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A Journey Through Rajasthan, the Land of Kings

A Journey Through Rajasthan, the Land of Kings

Some time has now passed since Lola returned from her Indian adventure to Rajasthan, and her spirits have not dampened. Having discovered a new corner of the world, she was surprised at her reaction of India, and how positively uplifted it left her feeling. Follow in the footsteps of her journey through the Land of Kings, with this beautiful and insightful photoblog...

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1). Starting the trip with a bang! What a view from the stunning Udaipur City Palace. This is what maharaja living is all about.

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2). A city exploration: Udaipur is a dazzling combination of white marble palaces, historic temples, ancient streets, lush landscaped gardens and bustling markets.

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3). Big city life – the buzzing back streets of Udaipur.

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4). Up in the clouds at Kumbhalgarh Fort and it reminded me of and “Indian Great Wall of China”. What great lengths!

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5). Catching the shade in the midday heat.

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6). Our drive from Kumbhalgarh to Jawai Leopard Camp and we were caught up in rush hour. I loved seeing the local shepherd herding the livestock home at sunset.

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7). Hello Jodhpur! The view of the Blue City from Mehrangarh Fort.

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8). Peacocks everywhere and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort in the background; living the palace life at Umaid Bhawan Palace.

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9). There are more than 100 stepwells in Jodhpur making the most of the excess ground water. This is the impressive Toorji Ka Jhalra.

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10). The majestic Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, no wonder it’s called the Pink City!

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11). We met Mr Tikam, the renowned Jaipur street portrait photographer, outside the Hawa Mahal for our photograph! A forgotten art in this digital age.

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12). A rare moment of calm in the frenetic bustle of India.

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13). We were with this beauty in Ranthambhore for about an hour. This queen is the renowned tigress’ Machali’s granddaughter, we were truly blessed.

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14). India is colour! Here in Ajabgarh we passed a wedding preparation party, a hub of excitement and flourishes of vibrancy.

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15). “Hi hi hi hi hi!” “Bye bye bye bye bye!” these adorable cheeky monkeys were just irresistible.

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16). This is rural Rajasthan away from the palaces. Oh, and that bike was a present from the Indian government for him doing well in his final exams. He was so proud!

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17). And breathe… Amanbagh was an utter haven we had all to ourselves.

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18). All smiles as we ate our freshly made bedmi puri in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk.

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19). India is full of surprises as we stumbled across this Bollywood worthy idyll in Chandni Chowk.

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20). Calm amidst the chaos at the Lodi Gardens. Surrounded by history and culture, it was the perfect way to end our trip.

For more information or to start planning your tailor-made holiday to India please contact us:

info@ampersandtravel.com // +44 (0) 207 819 9770


Client Testimonials

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

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