the colour wheel...

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Colors of Rajasthan  |   Classic Rajasthan   |  Green Rajasthan |  Rustic Rural Rajasthan

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image copyright Nikhil Pandit
 

Route:
Jaipur -> Nawalgarh -> Khimsar -> Chandelao -> Rohetgarh -> Siana  -> Udaipur

Activities:
Puppetry | Folk dances | Tie and Dye Workshop| Responsible shopping | Fresco study | Carpentry & Pottery workshops | Camel Safari | Panther Trail |Bazaar walks  

About the itinerary:
Colourful turbans amidst a dusty landscape, the prints, puppetry, arts and crafts, eateries, elaborate architecture draws millions of tourists to Rajasthan.

The Blue Yonder gives you a flavour of Rajasthan, a feel of all its characters, in one trip. Jaipur, the pink city of India will you keep you immersed in its sandstone architecture which stands out in the uniquely planned city.

The Shekhawati area welcomes you with its frescoes, the arts and unique arid landscape. Explore the blue city of Jodhpur, that peeps out of a rocky ridge overlooking the Thar desert.

The Mehrangrah Fort, still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, stands tall as the backdrop of the sun city. Rajasthan is never complete without stopping at the magical city of Udaipur which will keep you busy with its lakes, temples and museums. Visiting Chandelao and Siana will bring you close to communities which have been part of the Rural Rajasthan for years..Visit a shepherds village, learn some carpentry work, buying Craft work at Chandelao brings direct benefits to the community.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Jaipur
Fly to the pink city of Jaipur. Spend the relaxing and strolling about the dimly lit city and explore the capital of Rajasthan known for its town planning.
Evening: Attend the Folk and Puppetry programs at a nearby village. Meet the authentic performers.

Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 2 Jaipur

Visit the city palace and look up for the flag and if you see it you know the Maharaja is in the palace! Walk around the uniquely constructed city, and study its planning. You have an option of visiting Amber fort or you can indulge in responsible shopping at fair trade shops.

Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 3 Jaipur - Nawalgarh
Next morning, drive into the Shekhawati region (4hrs drive), the semi-arid landscape of Rajasthan. Go on a village walk and explore the culture of a rustic life.

Overnight at Nawalgarh.

Day 4 Nawalgarh
Make yourself some bangles and learn the art of making tie and dye. Workshops will keep you immersed through the day. You will be tempted to buy something from the artists directly.

Overnight at Nawalgarh.

Day 5 Nawalgarh - Khimsar
Drive to Khimsar via Fatehpur-5hrs drive and visit the havelis garnished with the best works. Stay at a sensitively designed desert camp/camp or Fort. Settle in with the dazzling sunset.

Overnight at Khimsar.

Day 6 Khimsar
Visit a nearby Weaver's centre, supported by a local foundation has been involving the local women folk from the nearby villages. Interact with the women to understand where they come from. Relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight at Khimsar.

Day 7 Khimsar - Chandelao

Leave for Chandelao, a quaint village which serves the best food and meet some of the best people - from potters to crafts people to folk artists. The hosts here will make your stay memorable. Go on a 'sundowner' trip at camel pace.

Overnight at Chandelao.

Day 8 Chandelao 

You can go to the local markets around the town of Pipar or go watching migratory birds at a nearby sanctuary. Over lunch or dinner, the locals will reveal the history of the fort and how the feudal system works.

Overnight at Chandelao.

Day  9 Chandelao - Rohet

Drive to Rohetgarh-3hrs drive; on the way visit the huge Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur; meander with the passages, stories and history. Onwards drive to Rohet via the Bishnoi villages. The Bishnois are known for being the original environmentalists who would give their lives to protect the environment. Be sure to be inspired by their will power. The present rulers of Rohetgarh are known for their warmth and hospitality. The stables of Rohetgarh have the best Marwari breed of horses in Rajasthan.

Overnight at Rohetgarh.

Day 10 Rohet
Stroll about in the picturesque village of Rohetgarh. You can just stroll in the village or just relax at the hotel. Horse riding will be a quite a memory if you try it

Overnight at Rohetgarh.

Day 11 Rohet - Siana
Drive to Siana, a quaint little town, a less explored destination of Rajasthan. Hosts are famous for their hospitality. By nightfall, the constellations will be your guide.

Overnight at Siana.

Day 12 Siana
Go on a village walk and explore the carpenter culture of Siana. Visit a traditional carpenters house to see their pieces of work. Drive across the dry river bed and meet with the Rabari community, the traditional shepherds of this region. Explore the village and the sheep will keep you company! Go on a panther safari at dusk and come back to immerse yourself in stargazing.

Overnight at Siana.

Day 13 Siana - Udaipur
The Aravallis welcome your entry into Udaipur and enjoy the changing landscapes on the way. Stroll along the lakes and the narrow lanes, each with a unique character.

Overnight at Udaipur.

Day 14 Udaipur - Delhi/Mumbai
You can reminisce your trip over a lunch by the lake. Walk around the bazaar streets and take back some wooden toys and authentic silver accessories. Depart for Delhi/Mumbai by flight.


How this particular trip makes a difference to the local community / environment