VILLAGE TOUR

If I were asked under what sky the human mind. . . has most deeply pondered over the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions to some of them which well deserve the attention even of those who have studied Plato and Kant… I should point to India. And if I were to ask myself from what literature we who have been nurtured almost exclusively on the thoughts of Greeks and Romans… may draw the corrective which is most wanted in order to make our inner life more perfect, more comprehensive, more universal, in fact more truly human life … again I should point to India. …Max Muller

This tour travels through the rural kingdom and tribal heartlands of Rajasthan and Gujarat and presents the well-preserved cultural and historical heritage to the modern travellers. The tour offers a fantastic combination of tribal traditions, grand architecture, rural way of life, stunning wildlife, wilderness and pristine nature. A colourful local festival, wedding ceremony or a pooja in a temple can only add to this journey full of highlights and surprises.

Best Time: Mid October to Mid March
Destination:Delhi-Udaipur-Ahamedabad-Bhuj-Dasada-Danta-Jaisalmer
Duration: 21 Nights/ 22 Days
Focus: Village life, Tribal people, Textiles & Crafts, Grand architecture, Ancient temples, Wildlife & Nature.

DAY 01 DELHI
Arrive Delhi from your home country by early morning. Garland welcome, assistance and transfer to pre-booked hotel.
A city that has moved forward with the rest of the world while having its roots firmly planted deep into the past. Home of the capital of India, Delhi is the fusion of eight former capitals under different rulers of India. The historic architectures of Delhi are the majestic Red Fort, the towering Qutub Minar, the unique Jama Masjid and the Rashtrapati Bhavan. However, it is along the wayside, within bazaars and at almost every curve in Delhi, that there are fascinating ruins of tombs, palaces and mosques, unnamed and unmarked waiting to be explored.
After late breakfast we start sightseeing of these monuments in Old & New Delhi. O/n Hotel.
NOTE : Red Fort remains closed on Monday's

DAY 02 DELHI TO UDAIPUR
After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight to Udaipur by CD 7471 at 11.00 - 14.00hrs. On arrival, transfer to hotel and further in the afternoon sightseeing of Udaipur city, which is set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills. As capital of the old Mewar state it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion.

We start our visit with City Palace - the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, comprising many buildings added at different time by various maharajas. Perhaps the most beautiful are the Moti Mahal with its mirror inlay and the Chini ka Chitra Mahal's iridescent tile work. At the nearby, Jagdish Temple, there is an impressively carved image of Lord Vishnu, to whom the temple is dedicated. Also continue to the ornamental gardens of the Maids of Honour or Sahelion ki Bari. Evening will do a boat cruise at Lake Pichola and enjoy watching sunset. O/n Hotel.

DAY 03 UDAIPUR TO DUNGARPUR
After an early breakfast drive to Dungarpur (about 110kms/03hrs), check into the hotel and further visit this 'City of Hills' dates from the 13th century and the main home of the Bhil tribal people. It is also renowned for it's stone mansions, the attractive and friendly village has one of the most richly decorated palaces in Rajasthan, the Juna Mahal. Evening free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 04 DUNGARPUR TO AHMEDABAD
After breakfast drive to Ahmedabad (about 165kms/04hrs), check into the hotel. Ahmedabad was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the banks of River Sabarmati in 1411 A.D.
Sultan Ahmed Shah graced his kingdom with splendid monuments, mosques, pavilions and mausoleums, marking the beginning of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Modern day Ahmedabad, the capital of the State of Gujarat is the largest city and a leading industrial centre in Gujarat.
Popularly known as the Manchester of the East, Ahmedabad boasts of the largest denim production in the world. It is also home to several interesting museums. Many of Ahmedabad's buildings bear the signatures of world-renowned architects like Le Corbusier, Louis Khan, Doshi and Correa.
It is from the austere habitat of Sabarmati at Ahmedabad, that the 'Father of the Nation' - Mahatma Gandhi took on the mighty British Empire, and gave human race one of its most remarkable ways to fight oppression - non-violence.
Afternoon sightseeing to the following monuments: -
Sabarmati Ashram; - Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, this ashram, founded in 1915 by Gandhiji, was once the nerve centre of the Indian freedom movement.


Shaking Minarets: - Close to the Ahmedabad railway station you will find this amazing specimen of Muslim architecture. This pair of minarets in the Sidi Bashir mosque is unique because if one of them is shaken the other also starts rocking! It is said that they were built this way to avoid any damage during earthquakes.

Calico Museum; - This one-of-a-kind museum housed in a carved wooden haveli boasts of an amazing collection of antique and modern textiles. Its repertoire includes rare tapestries, wall hangings and costumes and also some older weaving machines. The collection of the museum dates back to the 17th century and it also has an excellent reference library on textiles. Closed on Wednesdays and bank holidays. Evening free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 05 AHMEDABAD TO BHUJ
After breakfast drive to Bhuj (about 280kms/06-07hrs), check into the hotel and relax. O/n Hotel. The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a typical example of a desert town located between two geographical features- Bhujiyo Dungar on the east and Hmisar Lake on the west.

DAY 06 BHUJ
After breakfast we start sightseeing with Rao Lakha, the fortunate patron of Ramsingh Malam, who after his European adventures became a master clockmaker, architect, glass-bowler, tile - maker and much more. This large white mansion with carvings and fitwork, the palace contains a Durbar Hall, State Apartments, Aina Mahal (Mirror Palace), the Fuvara Mahal (Music room) and conclude our sightseeing with Rao Pragmalji's Palace, across the courtyard and Kachh Museum near Mahadev Gate.
Evening at leisure. O/n Hotel.

DAY 07 BHUJ
Handicrafts are a living tradition of Kachchh and the girls of various communities make beautifully embroidered garments of their own trousseaus while women produce attractive fabrics for a second income.
Morning excursion to North of Bhuj to visit villages engaged with several types of embroidery works. The vast grasslands of Banni meet the Great Rann in the Khavda region. They are home to numerous pastoral nomadic, semi-nomadic and resident people who keep sheep, goats, camels, buffaloes and other livestock. The 40 or so hamlets here are best known for the minute detail of their embroidery.

DAY 08 BHUJ
Morning excursion to South of Bhuj to visit villages engaged with several types of embroidery works. Visit will also be arranged to a typical local home to see their way of life and we will share local meal with the family. This is an unforgettable experience that gives you opportunity to delve deeper into the culture & customs of the inhabitants who have resiliently survived the test of time since time immemorial. O/n Hotel.

DAY 09 BHUJ TO DASADA
After an early breakfast drive to Dasada (about 285kms/06-07hrs), check into the comfortable hut type accommodation Rann Riders. O/n Hut

DAY 10 DASADA
Kutch is a princely state of India and is the largest district of the state of Gujarat. The Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch are the largest saline deserts in the world, some 24000 sq km. Both are less than one metre above sea level and during the monsoon season they become inundated with water providing an excellent breeding ground for greater flamingos. Then in winter the water dries out leaving behind a vast salt field. The Little Rann of Kutch is the home of the last remaining population of 'khur' or Indian wild ass and was declared an Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in 1972.

The asses are attracted by the flat grass covered expanses known as 'bets' or islands where coarse grasses spring up in monsoon in the Little Rann of Kutch. With the advent of summer, the asses move to other 'bets' in which there is perennial supply of water and grass. Besides the wild ass, there is the rare and endangered Ghudkhur (Equs hemionus khur), not found anywhere else in the world and other species such as the Blue-Bull or Nilgai, Chinkara gazelle, hedgehogs. Carnivores include Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle and Desert Cats. A variety of birds - almost three hundred species - can be seen in and around the Rann during winter with cranes and flamingos in their thousands and rare birds such as the Houbara Bustard in healthy numbers. Morning drive to the bets, elevated patches in the Rann covered with scrub and grass. In winter, this is a likely area for Mackqueen's bustard. Long legged, common and white-eyed buzzard, booted eagle, Bonneli's eagle are often seen during the drive. Evening visit to Nawa Talao, a lake where demmossile and common cranes gather in large flocks during the winter months. Greater and lesser flamingo are seen in large numbers, as are great white pelican with spotbilled and Dalmatian recorded. Back to our hut to relax and overnight.

DAY 11 DASADA
An early morning jeep safari before visiting some of the local villages and pastoral tribal settlements. Kachch is a cultural melting pot of Sindhi, Gujarati, Muslim and Rajasthani cultures. Meet Bharwad shepherds, the Rabari camel and cattle herders, Maldhars who keep buffaloes, and Samra and Sindi Muslim cameleers. Overnight Simple Hut.

DAY 12 DASADA TO PALANPUR TO BALARAM
After breakfast drive to Balaram (about 194kms/04-05hrs), enroute visit Palanpur - the city circled by hillocks in the close vicinity of Aravali Mountains. We visit Sri Tirth: Built by King Prahlad, this templeis famous as the temple of Prahladan Parshvanath and today it is known as the temple of Pallaviya Parshvanath. This brave king melted the metal idol of Delvada in Abu and made an idol of Shiva riding a bull. Arrive and check into one of the best-kept Palace hotels in Gujarat and relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 13 BALARAM TO DANTA
After breakfast drive to Danta (about 02hrs), a small town situated at the foothills of Aravalli hill range. The landscape of forest and hills, with huge boulders, makes a perfect setting for this town. The entire region is populated by the Bhil tribe and has forests with diverse flora and fauna.
Arrive and check into the hotel and further explore the tribal belt. O/n Hotel.

DAY 14 DANTA
After breakfast excursion to Ambaji (22kms)- one of the major Shakti-Piths of India, situated in the Arasur Hills. The Ambaji temple contains no idol, but an inscribed Yantra in the niche. Ambaji is essentially a temple town-with a temple dedicated to Goddess Ambaji in the centre. The Ambaji temple and the front court 'Chachar no Chowk' are aligned in the same axis of the cave at Gabbar Hill - the original abode of Goddess Ambaji. The present temple was constructed a few years ago, maintaining the original architectural style.

Afternoon excursion to Taranga: (27 km), visit the Ajitnath Temple (1166 AD) one of the finest and best preserved examples of Jain temple architecture from the Solanki period. It has a shikhara, mandapa, pillars and brackets made out of marble with excellent carving. Evening back to hotel and relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 15 DANTA TO BARMER
After an early breakfast drive to Barmer (about 240kms/05hrs), check into the hotel and relax. This dusty desert town, south of Jaisalmer, is surrounded by sand dunes and scrublands. It is a major centre for woodcarving, durrie rug weaving, embroidery and block printing (you can watch printers in Khatriyon ki galli). The 10th to 11th century Kiradu temples, though badly damaged are interesting. Someshvara (1020), the most intact, has some intricate carving but the dome and the tower have collapsed. O/n Hotel.

DAY 16 BARMER TO JAISALMER
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer (about 154kms/04hrs), enroute visit Khuri village on camel. A small picturesque desert village of decorated mud thatched buildings, which was ruled by the Sodha clan for four centuries.

The approach across the barren Thar Desert is magical, as the city shimmers like a mirage. With the granulated golden sandstone town walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, it has an extraordinary medieval feel. Check into the hotel and free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 17 JAISALMER
After breakfast sightseeing of Jaisalmer, a medieval city of elaborately carved mansions (havelis) in yellow sandstone, built by rich merchants at a time when the city was a key stopping place on the caravan routes from the Middle East. Visit to Jaislamer Fort , often referred as the golden fort because of the colour of the sandstone, Jaisalmer's Fort seems to emerge from the desert sands. The fort is still home to many of the town's people who live in tiny but beautifully decorated houses or havelis. Jaisalmer has been described as an open-air museum, and to enter its narrow cobbled lanes is to step into a bygone age. Evening we drive to Sam Sand Dunes , arrive Kanoi - 3 kms before Sam Sand Dunes and transfer on camel on the dunes and gear yourself up for an unforgettable experience of watching the sunset over the desert. Further check into your tents with attached bath and enjoy the melodious strings of the local musicians. O/n Tents.

DAY 18 JAISALMER TO JODHPUR
After an early breakfast drive to Jodhpur (about 310kms/07hrs), land of the valiant Rathores and the sensuous leheriya sari, Jodhpur is also the second largest city in Rajasthan and an oasis in the arid Thar. Arrive and check into the hotel and free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 19 JODHPUR
After breakfast we start sightseeing of this town with Mehrangarh Fort , the invincible Rao Jodha built this impregnable fort (one of the best in India) on a steep hill with a wonderful view of the surroundings. The fort has intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches. Further visit Jaswant Thada , close to the fort complex, this 19th century cenotaph was built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Later on we visit Umaid Bhawan , this ornate palace was built in the 20th century as a famine relief project, which gave employment to the people over a time period of 16 long years. A fabulous art-deco edifice, Umaid Bhawan is fabulously maintained and one of the most spectacular sights in Jodhpur. The museum within is a veritable treasure trove of memorabilia showcasing the royal past of Jodhpur from tea sets and clocks to paintings and royal apparel.

Afternoon jeep safari to Bishnoi Village to have a glimpse into timeless Indian village life - many villagers live in handmade thatched huts following the traditions of their ancestors. The Bishnoi are perhaps the most dedicated conservationists in the world. They hold all animals life sacred, in particular the endangered blackbuck, or Indian antelopes. The relationship between the villagers and the animals has been carefully nurtured for hundreds of years. The 1730 sacrifice of 363 villagers to protect the Khejri trees is commemorated in September at Khejadli village, where there is memorial to the victims fronted by a small grove of khejri trees.

At Guda Bishnoi, locals are traditionally engaged in animal husbandry; there is a small artifical lake here where migratory birds and mammals such as blackbucks and chinkaras can be seen, particularly at dusk, when they feed at the lake.
The village of Salawas is traditionally a centre of weaving dhurries (carpets). Also in Salawas, several families are engaged in block printing.
Evening back to Jodhpur and relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 20 JODHPUR TO DELHI
The day at leisure or free to stroll around the local bazaars famous for its leather products and antiques. Late afternoon transfer to railway station to board express train [2462] to Delhi at 19.30hrs. O/n Train.

Note: - The room will be retained only till 12.00hrs.

DAY 21 DELHI
Arrive Delhi at 06.30hrs, transfer to hotel for day use rooms till 20.00hrs. Late night transfer to int'l airport to board flight.

DAY 22 DELHI
Early morning board flight to your onward destination.

Additional important information: -

BHILS - are an important tribal group and traditionally they inhabited the area around Udaipur, Dungarpur and Danta.
Legend has it that the Bhils were fine archers, hence their name, which can be traced to the Tamil word 'Vil' meaning 'bow'. They were highly regarded as warriors, and the Rajput rulers relied on them to thwart the invading Marathas and Mughals. Although originally food gatherers, these days the Bhills have taken up small - scale agriculture.

RABARI - the half-nomadic herdsmen of the Raika - Rabari tribe rear camels today, they like to be identified as the camel-rearing community. This half-nomadic community traces its descent from Lord Shiva and now they have more or less settled down in villages.

While most of the tribal communities in India are non-vegetarians, Rabari tribal are vegetarians despite being herdsmen. They adhere to the 'silent' way of life and their daily activities are based on traditional knowledge.

MALDHARIS - In Gujarat communities practicing animal rearing traditionally are Maldharis (pastoralists). Maldhari does not connote a caste or a community but it signifies association with an occupation. Maldhari is derived from Mal (livestock) + dhari (owner), i.e. those who own livestock. In Gujarat Maldhari are known as "Ter Tansalia" which comprises of 13 different castes including Rabari, Bharwad, Ayar, Charan, Gahvi Mer, Chaudhari, Jat and Mutva. The origin of Maldharis cannot be said with certainty. Some people associate the origins of Rabaris to the Dravidians who came from Afganisthan. Some people also say that Rabaris and Ahirs came to Gujarat with Lord Krishna from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. In literature one can find mention of 133 sub castes among Rabaris, six in Charan and two in Bharwads.

The Maldharis and their cattle thrived on the grasslands. They sold milk and milk products such as butter, ghee and condensed milk to the nearby town and villages. The shepherds, among the Maldharis, also sold wool and woolens that their women folk made with their deft hands, carrying out fine embellishment through intricate embroidery work. However the main source of income was through bullock trading and Maldharis are known to have produced some of the best breeds of cattle.

Jat Embroidery - using chain stitches inset with small mirrors, leather embroidery aswell as silver jewellery.

Ahir Embroidery - using round mirrors with floral and geometrical patterns.

Pitloom Weaving - which produce colourful 'galichas' (carpets), 'durries' (rugs), 'dhabolas' (blankets) and other items from wool, camel/goat hair, cotton and even synthetic fibres.