Lotus India Adventures

Lotus India Adventures is unlike other tour companies. We like to keep group sizes small,  we prefer "off the beaten track" destinations and choose mostly family run, boutique, and wherever possible, eco hotels. Specialising for the last ten years only in India travel - we aim to give you an authentic 'hands-on' experience of India's extraordinary culture, spirituality, history and wildlife.  We like to keep our tours as relaxed as possible and aim to give you the sense of adventure, freedom and wonder you would experience as an independent traveler. Perhaps this is why most of our travelers have come back with us a second time.
Hari and carrie who lead the journeys have been living, studying and working in India for many years. They are holistic therapists and also run The Lotus Retreat - a yoga centre and India boutique in Oxfordshire.

Current Tours

Lakes and Palaces (Hidden Rajasthan) - 13th November - 26th November 2024

Treasures of the South - (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) - 7th February - 19th February 2025

Undiscovered South India - 22nd February - 7th March 2025

Undiscovered South India - 6th November - 19th November 2025

Hidden Rajasthan - 3rd February - 16th February 2026

Sacred Heart - 6th November - 19th November 2026

Hidden Rajasthan (LAKES AND PALACES)

13TH - 26TH NOVEMBER 2024

3RD - 16th FEBRUARY 2026

This is one of our most popular trips: a magical journey that starts by tracing the silk route of northern Rajasthan from the painted towns of Shekawati, via Bikaner in the Thar desert, before heading south to Jodhpur fort and into Pushkar. Highlights include 3 nights in the romantic lake side city of Udaipur, riding camels and dining under starlight in the desert outpost of Bikaner, wandering the labrynthine blue streets of Jodhpur, discovering the remote painted towns of Shekawati and absorbing the magical energy or the holy lakeside town of Pushkar.

This journey takes you deep into the fascinating “valley of Kings”, a region of northern Rajasthan with an incredibly rich history and a unique desert culture. Reminders of it’s former glory as a vital role on the spice route enrich our journey in the form of incredible forts, palaces and stunning painted mansions. We then head south to the more luscious and hilly region of Ranakpur and Udaipur. All of the hotels we have chosen offer you a chance to live and breath the history and romance of the region - you will sleep in ancient converted forts (Neemrana), beautifully restored havelis (Vivanna and Seventh Heaven) and two gorgeous palaces ( Jodhpur and Rawla Narlai). Most hotels have pools and spas where you can cool off and relax in your downtime, and all offer a charming, comfortable, welcoming space in which to relax between your travels.

This tour will be lead by holistic therapist and India enthusiast Carrie Rossiter and her partner - yoga teacher Hari Lambani. Whilst we have included an abundance of fascinating activities, you will also have plenty of space to explore at leisure - Carrie and Hari are always on hand to help you make the most of your trip.

cost and what's included

£2375 (flights not included)

All transport between destinations.

11 breakfasts,  7 dinners and 7 lunches.

Guided tours of Bikaner, Pushkar, Udaipur and Jodhpur.

Camel safari and campfire dinner in Bikaner.

Village and farm excursion Shekawati.

(Please note that the price above is based on 2 people sharing - single supplement on enquiry)

day by day  ITINERARY

DAY ONE - NEEMRANA
You will be greeted at Indira Ghandi airport on the morning of your arrival in India by Hari and Carrie and transferred by minibus to the beautiful Neermrana hotel, just 2 hours from Delhi airport. Avoiding the rush of Delhi, this impressive heritage hotel has been lovingly converted from a 550 year old medieval fort and is spread over 14 levels into the side of a hill. Neemrana will offer the perfect “gentle landing” in India. You will have the afternoon to enjoy the pool and spa, explore the hotel’s grounds, or make the short trek to the nearby fort and stepwell. Dinner will be alfresco in the Holi Kund terrace restaurant.

DAY TWO & THREE - SHEKAWATI
Day two, we leave after breakfast for the remote region of Shekawati. Travelling directly west towards the fringes of the Thar desert, we reach our hotel - the Vivaana Culture - in time for lunch. Often overlooked by travellers - Shekawati is one of Rajasthan’s “hidden gems". It’s painted towns were once abundant with wealthy merchants who lived on this flourishing trading route and developed a penchant for decorating their houses with incredible frescoes as a symbol of their wealth. Villages and towns are dotted with these fascinating buildings - some have been beautifully restored and converted into hotels, others house museums but many stand in a state of faded glory. Our hotel is one such mansion which has been painstakingly and lovingly restored and converted into a boutique hotel complete with frescoed walls at every turn, pool and spa, and a restaurant that serves incredibly regional food. Cookery demonstrations are available with the hotel’s chef before dinner on day three.

On the afternoon of our arrival we explore the local village and surrounding farms. We will visit bangle makers, potters and ancient temples as well as having a hands on experience of Rajasthani farm life. Pre-dinner drinks will be accompanied by traditional Rajasthani folk music and puppetry performed by local villagers. 

The following morning we take a tour of the museums and frescoed havelis of the nearby town of Mandawa. The afternoon is free for you to explore the region further or take some time to enjoy the pool and relax in one of the hotel’s pretty courtyards. 

DAYS FOUR - BIKANER
Day four takes us further west to the fascinating city of Bikaner (3 hours). This incredible and often overlooked  desert outpost was once a hugely wealthy and important town on the silk route and also a major strong hold for the British Empire. Bikaner boasts a stunning fort, beautiful temples, a fascinating medieval bazaar, and a completely uncommercial experience of Rajasthani desert life. Expect camels, colourful turbans and a unique culinary experience.

Our hotel - the elegant Lal Garh Palace is still owned by the royal family of Bikaner and offer a fascinating old world charm. On the afternoon of our arrival we enjoy a gentle camel safari with “the camel man” (who is from the royal lineage of Bikaner). We head into the Thar desert on either camel or camel cart for sunset and end our day with food, drinks, campfire and music under the stars.

The following morning you will have the choice to either visit the 16th century Junagarh fort with its fascinating museum and chambers packed with historical artefacts, OR the he infamous Rat Temple of Kali Mata where thousands of sacred rats are worshipped and fed with vats of milk. Following an early lunch, we head for the blue city of Jodhpur. Arriving at The Almond Tree Bouique hotel in time for a dip in the pool and a dinner on the terrace.

DAY FIVE & SIX - JODHPUR
Day six we head into the old town of Jodhpur to explore the Mehrangarh Fort - one of India’s finest and largest medieval forts. Built around 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A guide will be on hand to inform you of the forts fascinating history.

You now have a free afternoon to take a walk around the walled, medieval old town, be sure to take your camera as you wander through the painted blue streets of the old town, and explore the abundance of wonderful cafes and shops or pop to the nearby clocktower vegetable market. The city is well known for it’s indigo fabrics, wood carving and antiques. The beautiful stepwell is also well worth a visit.

Carrie and Hari and local guides will be on hand to help you make the most of your time.A great dinner suggestion this evening in Indique roof top bar and restaurant - which offers great food and gorgeous view of the illuminated fort at night.

DAYS SEVEN & EIGHT - PUSHKAR
Day seven we leave early for the holy town of Pushkar. Pushkar is considered deeply sacred to the Hindus and has been drawing pilgrims and travellers to its holy lake and temples for hundreds of years, it has a palpable spiritual energy which will leave a deep impression. The town is circled by the Aravelli hills and beyond this lies the far-reaching Thar desert. Pushkar also boasts a fantastic market where you can purchase anything from a singing bowl to a silk sari and sit and watch the world go by in one of the rooftop cafes. 

We arrive mid afternoon and enjoy a leisurely orientation walk which will take us through the market to the Brahma temple and around the lake. You then have some time to shop and explore. I highly recommend watching sunset from the ghats (lakes edge) and absorbing the sights and sounds of the evening arti ceremony. On our second day in Pushkar we will visit the Foundation Fior Di Loto which provides education and works to improve the lives of over 700 poor girls in the Pushkar region. In the evening in Pushkar we we will be welcomed into the home of Carrie’s India “family” where we will experience traditional home cooked food and an experience of Indian family life.
Our accommodation in Pushkar will be the Seventh Heaven - a simple family run haveli (Rajasthani mansion) with a petal strewn courtyard and an excellent roof top restaurant overlooking the town and lake. Massage and shiatsu are available with resident masseur Kishore.

DAYS NINE & TEN - RAWLA NARLAI
We leave mid-morning though the more hilly and verdant region of south Rajasthan to the village of Rawla Narlai, just 3 hours from Pushkar. Our accommodation is the divine Rawla Narlai - this beautiful hotel is housed within an 18th century palace built by rulers of the region and still home to the descendants of the Royal Family. Elegant gardens and courtyards, a lovely pool and spa and large stylish rooms will make it difficult for you to drag yourself out to explore the local town! You now have a full day to rest and take stock of your travels so far. The hotel also offer several excursions into the local countryside, Highly recommend the leopard safari. On our second night we will eat al-fresco in the hotel’s rooftop restaurant where there is music and dancing from local performers.

DAYS ELEVEN TO FOURTEEN - UDAIPUR
We leave early on day eleven to head to Udaipur. En-route we stop at the Ranakpur Jain Temples. Nestled amongst the Aravelli Hills - these beautiful temples house some of the oldest and best preserved Jain carvings in India.

We reach Udaipur in time for lunch. We are staying at the charming, family run Mahedra Prakash - which sits on the edge of the old town and is just a stones throw from the city palace. You will after some time to rest and enjoy the hotel’s pool and gardens we will walk through the bazaar into the old town and enjoy a lakeside dinner at Rainbow’s restaurant which has an excellent view of the lake palace and the old city. Your second day in Udaipur will start with breakfast and a guided walk to the ancient Jadish temple for morning prayers and on to Udaipur’s colourful spice bazaar. In the afternoon you will have time to a enjoy guided tour of the Summer Palace - India’s most opulent and well preserved palace.

On your final day you will then have the day at leisure to explore the many historic sights of Udaipur. You may wish to enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola to Jadish island. For the yogi’s amongst you, yoga sessions can be arranged with Hari in the hotel gardens, or you may want to watch the classical music and dance concert’s held every evening in the old city palace, or explore the hilltop Monsoon Palace. Udaipur is also an excellent place to shop - famous for art, antiques and tailoring. Hari and Carrie will be on hand to help with arrangements. 

We will be staying in the Mahendra Prakash - a boutique hotel with a lovely garden and pool, pretty heritage decor and a small spa. We leave early on your last morning to get you safely to Jaipur airport in time for your internal flight Delhi International airport and your onward connecting flights to the UK. Please note that flights are not included in your tour price but full details of suggested flights will be given on booking. If you would like to arrange a night or two in Delhi - India’s vibrant capital city please enquire on booking.