Rajasthan Royal Wildlife Safari

Rajasthan, the Land of Maharajas, was once a series of feudal kingdoms, and this character remains in walled cities, forts, and palaces. Former royal tiger hunting reserves are now rich wildlife sanctuaries. The Kiplingesque character of India of the past literally comes alive through tigers, elephants, and cranes you may see. Avi will recount tales of romance and heroism of the Rajput warriors who ruled the region for nearly a thousand years. In addition to considerable time in the wilderness, which is our main focus, you'll explore the fairy-tale sites of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and the Taj Mahal in Agra, as well as visiting lesser-known villages such as the hamlets of Siana in the Aravalli hills and the Shergarh in the desert. You will enjoy hauntingly-beautiful sand dunes on a camel safari and admire the star-filled desert night sky in a delightful tented camp.

Tigers are never easy to see in the wild, but this trip includes extended time in Ranthambore National Park, one of the greatest tiger sanctuaries of south Asia, which may be your best chance to see tigers and other large mammals, birds, and the finest natural ecosystems remaining south of the Himalayas. We will be traveling at the best time of year for wildlife viewing, encountering wintering and migrating bird species, and avoiding the extremes of weather which come with the pre-monsoon and monsoon summer months. You will travel as comfortably as our wilderness-seeking itinerary allows, utilizing attractive hotels, a homestay, eco-lodges, a deluxe tented desert camp, as well as private vehicles and first or luxury class railway transportation. JOURNEYS' goals for this trip include the best possible naturalist leadership, support of local conservation efforts, maximum amount of time spent in natural environments, and services meeting the highest possible standards of health, safety, and participant convenience. And, of course, expect superb Indian cuisine.