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Traditional India - Authentic accommodation

Havelis and Camel Carts

Route: Jaipur - Mandawa - Jaipur (or Delhi)

Shekawati lies in the North East of Rajasthan. It would be little more than a desolate, swirling desert region if the Marwari merchants had not decided to settle here to trade with the passing caravans. These merchants proudly built intricate houses with romantic courtyards and grand galleries. Once their houses were complete, they asked local artists to decorate them with exquisite murals and colourful frescoes. In some towns greedy hustlers have stripped these wonderful panels, but in other areas they can still be seen in all their glory. During your traditional India trip, you’ll stay in a charming haveli in Mandawi. These unique and comfortable buildings are built in the style of clay huts and also come with a swimming pool. You will also head off on a camel ride to explore nearby villages during your stay.

If you'd like to start building your very own India trip, you can choose from a range of our unique, bite-sized India tours. Or alternatively, take a look at our suggested holidays to India.

Duration	3 days, 2 nights Departs daily from Jaipur. Not advisable during May and June (due to uncomfortable heat).	Accommodation	- Fully furnished haveli in Mandawa - Comfort level 2/3
Price	£175 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Includes	2 nights' accommodation with breakfast, transport and guided camel ride to nearby villages.
Transport	Private air-conditioned car	Excludes	International flights, local entrance fees.

Day 1: Jaipur - Mandawa

Today, you'll begin your traditional India trip as you drive from Jaipur to the Shekawati region- a journey that takes around 3 hours or so. The roads will become ever smaller and dustier as you approach Mandawa.

Finally, you’ll arrive to find a charming desert resort formed of a group of clay huts in gardens with a swimming pool. Your haveli is comfortable and well furnished and built in the style and architecture of this desert region. All rooms are carefully decorated and have their own character. The swimming pool is a real bonus in the hotter weather. Here in this idyllic spot, you can enjoy the tranquility of rural, traditional India as you get away from the turbulent cities, crowds and busy streets.

Day 2: Experience Mandawa

On the second day of your India trip, you could take a walk through the old town of Mandawa to experience traditional Indian life and soak up the authentic atmosphere. You can explore the artistically decorated havelis to see how the owners lived and decorated their homes with beautiful paintings and frescoes. Colourful, intricate artwork can be found all over the walls, ceilings, pillars, galleries and even floors. Each haveli is completely unique.

If you're not so interested in the history of this town, you can of course just relax by the pool and enjoy your peaceful surroundings. In the late afternoon/or early morning (depending on the heat) you'll continue this India trip as you embark on a camel ride through the nearby countryside. Here you'll get a taste of traditional India when you stop in a small village where you will be greeted by the local villagers.

Day 3: Mandawa - Jaipur/Delhi

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to enjoy more of your surroundings before this haveli tour of traditional India comes to an end. At the end of the morning you'll check out of your hotel, you’ll drive back to Jaipur to continue with your India trip, or, if you wish, you can be taken to Delhi instead just ask your India specialist.

From Jaipur, you can continue your journey on to the Wonders of the World with our tour from Jaipur to Agra, or you could choose to go in search of tigers at Ranthambore National Park.

If you'd prefer to head back to Delhi, you could have a break in Delhi and then head off to the mountains via the Golden Temple on our tour from Delhi to Dharamasala module or perhaps fly south to Goa or Kerala.

A peek at your accommodation (click to enlarge)

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