Treasures of Rajasthan

A royal beginning in Jaipur

Jaipur introduces Rajasthan through the ordered avenues, bazaars and monumental architecture of its historic walled city. We will explore the palace complex of Amber, the delicate facade of Hawa Mahal, the courtyards and collections of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, where immense stone instruments transform astronomy into architecture. Time in the old markets reveals another side of the city: textiles, jewellery, crafts and street life continuing within its historic urban plan.

The sacred lake of Pushkar

Beyond Ajmer lies Pushkar, gathered around a lake regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimage places in Hindu tradition. Ghats descend to the water, temple bells carry through the narrow streets and the Brahma Temple gives the town its distinctive spiritual importance. An overnight stay allows us to experience Pushkar after the day visitors have begun to leave.

Jodhpur – the blue city

Mehrangarh rises directly from a rocky hill above Jodhpur, commanding wide views over the blue-painted quarters of the old city. Within its massive walls are palace rooms, courtyards and collections that preserve the artistic and royal history of Marwar. Nearby, the white marble memorial of Jaswant Thada offers a quieter counterpoint, while the lanes and markets below bring us back into the living city.

Desert temples and village Rajasthan

The excursion from Jodhpur to Osian and Khimsar leads away from the major cities into the older cultural landscape of Marwar. Osian preserves Hindu and Jain temple architecture dating from the eighth to the eleventh centuries. Around Khimsar, village life, traditional crafts and the open desert environment offer a more intimate view of Rajasthan beyond its famous palaces.

Jaisalmer – the golden fort in the Thar Desert

Built from honey-coloured sandstone, Jaisalmer seems to rise from the Thar Desert itself. Its fortified old town remains inhabited, with homes, temples, shops and guesthouses woven into the lanes behind the ancient walls. We will explore the fort, richly carved merchant havelis and the historic centre before travelling into the desert landscape.

The desert experience will be quiet and unhurried: a gentle jeep journey through the dunes, followed by sunset in the open landscape. Camel rides may be chosen individually, but they are not a required part of the programme. The abandoned settlement of Kuldhara may also be visited as part of our exploration of the region.

A night inside the symbol of Om

At Jadan in Pali district, the Om Ashram brings architecture, yoga and spiritual symbolism together on an extraordinary scale. Its central complex is built in the form of the Sanskrit symbol Om and incorporates 108 residential units, echoing the 108 beads of a japa mala. A pink-sandstone temple dedicated to Shiva stands within the complex.

Our planned overnight stay and relaxed half-day are not simply a sightseeing stop. They offer time to experience a place closely connected with Yoga in Daily Life, to practise together and to understand the vision behind the ashram before continuing into the Aravalli Hills.

A forest of marble pillars

Hidden in a wooded valley of the Aravalli Hills, the fifteenth-century Jain temple complex at Ranakpur is one of the architectural high points of the journey. Its intricately carved marble pillars, domes and halls create an interior that changes with every step and every shaft of light. The setting adds to the sense of stillness and makes Ranakpur far more than a brief monument visit.

The great fortresses of Mewar

Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh express the scale and resilience of historic Mewar. Kumbhalgarh follows the mountain ridges with more than thirty-six kilometres of fortified walls, while Chittorgarh occupies a vast plateau above the surrounding plain. Both belong to the UNESCO-listed Hill Forts of Rajasthan and preserve palaces, temples, water structures and memories central to Rajput history.

Shiva above Nathdwara

Near Nathdwara, the monumental seated figure of Shiva known as the Statue of Belief rises above the surrounding landscape. We will visit the statue itself and take in the view, while deliberately leaving aside the modern entertainment attractions developed around the complex.

Udaipur – palaces reflected in water

Udaipur changes the rhythm once again. The City Palace rises above Lake Pichola, while gardens, temples and former royal residences spread between water and hills. A boat journey on the lake, where conditions permit, gives a wider view of the palace skyline. Time in the old city and local markets completes our encounter with one of Rajasthan's most atmospheric urban landscapes.

Across Rajasthan

The route forms a broad arc from eastern Rajasthan into Marwar and the Thar Desert, then turns south through Pali and the Aravalli Hills before returning to Jaipur through Mewar and Chittorgarh. Several travel days are substantial, but each one marks a genuine change of landscape, architecture and cultural region.

Morning yoga

Our days will normally begin with a shared yoga practice, followed by breakfast. This is an integral part of the journey rather than an additional activity. It gives the body time to move after road travel and creates a calm beginning before we enter busy cities, monuments and markets.

The practice will be adapted to the available space, weather and needs of the group. Participation is welcome at every level; extensive previous yoga experience is not required. On particularly early transfer or departure days, the practice may be shortened or omitted.