Winter is a good time to see an amazing variety of birds in Keoladeo Ghana National Park. These birds migrate all the way from Central Asia and Siberia. At Ranthambhore National park, leave your fear behind and come prepared to see tigers all along your safari. More wildlife might be spotted in Kumbalgarh where we trek into the longest wall after the Great Wall of China.
This trip also takes you to the rustic landscapes of Rajasthan where you can get a glimpse into the lives of the locals, their struggles and their simple lifestyles. During our visit to the Bishnoi villages we learn about their eco-friendly way of living and their passion for the environment and wildlife. The nomadic Raika tribes amaze us with their passion and knowledge of camels that goes back a long way in history.
Route: Delhi - Bharatpur – Ranthambore - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh Narlai-Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Delhi
Activities: Bird watching, jeep safari, wildlife, trekking, horse riding, village walk, shepherd tales, responsible shopping
Duration: 15 days
Day 1
Delhi: You arrive into Delhi and proceed on a guided tour of Lutyens New Delhi. We take you through this beautifully planned quarter of the city that is home to important, and architecturally relevant structures such as the Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan (president's residence) and India Gate. We finish the tour of Delhi with sunset at the Qutb Complex, which is home to the Qutb Minar, the tallest minaret in India and the Iron Pillar which is one of the wonder's of India.Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2
Wake up early morning to go on a guided history walk through old Delhi ( not operates on Sundays). Visit the various eateries in the narrow crowded lanes of Chandni Chowk and taste Delhi through its delicacies ( Karims - the most authentic Mughlai eatry). Visit the Kinari bazaar -tightly packed stalls selling bewildering array of tinsel and sequins. Dariba Kalan is the lane of jewellers and silversmiths. Rickshaw ride is the best way to explore if you feel tired of walking in the narrow lanes.
Board afternoon train to Bharatpur 2060 exp 1320/1543. Arrive and transfer to accommodation near the park. Time permits have a quick walk into this nature's paradise.Overnight in Bharatpur.
Day 3
Bharatpur – Ranthambore We wake up early in the morning to hear the orchestra of birds in the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. We drive after lunch to Ranthambore National Park (5.5 hours) home to one of the largest populations of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Overnight in Ranthambore
Day 4
Ranthambore – Bijaipur: We take you on a safari to spot the tiger and thereafter leave for Bijaipur (6.5 hours), while doing a small stopover at Bundi, famous for its fort. Overnight in Bijaipur.
Day 5
Bijaipur – Udaipur: We go for an early morning village safari around Bijaipur, a rocky area dominated by green fields and forests. After seeing the picturesque terrain of Bijaipur, we drive to Udaipur (3 hours).Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 6
Udaipur: Spend an entire day in the most romantic city, Udaipur. This side of Rajasthan that has been widely photographed and showcased. Boat ride on lake Picola/Bazaar Walks/Guided tour of City. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 7
Udaipur – Kumbhalgarh: We leave early in the morning for Kumbhalgarh (4 hours), which is nestled amongst greenery and serenity. We visit the Kumbalgarh Fort, which is at one of the highest points in the Aravalli range and encloses many temples, palaces, gardens and water-storage facilities. The fort was renovated in the last century. Overnight in Kumbhalgarh
Day 8
Kumbalgarh-Ranakpur-Kumbhalgarh: Wake up early morning and trek to Ranakpur -25kms/8hrs trek .Packed lunch enroute . Trek takes you through the wild side of amazing forests and hills. Chances of seeing wildlife is quite high. Arrive in Ranakpur. Visit the famous Jain temples which have been preserved since 15th century.. Evening drive back to Kumbhalgarh.
Day 9
Kumbalgarh – Narlai: Narlai located mid way between Udaipur-Jodhpur takes you back into the time machine. Very authentic Rajput stay .Rawla(villa) nestled in the village bustling with activity and bursting with colors. Enjoy the hospitality at Narlai. Overnight in Narlai.
Day 10
Narlai-Jodhpur Drive onwards to Jodhpur-3hrs drive.: We spend the whole day exploring Jodhpur, a city of gardens, monuments and legends. We visit the massive Meherangarh fort, Jodhpur's old town and the Mandore gardens. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 11
Jodhpur: After breakfast, we will explore the Bishnoi villages around Jodhpur and learn about their lifestyle that is devoted to the environment and protection of wild life. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 12
Jodhpur – Jaisalmer: We drive drive to Jaisalmer (6.5 hours), the city which is at the heart of the vast Thar desert. On the way we stop over at Pokharan, a traditional pottery village. Try your hand at pottery and take back what you mould. At Jaisalmer we explore the fort and interact with the locals. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 13
Morning: Guided tour of the Golden Fort ,Jain Temple,Gadisar tank and Havelis. Afternoon : time free
OvernightinJaisalmer.
Day 14
Jaisalmer – Delhi : Explore Jaisalmer until your departure to Delhi by train. The train ride passes through the desert sands, rustic landscapes and colourful settlements.
Day 15
Delhi: Arrive in Delhi . Onwards to next destination.
How your travel makes a difference to the local community & environment:
- We work with the Kalakar Vikas Samiti, a small group of traditional artists who make a living out of art and handicrafts. Most of the hotels and restaurants showcase Rajasthani artists, and barring the visual appeal, there is real no connection with the artists. Our holidays give you an opportunity to understand where they come from, their art and culture. You can visit them in their houses and villages during the trip. As typical of our holidays, the performances are not organised in hotels or resorts, instead we invite our travellers to our villages to meet and interact with the communities and understand more about their social backgrounds and enjoy the ritualistic traditions. This ensures that they don't compromise on their dignity and perform just for the sake of making a living. Our involvement with the community ensures their capacity building, training on social skills and building networks of artists in different parts of the Rajasthan so that the benefits of Responsible Tourism is spread across the state and not restricted to certain tourist places.
- We organise workshops that provide an opportunity to not only learn craft but also understand its social environment. One of the off shoots of these workshops is responsible shopping where travellers can purchase products directly without paying middle men who make unreasonable profits at the expense of the real artists.
- Our interpreters have travelled to other destinations we offer as holidays in India. They spend time with other communities to understand how they are part of the growing responsible tourism initiatives run by our company.
- We promote home stays so that the benefits go directly to local people. What better way to learn about the Rajasthani culture than to stay with an ordinary family enjoying home cooked food.
Classic Rajasthan
Here we take you a little bit off the beaten trail to a landscape that is rich in printing, puppetry, arts and crafts..
Colors of Rajasthan
Pink palaces, golden forts, blue cities and glowing turbans. Breathe in all the colours of India on a journey through the soul of Rajasthan.
Rustic Rural Rajasthan
This trip gives you an opportunity to travel ethically through villages and cities of Rajasthan on spirited journeys set to open your eyes, heart and soul. Meet everyday extraordinary people, immerse yourself in ancient, thriving cultures and marvel at Rajasthan's characters.