Raipur

Raipur is a bustling village deep in the Rajasthani countryside (not to be confused with Raipur city in Chhattisgarh), located a two-hour drive from Ajmer and half way between Jaipur and Jodhpur, which is the closest airport. Well off the tourist trail and set within charming natural landscapes, Raipur is a true representation of Rajasthani rural life and a beautiful location to spend a couple of days.

The village is a 10-minute drive through vegetable farms to Lakshman Sagar, a gorgeous boutique hotel set in a 19th Century hunting lodge beside a small lake – perfect for honeymooners looking to unwind in a chic and tranquil setting. Guests can enjoy plentiful activities including guided village tours, nature walks, jeep safaris and horse safaris through the ‘Badlands of India’, and an afternoon wildlife safari to the Todgarh Sanctuary, home to leopards and sloth bears.

Foodie activities include liquor tasting, goat herding followed by a hearty Rajasthani 'field breakfast' at a local farmer’s home where you can help churn the butter and watch fresh bread being baked.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson