Rural Rajasthan and Tribal Gujarat November 8-29, 2021
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, 38 Villa Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone: 415-381-5861 ◆ Fax: 415-367-3081 [email protected] ◆ www.originalworld.com CST Permit #2057026-40 Rural Rajasthan and Tribal Gujarat Includes Three Festivals: Pushkar Fair, Kartik Purnima/Shamlaji Fair and Vautha Tribal/Spiritual Fair November 8-29, 2021 After you have seen the Taj and visited the “Golden Triangle;” after the forts and castles of the glorious Maharaja period; maybe even after you have visited beautiful South India - return to India to see the traditional rural lifestyles of the people. This tour ventures away from the chaos and congestion that India’s cities are known for and we step into the vast heartland of the fascinating states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. On this tour we attend the well-known Pushkar Fair as it is near the village of Kishangarh; the Kartik Purnima/Shamlaji Fair and Vautha tribal fairs. We shall stay in wonderful restored heritage properties with character and charm. Many are hosted by descendants of the royal families. There will be ample opportunities to interact with the local people. Nov 8 DAY 1, Day 1: Delhi Arrive Delhi, meet & transfer to hotel. Nov 9, Day 2: Delhi – Alwar (160 km) /Hilltop Kesroli Fort / (B,L) Enjoy a leisurely morning to relax after the long flight. We start our journey into Rajasthan with a drive to Alwar. Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, Alwar is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan. Viratnagar and areas around Alwar have footprints of Stone Age men who lived in caves and drew sketches of animals on the walls. These prehistoric sites are an archaeologist's dream. On arrival, we check into hotel Kesroli Fort. The 14th century Hill-Fort, Kesroli is the oldest heritage site in India where you can stay. Situated atop the rare, dark Hornstone Breccia rocks, it commands splendid agrarian views from its ramparts, which rise to 50-65 meters/ 150-200 feet. The origins of the seven-turreted Hill-Fort Kesroli are traced back to over six centuries. It is reputed to have been built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, descendants of Lord Krishna, who converted to Islam in the mid-14th century to be called Khanzadas. It subsequently changed hands, being conquered by the Mughals and the Jats before reverting to the Rajputs in 1775 when the princely state of Alwar was founded. It saw its golden period under the Ranawat Thakur Bhawani Singh (1882-1934), renowned for his equestrian skills. Kesroli makes an ideal base to visit the neighboring palaces, museums and sanctuaries of Alwar. After lunch at hotel restaurant, we’ll visit Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, the Alwar Museum and City Palace. Bala Quila meaning the ‘young fort’, also known as the Alwar Fort, is a large fort, over a hilltop. From the city centre, the fort is located at a distance of 595 m and is clearly visible from the city. The extension of the fort from north to south and from east to west is 5 km and 2 km, respectively. Bala Quila consists of 15 large towers and 51 small towers. There are 446 holes for firing guns. Apart from the large masonry works, the fort has many other structures inside it such as the Nikumbha Mahal Palace, which is built of Bengal caned marble pillars and balconies with lattice designs. Due to current construction work going on at the fort area, we will not visit the fort. It is nestled 300 meters above the city and we can see it from the city center. Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri is the royal cenotaph of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and his Queen Rani Moosi. This striking monument is placed out side the main palace building. Based on a pillared sand stone, this double storied structure was built by Vinay Singh, which presents an eye-catching spectacle to the viewer with its elephant structural design. Dinner on your own. We left this as not included so you can select from the menu and eat at a time that you prefer. (Pay Direct). Nov 10 Day 3: Alwar - Nawalgarh (Shekhawati) - Mandawa / Castle Mandawa / (B,L,D) In the morning after breakfast we leave for Mandawa, stopping en-route in Nawalgarh. Total travel time is 200 km / approx 5.5hrs. Mandawa and Nawalgarh are two towns in Shekhawati, a semi- desert region in north Rajasthan. Shekhawati is situated in the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner- Jaipur. It takes its name after its ruler Rao Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha. The towns of Shekhawati are known for their amazing painted havelis. This region is dubbed the "open art gallery of Rajasthan” for its plethora of painted havelis in rich artistic tradition. Most of the buildings are dated from the 18th century to early 20th century. The Shekhawati landscape is dotted with so many havelis that tracking them is something like a treasure hunt. Various forms of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures, complimenting the otherwise flat and barren land. The havelis are noted for their frescos depicting mythological themes and that of huge animals. Some later-day frescos show the arrival of the British and highlight steam locomotives and trains, probably for the benefit of those members of the household who did not want to travel to distance places by train or see this newly introduced mode of transport. Nawalgarh, founded in the 18th century by Nawal Singh, has some of the finest frescos in the Shekhawati region. A huge fort with a colorful bazaar and numerous havelis with elaborate architecture make it an interesting destination. We will visit some of the prominent havelis such as Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli and Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli. We’ll arrive in Mandawa and check into the Mandawa Castle, now a heritage hotel. After lunch, we explore Mandawa visiting the famous "The Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan" known for the plethora of plain red havelis, and this rich artistic region known as Shekhawati. The havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn there walls. Our Accommodation: Castle Mandawa was founded in the mid-18th century. Mandawa’s skyline today is dominated by an imposing mirage-like fort, now a heritage hotel that is maintained in classic medieval themes with modern facilities. The archway is painted with interesting forms of paintings of Lord Krishna and his cowherds. The sprawling architecture houses a different theme in different wings. The spacious rooms are adorned by intricate interior wall paintings and mirror work with an open terrace that offers a panoramic view of the whole town. The women folk of the Mandawa family, who lived in a royal style, once used this floor. The ambiences of those years still linger around the rooms. The Mandawa family has a unique collection of their preserved paintings and antiques that adorn the main huge hall in the center of the castle, originally the durbar hall and now an exotic lounge. The ceremonial costumes of the family collection and the precious arms with handles of jade and beautiful curios brought by the British as a gift for the nobles are well placed like the showcase of a museum. The hotel is well equipped with modern facilities in an ethnic set-up. A night stay is an experience in itself with thematic evenings and medieval cuisine. Nov 11 Day 4: Mandawa – Chomu Village (170 km/4 hrs)/Hotel Chomu Palace / (B,L,D) After breakfast we depart for Chomu Village. En-route to Chomu, we shall stop to visit Samode Village and enjoy lunch at the Samode Palace. Continue 30 km further to Chomu village and check in to our hotel. Our accommodation: Chomu Palace, a reflection of the Royal Palaces of India, is a 300-year-old elegant fortified palace hotel. It revives the gracious lifestyles of the princes of Rajasthan and the heritage of India. It is an authentic and historic palace that discreetly blends with the modern amenities and facilities. This historic monument is designed according to the Indian Vastushastra philosophy. Nov 12 Day 5: Chomu Village –Kishangarh (Pushkar Faire) / Phool Mahal / (B,L,D) We will depart at 8 am. This morning’s drive brings us to Kishangarh, a sleepy town about 27 km from Ajmer, founded by Kishan Singh, a Rathore prince in the first quarter of the seventeenth century. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Kishangarh is a treasure trove of art and handicrafts. The town claims one of India’s foremost schools of miniature paintings, founded in the 18th century. One of the most famous paintings representative of this school is that of Radha, Krishna’s consort who is portrayed as an exceptionally beautiful woman with enamoring almond eyes. The Bani Thani style of miniature painting in Kishangarh went through a spurt of excellence under Nihal Chand - painter in court of Raja Sawant Singh. We shall visit the school of miniature paintings and have lunch. Afterwards, an excursion to Pushkar (25 min each way) to see the Pushkar Camel Fair. We will visit the campgrounds of the nomads and enjoy time wandering about with plenty of friendly interaction as the camel herders and their families tend their camels and enjoy the fair. The competition part of the fair is very casual and you can sit in stadium seats to watch for awhile and get up to continue wandering as you wish. We will enjoy a walking tour of the small holy town that surrounds the holy lake with a visit to Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity.