India's rural Golden Triangle

It’s easy to be lazy at the Patan Mahal, but the surroundings call out to the explorer in you. The 800-year-old fort on the hill is a strenuous trek, and the ruins of the Badal Mahal palace are the perfect place to enjoy a quiet lunch. The farming area of the house is full of surprises for the nature lover. The step well, or baori, is a uniquely North Indian phenomenon, and there is one close by. Spend some time walking into a well — it’s an experience you will not forget in a hurry.

After a leisurely breakfast, continue your journey deep into the heart of rural India, where this afternoon you will check into a palace. Set close to the heart of a rural village, this will provide you with a unique insight into village life, and it's a perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible Indian hospitality simply. Few venture this far into Rajasthan: a rare treat.

Although Samode is a wonderful rural retreat, you're not far from the Pink City. Today your guide will meet you and take you on a private tour of Amber and the city palaces.

Leaving your palace, your journey continues to Ranthambhore National Park, home of the elusive tiger.

Enjoy both morning and afternoon private game drives. We would recommend that you wear an extra layer for your morning drive because it can be cold as you travel by open-top jeep. In the afternoon, though, you'll need protection from the sun.

If seeing tigers is important to you, we would recommend arranging an additional safari this morning to really maximise your chances of a sighting. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely start to your day before you travel to Ramathra, a beautiful 17th-century converted fort.

Day at leisure to relax or explore. There is plenty to do here, from exploring the village to taking a boat on the Kalisil Lake or a night drive into the Kaila Devi National Park. You can either arrange these locally or ahead of time. Your specialist will be able to make suggestions based on your interests.

Once you're ready, continue your journey to Chambal, which is a nature lover's paradise. Your afternoon is free. Perhaps take one of the nature walks with the resident naturalists. Early evening is the best time to go in search of palm civet cats, foxes, jungle hares, fruit bats, hedgehogs and Indian striped hyenas.

Full day at leisure to explore. We recommend that you take a walk through the village, or book a river boat trip where you can go in search of the Gangetic dolphin and gharial. Alternatively, visit the medieval temple complex at Bateshwar on the Yamuna River, which consists of over a hundred temples dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. The ravines surrounding the temples and river are home to a number of Naga Sadhus (snake worshipping ascetics) who have carved out little caves and temples within the mud walls. Bateshwar provides a rare glimpse into the heart of authentic rural India.

Leaving Chambal, complete your adventure with a visit to the Taj Mahal and Red Fort before returning to Delhi to spend a night near the airport.

Return home after what will have been an unforgettable journey. Your return flight will arrive the same day.