Thursday, November 6, 2008

Jaipur With Rajasthan Village Tour

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) assist and transfer to hotel.

Most visitors to Northern India will come first to Delhi. Shah Jahan’s 17th Century Old Delhi, with its teeming bazaars, battlemented Red Fort and the country’s largest mosque; and New Delhi, whose elegant 1930’s avenues and buildings reveal the enduring influence of the British Raj. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lateens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.

Day 02: Delhi - Jaipur
Today we drive to Japer, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colorful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colorful past, resplendent with tales of velour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India.

Evening - Chokhi Dhani an evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel.

Day 03: Jaipur
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex that stands to this date was commence under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.
Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone.

Day 04: Jaipur - Jodhpur via Pushkar
Today we drive to Jodhpur via Pushcart; There is the chance to explore

local villages. It also holds the unique fairs of its kind in the world. It is a combination of an cattle fair & the religious fair. (PUSKHAR FAIR) Both the fairs are enchanting & have their own unique aspects & quality.
Later we continue to Jodhpur. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, Its landscape is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort. While the graceful palaces, forts & temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, the exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music, & the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.

Day 05 Jodhpur/Luni
Your village safari starts from Jodhpur. Visit the villages of Bishnois and Rabaris, known for their eco-friendly lifestyle that make them unique and look like an oasis in the Thar Desert. You can catch some good photographs of the changing colors of sand dunes in the setting sun and herds of antelopes and camels roaming freely through the villages. Driving up the sand dunes and coming down on high speed is an adventurous experience in itself. You can also visit the famous carpet weaving loom houses near the villages. Visit Fort Chanwa at Luni. It is built in red sandstone and has intricately carved latticework in ornate designs. Local metal, clay, and wooden crafts are worth seeing.

Day 06 : Pali/Sodawas/Kharda/Nardai/Kotri Raola

After breakfast in the morning, drive to villages in green Rajasthan such as Pali, Sodawas, Kharda, and Narlai. Relax a little at charming Narlai Heritage Hotel situated between Jodhpur and Udaipur. Explore caves and temples and then, visit the small fort palace Kotri Raola, situated on top of a hillock at Kotri.

Day 07 Ranakpur/Kumbalgarh/Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur in the morning, visiting Ranakpur, Kumbalgarha and Bhil Villages enroute. Ranakpur temples are 96 km from Udaipur. They are built in marble and rightly considered as the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India. The fort of Kumbhalgarh situated atop Aravali Ranges has been impenetrable till now due to its inaccessibility. Also, visit the sanctuary and villages of Bhils nearby. Bhil tribe is native of the southern districts of Rajasthan and the surrounding regions of Udaipur and Chittaurgarh and is known for its skills in using bow and arrow. The tour terminates at Udaipur, where you may stay overnight in the hotel.