Rural Rajasthan and Varanasi

India’s capital, New Delhi, lies on the Indo-Gangetic Plain, within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful buildings, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the grand, sandstone Red Fort, striking Qutab Minar, and fascinating Humayun's Tomb. Architecture enthusiasts will delight in the iconic Lotus Temple. Hear ‘qawwalis’ (devotional music) at the dargah (tomb) of the Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya; or wander through the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, famous for its traditional jewellery and saris. The gorgeous Sunder Nursery and Lodi Garden provide calm, flower-filled oases for picnicking.

Situated amid the vast expanse of the Thar Desert on the far western border of India’s Rajasthan state, the city of Jaisalmer is home to the world's only inhabited medieval living fort. This 12th-century city served as a bustling trading post along the famous Silk Road and still to this day features markets selling silk, cashmere, silver jewellery, bronze statues and much more. The undeniable star attraction of this city is the spectacular Jaisalmer Fort, which rises from the desert floor like a gigantic sandcastle and encompasses winding streets filled with shops, temples, hotels and ancient mansions. Visitors can also look forward to taking jeep and camel safaris into the surrounding desert and exploring a variety of grand palaces, elaborate Jain temples and ornate havelis.

Known as the gateway to the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is a popular tourist destination featuring a variety of ornate palaces, age-old forts, and sacred temples. Dubbed ‘The Blue City’, the old city contains houses in a beautiful shade of indigo. While Jodhpur is largely a sprawling modern metropolis, enclosed within its old city walls is a labyrinth of winding, narrow medieval streets, and bazaars. The massive 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, which towers over the city from its sandstone plinth, is one of the largest in the country. Other must-see attractions include the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world's largest private residences; and the Jaswant Thada, an intricately carved white marble mausoleum.

Resting in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, only 36 km from Ranakpur, Narlai is a busy little town dating back to the 15th century. It is surrounded by idyllic countryside, where countless sacred temples can be found. The most prominent of these is the Shri Adinath Jain Temple, which dates back to the year 907 and features two enormous elephant statues, which stand guard at its entrance. Other popular attractions include the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort; the impressive 17th-century Rawla Narlai heritage hotel (once the vacation home of the Maharaja Jodhpur); and the colossal Shri Aai Mata Shrine, set high up on a hilltop and containing an "eternal flame".

Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of Udaipur is built around three interconnected lakes – Lake Pichhola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake – and is encircled by the hills of the Aravalli mountain range. It is home to an array of ancient temples and fairy-tale-like palaces (several of the latter have been converted into luxury heritage hotels) and is known as one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic cities. Must-see attractions include the City Palace, the Lake Palace (set on a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola), and the Udaipur Solar Observatory – Asia’s premier solar-gazing site.

Resting on the northern bank of the beautiful Chambal River, Bhainsrorgarh is a bustling city that serves as the perfect base for travelling the scenic surroundings in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan. Rich in history and culture, the ancient Bhainsrorgarh Fort is one of the area's primary drawcards. Perched at 200 feet on a rocky ridge overlooking the river and countryside, Bhainsrorgarh is a fortified outpost of the Udaipur Kingdom. Those wanting to immerse themselves in this residence of royalty can spend the night at the Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel. Catering to every type of traveller, fun-filled activities include taking in the city sights, exploring traditional villages dotting the lush farmlands, sampling local Rajasthani cuisine, exploring the 9th-century Badoli Temples, venturing to Bundi Fort and picnicking on River Island. Don't forget to keep a lookout for crocodiles in the river.

Resting on the sun-drenched plains of Rajasthan, in northwestern India, the city of Shahpura serves as a midway stopover between Jaipur and Udaipur. This city is a little oasis amidst the dry hills of Rajasthan and is a place of pilgrimage for the Ram Snehi, a spiritual and religious group with traditions originating in the early 19th century. Shahpura is primarily untouched by modernity and seems eternally preserved in time. Surrounded by over 250 small lakes, the area is a bird watching paradise and an idyllic setting for visitors to enjoy boating on Shahpura’s picturesque lake. Other attractions include: the Ramdwara Temple, an ancient place of worship; the annual Phooldol Mela, a five-day religious festival; and the ancient, crumbling Dhikhola Fort, a great location for visitors to enjoy evening sundowners with views of the expansive landscape.

Fringed by the rugged Aravali Hills, Jaipur, nicknamed the ‘Pink City’ for its salmon-hued terracotta buildings, is the capital and largest city in the Rajasthan State. This metropolis combines tradition and modernity with its vibrant bazaars, lavish palaces, and ancient temples. Don’t miss the fairy-tale splendour of the Amber Fort, set against the backdrop of the arid landscape and hosting enthralling sound and light shows; the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, a collection of 300-year-old astronomical tools which look like contemporary art; and the opulent City Palace, with its palatial structures, sprawling gardens, and atmospheric courtyards. Jaipur falls within the Golden Triangle, a popular tourist circuit, which includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, and it also serves as a gateway to the neighbouring desert cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.

Sawai Madhopur, the lively capital city of the greater Sawai Madhopur District, rests within southeast Rajasthan, on the northern extension of the sprawling Vindhyan Plateau. The city is famous for its flourishing fauna and flora and mouth-watering cuisine. Some of the best ways to experience these local treasures include a meander through enchanting public gardens and a sample of the delicious local dishes at the numerous atmospheric restaurants. Both a history and nature enthusiasts dream, Sawai Madhopur opens a world of enjoyable excursions with some of the most notable attractions being the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ranthambore Fort; the religiously significant Chamatkar Temple; and the remarkable Ranthambhore National Park, renowned for its abundance of free-roaming wildlife including the majestic Bengal tiger and Indian leopard.

A small town in Rajasthan, Sapotara or Sapotra is close to Karauli, Bamanwas, Gangapur, and Karanpur. The primary attraction here is the historic Ramathra Fort, along with the gorgeous Kalisil Lake, and Sapotara also has a lovely little entertainment area where visitors can find excellent theaters, restaurants, and cinemas. The vast wild and open natural landscapes that surround the town offer superb hiking, star-gazing, and bird-watching opportunities (look out for kingfishers, herons, and waterfowl). Nature-lovers should also make sure to visit the enthralling Kailadevi National Park, neighbouring Daang plateau to discover several hidden shrines, Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur, and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur. Animals to look out for in this area include several types of deer, wild boars, sloth bears, panthers, jackals, and wolves.

Located at the intersection of three Indian states, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, in Northern India, the Chambal Valley is a famous wildlife and bird watching destination. This area has much to offer with its impressive landscapes, fascinating ruins and variety of fauna and flora. The Chambal Valley’s natural diversity and unique ecosystem make it an ideal getaway for nature lovers, who can look forward to visiting the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, inhabited by the endangered gharial, a fish-eating crocodile; the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges River dolphin. Don’t miss the camel safari, which takes visitors along the Chambal river and past several historical sites, including the Ater Fort, which is over 800 years old and the ancient villages of Kuntalpur and Morena. Activities such as rafting, camping, bird watching, boating, and other watersports are available for adventure seekers.

Set on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a beautiful city famous for its incredible Taj Mahal building, one of the seven wonders of the world. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions. The city boasts numerous other superb attractions, including the red-hued sandstone Agra Fort, built in the 16th century; the Shahi Jama Masjid mosque, a 17th-century congregational mosque located in the historic core of Agra, and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, with its white marble facade embellished with intricate inlaid designs, also called the' Baby Taj'.

An ancient and deeply sacred city, Varanasi rests along the banks of the holy River Ganges and encompasses a wealth of beautiful riverside temples, stately old forts and vibrant markets. It’s considered the spiritual capital of Hinduism, and it’s widely believed that dying here will bring salvation. As a result, the city is home to a multitude of ghats – stone steps leading to the river –some of which are used for bathing rituals and others as cremation sites. An early morning boat ride along the Ganges offers an excellent way to take in the ghats and the bustling activity centred on them.

As previously described