Nature tours of Rajasthan

Two things combine to make Rajasthan the ideal choice for special holidays - the amazing countryside and the historic nature of even isolated buildings that dot its landscape. Rajasthan is easy to discover because it has a good network of road and rail connections making travelling relatively easier and simple. Here are some pointers for those who would like to discover the state's more natural heritage in a non tourist and a non packaged sense.

For those who want to run away from the maddening crowd of the city and discover the pleasures of living in a small village commune be it hunting lodges, summer retreats or in small cottages this might help you.

Alwar

Fort Kesroli is a professionally managed hotel that is isolated and cut off from the busy world around it. A wonderful place to unwind. Yet another escape can be to the Lake Palace at Sisiserh a lake resort that is popular for picnics though the castle to one side provides the perfect quite antidote to the crowds.

Chittaurgarh

The Teekhi Magri Resort at Damotar is ideal for getting away from it all, breaking with isolation once in a while to visit the fort at Chittaurgarh.

Jodhpur

Get to stay in Samrau village to experience village life as it really is.

Kumbalgarh

The hilly tracts of this area are best savoured from Aodhi, one of Rajasthan's most charming getaways.

Mandawa

Even though Mandawa and much of the Shekhawati region, is firmly planted on the tourist map the Desert Resort Complex set at a distance in the sand dunes recreates the wonderful ambience of a Rajasthani village.

Nagaur

One of the least explored places in Rajasthan its fort can be savoured at leisure while you take your accomodation at Nagaur fort tents.

Nawalgarh

A part of the Shekhawati circuit the Roop Niwas palace hotel is a quiet isolated one set in a garden with a wonderful air of seclusion.

Pali

Rajasthan's Pali district has a number of quiet getaways that can provide gentle sojourns in the countryside. These include the comfortable Maharani Bagh and Sardar Samand resorts and two former hunting lodges at two feudal holdings, Bagon ka Bagh at Ghanerao and Leopard lair at Bera.

Pushkar

During the November fair at this pilgrimage centre, with its colourful camel fair Pushkar resorts sets up a huge tented camp that provides you an experience quite unlike any other with its profusion of colour and celebration.

Tonk

In the only Muslim kingdom of Rajasthan the Rajmahal is the perfect spot from which to discover the offerings of this colourful provincial town.

Udaipur

The Shikarbadi once a royal hunting lodge and now run by the family as an idyllic if luxurious retreat recreates the farm experience of wealthy landowners in Rajasthan.