris etc. Activities
- Farm visits, visits to the
surrounding tribal villages, an evening safari to the jungles along the nearby
Aisrana
Ranges
for an experience
of the wildlife. As these Jungles are not an enclosed national park, night driving
is permitted and you get to see hyenas, desert cats, panthers with spotlights
at dusk. Birding enthusiasts can drive out to Bithan and Punak which is about
30 mins from Siana for a variety of local and visiting birds. During the winter
months species like Demoiselle cranes, variety of duck and geese, flamingoes and
pelicans can be sighted. Access
: Sirohi - 40 kms, Udaipur - 175 kms Fort
Madhogarh, Between Jaipur (42 kms) and Agra
– Fort
madhogarh is a rural retreat at just 42 kms from Jaipur on the Agra Road. It offers
cooking classes for Rajasthani Cuisine on prior request and has a host of activities
for the guests. Guests love the rural backdrop and views from the fort of the
villages and greenery around. Activities
-
Camel
rides and Jeep Safari to the village, afternoon tea at sunset Terrace. Gala Dinner
with Entertainment. -
Half
day Camel/ Horse/ Jeep Safari to the Tunga battle field, cenotaphs and step wells. -
Visit
to the Patan dam for bird watching. Access
: Jaipur : 42 kms | 
