| Indian Voyage - 27 Nights / 28 Days |
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Delhi - Ahmedabad - Zainabad - Bhuj - Bombay - Varanasi -
Khajuraho - Agra - Bharatpur - Jaipur - Kota - Udaipur - Ranekpur - Jothpur - Jaisalmar - Bombay |
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Day 01
Arrive Delhi. On arrival you are met and transferred to the Park Hotel for the night.
Day 02 Delhi
A free morning to recover from the flight. At about midday you depart for a tour of Delhi which takes you to the Crafts Museum. The Crafts Museum was designed by leading Indian architect Charles Correa. In a natural setting are over 20,000 examples of Indian art and architecture. Most of the exhibits represent some of the rarer arts in India, especially from the remote tribal belts. Many of these art forms are now dying, and some of the exhibits are the only examples of particular art forms in existence. Of particular note is the section devoted to textiles. In a bid to encourage the continuance of these skills, the museum invites master craftsman to display their talents in the open courtyard of the museum. Each month new sets of artisans are invited, and we can spend time with them after touring the museum.
You return to your hotel via the elegant government buildings. The most outstanding of this collection is the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Palace.
Day 03 Delhi / Ahmedabad
It is time to leave the tribal fair and continue with the rest of your trip. A five hour car drive takes you to the city of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat. Overnight at the Cama Hotel.
Ahmedabad has been called the "Manchester of the East", because of the many textile industries. It used to be said that the prosperity of Ahmedabad was based on three threads - cotton, silk, and gold. Testimony to this maxim are the contents of the Calico Museum, with its vast collection of textiles from all over India and its research center for those interested in the motifs. The other interesting museum you will visit is the Shereyas Museum of Folk Art. Among the monuments of the city you will visit is the Jami Masjid built in 1423 and considered by many to be one of finest mosques in India; Ahmad Shah's Mosque built in 1414; and the beautiful Baori or stepwell. Overnight at the Cama Hotel.
Day 04 Ahmedabad / Zainabad
After breakfast, you will drive a couple of hours to Camp Zainabad in the Little Rann of Kutch in the very westernmost part of Gujarat. You will stay in simple mud huts with thatched roofs with attached toilets with showers. A barren expanse of hard dried land, dotted with sparse scrub and salt pans, this is the only reserve for the Indian wild ass. In the winter the area is transformed with the blooms of cactus flowers and the feathers of flamingos. In the late afternoon, you will ride out into the Rann to photograph birds, wild asses and other wildlife of the area.
Day 05 Zainabad
Today you will spend time touring the Little Rann. This featureless expanse of flat land is the only home of the rare and endangered Indian wild ass. Similarly the Rann is also the preserve for a large number of cranes, the rare houbara bustard and the black buck. The owner of the camp is a naturalist by profession and personally conducts all the tours into the desert. On you tour you will not only see the birds and animals, but the people of Kutch. You will share your day with the villagers and participate in the carefree lifestyle reflected in their dances and folklore. As you visit the different tribes, you will learn about the art of producing murals, which has been passed on through the generations, and intricate cloth embroidery for personal use. Overnight at Camp Zainabad.
Day 06 Zainabad / Bhuj
You drive across the Rann today to the Great Rann and the city of Bhuj. Tonight you stay at Garha Safari Lodge, each cottage decorated with examples of the local folk art.
Day 07 Bhuj
Today you visit the city whilst your permissions to visit the neighbouring tribal areas is being obtained. You will spend time first at Kala Raksha a co operative started and managed by Judy Frater. Judy has been working with the tribal women of the area to develop products for the western market. Her knowledge of the textile and crafts of this area is unparralled. You will also visit the Kutch Museum. The most imporatant section here is the Gallery of Tribal Arts. After this you are free to wander this fascinating walled city with its maze of narrow lanes, wonderfully decorated houses and colorful inhabitants. Overnight at Garha Safari Lodge.
Day 08 Bhuj
You will spend the day visiting some of the tribal craft villages in the area. You will see embroidery, applique, wood carving, beadwork, mirrorwork, bellmaking, leathercraft and painting on fabric. The range of talent is quite extraordinary. During this day long trip, you will also have an opportunity to see wonderful examples of folk art, as each village decorate their huts with wall paintings and craft of the area. Once again tonight you sleep at the Garha Safari Lodge.
Day 09 Bhuj / Bombay
You take Jet Airways flight 9W 348 (1235/1340). On arrival you are met by transport from The Best Western Emerald and taken to the hotel for the night.
Day 10 Bombay / Varanasi
This morning the hotel transfers you to the airport for your flight IC 806 (0700/1155) to Varanasi. On arrival you are met and transferred to the Taj Ganges.
Later in the evening we walk through the narrow alleys where we share space with cows, scooters, cycle rickshaws, shops and people to the banks of the Ganges. Here we board a boat, which takes us mid stream to witness the evening "aarti" ceremony. This is the evening service performed by a priest on the banks of the river. Accompanied by the hypnotic beat of drums and bells and the chanting of prayers, the whole ceremony is mesmerizing ending with the release of hundreds of lamps into waters of the river.
Day 11 Varanasi
A visit to Varanasi reveals the spiritual heart of India, and the best way to experience this is to tour the Ganges in a country boat at sunrise. Pilgrims, yogis and mystics flock to the ghats (steps) which lie along the banks of the Ganges, to take a cleansing dip in India's holiest river, practice yoga, meditate, or to complete mundane earthly chores such as washing clothes and vessels. Early morning life in this city revolves around the ghats.
A contemporary of Nineveh and Thebes, Varanasi today, is the oldest living city in the world. One of India's most sacred cities, a devout Hindu believes to die and be cremated in Varanasi is to gain "moksha" or release from the eternal cycle of rebirth. The visit to the old city is a fascinating insight into the rituals of Hinduism. Every temple is well attended and every street corner has roadside shrines and vendors selling garlands, incense sticks and other items used in worship.
Later in the day you will drive to Sarnath. This is where the Buddha gave his first sermon in 500 BC to five disciples. You will spend time at the archeological site and visit the very site where he spoke, marked by the Dhamekha Stupa. You will also visit the weavers who make the rich embroidered silk for which Varanasi is famous. Overnight at the Taj Ganges.
Day 12 Varanasi / Khajuraho
Transferred to the airport for Jet Airways flight 9W 723 (1220/1330). On arrival you are met and transfer to the Taj Chandela for the night.
This tiny village is famous for its remarkable complex of temples built in an inspired burst of creativity between 950 and 1050 AD under the Chandela kings. Of the original 85, only 25 survive and each is a masterpiece dedicated to different deities. The temples were lost among the forest for centuries and were accidentally discovered by a British army engineer in 1858. The presence of erotic temple sculpture, which accounts for less than 10% of the total carvings, has resulted in many theories. The most popular being that the Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult which believes that gratification of earthly desires in a step towards attaining moksha or release from the cycle of rebirth. We have an afternoon to explore these temples at leisure, their remarkable sculptures are unique in that they show great sensitivity and warmth displaying one aspect of Hinduism - a genuine love of life.
Day 13 Khajuraho / Agra
We return to the temples this morning and in the afternoon take IC 7408 (1610/1650) to Agra. Overnight at the Trident.
Day 14 Agra / Bharatpur
Agra at one time served as the capital city for the great Mughal Empire, and it is the repository of some of their finest architectural creations. The Agra Fort reveals the Mughal talent for combining defensive architecture with beauty and design. This fort palace was begun by Akbar as a purely defensive citadel and was subsequently completed by two successive generations who added the delicate mosaic and magnificent marble palaces. The fort is the history of Mughal life in Agra and offers a magical view of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is described as "A tear on the face of eternity" by the poet laureate Tagore and is an enduring monument to love. Built by a grieving Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal built of glistening marble, fabulously decorated in a mosaic of semi precious stones, is a stunning mausoleum.
Later in the afternoon you drive to Bharatpur for the night. You will stay at the charming Chandra Mahal Haveli set in the midst of a fascinating village. You may like to walk around the village in the evening.
Day 15 Bharatpur / Karauli
Your tour escort cum guide will join you today. Bharatpur is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, and you may want to visit before heading out to Karauli.
Off the beaten track, Karauli is the site of the fair held at the nearby village of Kaila. The fair of Kaila Devi is one of the most important in Rajasthan. Kaila Devi is also known as Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and devotees bring offerins of cash, coconuts, vermillion powder, sweets and bangles. Staunch devotees observe the ritual of Kanak Dandoti, covering the distance of 15 to 20 kms to the temple not on foot, but by lying prostrate. They draw lines where their outstretched arms end, and move to that line and prostrate themselves and so slowly advance towards the temple. The fair draws a number of traders selling indegenous craft and in the evenings there is song and dance in praise of the diety. Overnight at Bhawan Vilas, a small palace which use to be the home of the royal family.
Day 16 Karauli / Jaipur
Today you will drive to the state capital of Rajasthan, the pink city of Jaipur. After checking into the Samode Haveli, you will visit Sanganer, where the famous Rajasthani block printing is done, making vibrantly coloured material with interesting designs.
Day 17 Jaipur
When prince, soldier and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II built the pink harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727, he did it in accordance with a treatise on town planning and architecture, the Shilpa Shastra, that is timely even today. With its walls and seven gates, pink and orange buildings, camel-drawn carts, and colorful Rajasthanis, the state capital sits on a flat, dry seabed surrounded by barren hills and ruined fortresses. A young Bengali, Vidhadhar Bhattacharaya was its chief architect.
In the morning we visit the fort palace at Amber, its forbidding exterior belying a bejeweled interior whose richness reflects the sumptuous styles of the surrounding Mughal courts. We will approach the fort on elephant back. Your tour of this architectural delight includes the Diwan-I-Am or hall of public Audience, an open pavilion with cream marble pillars supporting an unusual striped canopy shaped ceiling with a portico with double red sandstone pillars; the Ganesh Pol which separates the private and public areas is decorated with mosaic and painted decorations; the Diwan I Khas or Hall of Private Audience has a curved Bengali roof and has marble pillars and a painted ceiling. The Hall of Mirrors, the pleasure palaces inlaid with ivory and sandalwood reflect the Mughal influence, whilst the baradari the 12 arched pavilion reflect both Mughal and Hindu influences.
In the afternoon we stop at the city palace, a series of open courtyards, simple stables and buildings leading to the richly decorated royal rooms of the Chandra Mahal. The museum within the palace house a fabulous collection of textiles, carpets, manuscripts and costumes from the personal collection of the royal family; the Jantar Mantar, the ancient observatory, is the creation of the scholar king Sawai Jai Singh. We end our day at the colorful market dominated by the elegant tapering Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Nine storey high, decorated with delicately carved niches and balconies, this pink sandstone façade served as a concrete "purdah" or screen for ladies of the royal harem, who would watch the activities of the city from a position of privacy.
Day 18 Jaipur / Kota
The road to Kota goes south out of Karauli and passes some attractive scenery. The approximately 220 kms will take about five hours to cover. On the way you will visit the sister kingdom of Bundi. Remote in its hilly terrain, Bundi is a charming town with a distinctly medieval ambience. Visiting Bundi is like stepping into a time warp. It has numerous ornate 17th century step wells and architectural treasures, and walking through the bazaars is a delightful experience.
Continue to Kota where you stay overnight at the Umed Bhavan Palace.
Day 19 Kota
The Kingdom of Kota was a gift by the ruler of Bundi to his favorite son, Rao Madho Singh, who at the tender age of 14 proved to be a talented and courageous general. The City Palace in Kota reflects the turbulent history of this former kingdom. The palace has a fascinating collection of art, including 18th century murals depicting the legends of Lord Krishna. 34 Kms southwest of Bundi is a stunning work of art. The 9th and 12th century Baroli temples are considered to be the finest of their kind in Rajasthan. Set in a forest, each temple has richly ornamented ceilings, pillars and exquisite sculptures.
Kota is also famous for two art forms - the minature painting of the Kota school and the gossamer fine Doria fabric. This fabric is a mix of cotton and silk and is decoraed with delicate floral motifs. The fabric orginated in the southern city of Mysore where the art has died out, and Kota is the only center today where this fabric is made. Along with your escort you will visit both the home of an artist and the weavers. Overnight to the Umed Bhavan Palace.
Day 20 Kota / Udaipur
You escort leaves you today and you continue towards the city of Udaipur where you stay at the charming Kankarwa Haveli, the home of Janardhan Singh and his family. An 18th century house, decorated with folk art, it has a marvellous view of Lake Pichola and the flood lit palaces.
Day 21 Udaipur
Udaipur with its lakes and palaces, cradled in the hills of the Aravalli range is a very romantic city. An oasis in the surrounding arid and stark surroundings. The name itself "The City of sunrise" evokes a sense of romance. Sightseeing will include the City Palace, the former home of the Maharanas of Udaipur. A feast of marble and vibrant mosaics, it is a marvelous example of the attention to detail and the exemplary workmanship of the Rajasthani artisans. Sahelion Ki Bari or the Gardens of the Maids of Honor, is a small ornamental pleasure garden decorated with elegant lotus pools, gushing fountains and black marble kiosks. We will also visit the excellent folk art museum, which has interesting collection of dolls, masks, musical instruments, paintings and puppets, the latter being a traditional form of village entertainment in Rajasthan.
Later in the afternoon you take a walk in the old city with your guide, where you share space with cows, elephants, people and the ubiquitous Indian "two wheeler". It is a fascinating experience. The walk will take you past houses displaying wonderful examples of folk art, shops selling clothes, art, utensils, shoes and groceries - if you decide to shop here, bargaining is very much part of the Indian shopping experience. While the adults try and relieve you of your holiday allowance for a souvenir, the children beseech you to give them "one pen". There are numerous cafes offering views of the lake and a cooling lassi or reviving cup of Chai, and if you need even more entertainment, you can always stop and watch a video of James Bonds antics in his film, Octupussy. Since a portion of the film was shot here, hie is Udaipur's favorite son and every street corner advertises the film. Your path will lead you to the Jagdish Mandir, one of the focal points of worship in the city.
Day 22 Udaipur
You have a free day to soak up the pleasure of Udaipur. You may like to return to walk in the old city visiting an artists studio. Late afternoon in a private motor boat we tour Lake Pichola fringed with temples and ghats (steps). In the center of Lake Pichola is Jag Mandir Island, which commands a magnificent view of the City Palace. The palace and pavilion is built of yellow sandstone inlaid with marble and dedicated to the Lord of the Universe. This served as a refuge for Prince Khurram, later emperor Shah Jahan.
Day 23 Udaipur / Ranakpur
Today you visit one of the gems of the area. On the way you will see some fascinating sights local rural life in Rajasthan. You will stop at little villages, talk with the children and see an ancient water wheel in operation, the standard form of irrigation in this region.
Surrounded by tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyard, Ranakpur is one of five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. Noted for its grandiose scale and elaborate ornamentation, of the three temples, the Adinatha is the most outstanding. Built by Daranshah in 1439, the temple is dedicated to the first Tirthankara of saint. The whole, including the extraordinary array of 1144 pillars each distinct in design, carved ceilings, and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints, is fascinating.
Tonight you stay at Rawla Narlai located on the edge of a very interesting village. In front of the lodge, is an amazing 350 ft rock dotted with temples and worth a visit.
Day 24 Ranakpur / Jodhpur
You have the morning free to wander the area with your escort before setting off through the Aravalli hills towards the edge of the Indian desert and the city of Jodhpur. Overnight at Rankbaksha Palace.
Day 25 Jodhpur
The best way to trace the history of Jodhpur is to visit the aptly named majestic Meherangarh Fort, which dominates the skyline. Entered through gates, which bear the evocative handprints of the "Sati" queens women of the royal harem, who took their own lives when their men were defeated in battle. The fort has a series of spectacular palaces, each decorated with exquisite engravings, lattice and mirror work. Of particular note is the museum that exhibits a magnificent collection of royal memorabilia; we stop to admire the graceful cenotaph at Jaswant Thada, and browse in the bazaars of the old city for Jodhpur's well known glass bangles, rugged "mojri" slippers and vivid tie and dye fabric. The area around the bazaars is a wonderful example of 19th century town planning, blending Rajasthani concepts with more contemporary styles. Overnight at Ranbaksha Palace
Day 26 Jodhpur / Jaisalmer
The journey to Jaisalmer, the western most city in India will take you through the heart of the Indian desert. On arrival in Jaisalmer you check into the Rawal Kot. Depending on the time of your arrival you may be able to watch the sunset from the Chattris or royal memorials
Day 27 Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156, Jaisalmer was a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert. The first glimpse of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of the hot and barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden crenellated walls, narrow streets lined with exquisite havelies, has a medieval ambience. The fort, often referred to as the "Golden Fort' because of the color of the stone, encloses palaces decorated with delicate jali or lattice worked screens, carved doors and flora carvings, and elaborately carved 12th to 16th century Jain temples. The havelies in both the fort and the town are exceptional. Similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants, the havelies were the mansions of wealthy traders. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, jali screens and oriel windows. Each haveli has an inner courtyard surrounded by richly decorated apartments.
Outside the walls of the fortified town is the small oasis of Gadi Sagar, which led Prince Jaisal to found his city. It is well worth visiting to see the large number of shrines around it and the migratory birds, which it attracts. In the evening watching the sunset from the chattris or royal memorials is a memorable experience.
You may perhaps also wish to visit Lodurva, 15-km north west of Jaisalmer. The honey colored beautifully carved Jain temples here are the only remains of a once flourishing Marwar capital.
Later in the afternoon you return to Jodhpur for the night.
Day 28 Jodhpur / Bombay
You take IC 7471 (0830/1050) to Bombay. On arrival you transfer to the Best Western Emerald for the day. Later you return to the international airport for your onward flight.
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