Rajasthan Beyond Palaces

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

Beliefs & Rituals

With its eye-catching golden dome glistening in the sun, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is a holy place for Sikhs across the world, the holy waters of its pond are believed to have healing properties. Here, you can visit the principal shrine and witness pilgrims partaking in the traditional Langar-style meal that has been cooked by the Gurudwara’s disciples in its community kitchen. If you wish, you can volunteer in the community kitchen as well. Image credits: Nimitnigam, CC-BY-SA

Old Delhi Exploration

Cuisine

Heading down Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, partly on foot, partly by cycle-rickshaw, one can palpably experience the sacred yet secular way of life that is so typical of India. Interestingly, apart from the assortment of stores selling everything from jewelry to sarees, numerous eateries have also been established along these bylanes that add flavor (literally!) to the old market - and tangibly evoke a sense of history. You can also embark on curated food walks in these old quarters. From savoring some of the most mouthwatering snacks to indulging your sweet tooth, from visiting Asia’s largest spice market to..

The Oberoi

Overlooking Delhi’s lush Golf Club greens and the 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb, The Oberoi, New Delhi is an urban landmark of understated luxury. Recently renovated, the hotel blends modern design with Mughal-inspired touches — offering spacious rooms, state-of-the-art technology, and panoramic city views. Guests can indulge in award-winning dining, rejuvenate at the spa and wellness center, or simply retreat into calm at the heart of India’s bustling capital.

Curator Walk: Mehrangarh After Hours

Popular Culture

Let our curator take your on an after-hours tour of Mehrangarh Fort – to experience the beauty of Mehrangarh that will give you deep and personal insight into the architecture and anecdotal history of this magnificent fortress that has played such an important role in Jodhpur’s history.

Mehrangarh Fort

Art & Architecture

Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most majestic of Rajasthan’s forts, described by the author Rudyard Kipling as “the creation of angels, fairies and giants”.  Its forbidding ramparts are in sharp contrast to the flamboyantly decorated palaces within. Founded in 1459, the sandstone fort was added to by later rulers between 17th and 19th centuries. Explore the massive fort complex and the exquisite museum collection, from coronation thrones to pleasure palaces and sunken gardens, the Mehrangarh Fort houses a citadel of immense grandeur.

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace

Luxury Boutique

Set amidst acres of lush gardens, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a golden yellow sandstone monument is one of the largest residences in the world. Completed in 1943, it is the last of the great palaces of India. Still serving as the primary residence of the royal family of Jodhpur, the Palace also offers luxurious rooms and suites to other guests.

Rawla Narlai

Heritage Homes/Mansions

Once a 17th-century royal hunting lodge, Rawla Narlai today is a boutique heritage retreat nestled in the Aravalli hills. Surrounded by a sleepy village and rugged landscapes, the property blends Rajput grandeur with intimate charm. Guests here experience Rajasthan differently: dining in a centuries-old stepwell lit by a thousand lamps, waking up to a champagne breakfast atop granite rocks, and strolling through lanes where rural traditions still thrive. With just the right balance of luxury and authenticity, Rawla Narlai transforms a journey through Rajasthan into an unforgettable story.

Jawai Birding Trails

Wildlife & Wilderness

A walk across the flat grassy stretches and gentle slopes of Jawai’s wilderness can bring you to the best birdwatching vantage point - the lakeside. With over 170 species of birds annually, with huge wintering flocks, the intrepid birdwatcher can be kept occupied for hours on end. Continue on towards the farmlands, where a different set of birds can be spotted amidst tall grasses and lush crops. Along the way, one can also take in the migrant fishing community of Jawai, settled on the lake’s edge and the farming hamlets that eke a living in the wilderness. Image credits: Jawai Leopard..

SUJÁN Jawai

Wildlife Lodges

At the heart of an untrammeled wilderness, where leopards roam wild and free, is SUJÁN Jawai. Designed by the owners, Anjali and Jaisal Singh, it represents a style that combines subtle opulence with abundant adventure. Staying true to the goals for conservation without compromising comfort, the camp has 10 luxurious tents including one double family suite, each with oodles of space and privacy that rest encapsulated in a landscape of towering granite formations, caves, kopjes, Anogeissus scrub and winding sand riverbeds. The vibrant Rabari herdsmen who have shared this land with wildlife for centuries endorse the organic and continuing link..

Ranakpur Temples

Art & Architecture

Set off on a half day excursion to the Ranakpur – a 15th Century multi-spired temple set in a secluded, wooded valley of the Aravalli Hills. With over 1444 elaborately carved pillars to support the majestic cupolas, the sheer scale, architectural complexity and sculptural ornamentation rank Ranakpur’s temples among the finest examples of temple architecture in India. The temple has intriguing mystical symbolism that would bewilder even the most learned scholar, yet its beauty is unparalleled and can be appreciated by all. The main temple with four sides, represents the conquest of the four cardinal directions or the cosmos by..

City Palace & Jagdish Temple

Art & Architecture

Explore the City Palace, with its blend of stern Rajput military architecture and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art. This is the largest palace in Rajasthan sprawled out over an area of 5 acres, built between the 16th and 20th centuries. Then continue on to the Jagdish Temple, a three-storied wonder of architecture comprising of an intricately sculpted spire, beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings and painted walls dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the sustainer in Hindu mythology.

Painting Workshop: jal sanjhi & miniature art

Arts, Crafts & Textiles

Unlock the secrets of jal sanjhi, a rare, 200-year-old art form that involves painting on water, kept alive by one family in Udaipur. Usually portraying scenes from Lord Krishna's life that are skillfully lifted off the surface of water - the jal sanjhi is for the truly intrepid artist! Udaipur is best known for its painting styles namely, the Pichwai and the Phad, as also its Mughal miniatures. The Mughal miniatures depict mythology, court scenes, hunting scenes, and nature, among other motifs - and evolved into different styles across the different desert kingdoms of Rajasthan. Meet with artists to learn..

The Oberoi Udaivilas

Luxury Boutique

This hotel is a traditional Indian palace, which showcases the rich heritage of the Mewar region of Rajasthan in its sprawling courtyards, gently rippling fountains, reflecting pools and verdant gardens. Grand architecture inspired by the palaces of Rajasthan presents a majestic setting for your holiday, with pavilions and domes that lend it an ambience of royalty.

Trident, Gurugram

Urban Abodes

Just minutes from Delhi’s international airport, Trident, Gurgaon is an oasis of calm designed around reflection pools, courtyards, and lush gardens. With contemporary architecture that nods to Mughal influences, the hotel offers spacious rooms, fine dining, and warm hospitality. It’s the perfect stopover for travelers seeking comfort and efficiency before or after their Indian journey.