Itinerary

       
    
 


Day 1   Arrival in Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India! On arrival your Adventure Leader will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. There are no planned activities for today. After your long flight you may want to freshen up and relax. If you arrive early and feel like going out to see the city, just talk with your Adventure Leader who will be on hand to assist you with directions, give you information on places to see, organize transport and point you in the right direction. Make sure you get plenty of rest today as we will start early in the morning tomorrow. In the evening, we'll have our group orientation meeting complete with traditional North Indian snacks, refreshing drinks and dinner where you'll have the opportunity to get to know your Adventure Leader and fellow travelers while we discuss the adventure that lies ahead. (Snacks, Dinner)


Day 2   Bharatpur

In the morning we set out for Bharatpur, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Keoladeo Ghana National Park. After checking in to our hotel, which is just a stones throw away from the reserve, you'll have time to freshen up with a swim before we head into the park. A haven of wetlands and forests, the sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds including a selection of herons believed to be among the best in the world, along with a wide variety of other wildlife. We'll explore the park by bicycle or peddle rickshaw (your choice) traversing the back trails of the sanctuary with our naturalist guide before returning to our hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 3   Bharatpur and the Taj Mahal

In the morning after yoga and breakfast we'll visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, the well-preserved ruins were the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585 AD before being deserted. After exploring this ancient city, we'll head out for Agra where we'll visit India's most famous landmark - the stunning Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal of course needs no introduction, and is a remarkable mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his favorite wife - Mumtaj Mahal. When one sees it in person understanding its history, the feeling is best summed up in the words of Rabindranath Tagore who described the tomb as "one tear drop... upon the cheek of time". Returning to our hotel, you'll have time to relax and freshen up before we meet in the evening for snacks, drinks and a vegan feast for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 4  Kishangarh

Today we set out into the desert stopping at Abhaneri village to visit its epic half millennium old Chand Baoli step-well, the largest step-well in India, before arriving in the romantic Kingdom of Kishangarh. Founded by a Jodhpur prince four centuries ago, the kingdom flourished with its military prowess and fortunes earned as a member of the Mughal court. Here we'll be staying at the Maharajah's beautiful monsoon palace built in 1870 just outside the walls of the massive Kishangarh Fort. Set on the banks of the monsoon fed Gundalao Lake, we'll be staying in the palace's lakeside rooms with gorgeous views of the calm waters of the lake. Arriving in the afternoon, you'll have time to relax before we head out on foot into the village exploring the colorful bazaar and centuries old streets of this princely state founded in 1611 AD. During our stay here be on the lookout for kites, peacocks, herons and wild ducks that call the nearby fields and monsoon fed lake home. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 5  Kishangarh

After yoga, we'll set out to learn a little bit about marble. Rajasthan is famous for its marble - you'll see it in temples, homes and palaces and this morning you'll get a chance to find out how it comes to be - from the quarry, to the cutting factory to the final product. After learning about marble, we'll head out to the banks of one of India's largest salt lakes, Sambhar Lake, which has provided the local communities with salt for thousands of years. Throughout its history, Rajputs, Mughals and British alike, have all exploited this rich source of salt. We'll visit the salt works and pans here where we'll see salt "farmed" using many of the same methods they used centuries ago. If we're lucky we may also see some of the area's colorful but shy winged visitors, the flamingos. After visiting the salt flats, we'll head to the village of Roopangarh for lunch where we'll dine in a royal palace that dates back to 1648 before exploring the centuries-old streets of this colorful medieval town. Returning to our palace in the late afternoon, you'll have free time to explore the streets of Kishangarh on your own or simply relax taking in the views and regal splendor of the old monsoon palace. As the sun sets, we'll meet for snacks, drinks and a tasty Rajasthani feast! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 6   Bhadrajun

In the morning we travel to the rustic yet charming village of Bhadrajun where we'll be staying as personal guests of the Raja (equivalent of a Lord) at his 16th century palace residence. The history of Bhadrajun actually dates back thousands of years and is even mentioned in the famous Indian epic, the Mahabharata. This picturesque village will be our home for the next two days as we focus on local rural village life, culture and customs. After arriving at the palace, you'll have time free to freshen up before we set out on foot to explore the ancient narrow-winding streets of Bhadrajun. In the early evening we'll hop aboard jeeps and head into the desert to catch sunset from atop a sand dune. As the sun dips off on the horizon into the arid terrain, we'll continue by jeeps out to a remote and auspicious Hindu temple that dates back over 3,000 years for their aarti (Hindu ritual) ceremony. At nightfall, we'll return to our palace residence for drinks and a candlelight dinner as personal guests of the Raja's family. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 7   Bhadrajun

We start the day with yoga on the palace walls before heading off to visit a local school in a nearby village as guests of the students and teachers. After visiting the school, we'll set out into the desert to visit a nearby Bishnoi village. The Bishnois are strict vegetarians and have been strong environmentalists for centuries. Known for their protection of the trees and wildlife that surround their villages, the Bishnois are self-sustaining and many of their villages, like the one we visit today - look similar to the way they've looked for hundreds of years. For lunch we'll join one of the Bishnoi families at their home for a traditional local vegan Bishnoi meal. After lunch we'll head back to the palace where you'll have time to freshen up and relax. Later, we'll visit a local girl's school where we'll join the students in the popular village game of sitolia. From the school we'll travel to a nearby shepherd's village, where brightly attired locals go about their lives much as they have for centuries - their vibrant clothes standing out in stark contrast to the surrounding desert. In the evening we'll return to our royal residence where we'll meet on the ramparts of the palace with breathtaking views overlooking the desert for drinks, snacks, dinner and a colorful evening of traditional Marwari music and dance. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 8   Aranyawas

After yoga and breakfast, we drive to the magnificent 15th century Ranakpur Jain temple - one of the five holiest sites in the Jain religion. This awe-inspiring marble marvel sprawls over 48,000 square feet, has 20 domes and is supported by 1,444 pillars. After taking in this majestic temple complex, we'll ascend the Aravalli Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in Asia, to a serene hillside eco-retreat surrounded by forests, rivers and small villages. Checking in to our hillside chalets, we'll have time to relax and take a dip in the retreats step-well inspired pool. Later, we'll meet up for a scenic hike through the surrounding countryside hills, fields and forests to a nearby Bhil (local tribe) village. Returning to the eco-retreat, you'll have time to freshen up before we hit the kitchen for tonight's cooking class. Rolling up our sleeves, we'll all pitch in under the guidance of the chef, where we'll not only learn, but also cook, tonight's meal. After cooking, we'll settle down on the verandah overlooking the valley for a night of traditional Bhil tribal music, dance, drinks and more food! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 9   Udaipur

Today we journey to the formidable medieval citadel of Kumbhalgarh. This massive fortress, dating back to the 15th century, rises 1,100 meters from a prominent ridge and is encompassed by a 20-mile long defensive wall. It has seven majestic gates, seven ramparts, several soaring watchtowers and rounded bastions making it nearly impregnable. From Kumbhalgarh we drive through the rural roads of the Aravalli Mountains to the enchanting oasis city of Udaipur. Often referred to as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is known as one of the most romantic cities in India. Surrounded by lakes and rich in history, we'll spend our time here taking in the alluring princely charm of Rajasthan. Arriving in the early afternoon at our home for the next two days, a charming old noble's haveli set alongside the banks of Lake Pichola, we'll settle into our rooms with picturesque views of the lake, the historical city and Royal Palace. After freshening up, we'll explore the Royal City Palace before catching our boat for a relaxing cruise around the lake. As the sun sets, we'll return to our hotel where we'll enjoy drinks, snacks and dinner on the rooftop while watching the colors of this ancient city change to night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 10   Udaipur

One of the highlights of our stay here in the City of Lakes is our visit to a very special animal rescue organization known as Animal Aid. We'll spend the morning with them today out at their base where they not only offer a hospital, but also a home for the abused and neglected animals of the city. Their patients (as well as residents) include everything from donkeys to dogs, cows to water buffalos, monkeys to pigs, birds to snakes - whoever is in need gets the help. Ending our visit with a tasty vegan lunch, we'll head back into the city stopping at the Garden of Maidens, an 18th century royal garden of fountains made to work by gravity alone. Once we return to the city you'll have the afternoon free to explore the town on your own, get in any last minute shopping or just kickback and relax before we meet up in the early evening. On our last night we'll sample the tastiest cuisine the oasis town has to offer - a delicious home-cooked Mewari feast at a local Rajput family's home while enjoying traditional live music and folk dances and sipping on plenty of refreshing beverages. Make sure you have a good appetite and a good thirst - and don't forget to bring your party shirt and dancing shoes! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 11  Udaipur - Overnight Train to Delhi

After breakfast, you'll have the day free to get in any last minute souvenir shopping or just kickback and relax until we meet up in the early evening to catch our overnight train to Delhi. On the way to the railway station, we'll stop for dinner before boarding the train. (Breakfast, Dinner)


Day 12  Delhi

We arrive in Delhi in the morning by train and our adventure ends after brunch. If you would like to extend your stay at the hotel here or for any onward assistance, please talk with your VegVoyages Adventure Leader who will be more than happy to help. (Brunch)

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