Explore India with Relais & Châteaux

An early start today sees you transferred by train to Sawai Madhopur for an unforgettable day full of wildlife. A member of our team will meet you at the station and assist with the transfer to your hotel before you head off to Ranthambore National Park. During your time exploring Ranthambore you will stay at Sher Bagh, a luxurious 1920s-style jungle camp with air-conditioned tents and stylish design in keeping with the jungle surroundings. Rainbow has relationships with the best and most experienced guides and naturalists, so we can guarantee our clients excellent service and an unparalleled wildlife experience as you explore the park.

One of India’s most photogenic parks, Ranthambore’s landscape is one of leafy forest, lakes and rivers studded with the crumbling ruins of ancient forts and holy buildings. You will spend the next three days exploring this breath-taking landscape on safari, spotting resident wildlife through the undergrowth. Morning and evening drives offer an increased chance of spotting animals. With Bengal tigers, Jungle cats, Striped hyenas, Indian false vampires, Marsh crocodiles and Indian porcupines just a few among the many species that call Ranthambore home, you’re guaranteed to have a fruitful day of wildlife spotting.

Another day to enjoy the park on morning and evening game drives. Keep your camera handy as you travel through the lush landscapes that surround you; your guide will point out hidden gems of the park hiding in the undergrowth and high in the trees. Ranthambore is famous for tigers, and lucky visitors stand a good chance of spotting one roaming the park. We recommend dressing in layers for a day in the park, as it can feel chilly in the mornings and during winter.

This morning, enjoy an early safari drive through the park before heading to Jaipur. Known as India’s ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is full of colour, culture and intricate architecture. Your Jaipur hotel is the Sujan Rajmahal Palace, housed in one of the oldest palaces of the city. Exquisitely decorated and luxuriously appointed, the Palace exudes Indian culture and design.

Spend the day exploring Jaipur. An early start is recommended to experience the iconic Amber Fort before it gets too crowded. The city is home to a plethora of interesting markets and bazaars, offering traditional Indian crafts, clothing and fantastic souvenirs. Your tour today will include all the main sights of Jaipur including Jantar Mantar, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed observatory.

Today is dedicated to a range of optional activities around Jaipur that Rainbow can arrange for you. Explore streets and market squares to take in more of Jaipur’s rich culture, soar over the city for a hot air balloon tour, or venture out of the city limits to experience more of India’s varied wildlife. Your Travel Specialist can recommend and arrange nature-based excursions for you, ensuring you can see the best Jaipur has to offer.

This morning board your train bound for Jawai. Your stay at the Jawai Leopard Camp will be a highlight of your holiday. The camp is set in an untamed landscape of waving grass, rocky hills and golden skies as far as the eye can see. This is an unparalleled location to observe big cats – a number of leopards live close to the camp and on wilderness drives you’re likely to also spot monkeys, deer and a whole host of distinctive birdlife.

Enjoy time experiencing the natural surroundings of the camp. Wildlife tours around the local area can be done on foot, by cycles or in jeeps. One of the most rewarding excursions here is on the bird trail, where guides will help you spot some of the 170 species of bird that call this area home, and around the lake where crocodiles laze in the waters.

The Leopard Camp has a pool and optional spa facilities for relaxing. Another option is a day trip to the nearby Kumbhalgarh Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, or to Ranakpur, an incredibly intricate temple.

Today head to Jaisalmer to experience the Indian desert. Here you will be staying at The Serai, a luxury tented camp within a 100-acre private desert estate. Tented suites have en suite bathrooms and private verandas, while each Luxury Tented Suite features its own private plunge pool.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the camp before heading out for sightseeing in Jaisalmer. The highlight is the breath-taking fort, with intricate interiors and an imposing structure. The city is full of incredible architecture, with havelis, or grand mansions, a particularly striking sight. Jaisalmer is known as India’s ‘Golden City’, owing to the fact that its buildings are all carved from golden sandstone.

A day at leisure for you to explore the area. Guides at the camp can take you around the ‘Twitchers Trail’ to spot some of the 200 different types of bird resident in the area. The camp also produces its own organic produce, and guests can opt to experience life on the farm, which also produces its own dairy. Guests can also experience the Jaisalmer sunset in traditional Rajasthani fashion – on camel safari.

This morning you will transfer to Jodhpur for your onwards flight to either Delhi or Mumbai. Spend the night at a hotel close to the airport before transferring home, or opt to extend your holiday and experience more of India’s fabulous wildlife and natural landscapes. Speak to Rainbow’s Travel Specialists for suggestions on where to head next.

Board your return flight bound for the UK.