Day 1: Jaipur
Get into town
Because Jaipur is the gateway to Rajasthan, it is a must-do on the list of most travellers. Expect the city to be crowded, even claustrophobic in parts. Which is why we’ve picked Madhuban, the small heritage hotel, on Behari Marg to stay (www.madhuban.net). The small hotel has beautifully appointed rooms, done up with artefacts and antique pieces and is a quiet haven, offering traditional Rajasthani hospitality that is sure to live up to your expectations. After a quick look around the much-photographed City Palace, a remarkable mix of Rajasthani and Mughal design, and the fairy tale pink Hawai Mahal, head off to Mandawa, a three-hour drive away. The town that’s off the beaten track is full of forts and havelis decorated with bright murals, from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can walk through the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli and the Murmuria Haveli, echoing their rich past. Return to Jaipur and dine on sumptuous Rajasthani fare at your heritage hotel, in the elegant dining room or on the lawns. A colourful puppet show will keep the children engaged for a long time. Rajasthali, the state emporium is nearby, and you could do a round of shopping there before dinner.

Day 2: Devigarh/Pushkar
Distance: 420 km
Time: 7 hours by road

This is not a day for a lazy lie-in. Therefore wake up and start early, to accommodate the distances to be covered. En route to Udaipur, your first stop is Ajmer, one of Rajasthan’s most important Muslim pilgrimage centres as it is the home to the revered Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti’s shrine. Say a quiet prayer and then head to Pushkar, the sacred town that wraps itself around a lake. Part pilgrim town, part hippy hangout, Pushkar has a unique vibe of its own. The sound of chanting, gongs and temple bells fill the air here. The most popular one being the Brahma Temple, said to be the only one in the world. Spend some time at the ghats. Drive on to Udaipur, where your destination is Devigarh, an 18th century palace in Delwara village, now turned into a heritage hotel (www.lebua.com). It lies in the shadow of the Aravali range and affords you the luxury of reliving for a day or two the lifestyle of Rajasthan royalty. Guest suites are equipped with every modern luxury, but do not take away from the feeling of dwelling in a glorious time in the past.

Day 3: Udaipur
Distance: 30 km
Time: 45 minutes by road

Wake up in your palatial abode and prepare to explore the countryside around. The hotel will arrange an excursion to Delwara village, where you can see the locals go about their daily lives in an unhurried fashion. Another short drive will take you to Bapparawal, where a small lake, set in a wooded expanse, allows you to soak in the majestic beauty of the Aravalis. Then, on to Udaipur, a 45-minute drive away. The city of palaces, lakes and gardens, founded by Maharana Udai Singh sits by the Pichola lake and is a tourist magnet. Oft-photographed as they are, the Lake Palace and the City Palace, examples of the graceful architecture of the region are well worth taking a tour of. Return to Devigarh and have sundowners at the spectacular outdoor bar from were you can catch a magnificent sunset. If you are on a romantic break, we suggest you dine at one of the palace’s private niches, lit by candles, with jalatarang being played softly in the quiet background.

Day 4: Jodhpur
Distance: 260 km
Time: 4-5 hours by road

On first impression, you’ll notice that the Blue City is indeed the colour of the sky. The old city is a maze of blue-painted buildings lying at the base of the imposing and regal Mehrangarh fort. Surrounded by a 16th century wall, the old city is a mesh of narrow streets and bazars, a medley of smells, sounds and sights, which amp up your experience. Wander about, soaking in the buzz of old Jodhpur. Mehrangarh fort, rising from a rocky hill and dominating the Jodhpur skyline is rated one of India’s most magnificent forts and well worth strolling about in. A short ride away is the Umaid Bhavan Palace, a sandstone structure that captures all the opulence of the erstwhile rulers of Rajasthan. Towards sunset, wander off towards the Jaswant Thada, which is walking distance from the Mehrangarh fort, a marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh. It’s quiet here, and a welcome respite from the hubbub of the old city. What’s more? The views are superb. Before retiring to your hotel, stop by at the Sambhali Boutique, a women’s self-help outfit, that sells pottery bead jewellery, block printed muslin scarves and silk bags. After having splurged in Devigarh, you can stay at the two-star Hotel Haveli, housed in a 250-year-old building with a terrace and a view of the fort. (www.hotelhaveli.net)

Day 5: Jaisalmer
Distance: 280 km
Time: 4-5 hours by road

From the Blue City to the Golden one-the colour of honey. Even after what may seem like a surfeit of forts in Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer fort will take your breath away. It towers above the sandy plains, and encircles narrow, twisting lanes which bustle with activity. Shops selling bejewelled embroidery and handicrafts have touts vying to make a quick buck abound here. So, proceed with caution. But even with the commercialisation and the arrival of package tourists by the busload, this desert citadel continues to enchant. Spend some time exploring the fort and also the Fort Palace that lies within its fold. The Thar desert is equally fascinating, evoking desert mystery and tales of camel trains in days of yore. It is now a spot where tourists take long camel rides into the desert. Hop onto one if you are game and haven’t done it before. The Desert Cultural Museum near the Tourism Office provides a glimpse into a unique way of life. Sleep in a uniquely located spot, the Mud Mirror Guest House (www.mudmirrorguesthouse.com) which sits atop the magnificent Jaisalmer fort.

Day 6: Bikaner
Distance: 330 km
Time: 4-5 hours by road

Today, its off to Bikaner. En route, stop at Pokaran which, though known as a nuclear test sight, is also the site of another grand fort. Look around its plum-coloured walls, and have lunch at the Pokaran Fort Hotel which is a popular pit-stop. You can also pick up some of the terracotta objects it’s famous for. On arrival in Bikaner, check into the Desert Winds hotel, located close to the fort and with well furnished rooms (www.hoteldesertwinds.in). Bikaner, you will find, is less touristy than Jaisalmer, with its own desert mystique. Camels are part of everyday life here and this is a good place to sign up for a desert safari. Get a taste of riding these lumbering creatures. Amble about the old, walled city and take a look at the Junagadh Fort. If you aren’t completely turned off by rodents, take a trip to the Karni Mata Temple about an hour’s drive away and join the devotees to worship Durga, surrounded by thousands of rats. For a Bikaneri meal, drop by at Chotu Moti Joshi Sweets near the railway station. Tuck into pooris and methi daana sabji and buy some namkeen to carry home.

Day 7: Gajner Sanctuary
Distance: 32 km
Time: 40 minutes by road

Rise early, and after another Bikaneri-style breakfast, which could include kachoris and rabri and other artery-clogging delights, get set for a day in the wild. The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is only a short drive away from Bikaner town and makes a great getaway from this desert outpost. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Bikaner and later for the British aristocracy, it is now a protected area and home to a diversity of flora and fauna, including black buck, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar and plenty more. Bird watchers will get the opportunity to spot several species, including the coveted and shy Imperial sand grouse. The winter months see the arrival of migrating flocks. A lake bang in the centre of the wildlife sphere makes for a lovely spot to relax in-between your excursion. Camel safaris, jeep safaris and nature walks allow you to get up close and personal with nature and also provide lots of opportunities for the keen photographer.