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

Undiscovered South India - 6th - 19th November 2025

Hidden Rajasthan - 9th - 22nd February 2026

Treasures of the South - (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) - 25th January - 6th February 2026

Sacred Heart - 6th - 19th November 2026

Hidden Rajasthan

9TH - 22ND 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 the sacred town of 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, 2 nights of royal luxury in in Rawla Narlai, 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, beautifully restored havelis and gorgeous palaces. 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.

cost and what's included

£2395 (flights not included)

All transport between destinations.

11 breakfasts,  7 dinners and 7 lunches.

Guided tours of Bikaner, Pushkar, Udaipur and Shekawati.

Camel safari and campfire dinner in Bikaner.

(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 & FIVE - 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 glorious old world charm. On the afternoon of our arrival we head to the 16th century Junagarh fort with its fascinating museum and chambers packed with historical artefacts, before time to relax at the hotel and dinner at the elegant 1488 Ad Restaurant.

Today starts with the options of a gentle cycling tour of Bikaner’s old town. A great way to see the medieval streets and encounter the town as is wakes, visiting the local flower market, cobbled streets and temples, stopping for a good local chai en-route. Cycle rickshaw is also available. Afternoon 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.

DAYS SIX, SEVEN & EIGHT - PUSHKAR
Day seven we leave early for the holy town of Pushkar. We stop to visit the he infamous Rat Temple of Kali Mata where thousands of sacred rats are worshipped. An experience you will never forget! The temple draws visitors from across the country for blessings, as well as curious tourists from all around the world. There’s nothing luckier than one running over your foot! 

We reach Pushkar late afternoon. 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. The evening or our arrival we take a leisurely stroll though the bazaar before watching sunset and absorbing the sights and sounds of the evening arti ceremony.on the lakes edge.

The morning of our second day in Pushkar Polly (Carrie’s Indian “brother”) will take us on an orientation walk through the vibrant market to the sacred Brahma temple and around the lake. You then have some time to shop and explore. On our final 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. An inspiring grass roots charity - meeting the children and helping with lunch duty is often one of the most heartwarming experiences of the trip. On our final evening in Pushkar we will be welcomed into the home of Carrie’s India “family” where we will enjoy 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. Excellent massage, Ayurveda 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 is the leopard safari: on this jeep trip through the surrounding hills you are almost guaranteed to spot leopards in their natural habitat. On our second night we will eat al-fresco in the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.

DAYS ELEVEN TO FOURTEEN - UDAIPUR
We leave early late morning on day eleven and 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 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 Ninja 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.