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Route:
Delhi -> Agra -> Ranthambore -> Jaipur -> Shekhawati -> Bikaner -> Bhap -> Jaisalmer -> Jodhpur -> Udaipur
Activities:
Responsible shopping | Market trails| Tie & Dye workshop I Camel safari | Puppetry | Folk expression | Village walks | Folk music
About the itinerary
This holiday takes you down the kaleidoscope road of Rajasthan – - You start from Delhi-the capital of India..All the contrasts and contradictions of India are particularly visible in this city. Before you enter Rajasthan visit the epitome of Love -Taj Mahal in Agra. Embark on your journey to Rajasthan to be spell bound by the deserts, the hills and jungles , the countryside and the cities. From the Pink city of Jaipur to the colorful murals and frescoes in Shekawati to the changing yellows of the Thar desert to the blue roofs in Jodhpur through the green countryside and forests on the way to the glamorous white city of Udaipur, if the colours and Rajasthan are synonymous, then this trip completes it for you.
We visit many forts that remind us of a long forgotten history of Rajasthan and its rulers. There are distinct memories from the Rajputs, warriors that claim to originate from the sun, moon and fire who had inhabited these areas for over a thousand years. They lost their status and richness with the arrival of the British and left behind a rich cultural heritage. Luckily, we can still see some of their works in Rajasthan whether they are converted into heritage hotels, or lying as ruins, or preserved in museums. The flavour of the Rajputs continues to prevail even to date open for travelers to admire.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and after lunch, go on a guided tour of the Lutyens New Delhi, drive past the Parliament House,Presidents House and India gate.. Terminate your Delhi city tour at the Qutb Complex -visit the five story Qutb Minar,marvel at the Iron Pillar and return back to Hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Wake up early morning to go on a guided history walk through old Delhi. . 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..Visit the Jami Masjid-Indias largest mosque with its soaring minarets.. On return to Hotel visit Rajghat-Site of Mahatama Gandhi cremation ..Rest of the day relax or explore on own..
Overnight in Delhi
Day 3 Delhi - Agra
Drive to Agra-5.5hrs drive and stop over at Sikandra, a tomb build by Akbar and finished by his son Jahangir. Visit the Agra fort and examine the exquisite architecture of the Mughal empire.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 4 Agra - Ranthambore
In the morning we visit one of the seven wonders of the world, the stunning Taj Mahal, the palace built in memory of Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz. Etched in marble, this flawless structure in white marble awaits your entry. Visit Akbar's city Fatehpur Sikri on the way to Rathambore 6.5hrs drive.
Overnight in Rathambore.
Day 5 Ranthambore
Go on a early morning tiger jeep safari. Visit the local craft shops which sell unique artifacts and garments. Go on another jeep safari - what you see in the evenings are very different from the morning safaris. Sleep peacefully amidst the silence of the wild.
Overnight in Ranthambore. Day 6 Ranthambore - Jaipur Leave morning for Jaipur-3hrs drive, the pink city of India. Set foot into one of the best planned cities in India. In the afternoon visit City Palace and Observatory and walk in the bazaars..
In the evening attend the Folk and Puppetry programs at a nearby village. Meet the authentic performers .
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 7 Jaipur-Shekhawati
Drive to Nawalgarh (4hrs drive) in Shekhwati ,enroute visit the Amer Fort. Enter the gates of Nawalgarh where you can go on a village walk and visit ancient houses, forts and temples. There are more than 200 ancient havelis in Nawalgarh.
Overnight in Nawalgarh.
Day 8 Nawalgarh/Shekhawati
At Nawalgarh, we organize a Tie and dye workshop organized by local artists. Design your clothes with natural dyes by twisting and tying them to form pretty patterns in whichever colour you choose. Buy directly from the artisans. Learn to art of making bangles and fit some to your hands.
Overnight in Nawalgarh.
Day 9 Nawalgarh-Bikaner
Leave for Bikaner (4hrs drive), the desert city, the most arid part of Rajasthan. Enjoy the unique eateries of Bikaner. Walk along the sand dunes of this desert city. Visit the majestic Fort .
Overnight in Bikaner. Day 10 Bikaner-Bhap Drive out of Bikaner (3hr drive)s and stop over at the Karni Mata Temple, where a thousands of rats are worshipped. Enter the silent village of Bhap and go on a village walk. Spend some time with yourself and relax.
Overnight in Bhap.
Day 11 Bhap-Jaisalmer
Leave for the beautiful deserted landscape to Jaisalmer (4hrs driv)e. Visit the Jaisalmer fort and enjoy the desert winds.
Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 12 Jaisalmer
Today we spend time with the camels and shepherds. A window into the nomadic life and the struggles of keeping their culture alive. You cannot afford to miss the delicious camel ice cream!
Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 13 Jaisalmer-Jodhpur
On the way to Jodhpur (6.5hrs drive), we visit Pokaran, a traditional pottery village where we see the family business still in practice. Drive into the blue city of Jodhpur.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 14 Jodhpur
Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, the background of this city. Visit the clock tower and explore the bazaar street that resembles the markets of the 1500s.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 15 Jodhpur-Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur via the Jain temples in Ranakpur and Kumbalgarh fort. (Optional stay in Kumbalgarh.) This is the second largest structure after the great wall of China.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 16 Udaipur
Spent a day in Rajasthan’s most romantic city, Udaipur. From authentic jewellery to colourful clothes and dance forms and folk songs, Udaipur welcomes you with a brimful. Depart for Mumbai/Delhi on Day 17.
How this particular trip makes a difference to the local community / environment
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