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RAJASTHAN – A LIVING TRIBAL MUSEUM
Rajasthan, 'The Land of Kings" is India at its exotic and colorful best. The destinations suggested below take us through a time machine a few hundreds of years back in time. We find ourselves in extremely remote tribal areas of Rajasthan where life is as primitive as primitive can be. This enables us to capture images of tribal life at its best - in all its traditional colors and innocent hospitality. The highlight of the tour is stays in royal palaces, forts & castles - imposing buildings replete with luxury, character and Old World charm. Life outside these amazing buildings is a contrast. Life is very primitive and traditional; typical homes with mud plastered or cow dung plastered walls and hay thatched roofs; narrow lanes or trails broad enough only for camel carts or donkey carts; traditional costumes of men & women; primitive agricultural techniques of plough being drawn by men or bulls; traditional occupations of wood carving, block printing, pottery etc. You would have an opportunity to interact with the locals, visit villages and tribal homes etc. You could do all this and more without worrying about loosing time on journeys. Also, we believe that the sights and experiences that come up on way to a destination are more fascinating and natural compared to the destination itself.
Of Course the crowning Glory of the tour is the Taj Mahal - the most photographed monument in the world……A fitting climax to our back street adventures in Rajasthan.
Destinations : Delhi - Ahmedabad - Dungarpur - Udaipur - Ghanerao - Narlai - Sodawas - Rohet - Jodhpur – Jaipur –Agra – Delhi
Day 01 - Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival. Traditional Welcome garlands. Later, transfer to the hotel & overnight at the Hotel.
Day 02 - Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple , Humayun's Tomb (1586) , the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Cannaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital. Overnight at Hotel
Day 03 - Delhi / Ahmedabad - {Rajdhani Express 1935 / 1000*}
Following breakfast, We would visit the "Delhi Haat", a bustling crafts village where artisans and craftsmen from various parts of India arrive to display and sell their wares. You would have an excellent opportunity to shop for fabrics, paper mache, woodcraft, etc. This place is very popular with middle class Indian's as the quality and price here are both very good. Late evening, transfer to the train station to board the Rajdhani Express to Ahmedabad (Overnight On Train)
Day 04 - Arrival / Ahemedabad / Dungarpur (125 Kms)
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and drive to Dungarpur . Upon arrival check into the Udai Bilas Palace. The history of Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur. Rajasthan dates from the mid-19th century, when Maharawal Udai Singhji-II, a great patron of art and architecture built a wing of bluish grey local stone "Pareva" overlooking the lake and the " Ek Thambia Mahal," featuring intricate sculptured pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings, a veritable marvel of Rajput architecture. Overnight At Udai Bilas Palace.
Day 05 - Dungarpur
The district is the stronghold of Bheels, a tribe whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli range is said to date back to 4000 BC. They are one of the oldest and most primitive tribes of the world. This morning we will visit some of these unspoiled Bheel hamlets in and around the town. We will witness and photograph age-old tribal lifestyles and customs handed down over the centuries.
Udai Bilas Palace is a round-the-year paradise for bird watchers. The cooler months from mid October to February are the best to see winter migratory birds when birds can be observed in attractive plumage. One can see from the Palace itself at remarkably close range egrets, night and pond herons, white necked and painted storks, coots and winter or resident ducks among others, depending on the season of your visit. Overnight At Udai Bilas Palace.
Day 06 - Dungarpur / Udaipur (100 Kms)
Following breakfast, we drive to Udaipur. Royal capital of a divine dynasty. Languid Lake City, strewn with marble palaces, hibiscus - massed gardens, fountain pavilions, and cobbled medieval gardens.
Welcome to Udaipur, the famed "City of sunrise ". Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of the sun God. A city where the sun truly never set, where tradition and a strict code of heroism were happily united with a love of fine living. A city that has come to be an oasis of romance in the warrior state of Rajasthan. Upon arrival check into the hotel Jagat Niwas.
Afternoon is at leisure for nature walks, visits to the bustling bazaars or just to enjoy your charming heritage hotel overlooking the tranquil Lake Pichola. Overnight At Jagat Niwas.
Day 07 - Udaipur
Morning, we proceed on a tour of this "Lake City". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design and affords very fine view of the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art. Overnight At Jagat Niwas.
Day 08 - Udaipur / Kumbhalgarh (90 Kms)
Following breakfast a two-hour drive to Kumbhalgarh. We would have photo stop several times as we walk through the countryside as well as interact with primitive tribals. Upon arrival we check into the beautifully preserved Aodhi Lodge - a property of the Royal family of Udaipur. Afternoon, we explore the beautifully preserved and one of the most majestic forts of India. Overnight At Aodhi Lodge.
Day 09 - Kumbhalgarh / Ghanerao (35 Kms)
Following breakfast, we would have an opportunity to explore the feudal village of Kumbhalgarh. The people here are extremely friendly and hospitable. We witness their ethnic tribal lifestyle. We continue our ride to the interiors of Rajasthan to witness tribal life untouched by modern times. Upon arrival at Ghanerao we check into the Royal Ghanerao Castle. Afternoon escorted walks through the primitive town to witness traditional styles of living and occupation. Overnight At Ghanerao Castle.
Day 10 - Ghanerao / Narlai (60 Kms)
Following breakfast we ride to Narlai, stopping several times for photos and walks through the countryside to interact with and witness the life styles of the natives. Upon arrival check into Rawla Narlai. Rawla Narlai is full of surprises; it is situated in the heart of a typical Rajasthani village bustling with activity and bursting with colours. Afternoon, we would have an escorted stroll through the small town, bustling with activity and bursting with colour- perhaps pausing to see the rich handicrafts or even to design your own silver Tabiz, a ancient lucky charm, both for women and men- worn around the neck, at the silversmith. Overnight At Rawla Narlai
Day -11: Narlai
Wake up to the sounds of this 17-century village, and take in the spiritual energy from descending from the Shiva Temple, deep in a primal cave, on the hill overlooking your room. You may hear whispers of the early morning chanting coming from the many temples and mosques. At breakfast you are encouraged to feed the harmless monkeys, if they come down from the hills, as a token of prayer to Lord Hanuman. After breakfast we have an escorted stroll through the small bazaar, bustling with activity and bursting with colour. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Rawla Narlai
Day - 12: Narlai / Sodawas (45 kms)
Following breakfast we travel to Sodawas. Upon arrival, check into Sodawas Kot. The Kot has ten bedrooms and every modern amenity. The family drawing and dining rooms have been opened to receive guests in true Rajput Hospitality. Traditional Rajasthani Cuisine for which the House is well known for, is served with a mild and delicate blend of spices adapted to your taste. The family will join you and will give you an opportunity to discuss their traditions, culture and the rich heritage of Marwar erstwhile State of Jodhpur. Folk Music and dance are performed in the evening specially for us. The beautifully designed stables will interest Horse lovers. Once the much loved stallion and mare of the Late Thakur Sahib were stabled here. Overnight at Sodawas Kot.
Day - 13: Sodawas / Rohet (65 kms)
Following breakfast we ride out to Rohet. Upon arrival check into the Rohetgarh fort.
At Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past, a world of honour and of chivalry, of glory and of pride; a world of vibrant colours and spectacular magnificence. The food at Rohetgarh is special; each recipe is both traditional and typical, handed down the generations and jealously guarded to retain its pristine flavors. You savior only the very best of Rajasthani cuisine's, food favored by the Royalty. Overnight: Rohetgarh
Day -14: Rohet
Morning at leisure to enjoy the amazing palace hotel of whimsical charm and the surrounding fairy tale town of Rohet.
Late afternoon we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of Rajasthan villages where traditions centuries old still permeate life styles. One can witness the 'opium ceremony' - a ritual by which guests are welcomed. Gaily attired men and women carry on their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village huts remind one of the simple and traditional living here. Overnight: Rohetgarh
Day - 15: Rohet / Jodhpur (40 Kms)
Following breakfast, we drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check into the Hotel. Afternoon, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the massive fort. In olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight down making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels, on to the armory and Jaswant Tara - the Royal Crematorium. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 16 : Jodhpur
Morning at leisure to recover from the new years eve festivities of last night. Afternoon, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most colorful whole sale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc. Overnight at Hotel.
Day - 17 : Jodhpur / Jaipur (335kms)
Following Breakfast, we ride to Jaipur. In a land steeped with heritage, picturesque with exquisite architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories and romance, lies the Dream City of Jaipur. The people are dynamic, martial and, need we say it ,colourful . Here every walk through the by lanes is a walk through history. Indeed, Jaipur could be compared to a vast open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle with saffron 'odhinis' ( ladies scarves ) . Camel's buggies and elephants are as commonly found as motor cars and buses. Upon arrival, check into Hotel. Overnight Hotel.
Day - 18 : Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipur. We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Following lunch, a tour Of City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date. The Palace Of Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. Overnight at Hotel.
Day - 19: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Following breakfast we drive to Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire's splendor. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we continue riding to Agra. Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sun set we visit the Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.
We would also have an opportunity to visit a marble showroom where we would be able to witness the inlay work done on marble just as at the Taj Mahal. Overnight at Hotel.
Day - 20 : Agra / Delhi
Following breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort;. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Afternoon Drive to Delhi, stopping on the way at well appointed midway restaurants for washroom facilities and refreshments.
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