Day 9. Jaipur – Narlai
Overnight – Rawla Narlai
Narlai Village. Join your guide and chauffeur for the drive to historic Rawla Narlai, a 17th century Royal Hunting Lodge located right in the middle of a charming Rajasthani Village. Most of so-called rural tourism sites receive a constant stream of visitors and available experiences are at least partially staged. With almost 6000 colorfully attired residents, 16th Century Narlai is the genuine article, a large and fairly prosperous Rajasthani village inhabited by friendly villagers.
Rawla Narlai. The ancient royal lodge has been meticulously restored and calling it boutique would be a vast understatement. There are two wings – the original 17th Century hunting lodge and a more modern wing that was built a little over 20 years ago. We recommend experiencing the original historic wing – the rooms have been made as comfortable as possible. For modern conveniences and functionality, and significantly more natural light, the modern wing is better, and the common areas of the hotel are primarily in the historic structure.
Near the lodge and visible from various vantage points is a massive granite boulder called Elephant Hill. This ancient volcanic hill has many caves carved into its facade and a historic small Hindu Temple at its peak.
Village Experience. After checking in and a slightly late lunch, you will enjoy an extended walk through the large village to get an introduction to the lives of the simple but proud Rajasthani villagers. There will be young boys and girls herding goats, sheep, and cows around the area, and many other experiences that are only found in rural Rajasthan. There will also be multiple opportunities to view various indigenous activities. If you communicate with the villagers, their simplicity, warmth, and hospitality will captivate you.
Ancient Stepwell Dinner. After sunset you will be assisted in climbing aboard a traditional bullock cart (you can choose to be driven instead) and transported through the dark countryside to a charming 16th Century stepwell. Your magical dinner will be at the stepwell, accompanied by live local folk music and accented by hundreds of oil lamps adorning the steps of the stepwell. You will enjoy a multi-course dinner with the oil lamps and countless stars creating a magical setting – this dinner is among our guests’ most treasured memories in India.
Narlai Village. Join your guide and chauffeur for the drive to historic Rawla Narlai, a 17th century Royal Hunting Lodge located right in the middle of a charming Rajasthani Village. Most of so-called rural tourism sites receive a constant stream of visitors and available experiences are at least partially staged. With almost 6000 colorfully attired residents, 16th Century Narlai is the genuine article, a large and fairly prosperous Rajasthani village inhabited by friendly villagers.
Rawla Narlai. The ancient royal lodge has been meticulously restored and calling it boutique would be a vast understatement. There are two wings – the original 17th Century hunting lodge and a more modern wing that was built a little over 20 years ago. We recommend experiencing the original historic wing – the rooms have been made as comfortable as possible. For modern conveniences and functionality, and significantly more natural light, the modern wing is better, and the common areas of the hotel are primarily in the historic structure.
Near the lodge and visible from various vantage points is a massive granite boulder called Elephant Hill. This ancient volcanic hill has many caves carved into its facade and a historic small Hindu Temple at its peak.
Village Experience. After checking in and a slightly late lunch, you will enjoy an extended walk through the large village to get an introduction to the lives of the simple but proud Rajasthani villagers. There will be young boys and girls herding goats, sheep, and cows around the area, and many other experiences that are only found in rural Rajasthan. There will also be multiple opportunities to view various indigenous activities. If you communicate with the villagers, their simplicity, warmth, and hospitality will captivate you.
Ancient Stepwell Dinner. After sunset you will be assisted in climbing aboard a traditional bullock cart (you can choose to be driven instead) and transported through the dark countryside to a charming 16th Century stepwell. Your magical dinner will be at the stepwell, accompanied by live local folk music and accented by hundreds of oil lamps adorning the steps of the stepwell. You will enjoy a multi-course dinner with the oil lamps and countless stars creating a magical setting – this dinner is among our guests’ most treasured memories in India.