Village India In Slow Motion
Group Tour
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Overview
Very few visitors get to experience the day-to-day beauty of rural India, focusing instead on the well-known monuments of the crowded urban centres. At Wild Frontiers we also like to head into the heart of India.
On this, our most in-depth Village India tour, you probably won’t recognise many of the locations, but don’t let that be a worry as you’ll become totally immersed in rural life. We’ll stay in many beautiful places, witnessing and ...
Very few visitors get to experience the day-to-day beauty of rural India, focusing instead on the well-known monuments of the crowded urban centres. At Wild Frontiers we also like to head into the heart of India.
On this, our most in-depth Village India tour, you probably won’t recognise many of the locations, but don’t let that be a worry as you’ll become totally immersed in rural life. We’ll stay in many beautiful places, witnessing and taking part in the life of local people, visiting fascinating temples and forts and camping by a lake. It’s a trip into Kipling’s India of our childhood imagination: a gentle land of bullock carts and bicycles, of elegant sari-clad women carrying water urns from wells, of turbaned men working in the fields, of wandering elephants and their accompanying sadhus.
This is a journey on which you will see few other tourists and that will stay with you forever.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses and open sided jeeps.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
On this trip you will experience some of the most characterful and interesting accommodation the subcontinent can offer: wonderful converted fort hotels, private palaces, old havelis and tented camps - you will not be disappointed.
However this is still India and in certain forts the facilities are sometimes not quite up to a western standard and therefore patience is occasionally required.
Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour Starts in Udaipur
Day 1 Tour Starts in Udaipur
The tour starts this afternoon in the ‘white city’ of Udaipur. After checking in to our hotel we’ll head out for an orientation tour of the city, before our first group dinner and the chance to talk about the trip ahead.
Day 2 In Udaipur
Day 2 In Udaipur
This morning we’ll head out on a guided tour of some of the key sites in Udaipur such as the City Palace, the Jagdish temple and the beautiful gardens at Saheliyon-ki-Bari. To allow for greater flexibility lunch will be at your own expense today, and this afternoon will be free to wander through the alleys and narrow streets, to take a cooking lesson or even a miniature painting class. We’ll meet later in the day to take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant favoured by our clients.
Day 3 Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Castle Bijaipur
Day 3 Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Castle Bijaipur
After breakfast we’ll drive to Chittorgarh to visit the colossal fort that most represents the doomed idea of Rajput chivalry. Chittorgarh was attacked and taken by Muslim invaders on three separate occasions and always with the same result; Jauhar being declared - and while the men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to certain death - the women consigned themselves to the flames on a huge funeral pyre. From here we’ll continue to Castle Bijaipur. This wonderful castle – parts of which date back 360 years – is run by the ruling family, our friend Narendra Singh and his clan, and is the perfect place to relax. Once we’ve settled in we’ll take an orientation walk of the castle and surrounding village, before heading back in time for dinner.
Day 4 At Castle Bijaipur
Day 4 At Castle Bijaipur
This morning we’ll visit some of the nearby villages to learn about the culture and activities of the community. After lunch and some time to relax we hope to experience a traditional opium ceremony at the castle (please be aware that this is the plan but, as always when trying to organise such activities things don't always work out quite how we'd like so your understanding and flexibility is greatly appreciated). From here we will visit a local farm for drinks before returning to the castle in time for dinner. If you prefer you can instead enjoy the optional activities at Castle Bijaipur like cycling and horse riding today. Please note optional activities at Castle Bijaipur are at your own expense and can be paid for locally.
Day 5 Castle Bijaipur - Athana - Pangarh Lake
Day 5 Castle Bijaipur - Athana - Pangarh Lake
After breakfast we’ll drive for an hour or so to Athana, a large village that has a great deal of old world charm. On arrival there will be time for a leisurely stroll through the village and the chance to visit the crafts workshops – Athana is famous for carpet making – before moving on to visit the hand block printing village of Tarapur. The printers in Tarapur still use 100% natural dyes and prepare colours with techniques that are centuries old. The fabric is made locally from natural fibres like cotton, silk, jute, etc. From here we’ll drive to Pangarh Lake for the rest of the day. Set on the banks of a beautiful lotus lake and surrounded by hills on all sides, the village of Pangarh is 1,000 years old and to this day the villagers hunt fish using spears in the marshy waters of the lake, famous for its abundance of seasonal lotus flowers. After lunch we will take a walk to the nearby ruined fort, before heading back to spend the evening out beneath the stars sleeping in fixed tents.
Day 6 Pangarh Lake - Bundi
Day 6 Pangarh Lake - Bundi
After an early breakfast we’ll drive east towards Bundi. On the way we will stop at the old town of Bijoliya to see its small castle and temples, most of which is still inside the fortress walls that take you back to the 18th century. From here we’ll continue to the Menal temple complex of the Maurya Dynasty. Here we can see examples of Khajuraho erotic iconography dating back 1,000 years. After visiting the temples we’ll journey further east, crossing the biggest sandstone mining area in India, arriving at the beautiful town of Bundi. Carrying the same relaxed feeling of Udaipur – only with a fraction of the tourists – Bundi comprises many narrow alleys and streets, a colourful vegetable market and a stunning city palace for us to explore and visit.
Day 7 In Bundi
Day 7 In Bundi
After breakfast we’ll head out on a tour of the small city of Bundi, seemingly untouched by modernisation. Bundi is famous for its bangle makers and brass pottery but the real attraction is the stunning fort and palace, which we’ll enjoy a guided tour of. We will then visit the bazaar, the Kipling palace and the royal cenotaph. This evening we will take part in a cookery class which will also form our evening meal.
Day 8 Bundi - Jhalawar
Day 8 Bundi - Jhalawar
This morning we head south for Jhalawar, stopping on the way to visit the spectacular Gagron Fort. Surrounded by the Vindhyan Hills and the waters of the Ahu and Kalisindh rivers on three sides, this UNESCO World Heritage site makes for an impressive structure. On arrival in Jhalawar we’ll receive a royal welcome at the residence of the former Maharaja of Jhalawar in the families former hunting lodge. It’s a stunning place - more akin to a museum than a family home, and in the evening we’ll have dinner and take the chance to unwind and relax.
Day 9 In Jhalawar
Day 9 In Jhalawar
There is so much to see and do in Jhalawar. For a start, the palace – the present Maharaja’s grandfather’s former hunting lodge – is so amazing you could easily spend a day just relaxing in the quiet grounds! The city itself is worth having a look around with a fine palace and library. In addition we’ll visit the nearby pilgrimage town of Jhalrapatan, one of the purest towns that remain to be seen in India today. Although more than 800 years old the town is very well planned, most of it still lying within the city walls that were built to defend against local dacoits and looters. The town has some beautiful temples and a very nice market. Right outside the city walls are the famous temples of Chandrabhaga. From here we will return to Jhalawar for dinner.
Day 10 Jhalawar - Ujjain
Day 10 Jhalawar - Ujjain
This morning we’ll drive south for around 5 hours to Ujjain, where we’ll visit the only temple in India dedicated to the alcohol drinking god of death, Kal Bhairay. From here we visit the Vedh Shala or Jantar Mantar observatory, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1725, and consisting of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. The observatory is the oldest of the five observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II when he was governor of Ujjain.
Day 11 Ujjain - Fort Ahilya
Day 11 Ujjain - Fort Ahilya
This morning we continue south to visit the impressive ruined Mughal era city at Mandu. After a guided tour of the site we’ll head for Maheshwar and Ahilya Fort, where you’ll experience a stay straight out of the 18th century. Situated above the banks of the sacred Narmada River, it was once the capital of one of India's celebrated women rulers, Ahilya Bai Holkar. Her fortress has been converted into a wonderful heritage hotel of discrete charm, where guests can appreciate surroundings which have not changed since Ahilya Bai. Her Wada palace is simple and elegant; built in 1766 it is a typical example of the Maratha architecture of that period. On arrival we will check in and enjoy our first group dinner at this stunning heritage property.
Days 12 - 13 At Fort Ahilya
Days 12 - 13 At Fort Ahilya
We now have 2 full days to relax at this gorgeous location. We can visit the local handloom manufacturers of the Maheshwari saris, and also visit different villages located on the riverbanks travelling by boat. But really these days in rural India will be for you to unwind and relax amongst this charming setting.
Day 14 Fort Ahilya - Indore: Tour ends at Airport
Day 14 Fort Ahilya - Indore: Tour ends at Airport
We’ll enjoy a relaxing morning at this stunning property before having lunch. From here we’ll drive to Indore where our tour ends.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Castle Bijaipur, Bijaipur
An enchanting and modest castle standing high on a plateau of the great Vindhyachal ranges, Castle Bijaipur is one of our favourite heritage hotels. This is not, it should be made clear, because of the service - which is definitely more Fawlty Towers than Aman Resort - but because of the laid-back, unpretentious and aesthetically Indian experience it offers. More elaborate homestay, than commercial hotel, the castle gives breath-taking views of the valley and village encircling it, through which you can horse ride, cycle or take wonderful walks. The rooms of the castle, and its more contemporary Victorian wing, are all individually styled in addition to which there is a lovely courtyard to relax, a large swimming pool, plus a wonderful rooftop terrace to do some yoga, have a romantic dinner or just watch village life go by. For those looking for the heart and soul of India, this quirky palace will form one of the highlights of your adventure. Please note, we advise that you book any additional activities as soon as you arrive as these can get booked up quickly.
Pangarh Lake Retreat, Pangarh
This tented accommodation on Pangarh Lake is located 12 km to the south of Bijaipur village. There are 10 lake-facing Shikar Tents which are situated amidst the valleys of Vindhyachal Ranges, in the peaceful and scenic surroundings on the banks of the lake. The first rays of the morning sun are a wonderful vision on waking and the 15th century Pangarh Fort can be seen atop the hill in the middle of the lake. There is a small restaurant at the camp and an 8th century Sun Temple just a short walk away, which is worth a visit during your time here.
Bundi Vilas, Bundi
Bundi Vilas is a boutique heritage property in the heart of the old city, with its backdrop of the Garh Palace and the Taragarh Fort. Recently restored, this elegant new boutique hotel offers 7 rooms from standard to deluxe; all rooms have attached bathrooms with modern fixtures. Rooms offer views of the old town, palace, fort and lake, and a wonderful rooftop restaurant serves traditional Indian cuisine with a 360 degree view of the town - the perfect place to sit and have a drink after a long day.
Prithvi Vilas Palace, Jhalawar
Once a hunting lodge and now the Maharaja's summer residence, a section of this 130-year-old property has been converted into a stunning heritage hotel and offers the perfect insight into India's royal history. Feeling more like a royal homestay than a hotel, your hosts will welcome you into their lives and give you access to a treasure trove of antiques and an endless collection of old memorabilia. Set within some stunning gardens, you can enjoy modern day luxuries combined with the rustic charm of this grand property. Rooms are spacious and characterful, and the restaurant offers a delicious array of both international and Rajasthani cuisine.
Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar
A gorgeous property - this boutique, heritage hotel makes for a charming escape. Dining is a movable feast, either outside under the grand neem trees, on one of the terraces overlooking the river, or in the Chamber of Winds, overlooking the Narmada River. Your comfort is assured with modern baths and comfortable beds with mosquito nets, yet the traditional simplicity of this 18th century royal dwelling is preserved. For those wishing a quiet sit out, the battlements offer many spots overlooking the broad Narmada River. Each room is quite different, retaining its 18th century ornamentation with concessions made to comfortable beds and luxurious baths.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Women’s Co-operative Sadhna
In Udaipur you will have the opportunity to visit the women’s co-operative. Sadhna provides women from the tribal, rural and urban slums of Udaipur, with a support network and the opportunity to earn a secure living. Jointly owned by 700 local women artisans, Sadhna provides handcraft training, teaching methods such as embroidery and patchwork. These women subsequently produce quality fair trade clothing and home furnishings. During your stay in Udaipur you will have the chance to shop at Sadhna, learn about the craft processes and understand how Sadhna empowers women in the community of Udaipur. www.sadhna.org
*Please note the opening hours & days of operation do vary, so a visit here in your free time can not always be guaranteed.
REHWA Society and Ahilya School in Maheshwar
On this tour you will pay a visit to the REHWA Society and meet with the local weavers still making Maheshwari saris, dupattas and scarves using handlooms with traditional methods. The local cottage industry in the area was almost extinct by the 1970s due to the increasing number of large-scale factories.
In response to this decline the REHWA Society was set up to sustain the unique handweaving traditions of the town of Maheshwar. Since the 1970s, this not-for-profit society has trained more than 1000 impoverished villagers, most of them women from distressed backgrounds. It has helped improve the quality of life for many weavers by providing a steady income, housing and education to the weavers children, with The Ahilya School. www.rehwasociety.org
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
If you plan to spend time in Indore once the tour has finished, we can arrange for you to be complimentary transferred to our designated post-tour accommodation, once the group tour has finished at Indore Airport.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| BA 135 | London Heathrow (LHR) 16:25 | Mumbai Airport (BOM) 06:55 |
| AI 2613 | Mumbai Airport (BOM) 12:20 | Udaipur Airport (UDR) 13:45 |
| AI 2912 | Indore Airport (IDR) 20:50 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 22:40 |
| BA 142 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 03:15 | London Heathrow (LHR) 07:45 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require an e-visa for India.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to India.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
The temperature should be pleasant at this time of year, with a day time average of around 15-25C dropping in the evening to around 5-10C. It can sometimes feel chilly in the early morning and evenings so it is worth bringing some warmer clothes with you.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. Whilst we will not cover huge distances on foot, it is worth noting that sightseeing often involves walking on uneven ground and climbing irregular steps.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation, but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except possibly Bundi Vilas, Prithi Vilas and/or Ahilya Fort. This is due to the small nature of these properties, so single rooms here will depend on overall group size. If we can’t get you a single room at these locations then a reduction in the cost of a single supplement will apply accordingly.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 8454 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.