Rajasthan Untrodden
Hidden Heritage and Hinterlands
Rajasthan
Your Journey
A sojourn covering the natural marvels of Rajasthan, skirts along the southwestern region of the state, starting from the Dhundhar region lying in the semi-arid and rain-fed easter plains, crossing into the lush Aravalli following the trail of the big cats from the famed tigers of Ranthambore to the elusive leopards of rocky crops in Bera, where a surprising relationship ensues between Rabari shepherds and leopards.
In the land filled with shining examples of royalty and their magnificent achievements of architecture, the most precious ones are perhaps the least noticed. Numerous man-made lakes and dams have made life possible in a state heavily dependent on monsoon rains with almost no natural catchments.
Traversing through a varied landscape dotted with forts and palaces, many abandoned, some renewed with a fresh lease of life, thanks to the interests of discerning travellers from around the world. You too shall experience a way of life filled with culture and enduring legacy in the royal quarters of a fort.
wildlife
Walking Safaris, Jeep Drives, Night Walks, Birding Walks, Boat Rides
adventure
Boating in Kaisil Lake at Ramathra and the private lakes at Shahpura Bagh, Off-Road Jeep rides in search of the elusive rosette leopards of Bera
habitat
Travel through the easter plains and drive through the passes in the ancient hills of Aravalli as you experience a marked variation in the landscape from wetlands to lush forests to arid regions fighting hard to keep the desert at bay.
tribes
Numerous tribes and unique communities live along your travel path, from the ancient Bhil tribes to the bohemian Bishnois whose love and reverence for nature and life is unparalleled.
conservation
Blessed with a density of big cats, tigers and leopards in a small geographic area comes with their own challenges. Many individuals and organizations have risen to meet the challenges and safeguard these treasures of nature. SNS Foundation by Sujan and legacy projects by royal families to ensure uninterrupted water availability has created a haven for birds with over 180 species nesting in the lake islands at Shahpura Bagh and Ramathra.
Unique Experiences
Visit Ranthambore National Park where the first and successful program for tiger conservation played out laying the foundation for future conservation programs across the country. Fateh Singh, a modern-day hero’s legacy is palpable everywhere.
A Jacuzzi on top of a fort rampart is the epitome of luxury. With expansive vista, relax atop the Ramathra Fort overlooking the Kalisil lake as hordes of birds fly overhead. A masterclass in conservation, Kalisil Lake has served the region for generations.
With over 250 lakes around, all paid for by a royal with a heart of gold, pledging all his wealth, Shahpura Bagh has cemented its place in the hearts of people around. The icing on top is 180 species of birds come here to roost with the changing seasons making it a birders’ paradise.
Witness the peaceful coexistence of Rabari shepherds and leopards in the rocky outcrop of the Bera Jawai region. Learn about the struggles and strife of contemporary heroes who fight the powers to be, safeguarding the rocky terrain from exploitation by mining industries.
Visit Ranthambore National Park where the first and successful program for tiger conservation played out laying the foundation for future conservation programs across the country. Fateh Singh, a modern-day hero’s legacy is palpable everywhere.
A Jacuzzi on top of a fort rampart is the epitome of luxury. With expansive vista, relax atop the Ramathra Fort overlooking the Kalisil lake as hordes of birds fly overhead. A masterclass in conservation, Kalisil Lake has served the region for generations.
With over 250 lakes around, all paid for by a royal with a heart of gold, pledging all his wealth, Shahpura Bagh has cemented its place in the hearts of people around. The icing on top is 180 species of birds come here to roost with the changing seasons making it a birders’ paradise.
Witness the peaceful coexistence of Rabari shepherds and leopards in the rocky outcrop of the Bera Jawai region. Learn about the struggles and strife of contemporary heroes who fight the powers to be, safeguarding the rocky terrain from exploitation by mining industries.
Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1
Jaipur - Ramathra
Arrive at Jaipur airport. A 4-hour drive covering 170 km through varying landscapes, enjoying vistas of the idyllic landscape of Rajasthan takes you to Ramathra Fort, commanding a crowning presence, high on a hill.
Day 2
Ramathra
Explore the many experiences on offer at Ramathra Fort including the boat ride in Kalisil lake, watching birds. Drive through the rural landscape, interacting with indigenous communities.
Day 3
Ramathra - Ranthambore
An enchanting two-hour drive with vistas of rural Rajasthan dotted with abandoned forts in the middle of nowhere as higher citadels of nature in Aravalli hills make their presence felt, marking the arrival of Ranthambore, the famed tiger country.
Day 4
Ranthambore
Morning and even safaris with our expert guides, exploring the many zones of Ranthambore along with the historic Ranthambore fort, reclaimed by nature to a great extent but sacred shrines beckon the devotees still.
Day 5
Ranthambore
Morning and evening safaris to maximize your jungle experience, exploring the wilderness beyond big cats. Visit the many organizations working for conservation and support of local communities, providing skills and gainful employment to prevent poaching.
Day 6
Ranthambore - Shahpura Bagh
Depart Ranthambore to Shahpura, a 4-hour drive along the Aravallis, exploring the rural landscapes further. Arrive at Shahpura, a veritable water world with over 250 lakes, most of them man-made with legendary lore that you will learn about at Shahpura Bagh, the palatial homestay by the lakeside.
Day 7
Shahpura Bagh
Indulge in some early morning birdwatching along the banks of one of the 250 lakes. Walk around the embankment or take a boat ride. Explore the majestic Fort Dhikola overlooking the village where time seems unhurried. Farm and temple visits, by bike, if you so prefer, makes for an active day.
Day 8
Shahpura – Chhatra Sagar
An early start for the day, leaving the many birds of Shahpura behind as you take to the road for a 3-hour drive covering 142 km to yet another birding hideaway in Rajasthan; Raas Chhatrasagar. A lunch on the deck awaits you prepared with locally grown organic produce followed by an intensive birding tour. Guests may see birds from close up practically anywhere in the camp thanks to a checklist with more than 200 different species on it. RAAS Chhatrasagar may arrange formal introductions to the environment by arranging nature walks on well-maintained nature trails amidst wilderness.
Day 9
Raas Chhatra Sagar
Start your day with birdsongs and temple bells resonating deeply from within ancient caves of Aravalli - home to seekers and seers since time immemorial. Go on a village visit to the settlements surrounding RAAS Chhatrasagar, where farmers and shepherds were invited by Thakur Chhatra Singh. The greatest way to see Lake Chhatra Sagar is via boat, late afternoon when the sun is gentle with a slight breeze, exploring a mangrove swamp in the middle of nowhere and discovering water birds. At a sundowner at the lakeside painting the perfect memory of a lifetime.
Day 9
Raas Chhatra Sagar - Jawai
Drive through the hauntingly beautiful landscape, bidding adieu to a home that stole your heart. A drive of 3 hours covering 130 km brings you to the leopard territory of Jawai. Arrive at SUJAN Jawai Camp, an easy afternoon interacting with naturalists and guides. An evening drive to the rocky outcrops to sight the elusive leopards as they wake up for their nightly prowls.
Day 10
Jawai
Walk with Rabari shepherds on trails that take you deep into the leopard country as they navigate the rocky terrain with their sheep right under the noses of sleeping leopards, in their billion-year-old homes of rocky crevices.
Day 11
Jawai
Depart from Jawai to the nearest airport. 1.5 hour drive to the airports in Udaipur or Jodhpur.
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RECOMMENDED
Stays
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Ramathra Fort
The Ramathra Fort, perched high above Kalisil Lake, affords breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding hills and idyllic landscape. The expansive rustic vista is dotted with charming hamlets. The lake itself teems with waterfowl and serves as a wintering place for ducks, storks, and cormorants. Travellers can witness a variety of bird species all year round though, including resident waterfowl, kingfishers, Saras cranes, stilts, and herons, among others.
WILDERNESS
Shahpura Bagh
Shahpura Bagh's mission is to provide guests with an authentic Rajasthani homestay. The epitome of slow living and slow travel, the glorious summers are filled with boating on the lakes, fishing and picnicking, and sundowners to savour the end of yet another good day. The nearby marshes are a birdwatcher's dream, enticing even the uninformed, as rambling walks turn into inspired safaris in the flapping of a beckoning wing.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
RAAS Chhatra Sagar
After an extensive renovation, this upscale tented camp reopened in 2019. As opposed to the temporary camps created by Thakur Chhatra Singh in 1890 for festivities, these modern tents are more stable. There are 20 luxury tents with four family-friendly tents. This is one of the few camps in India that is open year-round since the buildings are sound-proofed and equipped with air conditioning and heating.
WILDERNESS
SUJAN Sher Bagh
Sher Bagh brings back memories of a time when life on safari was admired for its art de Vivre, living truly luxuriously beneath the canvas. The camp's star-studded campfires, delicious Anglo-Indian repasts, and old-world service epitomise the safari experience.
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
SUJAN Jawai
Amongst awe-inspiring, granite rock formations, a billion-year-old, leopards roam wild and free, coexisting comfortably with the charismatic communities of Rabari shepherds. This is the setting of SUJÁN JAWAI.
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