On the trail of India's leopard and tiger
Rajasthan, land of proud warriors, land of Maharajas. India’s most iconic state boasts great riches: splendid mansions of kings, medieval palaces and fortresses, natural parks where you can discover the Bengal Tiger, villages in the Thar Desert where music, dance, and colors are hallmarks of a festive and welcoming people.
The itinerary starts in India’s capital, New Delhi, with a flight to Udaipur, the city of lakes, continues to the Indian leopard wilderness and dives into the royal country of the Rabari villages and tribes, then heads north to Ranthambore to discover the habitat of the Indian tiger, and finally to Agra for a visit to the Taj Mahal.
Papers
To enter India, it is essential to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel and to obtain a Tourist Visa online.
Climate
Rajasthan is a country with a hot climate, dominated mainly by two seasons: a dry and a wet one. From May to August, the monsoon causes some moderate rainfall, and the weather is generally hot-humid (28°-34°). In contrast, from September to March there is no major rainfall, and temperatures are pleasant (18°-26°).
Currency
The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR).
Time Zone
4 1/2 hours ahead of Italy; 3 1/2 hours when daylight saving time is in effect in Italy.
Health Obligations
No mandatory vaccination.
Language
The official language is Hindi; the local Rajasthani language is also spoken, but English is still widely spoken.
Religion
Mostly made up of Hindus (about 85 percent). Also present, in a smaller percentage, are Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists.
Clothing
It is advisable to opt for sportswear and very comfortable footwear, exclude garments made of synthetic fibers that prevent body perspiration, especially in hot climate environments. This technique makes it possible to adapt the degree of body coverage to climatic variations and achieve effective protection against temperature changes. In the winter time in northern India, it is advisable to have a light windbreaker and a sweatshirt for the evening.
Electricity
The voltage of the electric current is 220v. Plugs with the earth plug (center plug) do not work. Universal adapters are recommended.
Telephony
To call from Italy to Rajasthan, one must dial the international dialing code 0091. To contact Italy, it is necessary to dial 0039 followed by the city code without the zero and the subscriber number.
Curiosities
Rajasthan is famous for its festivals and the wonderful palaces of the Maharajas. It is possible to combine these two aspects by attending events such as the Jaisalmer Desert Festival (February), the Nagaur Sufi Music Festival (February) or the Pushkar Fair (October), visiting medieval fortresses and castles, staying overnight in boutique hotels former residences of the Maharajas.
Notes
The fee does not include:
– Domestic airfare from Delhi to Udaipur (special fare to be reconfirmed)
– 15 kg baggage allowance on domestic air flight (Usd 5 for each extra kg)
– Assistance on arrival/departure at the airport by our office representative.
– 7 nights’ accommodation in shared double room on bed and breakfast basis at all locations.
– 1 overnight stay in shared double tent with half board in Jawai
– 4 nights’ accommodation in shared double tent with full board in Jawai and Ranthambore.
– Private transportation with English-speaking driver as scheduled.
– Interstate taxes, tolls and parking for the entire tour.
– Private Italian/English-speaking local guides
– Visits and excursions, including entrance fees to monuments and museums, as indicated in the program
– No. 4 collective jeep safari excursions in the Jawai leopard region
– No. 4 collective jeep safari excursions in Ranthambore tiger region
– Visiting the village of Shahpura
– Tour of the blue city of Jodhpur
– Government Services Tax (GST)
– Assistance from qualified local staff in all Indian cities and airports
The fee does not include:
– International flight to and from India
– International airport taxes
– Travel insurance
– Tourist visa for India
– Expenses of a personal nature: telephone, laundry, meals, drinks, tips, etc. – Early check-in and late check-out in hotels, except where specified
– Optional excursions and visits, not included in the program