Total Days : 21 Days
Tour Destination : Delhi, Ahmedabad, Dasada, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Kumbhalgarh, Sardargarh, Rohet, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
Namaste! - We welcome you with folded hands
Value Added Optional Tours Available (Request for prices and detailed information): -
Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Overnight at Hotel Jaypee Siddharth (Deluxe Room)
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of New Delhi. Our tour includes a visit to the Qutab Minar - 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Then, we will continue our expedition with a drive to the Lutyens Delhi which is considered to be the corridors of power and serenity. Our tour also includes a drive pass through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House as well a stop at India Gate. Next, we will continue our journey with a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb(1586), built by the Emperor’s widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. Our tour also includes a visit to the Isa Khan’s Tomb complex located adjacent to Humayun’s Tomb and is the resting place of Isa Khan Niyazi, a noble of influence at the court of Sher Shah Suri. We will be also visiting the Safdarjung Tomb. Then, we will make our way to the Agrasen Ki Baoli (Beautifully Sculpted Step Well) - a water reservoir or a step well that is known for its heritage value. Indeed, the builders were way ahead of time when creating this architectural marvel that dealt with sorting out the water problem.
Later, we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawala (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the color of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers. (Pleases do accept that some shops are closed on Sundays)
Overnight at Hotel Jaypee Siddharth (Deluxe Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Ahmadabad (6E 2043 –0950 / 1125 Hrs) Ahmadabad / Dasada (90 Kms)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Ahmedabad
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Ahmedabad and drive 90 kms to Dasada
Upon arrival, check into The Rann Riders Resort. The resort is simply a magnificient tranquil oasis. Accommodations are in well appointed independent cottages spread throughout. The rooms are fairly spacious and are constructed with locally found materials to look like a traditional village. Built in the style of the Kooba houses of the Bajania community and the Bhunga houses of the Kutchi Rabaris, these thatch roof cottages are decorated with mirrors, mud plaster work and embroideries. Spread over 5 acres, you would love a wander through beautiful surroundings, apart from indulging in a very rewarding ornithological experience. A variety of birds are witnessed in the resort itself.
Overnight at Rann Riders (Deluxe Cottage)
Day 04: Dasada
Wake up to the sounds of the chirping birds and the fragrance of a variety of flowers that surround the cottages.
Following breakfast we proceed on an excursion back in time as we embark upon a village safari of the pastoral settlements and villages along the Rann of Kutch. We visit the rural Vadiara and Kharapat Rabari tribals of Dasada. The tribals here are known for their embroideries and silk-weaving. We would also visit the local villages of the Bharward shepherds and goatherds. The weaving cooperative at Bajana and other artisans’ workshops can also be included in the tours. Other societies near Dasada are Padhars (primarily fishing people), the Siddis and the semi-nomadic Mirs, Jaths (Muslim herders), Bajanias.
The idea of the safari is to bring to you the opportunity to experience distincvtive traditional lifestyle, colour and of course hospitality as manifested in the manner the natives deal with you.. Actually, during this tour, one can shop for embroidery directly from the Bharwad women of Ambala and the Rabari women of Dasada.
Afternoon, we proceed on a cross-desert safari across the Little Rann of Kutch, where the last of the Indian Wild Ass has been given protection in a dedicated sanctuary. The animal 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 Rann is a fascinating terrain – essentially the shallow bed of the sea that drains out in the dry months and gets flooded during the monsoon by the sea surging inland on the one hand and the seasonal streams in monsoon flood bringing in fresh water on the other. This mix of salt and sweet water provides ideal conditions for the prolific growth of crustaceans and other aquatic food for the flamingoes and other birds that breed and winter here in enormous numbers. Apart from the Wild Ass the Little Rann is also the home for a wide variety of species that include chinkara gazelle, nilgai, and the blackbuck antelope,
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.
The Little Rann of Kutch is a birdwatcher's paradise in winter. Houbara bustard, sandgrouse, desert chat, desert wheatear, nine species of larks, quails, gray francolin etc are seen in the saline desert wilderness. Eagles, vultures, harriers and falcons can be seen hunting in the Rann.
Overnight at Rann Riders (Deluxe Cottage)
Day 05: Dasada / Ahmedabad (90 Kms)
Following breakfast, we will drive to Ahmedabad.
Upon arrival, check into Hotel Sarovar Portico
Afternoon, we proceed on a tour of the city. A major attraction here is the Jama Mosque. This congregational mosque was built in 1423 in yellow sandstone> the building combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, standing on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations, and, is described as the most beautiful mosque in India.
From here we continue our tour to visit the Adalaj step well built in 1499 A.D.. The designs on its walls and pillars include leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs. The five-storied, step-well is a marvel of architecture. The intricately carved monument served religious and utilitarian purposes of the people around though its origin is marred by tragedy.
Another attraction of Ahmedabad is the Satyagraha Ashram, set-up in AD 1920 on the lull western banks of the Sabarmati River. This is the place associated with Mahatma Gandhi and was an important center of India’s freedom struggle.
Finally, we will also find time to explore some of the bustling bazaars and crafts of the city.
Overnight at Hotel Sarovar Portico (Superior Room)
Day 06: Ahmedabad / Dungarpur (150 Kms) (02 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Dungarpur
Upon arrival check into the Udai Bilas Palace
The history of Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur, Rajasthan dates from the mid-19th century, when Maharawal Udai Singhji-II, a great patron of art and architecture built a wing of bluish grey local stone " Pareva" overlooking the lake and the " Ek Thambia Mahal," featuring intricate sculptured pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings, a veritable marvel of Rajput architecture. The Udai Bilas Palace was enlarged in 1940 by Maharawal Laxman Singhji, who built three new wings around the “Ek Thambia Mahal" (Literally one- pillared Palace) and thus created the famous " courtyard of the palace. The result is an architectural expression exquisitely detailed. Still the royal residence, the Palace offers accommodation in the houseguest tradition with seventeen spacious and lavishly appointed bedrooms. No two rooms are alike; each room enchants with its own personality, spaciousness and modern comforts and offers a unique experience. The Furnishings are mostly from the 20th century art-deco style, marble bathrooms with English fixtures and running hot and cold water. Meals are served either in the banquet hall, which displays crystal chandeliers, or in the more intimate family dining room. Continental or Chinese dishes are also served.
Overnight at Udaibilas Palace - Heritage Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 07: Dungarpur
The district is the stronghold of Bheels, a tribe whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli Range is said to date back to 4000 B.C. They are one of the oldest and most primitive tribes of the world. This morning we will visit some of these unspoiled Bheel hamlets in and around the town. We will witness and photograph age-old tribal lifestyles and customs handed down over the centuries. You would have an opportunity to meet villagers who have never seen white people!! Say hello to people, allow them to get used to you and then, you may go ahead with your pictures. You would soon end up as the pied piper followed by scores of noisy and happy children!!!
We return to our hotel by mid morning to enjoy the destination at leisure. Udai Bilas Palace is a round-the-year paradise for bird watchers.
The cooler months from mid October to February are the best to see winter migratory birds when birds can be observed in attractive plumage. One can see from the Palace itself at remarkably close range egrets, night and pond herons, white necked and painted storks, coots and winter or resident ducks among others, depending on the season of your visit. Birds are also plentiful in the surrounding woodlands where one can hope to see the Grey Hornbill, Gray Partridge, Green Pigeon, Peafowl, Peacocks, Paradise flycatcher and the Golden backed woodpecker, to name a few representative species. You may proceed on a leisurely walk around the lake or heir boat for a special boat trip on the lake as well as a gentle trek through the forests so that the nature lover in you is able to enjoy the beauty of the place and are able to get a close look at the bird life.
Late afternoon we visit the ancient fortified ruins of the Old Fort. Besides fine panoramic view of the ancient town of Dungarpur the fort has well preserved examples of natural colour paintings and incredible art and architecture.
Overnight at Udaibilas Palace - Heritage Hotel (Standard Room)
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