The Taste of Rural India – Rajasthan only
The Taste of Rural India mainly focuses on the interactive experiences with the villagers. The main attraction lies with the hand made work of the villagers ( artisans ). The programme recognises the role of women in civil society and dominance of human development. Further, it also makes a successful effort to preserve Indian heritage.
It is the vital connect with the new tourism experience: “endogenous tourism” meaning travel not for pleasure alone, but also for broadening the traveller's horizon. It seeks to transform attitudes and mindsets, by promoting a mutual understanding between the local community and the visitors.
Safari through the interiors of the states of Rajasthan interacting with the folk, witness their way of life, and enjoy the untouched and vivid flora, fauna and terrain of these regions.
The journey also takes you through selected Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan and the famous Lake city of Udaipur.
Day 01
Arrive New Delhi
Met on arrival followed by transfer to Homestay.
DELHI: The capital city of modern India has behind it centuries of history, which has enriched its culture. Nowhere has tradition blended with modernity on a scale as evident in Delhi - age-old monuments stand check by jowl with ultra modern hi-rise buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for centuries. Today old and new city combine to present a harmonious whole offering the traveler, elegant shops, broad laburnum lined avenues, sun warmed elegant forts and mosques that were once stronghold of Mughal powers and colorful bazaars.
Transfer to hotel Bungalow-7 by private car & chauffeur.
Bunglow No 7 -is nestled in the quiet and green colony of Gulmohar Park in South Delhi. It is a 8 room homestay, each room with a luxurious, modern en suite bathroom. Each room is elegantly decorated with color and light to create both a sense of space and intimacy, the ultimate experience for comfort.
There are two separate sitting areas with warm rugs, Indian artifacts, and comfortable seating as well as a large breakfast table and separate computer desk. You can choose to curl up with a book, watch television on our 52” large screen TV, or surf the internet. Or you could just sit back with a cup of tea on the sofa or balcony and allow yourself to feel at home. If you have been out all day seeing the sights, the comforts of our accommodation will gently engulf you on your return to remind you that you are not just a visitor but a royal guest in our home.
The owners -Atul and Sheetal Bhalla have always loved hosting people and consider it their opportunity to extend their hospitality to those visiting their city. They look forward to personally sharing their life long association with the city they love.
Overnight : HOMESTAY - BUNGALOW 7 – DELHI
Day 02
In Delhi
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: sightseeing of New Delhi. Drive past the India Gate (the war memorial dedicated to the martyr’s of World War I, The President's Palace - formerly the Viceroy's Palace, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings - an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, precursor of Taj Mahal.
Lunch break at the hotel or a local restaurant Basil & Thyme at Santhusthi shopping complex ( on direct payment ).
Afternoon: Visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years.
OR
Visit Gandhi Smriti – Mahatma Gandhi’s Delhi home where he had lived from 9 September 1947 to 30 January 1948. The hallowed house treasures many memories of the last 144 days of his life and where he was assassinated. It has now been turned into multimedia museum offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Leader of the Nation and the father of India’s independence.
Continue to a leading art gallery or the National Museum of Delhi.
OPTIONAL -Late evening: visit the local restaurant, Veda for an Indian dinner ( paid locally ).
Veda – a concept restaurant with it’s ambience and cuisine marrying the traditional with the contemporary. One can see the elements of craftsmanship and skills of our bygone era, rightfully celebrating all that is wonderful, special and magical about India.
Overnight : HOMESTAY - BUNGALOW 7 - DELHI
Day 03
Train Delhi – Ajmer ( 0605 / 1300hr - daily except Wed ) and drive to Kishangarh (3 0 km )
Morning transfer to station for train to Ajmer.
On arrival, lunch at the hotel in Ajmer ( on direct payment ) followed by an orientation tour of the holy city, Ajmer.
Continue on to Poolmahal Palace at Kishangarh -a private residence of the Royal Family of Kishangarh opens for the discerning traveller.
Originally the garden at the foot of the fort, this pleasure garden of the Maharajas of Kishangarh was a source of inspiration to a number of famous Kishangarh miniature artists and it's easy to identify it in many paintings of the 17th century. Even today its setting and the myths related to it, provide themes for the painters of Kishangarh, executing in the classic style of the Kishangarh school of painting on paper, cloth, wood, marble etc.
In 1870 Maharaja Prithee Singh, the 15th Rural of Kishangarh constructed Phool Mahal as his monsoon palace. His son and successor Maharaja Shardul Singh added on various pavilions in 1885. After 1905 his son Maharaja Madan Singh completed the additions that we see today.
Evening, take a cookery demo followed by live performance by a group of folk dancers.
Overnight : PHOOLMAHAL PALACE – KISHANGARH
Day 04
Drive Kishangarh to Chandelo ( 200km, 4 hr )
Morning take a bullock cart ride through the village.
Post lunch, drive to Chandelo Village - a typical Rajasthani village where you will find Bishnois, Raikas and other communities. You will see the local craftsmen a t work, the potter, the blacksmith, the goldsmith and the weaver.
Check-in at Chandelo Garh -entering into the majestic gateway of Chandelao Garh is like taking a journey into the past.
Evening, you are taken to a nearby rocky terrain where you can watch the sun set with its myriad of colours in this beautiful part of the Thar Desert.
The beauty of the setting sun is complemented with beverages to augment the mood.
Overnight : CHANDELO GARH - CHANDELO
Day 05
Drive Chandelogarh to Jodhpur ( 45 km ) and continue to Bhadrajun ( 100 km )
Morning, Jeep safari through the village. It has three beautiful lakes where you will find demosille cranes, sarus and other water birds. Visit a medieval step-well where village women in their traditional attire come to fetch water.
Post lunch, drive to Jodhpur, visiting Mehrangarh Fort – on a 37 mt low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses -the colour being associated with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. At the end of the tour enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.
Also, visit Jaswat Thada –the royal crematorium.
Continue on to Bhadrarjun Fort - both Bhadrajun Fort and Bhadrajun village have a fascinating history. The fort dates back to the 16th century, whilst the village’s origins are lost in the mists of time. Today, Bhadrajun Fort remains the family home, and guests receive their personal attention. The fort combines contemporary facilities with timeless luxury and the splendor of the mediaeval period – the heyday of Bhadrajun. The Fort commands a good view of the village from the top.
The wealth of classical Marwari architecture and the profusion of priceless art place this fort as one of the finest in the region.
Overnight : BHADRARJUN FORT - JALORE
Day 06
Drive Bhadrajun to Jojawar ( 120 km, 2.5 hr )
Morning, visit the nearby Rabari village – mainly shepherds.
Post-lunch drive to Rawla Jojawar -set amidst the Aravalli hills, this little garrison fort was once a major principality of the Royal house of Marwar.
Bestowed with the title of Rao, the nobles looked after this little fiefdom for about two centuries after its construction in the 18th century. Known by the name of Rawla Jojawar the fort is now converted into a heritage hotel. The present generation of erstwhile rulers are looking after the hotel.
Jojawar is an endeavor to provide an inquisitive mind glimpses into Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty packed with warmth of a traditional family and enthusiastic villagers.
Overnight : RAWLA JOJAWAR
Day 07
Drive Jojawar to Udaipur ( 170 km, 4 hr )
Morning, take a village walk in to Jojawar -the Rawla offers an amazing insight into the village life and its surroundings on the back of the famous Marwari Horse. One can opt for half day / full day ride with picnic lunch or even for overnight safaris.
Afternoon, proceed to Ranakpur.
En route visit the famous Jain temple at “Ranakpur” situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali, built in the 15th century. Its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. The main temple in the complex is the Chaumukha ( four-faced ) temple, built in 1439. Its 29 halls are supported by 1444 pillars, no two of which are alike.
Continue drive to Udaipur
UDAIPUR : Founded in 1568, by Maharaja Udai Singh, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals. As th e capital of the old Mewar state, it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful Palaces around the Lake, which culminated in the City Palace, one of the largest Palace complexes in the world. The Lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white |Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir – a refuge of the rebel Mughal Prince, Shah Jehan, who soon became the creator of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
On arrival, check-in at hotel Rampratap Palace.
Overnight : RAMPRATAP PALACE - UDAIPUR
Day 08
In Udaipur
Morning: Half day city tour of Udaipur, a splash of colour in Rajasthan that is brighter when tinged with the tones of local lore and legends.
Visit the impressive City Palace complex an assemblage of palaces on the banks of the Lake Pichola. The Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna are some of the palaces all of which ornately decorated.
The main entrance, a magnificent triple-arched gate named the Tripolia, was built in 1725. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence, is also a fascinating sight.
Late continue to visit the Jagdish Temple, a 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens ( pleasure gardens and fountains ). Later drive around the Fatehsagar Lake.
Afternoon : boat ride on the lake Pichola.
Overnight : RAMPRATAP PALACE - UDAIPUR
Day 9
Drive Udaipur to Dungarpur ( 120 km, 3.5 hr )
Morning, drive to Dungarpur.
Check-in at hotel Udai Bilas Palace - nestled in idyllic splendour, with the blue waters of Gaibsagar lake on one side and a cove of private reserve forest on the other, Udai Bilas Palace is the embodiment of the old world charm of princely India.
Afternoon, visit the Old Palace ( Juna Mahal ) -almost as old as the town itself, the Palace is no longer occupied. The construction of the palace was started sometime in the turbulent 13th century amongst the superb natural defenses of a rocky peak some 1500 ft. from the sea level.
Inside, one will see the most colorful and vibrant palaces embellished with frescoes, miniature paintings, glass and mirror inlay work. The city palace can be reached by a road winding through the narrow lanes of the town, a scenic drive through villages and countryside, or simply by trekking across the well wooded hill tracks.
Overnight : UDAI BILAS PALACE - DUNGARPUR
Day 10
Drive Dungarpur to Udaipur for flight to Delhi ( 1840 / 2020 hr )
Morning at leisure. Afternoon, drive to Udaipur to board flight to Delhi.
Met on arrival followed by transfer to Homestay.
Overnight : HOMESTAY - BUNGALOW 7 – DELHI
Day 11
Fly Delhi to London
Transfer to airport for flight
END OF PROGRAM
Programme : Rurl India – Rajasthan only
Rates Validity Period : 1 Jan – 30th April 2013
Our per person price ( in EURO ) :
| Number of Pax |
Rates |
| Rates valid till 30th April 2013 |
| - on twin sharing basis |
From Euro 1200 per person |
| Rates valid till 30th April 2013 |
| - on twin sharing basis |
From Euro 1400 per person |
| Air fare Supplement for Udaipur - Delhi |
From Euro 171 per person |
Rates include the following:
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis for a total of 10 nights.
- Daily breakfast.
- Transport using air-conditioned car.
- Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary with an English speaking guide
- Entrance fees to the monuments
- Jeep safaries & village walks as mentioned in the itinerary escorted by the locals
- Air-conditioned Chair car train tickets for Delhi – Ajmer sector
- Mineral Water during the surface journeys only.
Rates do not include the following:
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, table drinks, telephone calls, etc
- Tips or gratuities either at airport/hotel or to driver/guide.
- International airfare.
- Insurance of any kind.
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The Taste of Rural India – Gujrat
The Taste of Rural India mainly focuses on the interactive experiences with the villagers. The main attraction lies with the hand made work of the villagers ( artisans ). The programme recognises the role of women in civil society and dominance of human development. Further, it also makes a successful effort to preserve Indian heritage.
It is the vital connect with the new tourism experience: “endogenous tourism” meaning travel not for pleasure alone, but also for broadening the traveller's horizon. It seeks to transform attitudes and mindsets, by promoting a mutual understanding between the local community and the visitors.
Safari through the interiors of the states of Rajasthan and Gujrat interacting with the folk, witness their way of life, and enjoy the untouched and vivid flora, fauna and terrain of these regions.
The journey is through selected Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan, the Lake city of Udaipur, the only sanctuary of Wild Ass in India in Kutch district of Gujrat - the region inhabited by various groups and communities, many of these have reached this region after centuries of migration from neighbouring regions of Western Rajasthan, Sindh, Afghanistan and further. Today, some of the finest embroideries in the world are still being produced by over 6,000 women artisans of the region. Also, enjoy the best & pristine beach of Gujrat – the Mandvi Beach.
Day 10
Drive Dungarpur to Dasada ( 265 km, 7 hr )
Morning, drive to Dasada. En route visit the sun temple at Modhera.
The Sun Temple at Modhera dates back to early 11th century. The temple has beautifully carved pillars and intricately carved exterior. This temple has been designed such that the sun's rays illuminate the sanctum at dawn, during the time of the equinoxes.
In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund. The tank has a series of carved steps leading to the bottom. Several miniature shrines adorn the steps of the tank - which is an art gallery in itself.
Continue to Dasada. Check-in at Rann Riders – a family - owned and run hotel. The owners descend from the local rulers of Dasada.
Overnight : RANN RIDERS - DASADA
Day 11
Drive Dasada to Bhuj ( 280 km, 8 hr )
Early morning ( around 0600 hr ), take a jeep safari into Rann of Kachchh.
The Rann of Kutch is a geographically unique landscape that was once an arm of the Arabian Sea. As the land separated from the sea by geological forces, it became a vast, featureless plain encrusted with salt that is inundated with water during the rains.
The safari across the Little Rann visits the 'bets', islands on the ancient seabed that are now higher grounds covered with grass and scrub.
These 'bets' support a variety of wildlife including the 'Gudkhur' ( Asiatic wild ass ) that is not found elsewhere. The wild ass is a handsome chestnut brown member of the equus genus (horse family). Capable of reaching high speeds when galloping across the Rann, the wild ass is usually seen in small herds.
The elegant blackbuck ( Indian antelope ), Nilgai or blue bull ( India's largest antelope ) and the graceful Chinkara ( Indian gazelle ) are other mammals seen at the bets.
The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and a few hyenas.
Smaller mammals like Hares, Gerbilles and Hedgehogs, and reptiles like spiny tailed lizard, monitor, red and common sand boa, saw-scaled Viper, Cobra, Dhaman ( Indian rat snake ), etc, could also be seen during the safaris in the Rann.
Return back for breakfast and check-out.
1000 hr -Drive to Bhuj to be in time to visit the Deputy Commissioner office to get permit to visit the Kachchh villages and Shaam-e-Sarhad.
BHUJ - The famous city is refered to the Walled City. It was established in nearly 1549 AD The wall is covering the city from all the four sides. It is the main business center of Kutch as well as the capital of the state. There are many heritage and arc hitectural structures to be seen in this walled city of Kutch. The famous place like Prag Mahal Palace, Sharad Baug Palace, Museum, Chatedis, and many different Temples can be seen
On arrival, check-in at hotel Prince. Visit Deputy Commission office in person for the permit. Evening free to stroll in the local market.
Overnight : HOTEL PRINCE - BHUJ
Day 12
Drive Bhuj to Kachchh ( 63 km )
Morning, tour through the Banni villages visiting several artisans to marvel at their various textile techniques: block printing with natural dyes, embroidery, Single Ikat weaving and tie & dye. Drive into the project of United Nations Development Programme –Shaame-e-Sarhad, for two nights stay.
Shaame-e-Sarhad -the project is jointly promoted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the United Nations Development Programme; facilitated by a federation of local women's groups, the Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan, in partnership with other NGOs of Kachchh such as Shrujan Trust, Hunnarshala Foundation and Kutch Eco Tourism Cell.
The Project seeks to promote local culture and craft based tourism for sustainable livelihoods and integrated rural development. Its aim is to improve the loc al people's quality of life, by creating more livelihood options, while preserving and allowing the community to develop their unique culture and share it with you, the visitor.
Visits around Hodka village to acquaint yourself with the people's way of living, crafts and traditions. Exploring the villages and windswept lands of northern Kachchh is a thrilling experience.
The day ends with a traditional dinner at the resort and a folk music performance around a bonfire.
Overnight : SHAAME - E - SARHAD – KUCHCHH
Day 13
At Shaame-e-Sarhad, Kuchchh
This day, visit other interesting Banni villages to see beautiful traditional mud houses with mirror work; fine embroidery with tiny mirrors; to see their traditional painted mud houses, wood carving crafts; and see beautiful pottery work.
Return to the resort for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight : SHAAME - E - SARHAD – KUCHCHH
Day 14
Drive Kuchchh to Mandvi ( 120 km, 2 hr )
Morning drive to Mandvi. En route, visit the Aina Mahal Museum at Bhuj, a palace belonging to the royal family of Kachchh.
Mandvi - famous for its 400-year old hand wooden ship-building industry and clean beaches. Craftsmen here still use traditional techniques for domestic and international ship-making.
Mandvi Beach -The beach is a curving stretch of white sand fringed by blue waters, with windmills on one side, the Sunset pavilion on the other, and an uninterrupted view of the sea in front. The sea is safe for swimming and the beach is ideal for walking making Mandvi a beach-holiday paradise.
Check-in to Mandvi Beach Camp - located on a private beach at Vijay Vilas Palace.
Visit the Palace - erstwhile residence of the Maharao of Kutch and originally built as a summer palace for the royal family.
The camp has a restaurant made of thatch and bamboo with a majestic view of the Arabian Sea. It is a multi cuisine restaurant, serving Indian, Continental and Chinese fare as well as the local flavours.
Overnight : MANDVI BEACH - MANDVI
Day 15
At Mandvi
Morning, witness the ship building and visit the nearby villagers engaged in traditional handicrafts.
Rest of the day free to enjoy beach.
Overnight : MANDVI BEACH - MANDVI
Day 16
Train Bhuj to Ahemdabad (2000/0245hr + 1) OR Drive to Ahemdabad (400 km, 8 hr)
Day at leisure at the Mandvi Beach.
Evening transfer to station to board overnight train to Ahemdabad.
Overnight on board
Day 17
Fly Ahemdabad to London
Arrive into Ahemdabad. Transfer to hotel for wash & change. Later, transfer to airport for flight.
END OF PROGRAM
Programme Rurl Indian – Gujrat Extenstion
Rates Validity Period : 1 Jan – 30th April 2013
| Number of Pax |
Rates |
| Rates valid till 30th April 2013 |
| - on twin sharing basis |
From Euro 950 per person |
| Rates valid till 30th April 2013 |
| - on twin sharing basis |
From Euro 1100 per person |
Rates include the following:
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis for a total of 7 nights.
- Daily breakfast.
- All meals at Rann Riders at Dasda, Shaam-e-Sarhad at Kuchchh and at Mandvi Beach
- Entrance fees to the monuments/Wild Ass wildlife Sanctuary.
- One Jeep safari into Little Rann of Kutch
- Transport using air-conditioned car.
- Air-conditioned Two tier Sleeper Class tickets for Bhuj – Ahemdabad
- Mineral Water during the surface journey only.
Rates do not include the following:
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, table drinks, telephone calls, etc
- Tips or gratuities either at airport/hotel or to driver / guide.
- Supplements for Christmas and New Year Eve festivities
- International airfare.
- Insurance of any kind.
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