Rural Rajasthan and Varanasi

Without a doubt MehrangarhFort is the site to see in Jodhpur and it is worth making a day of it. Though it’s open from 9 to 5, the fort itself is best to see first thing in the morning, when it’s coolest, maybe after some sunrise yoga on the rooftop of Baradari. The walk up is ten or fifteen minutes winding uphill, so front office can always arrange a tuk-tuk. Once you get there we highly recommended getting an audio guide with your museum ticket (600Rs). The history is simply fascinating, a blend of elephant battles, Mughal sieges and political machinations. The fort is in such good condition because Jodhpur’s royal family lived there until the 1950s! Indeed the fort museum has a beautiful collection of the families’ most extravagant paintings, palaquins and even cribs, which continued to be used well into the twentieth century. From the top rooms of the museum the view of Jodhpur is incredible, so bring your cameras (the camera fee is worth it).The fort’s shop is well curated and is the source of some lovely books and paintings and, should the mood takes you, the palmistry shop is always well-received.

A quick tuk-tuk ride away from the RAAS is the oldest (and bluest) heart of Jodhpur. The blue houses were traditionally owned by members of the Brahmin caste, who painted their houses with indigo. Now everyone has taken up the practice, as it is thought to cool houses and repel insects, and blue has become Jodhpur’s signature colour. The best way to explore the winding (and wholly illogical) streets of Jodhpur is to get completely lost, which is inevitable at some point. If that’s not your scene, why not try a walking tour of the old city. There is so much more to see than just blue houses; the town is a jumble of old and new and the fun is in spotting stunning detailing, finding tiny courtyards, hidden temples, mosques and untouched havelis in the middle of the buzz of the city. In spotting an ancient Deodi entrance to a new ordinary house, an intricately carved over-hanging Jharokha window-balcony, an exquisite Jaali frieze in the famous rose-red sand-stone, a Chowk square blessed by a 300 year old sacred Peepul tree, the crumbling remnants of an elegant red sand-stone wall. In fact, the entire old city was completely walled in till the 1950s with the six monumental Pol gates closing up from dusk to dawn. The walls have all but been absorbed; the gates still stand.

It is another amazing half day trip located a 40km (1 hour) drive away. We wouldn't advise that complete beginners book this riding experience as it typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours. Efficient guides are provided and the routes wind through beautiful Rajasthani countryside and include views over the nearby Thar Desert. This is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy an outdoor adventure alone or with the whole family. These trips are subject to availability and are often only possible during the period between August and April. Therefore please inform RAAS if you are interested and they will be more than happy to make some enquiries and arrange a bespoke experience for you.

For those looking for the peace and quiet of a village outside Jodhpur, our excursions to Osian are perfect. We can arrange half-day trips to the town, an oasis in the Thar Desert, which is about an hour and a half’s journey away. Osian has some of Rajasthan's oldest Hindu and Jain temples, which are well worth the visit alone. The Sachiya Mata Temple overlooks the town centre from its hilltop position, but can't compare with the nearby Mahavira Jain Temple (10Rs), which is well-maintained and has myriad alcoves and 28 pillars radiating out from its beautifully carved central shrine. Wander from here around the other temples, which have some interesting features; look out for the projecting stone elephants of the Peeplaj Temple

Camel treks are very popular at Osian, and these trips are best done in the afternoon, as the day cools. Though trips can be a little cheesy at times, the experience is great and sunset dinners on the dunes are unmissable. Traditional folk dances also happen in the village, and are a great spectacle. Speak to the concierge, who can organise everything for you, though prices for camel treks will vary with the season and can be difficult to do in monsoon periods.

Cookery courses are hugely popular with families, we can open up our kitchens to you and our head chef will help you craft a set of recipes for you to cook and then devour for dinner. A really fun way to spend an afternoon, learn about local Rajasthani delicacies and get a sneaky look behind the scenes at the RAAS. In fact, our head of food and beverage also loves to arrange culinary tours; he’ll take you around the grain, spice, vegetable and pulse markets, showing you where all the food at our restaurants is sourced and giving you a taste of how fresh your dinner is! It is a lovely way to explore the city, accompanied by an old hand who knows all where all the best food is to be found.

Flying fox is a repeated favourite with children, although there is a height requirement, which it’s good to check beforehand to avoid disappointment. For a spot of shopping, try Sambhali Boutique, who have a beautiful range of brightly coloured and embroidered stuffed animals. Better still, everything in the shop, including beautiful jewellery, is produced by rural Rajasthani women’s groups, and helps funds female empowerment projects in the most poverty-stricken parts of the state.

Boating in the river in a comfortable country boat for about 1.15 Hours. Usually this one is enjoyed early morning or in the evenings when there is more bird activity. Muggers (Crocodiles) can also be seen basking in the sun on the shores/ the island or popping their heads out from the water while you are boating in the Chambal River. The boatmen will take you around the island in the Chambal and to tributary of the Chambal called the Bamani River along the Fort wall which is partially submerged in water. We can also serve you tea and coffee on board.

The Baroli or Badoli Temples are a work of architectural brilliance. Though the history of the Baroli Temples is not very clear, they are reported to have been built during the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire in the 9th/10th – 11th centuries. British Historian Col. James Tod, in his Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan which is a compilation of the History of Rajasthan wrote that these temples were built by the Huns who ruled this area during the 9th century AD. They are one of the earliest temple complexes in Rajasthan. A carved stone image of the god Nataraja was stolen from the Baroli temple complex in 1998. It has been traced to a private collector in London. However, the statue has not been recovered so far.

The Baroli Temples are of great architectural interest, consisting of temple structures built in the Gurjara-Pratihara architectural style, with exquisitely carved stonework. They are in differing stages of upkeep, with some in a semi-ruined state. There are 8 major temples in Baroli and a ninth about one kilometre away. Four temples are dedicated to Shiva (including Ghateshwara Mahadeva Temple), two to Durga and one each to Shiva-Trimurti (Trinity), Vishnu and Ganesha.

The Nataraja (Natesha) images carved in these temples are similar to those seen at Upramala. The sculpture has 16 arms and its headdress is matted. There is a large diadem carved at the centre top of the skull, which is "garnished with beaded swags." The facial features are very fine, with high arched brows and full mouth. This temple complex is just 15 minutes’ drive (8Kms) from Bhainsrorgarh Fort. Duration of this activity is about 02 Hours.

Jeep drive to the tribal villages: Bhainsrorgarh’s proximity to the Chambal River has resulted in a picturesque landscape dotted with small villages. A ride through the country side in an open four-by-four takes you through farms of wheat and mustard, typical villages under local governance and a tribal village which continue to live without electricity. The drive that takes you over half an hour from the fort finally ends near the village of Balapura that rests by the edge of a reservoir. Ideally timed before sunset, tea and biscuits are organized for guests while they take in the beauty and tranquility of a sunset in the country side – birds settling down to the day’s end, stealthy jungle cats getting ready for their nocturnal prowls, village sounds of temple bells and the hustle of evening chores. Duration: 02 Hours

This is most unique experience not only in Rajasthan but as per one of our most well-travelled Guests: “It is most unique one on offer in North India.” We take you in a Motorized Boat to the most hidden part of this area downstream the Chambal River where the River is flowing between two mountain ranges. There is no sign of Human and you are in the Lap of Pristine Nature with only the sound of Birds and Nature. You get to see crocodiles in good numbers and luckier the day for you and the number increases. Sipping a Hot Cup of Coffee/Tea of your choice followed by breakfast sitting on the Rock on shores of the Aeru River adds a dimension to your experience. This is the place where the Aeru River joins the Chambal River. On one side is the Mukundarrah Hills Tiger Reserve & Natinoal Park and on the other is the forest of the Jawahar Sagar Game Sanctuary and between flow the pristine waters of the Chambal.

Picnic at the Lake in the forest. A peaceful meal under the cover of trees is one of the most popular activity with our guests who are staying with us for 3 Nights or more. The walk to this lake is also very good which takes about an hour to reach. Guests visit one small village on the way/Those who wish to go my Jeep can do accordingly.

We organize cooking demonstrations at the property where we cook and share our authentic recipes with the guests. We can also arrange for the guests to go shopping for spices to the nearby town market, procure all the ingredients and cook with us.