1

Upon arrival in Delhi, we transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we drive to Old Delhi. The first stop would be Raj Ghat, the memorial built to mark the cremation spot of the Father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

After paying our respects to the Father of the nation, we go to witness the grandeur of the Mughal Empire at the majestic Red Fort. The Red Fort served as the capital and center of operations for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for two centuries. This majestic monument is now used as a platform by the Prime minister of India to address the people of the Republic on the eve of Independence Day.

Hop on to a rickshaw and enjoy a ride through the intricate alleys of Chandni Chowk. After a joyful ride, we stop at Jama Masjid, which is the oldest and one of Asia’s largest mosques and was built by Shah Jahan in 1656. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

2

After breakfast, we depart for Mandawa which is a small town located 160 kms from Jaipur and is renowned for its forts and havelis. The city of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century and is often known as the Open Art Gallery because of its forts and havelis. Marvelous mansions dot the town and make it an important tourist attraction of Rajasthan. Arrive and check-in at the hotel.

In the afternoon, you start the city tour of Mandawa and explore the havelis built by great merchant families. There are various havelis such as Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, known for the paintings that display Lord Shiva on Nandi bull and Indra Dev on an elephant; Jhunjhunwala Haveli, known for its striking gold leaf painted room located to the right of main courtyard; Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, famous for the picture of a Maharaja stroking his mustache, and Aakharam ka Haveli, which is more than 100-year-old Haveli. Overnight stay in Mandawa.

3

After breakfast, we leave for Khimsar. En route visit Nagaur where lies the dargah of Sufi saint Hamiduddin Chisti Faruqui Nagauri, one of the chief disciples of Khwaja Moinuddin, is also the birth place of Meera Bai and Abul Fazal. Visit the fort and Deresiya Mata temple. Continue drive to Khimsar cuddled at the brink of the Thar Desert, Khimsar is a village situated 100 km north of Jodhpur city. Earlier it was a self-governing kingdom. Khimsar is most famed for its fort and sand dunes. On arrival check in at Khimsar Fort.

Khimsar Fort was constructed by Prince, Rao Karamasji in 1523. The fort is strategically located in the middle of sand dunes. The part of the fort is still inhabited by the royal family lineage and the rest of the fort is open for visitors to enjoy royal Rajput hospitality. Open spaces, stone carved exteriors, courtyards surrounding the rooms, windows and archways are some of the special features of this fort.

In the afternoon, visit the Khimsar Fort and also visit handicraft institute. Later enjoy jeep safari to local villages and also visit the dunes for a spectacular view of sunset. Return to Fort for overnight stay.

4

After breakfast, leave for Jaisalmer, which is an architectural dream in the lonely yellow silence of the desert. The golden city of Jaisalmer was founded by Bhatti Rajput Rawal Jaisal in 1156. The city used to be a major trade center as it was situated on the trade route of the western countries to India. It was home to the Rajputs—a tribe of warriors and traders who, for centuries, prospered by levying taxes on the merchants who wound between Egypt, Persia and India. The history of Jaisalmer also discloses the courage and determination of the Rajputs. On arrival, check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

5

We start with a morning city tour of Jaisalmer and visit the fort known as Sonar Quila, rising from the sand, the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting sun in its most colourful shades, giving it a fairy tale look. We will also visit Patwaon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli which are famous for their wonderful carvings. We then take an afternoon excursion to the sand dunes located at a distance of 42 km from Jaisalmer to create an unforgettable experience of camel rides and sunset views. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

6

In the morning, we shall drive to Jodhpur – Gateway to Thar Desert.
Jodhpur, or the blue city, as it is called because of its sandstone buildings that stand out in intense blue when the sun shines. Jodhpur stands as an evidence of the grandeur, traditions and culture of the bygone era. The view from the top of the cliff is totally mesmerizing. We start the sightseeing of the city with Mehrangarh Fort.

The Mehrangarh Fort, towering high above the city of Jodhpur, is chiseled out of a rock. This magnificent fort ranks high among the most majestic forts in Rajasthan. The fort was constructed in 15th century by Rao Jodha and is the pride of Marwar. The gates of the fort are brilliant examples of Rajput military architecture. We continue with our drive to Rohet.

On arrival, we check-in at Rohet Garh. The 375-year-old fortified desert home, Rohet Garh, is now a boutique hotel owned and run by the Singh family. Often, visitors find themselves in awe of the beautiful peacocks roaming under finely cut stone archways, while the wind whispers through the neem tree forests and bougainvillea. Overnight stay in Rohet Garh.

7

After breakfast, we embark on an excursion to Bishnoi Villages. The Bishnoi people have protected nature for over 500 years and are responsible for the very survival of species like the Black Buck antelope (India’s most beautiful antelope and a rare and protected species today). They share a beautiful relationship with this animal, wherein the antelope stays close to Bishnoi habitation, never leaving it, and displays complete trust in the Bishnoi people. We will then head over to meet the Raikas (shepherds) with their glorious costumes, and the Paliwals and Meghwals, the Brahmin farmers and weavers respectively. Rest of the day is free to enjoy this magnificent place. You can also choose to go for an optional horse-riding tour. Overnight stay in Rohet Garh.

8

Rohet, a beautiful village situated 40 kilometers away from Jodhpur, is very traditional, focused mainly on farming. It is quite peaceful and an interesting place to relax. One can explore the village by jeep, on foot or by horse!

In the morning, we will take a safari to Bishnoi village which offers a complete cultural experience, encompassing all that this region has to offer. From warm and hospitable people, to various customs and ceremonies and the profuse wildlife, you have the exceptional privilege of being welcomed into local’s homes and mingling with them. In the evening, we leave for Sardargarh.

Sardargarh is a village located 94 kilometers away from Udaipur, amidst mountains and dense forests and houses a 250-year-old fort, which dominates the landscape. Upon arrival in Sardargarh, check-in to Sardargarh Heritage Hotel, one of the most magnificent forts of Rajasthan. The fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel and offers 21 suites, each with a unique décor and name. The suites provide all modern amenities to its guests while retaining the old-world charm. Overnight stay in Sardargarh.

9

Following breakfast, we embark upon a unique experience – a 44 km train ride between two villages. We will go native today, and travel with the villagers through exceedingly fascinating countryside and landscapes. This trail passes through a remarkable scenery of Ravli Sanctuary. You then ride on a meter gauge local train, complete with wooden sleepers, and accompany the villagers travelling to Marwar.

En-route, we stop at GoramGhat flag station where you can feed the monkeys that come from a neighboring bushy jungle. The car would be waiting at Phulad to take you back to Sardargarh.
The evening is free for leisure. Special cooking classes can be arranged for people with culinary inclination. The joy of Indian cooking lies in the release of aromas of different herbs and spices that are added step by step to enrich the flavor of the curry. Overnight stay in Sardargarh.

10

In the morning, we shall leave for Udaipur and check-in at the hotel upon arrival. Later, we take a city tour of Udaipur and start by visiting the City Palace which has gorgeous rooms with mirrored walls, ivory doors, inlaid marble balconies and a peacock courtyard. We will also visit the Jagdish temple and the lovely Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

11

In the morning, we leave for Dungarpur. Dungarpur is the bastion of Bheel’s, which is the oldest and most primitive tribes of the world, and dates back to 4000 B.C. We shall visit some of these untouched Bheel hamlets in and around the town. Dungarpur is famous for the exceptional architecture of its palaces and royal residences. You will get a chance to witness age-old tribal lifestyles and customs handed down over the centuries. You would be greeted by excited villagers who may have never seen foreigners!! Say hello to them, allow them to get used to you and then, you may go ahead and take pictures. You may proceed on a leisurely walk around the lake or get on a boat ride on the lake.

In late afternoon, you will visit the ancient fortified ruins of the Old Fort. You can get a fine panoramic view of the ancient town of Dungarpur from the fort. The fort also has well-preserved natural colorful paintings and incredible art and architecture. Overnight stay in Dungarpur.

12

In the morning, we will leave for Dasada, which lies in Indian state of Gujarat.
Dasada is the part of Little Rann of Kutch, surrounded by wetlands with long stretches of sandy desert. Besides bird watching, Dasada is home to tribal heritage area that is rich in local craft. You shall visit the pastoral Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris of Dasada, known for their embroideries, or the silk-weaver’s colony at Dasada. You would also visit Ambala village, the village of Bharward shepherds and goatherds. The weaving cooperative at Bajana and other artisan workshops can also be included in the tours. Overnight stay in Dasada.

13

Enjoy a jeep safari in Little Rann of Kutch in the morning and again in afternoon. Little Rann of Kutch has a unique landscape which supports a unique wildlife. The wild ass is only found in this part of the country. 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. You would be visiting lakes such as Kharaghoda, Mithaghoda, Nawa Talao which are prime bird watching sites and where one can sight wildlife such as Wild Ass, Blue bull and Jackal. Flamingos, Pelicans, Storks, Cranes arrive in large numbers during winter. Overnight stay in Dasada.

14

In the morning, we leave for Ahmedabad. Stop en-route and visit the Sun temple of Modhera. The Sun temple in Modhera is one of the seven temples that is dedicated to Sun. Pillars of the temple counting ancient stories, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are intricately carved. The temple features Surajkund, a water tank to perform ceremonial rites; the Sabha mandap, the hall used for religious gatherings; and the gudha mandap which once housed the divine idol.

The most interesting fact of the temple is that there was no blue print made before the construction. Instead, the mathematical calculations were so precise that the first rays of the sun fall directly on the main Deity of the temple. Later, we proceed to Patan.

Patan is an ancient fortified town and its main attractions of the city are the Ran ki Vav and Patola of Patan. Rani ka Vav is one of the most richly sculptured monuments of the region. There is one pillar which still stands as evidence of the elegance of design boasted by the largest step well. The site is now a UNSECO World Heritage site.

Then we shall visit Patola Weaving Center. Patola is one of the more difficult forms of weaving. Patola is the specialty of Patan and is characterized by extremely delicate patterns that are woven with great precision and clarity. Late in the evening, we will reach Ahmedabad and check-in at the hotel.

Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat and remains soaked in history with a wealth of historical attractions. The pioneering city that once served as the capital of Gujarat, has a strong relationship with India’s struggle for independence. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of The Nation lived here for several years. The city served as the starting point for the famous Dandi March. Today, the city is renowned for its mushrooming IT and scientific industries. It has built its wealth on the flourishing textile industry, which has earned it the nickname of “Manchester of the East.” Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.

15

In the morning, we start the city tour of Ahmedabad.
We shall first visit the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram. Located on the west banks of Sabarmati River, the Ashram was Gandhi’s home from 1917-1930 during his battle for India’s independence. The legendary salt march to Dandi on the Gulf of Cambay started in 1913 from here. Here, you will experience the calm ambience of the Ashram and observe Gandhi’s belongings that are on display.

Then, we visit the famous Calico Textile Museum, which is one of the finest textile museums in the world displaying an impressive collection of rare textiles and costumes that date back to the early 17th century (prior permissions are needed to enter the textile museum and it is open only in the mornings).

Later, we proceed to Adalaj Step Well. Stepwells or Baori, as these are called, are man-made ponds in which water is stored and may be reached by descending a set of steps. This was built by the Muslim king Mohammed Begda for Queen Rani Roopba in the year 1499. This five-storied well is intricately carved and various festivals and sacred rituals are held here. The structure is built in sandstone on carved pillars and is built in Solanki architecture style. Later in the evening, transfer to airport to board a flight to onward destination.