,

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 and Tribal Includes Three Festivals: Fair, Kartik Purnima/ 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 - 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 , descendants of Lord , 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 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- . 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 , 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 , said to be one of the few in the world dedicated to this . It is marked by a red spire, with the hans, or goose, symbol of Brahma, over the gateway.

Just before sunset we’ll go down to the main ghat of the holy and watch the sunset with the locals accompanied by the simultaneous drumming from the 52 ghats around the lake as the sun disappears.

Return to Kishangarh for overnight.

Our accommodation: The Phool Mahal, was constructed in 1870. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and located in close proximity to Kishangarh Fort, it offers grand views of the Fort and Gundalo Lake.

Nov 13, Day 6: Kishangarh - Bundi (172 km/4 hrs) /Hadoti Palace (B,L,D)

Today Kishangarh is renowned for its wholesale market of red chilies, marble and granite cutting industry and a cotton-weaving center. The handicraft of Kishangarh has earned a name for itself in the world market.

This morning we have a brief exploration of Kishangarah village and visit a traditional bazaar.

Afterwards, we drive to Bundi, an oasis in the desert state, a serene civilization far from the maddening crowds and chaos.

In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes, of which the Parihar Meenas were prominent. Bundi and the eponymous princely state are said to derive their names from a former Meena king called Bunda Meena. Bundi was previously called “Bunda-Ka-Nal", Nal meaning “narrow ways”. Later the region was governed by Rao Hada, who took over Bundi from Jaita Meena in 1342, renaming the surrounding area Haravati or Haroti. A substantial wall with four gateways encircles the city.

Bundi is one of the few places in India that can lay its claim to an authentic school of painting, "The Bundi School." The splendid paintings in the Chitrashala in the Bundi Fort are par excellence and can be compared with probably the best anywhere in the world.

On arrival in Bundi we’ll have lunch and then an afternoon tour including visits to:

Bundi Palace, and Chittashala Gallery that exhibit great Indian miniature paintings.

Sukh Mahal, which evokes memories of Rudyard Kipling who not only stayed here but found inspiration for his famous work KIM.

Sar Bagh, with its 66 royal cenotaphs.

Step wells (Bawari) are another prominent highlights of Bundi, these served as water reservoirs in the months of summers (drinking and washing). There were originally 50, now 32 remaining, built by Mother Queen of Bundi in 1699 and were donated for public welfare. The most beautiful step well is Rani Jiki Barol, which we will visit. It's a fine example of Hindu and Jain architecture.

Taragarh Fort was built in 1345 and is great to ramble around at your leisure. The fort is reached by a steep road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway.

This fort counts amongst the most famous ones in Rajasthan for its intricate structures and a highly- regarded painting gallery (from here originated the Bundi style of mural painting). Inside the ramparts are huge reservoirs carved out of solid rock, and Bhim Burj, the largest of the battlefields, on which there is a mounted cannon. Access to the inside of the fort is only by a very steep climb on foot of about 500 meters. For most of us, this will not be possible.

The Chhatar Mahal is adorned with beautiful wall paintings of the famous Bundi School; and so are the Zanana Mahal (palace for the queens) and Badal Mahal.

Our Accommodation: Hadoti Palace with its colonial architecture blends in beautifully with the characteristic construction style of Bundi that still has a medieval look to it. The beautiful landscaping and comfortable and luxurious facilities include swimming pool, vintage and classic car museum, ayurvedic massage.

Nov 14, Day 7: Bundi - Bijapur (110 km/ 3 hrs) / Castle Bijapur (B,L,D)

After breakfast we drive to Bijapur. We shall stop en-route to visit Bassi village, known for its marvelous historical forts, temples and 'Kurds' as well as for its sculptures and woodcraft..

On arrival, we check in to the hotel and have lunch. This afternoon explore nearby villages.

Our Accommodation: Castle Bijapur is a 16th century castle within fortified walls, which was converted into a hotel in 1991 by the ruling family. The castle is still their home and the family runs it as a home where people can experience hospitality first-hand. The hotel has all modern facilities. The rooms are spacious and elegant with Rajput décor.

Nov 15, Day 8: Bijapur – Complex- (250 km) / Rawla Narlai (B,L,D)

We depart after breakfast for the drive to Narlai, visiting Complex en-route.

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 Jain saint. The whole, including the extraordinary array of 1144 sculptured pillars each distinct in design, carved ceilings, and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints, Jain mythology and cosmology; is quite extraordinary!

NOTE: A new regulation-the guides / tour escorts are no longer be allowed to go inside the temple with visitors or do any guiding on the temple premises. Guests are required to take an audio guide from the temple office (cost included in our tour price).

After the visit, we will enjoy lunch at Maharani Bagh (Mango Orchard of the Maharaja of ) near the temples.

We continue driving 1.5 hours to Narlai - a royal hunting retreat, between Jodhpur and is an enchanting area.

Our Accommodation: The Rawla, lies at a foothill of a stupendous 350 - foot single rock granite hill amidst dramatic boulders and ancient temples. Maharaj and Rani Swaroop Singh and their sons oversaw the careful restoration of this 15th century home of Marwar nobility. The ambience is a special blend of aesthetics and comfort that envelope the senses.

Nov 16, Day 9: Narlai / Rawla Narlai (B,L,D

Full day explore the surrounding region including bustling bazaars and temples where a miraculous flame has burnt for centuries producing saffron instead of soot! Wishes made here, it is said, come true.

Nov 17, Day 10: Drive Narlai – Dungarpur (180 km/4-5 hrs) Udaibilas Palace (B,L,D)

We shall depart the hotel at 9 am for the drive to Dungapur, a picturesque town inhabited by the Bheel tribe. One can get an insight into the life of the local people of Dungarpur while visiting.

The city of Dungarpur is well known for its distinguished style of architecture that has been extensively followed in the royal palaces and havelis (mansions). These royal residences are adorned by 'jharokhas' built in stone in a unique style typical of the area developed during the reign of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-1785 A. D.) The district gold and silversmiths are renowned for lacquer painted toys and picture framing.

On arrival, lunch and an afternoon tour of the town including:

The Old Fort of Dungarpur is the major landmark of Rajasthan. The fort renders the spectacular view of the town of Dungarpur. We can drive to the bottom of the fort; one has to climb six stories to see the paintings inside.

Juna Mahal is a seven-storied structure, resembling a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and corridors. The interiors are embellished with beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings, glass and mirror work.

Our Accommodation: The history of Udai Bilas Palace 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. Nestled in idyllic splendor, with the blue waters of Gaibsagar lake on one side and a cove of private reserve forest on the other, Udai Bilas Palace is the embodiment of the old world charm of princely India. Still under the control of the royal family of Dungarpur and remaining a royal residence, Udai Bilas Palace has been now converted into a heritage hotel (lucky for us!)

Nov 18, Day 11: Dungarpur – Kartik Purnima (Shamlaji Festival)– / Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad (BL,D)

We’ll depart at 8 am and stop after two hours drive to attend Kartik Purnima Festival in Shamlaji.

Kartika Poornima (Kartika purnima) is a Hindu holy day celebrated on the Purnima (full moon) day or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartika (November–December). It is also known as Tripuri poornima and Tripurari Poornima. It is sometimes called Deva-Diwali or Deva-Deepawali - the festival of lights of the gods. The Kartik Purnima festival is also a holy day for the followers of and Sikhism.

A large number of devotees arrive to the Shamlaji Fair on foot or on camel carts, singing devotional songs, some dancing and carrying banners bearing sacred symbols. They go to worship the deity and bathe in the sacred waters of the . Among the Adivasis, the Bhil community has incredible faith in the powers of Shamlaji who they lovingly refer to as Kaliyo Dev (Dark Divinity). The fair is also an important trade destination for people to buy silver ornaments, metal-ware, cloth and garments, along with many other annual household items.

The temple of Shamlaji stands on the banks of the river Meshwo, in veneration of Lord . The river Meshwo meanders over its rocky bed in the valley immediately below, and the waters of a splendid natural lake, of great beauty sparkle amid the well-wooded hills.

It is believed that this shrine has existed for at least 500 years. Built of white sandstone and bricks, it has two stories supported on rows of pillars. It is profusely carved and episodes from sacred epics of the and are engraved on the outer walls. It’s beautiful domed ceilings and a traditional north Indian spire over the main shrine add to the magnificence of its open courtyard accompanied by the carving of a life-size elephant.

Sakshi Gopal or Gadadhar is a black representation of Lord Vishnu worshipped at the Shamlaji Temple. This is one of the rare temples of Lord Krishna in which cow idols are also worshipped depicting his childhood as a cowherd. For the Vaishnavites, Shamlaji is one of the one hundred and fifty four most important places of pilgrimage in India.

Continue 60 km to Ahmedabad. We’ll enjoy dinner at local restaurant, Pleasure Trove, modern décor with traditional menu infused with western influence. http://pleasuretrove.co.in/

Nov 19, Day 12 Day Excursion Ahmedabad - Vautha Fair – Villages / Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad (B,L)

Today we start extra early to venture out of the city for a full day of exciting activities.

First we drive 40 km/approx one hour, southwest of Ahmedabad to attend the Vathua Fair held every year where two rivers, the Sabarmati and the Vatrak meet. Like most fair sites in India, this also has both mythological and contemporary religious associations.

The Vautha Mela site is 3 square miles in area. The legend is that Kartik Swami or Kartikeya, the son of Lord , visited the site. This is why the fair is held during Kartika Purnima, the full moon night of the month of Kartik, corresponding with November. The site is also known as Saptasangam, at the confluence of seven rivers. The most important Shiva temple here is the temple of Siddhanath.

What is most significant about this fair is that it is the only major animal trading fair in Gujarat. However, most of the time, the only animals traded here are donkeys. About 4,000 donkeys are brought every year for sale, usually by 'Banjara' (gypsy) traders. These donkeys are painted in an array of colors and decorated. The appearance of the donkeys on this day is not guaranteed as the trading day is determined by the head of the local authority closer to the date. It could be the first or second day of the fair or another day all together. We are here on the second day since we are at Kartik Purnima Festival the day prior. So if we do see them, it’s an extra treat!

Camels are also well decked out and sold on the sand dunes by the river shores.

Apart from the trading fair, the site is a bustling scene, with a variety of handicraft and food stalls, and active street hawkers and merchants selling everything from trinkets to machinery. This fair is considered to be one of the largest fairs in Gujarat. The pilgrims who visit Vautha during the fair come from several communities and include farmers, laborers and people belonging to several castes. This fair is visited by Hindus and Muslims in very large numbers. This fair is conducted in a place called Sangam and therefore it is also held very holy and auspicious by Gujaratis. It is a place where the seven rivers namely Vatrak, Meshwo, Hathmati, Shedhi, Majum, Khari and Sabarmati meet and hence the name saptasangam (meeting of seven) as given by the locals.

Onward to the walled town of Wadhwan where women work on bandhani (aka tie-and-dye). Wadhwan's walled town has historic buildings and a living heritage of metalwork crafts.

Return to Ahmedabad (2 hrs drive) for overnight. Dinner on your own (pay direct).

Nov 20 Day 13 Ahmedabad / Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad (B,L,D)

After breakfast we go to the wonderful and fascinating Calico Museum of Textiles. Visiting hours are 1030 am-12 noon.

Note: visiting the museum is pending availability; it is private museum and restricted to a very limited number of entrances per day and they do not allow advanced booking, though we always managed to get in. Do bring your own water inside, it is stuffy and there are no vendors inside.

The museum exhibits spectacular antique and modern textiles including rare tapestries, wall hangings and costumes from all the regions of Gujarat as well as the rest of India. See a variety of textiles ranging from incredibly long, colorful embroidered wall hangings to Zari saries embroidered in gold and weighing 9kg. Also on display are old weaving machines.

After visiting the museum, we shall have lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon we visit the Sabarmati Ashram, situated on the western bank of the . This ashram, founded in 1918 by Mahatma Gandhi, who revitalized the textile industry here, became the headquarters during the struggle for Indian Independence and it is befitting that it is now primarily a spinning wheel factory.

Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

This evening we enjoy a traditional Gujrati vegetarian dinner with local dance and music at Vishala, an authentically created Gujrati crafts village complete with traditionally decorated mud huts where potters and weavers are at work. Here we visit the Vechaar Utensils Museum with its collection of 2500 Gujrati utensils.

Nov 21 Day 14: Ahmedabad / Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad (B,D)

This morning we shall enjoy a Heritage walk of Ahmedabad, 8am-10am. A special feature of Ahmedabad is the plan of the old city, comprising numerous pols, self contained neighborhoods, sheltering large numbers of people, traversed by narrow streets, usually terminating in squares with community wells and chabutaras for feeding birds.

The walk begins from the picturesque Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur and ends in the most glorious architectural legacy, the Jumma Masjid. In between there are numerous pols, havelis, ornamental facades, workplaces of artisans and number of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples.

Proceeding from Kavi Dalpatram Chowk - which housed the great 19th century Gujarati poet in Lambeshwar ni Pole, to the classic reminisces of the city's textile era - the Calico Dome, to the century old Kala Ramji Mandir in the Haja Patel ni Pole with a unique idol of Lord Rama in dark color and in a sitting posture.

The walk moves through Doshiwada ni Pol, Zaveri Vad to Chaumukhji ni Pol as you view ornate temples with their fascinating wooden carvings hidden under plain exteriors camouflaged beneath the aura of Mughal rule and lanes punctuated with intriguing chabutras (bird feeders) to a three foot wide alley leading into the 110-year old Harkunvar Shethani ni Haveli. Moving through the historical Fernandez Bridge brings you to Manek Chowk where amidst the deafening traffic and full of parked vehicles Rajesh tells of the legend of Manek Baba after whom the chowk was named and the Manek Baba Mandir at the site where he shrank and entered a bottle to show his magical powers to Ahmed Shah, the founder of the City. The walk continues into the Rani no Hajiro through the Badshah no hajiro and finally culminates at the magnanimous Jama Masjid.

Return to the hotel for lunch on your own (pay direct) and a bit of rest.

This afternoon we visit the Adalaj Step Well, built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela chief, Veersinh, this five-story step well was not just a cultural and utilitarian space, but also a spiritual refuge. It is believed that villagers would come everyday in the morning to fill water, offer prayers to the carved into the walls and interact with each other in the cool shade of the well.

Afterwards some independent time to browse the textile shops if you so desire. Dinner tonight is at the traditional multi-cuisine restaurant, Curries. http://www.curriesrestaurant.com/

Nov 22 Day 15 Ahmedabad-Jambughoda (190 km) / Jambughoda Palace (B,L,D)

Today we set out to the Jambughoda Palace, a simple royal mansion in the midst of mature gardens - a beautiful retreat for nature lovers.

On the way, we visit the World Heritage Site of Champaner (the site of Pavagarh Archeological Park) to see the vast complex of mosques built by Mahmud Begada.

We shall stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant.

On arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is independent to enjoy the grounds.

Our Accommodations: Jambughoda Palace is a 1000-year-old residence belonging to the royal family who are descendents of the Parmar Dynasty from Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. Their ancestors ruled the state until its merger with the Indian Union in 1948. His Highness Maharana Vikramsinghji still resides at the palace with his family. There are 20 rooms and suites with western bathrooms. The accomodatons are simple yet dignified. Fruits and vegetables are grown organically on the farm. Meals are served in an informal homey ambiance. Laundry facilities available.

Nov 23 Day 16: Excursions to Tribal Villages / Jambughoda Palace (B,L,D)

We shall engage with the local people today on a full day excursion to the tribal villages of Jambughoda. Most of the indigenous people living in and around Jambughoda are ‘Rathwas’ & ‘Nayaks’. They are superstitious and God-fearing people. The entrance to their home is through a richly carved wooden door with figurines and tribal icons. The front is usually decorated with Pithora paintings for which the ‘Rathwas are known for. Their dwellings are separated from each other by considerable distance, rather than living together in a community close together.

The tribal museum of Chhota Udaipur has a large collection of tribal artifacts. Many tribal artifacts are also brought for sale in the ‘haats’ (weekly markets) in the city and nearby villages.

Nov 24 Day 17 Drive Jambughoda – Poshina (290 km/6-7 hrs) / Darbargadh Poshina / (B,L,D)

We’ll depart after breakfast for our drive to the Poshina, a beautiful place surrounded by Garasia and Bhil villages. On arrival, we check into Darbargadh Poshina and enjoy a home-cooked family lunch.

This afternoon we’ll walk through Poshina village. We will observe the potters making the sacred horses in terracotta and clay utensils, craftsmen at work-forging tribal knives, swords, daggers, bows and arrows and jewelers sell chunky ornaments to the residents. You will also see colorful walls painted with camels and elephants. We will browse the market bustling with activity where you can watch colorful women from the tribal hamlets and tribal men unloading their produce.

Of course we shall visit the richly carved village dedicated to Shiva Nilkanth Mahadev and the Jain temple built in 1214 A.D. Often the best part of temple visits is just observing people in their acts of devotion and reverence.

This evening at leisure to enjoy the property and/or engage in conversation with the hosts.

Our Accommodations: Darbargadh Poshina is a heritage home set in the tribal lands of the Arravallis. The owners of this ancestral fort are your hosts to explore the Adivasi and Garasia tribal cultures of North Gujarat and South Rajasthan. You will enjoy fresh home cooked meals featuring recipes passed down from generation to generation and indulge in the hospitality of a family that ruled Poshina for eight generations before independence.

Nov 25 Day 18: Excursion to Poshina Villages / Darbargadh Poshina (B,L,D)

Today’s excursion by jeep offers fascinating glimpses into rural Indian life. The drive through the picturesque countryside will include visits to the remote villages of the ‘Adivasi’ and ‘Garasia’ tribals who will also give you archery demonstrations and pastoral people like the ‘Rabaris’ who keep camels, sheep and goat.

We will travel to Chatrang and Bedi Villages of Gowala and Garacia tribes. You will also visit the Kumbharia Jain temple, pottery & terracotta horse village of Saleka and few tribal temples.

Nov 26 Day 19 Poshina -Patan- Modhera –Bajana (Little Raan of Kutch) (210 km) /Royal Safari Camp (B,L,D)

We depart by 8 am this morning for the drive to Patan to visit some of its 100 Jain Temples and Rani Kava Steps (ancient step well).

A short 10 km further, we visit the exquisite Sun Temple in Modhera, situated on the banks of the Pushpavati River. Here you will see women of all ages from very young girls to elderly, dressed in bright yellows, orange and reds representing and honoring the sun.

Next stop is to visit the Salvi family, master weavers of the colorful Potala silk including the ancient art of double ikat. This is quite a special treat!

We continue to Bajana Village, also known as Dasada. (Little Rann of Kutch). Little Raan (desert) of Kutch is a salt marsh located near the Great Rann of Kutch in Kutch district. The area is also known as Dasada. It is famous as the world's last refuge of the Indian Wild Ass (Khur) for the conservation of which it has been declared as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. Capable of reaching high speeds when galloping across the Rann, the wild ass is usually seen in small herds.

The Little Rann of Kutch is a birding paradise and has been declared a Ramsar Site. Birds here include Steppe, Imperial, and Short-toed Eagle, Houbara Bustard, flamingos, pelicans, storks and cranes. The best birding is during the winter months from October to March when waterfowl gather in vast numbers. These are the months when Demoiselle and Common Crane, and Lesser Flamingo are seen in incredibly large numbers.

Though a bleak landscape, it is rich in biodiversity and is an ecologically important area for wildlife. It is also home to various unique mammals apart from wild Ass such the Indian Wolf (Canis indica), Desert Fox (Vulpes vulpes pusilla) and Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus).

The area is surrounded by tribal villages, making the stay here fascinating and especially exciting for photographers. Late afternoon/early evening we will embark on an excursion to see the nearby villages, observe lifestyles. You may also see some wildlife!

Our Accommodations: Royal Safari Camp (cottages, western toilets, running hot/cold water). A fantastic mix of rustic comfort in a rural setting in Bajana Village.

Nov 27 Day 20 Drive Bajana - Bhujodi – Bhuj (220 km/5 hrs) / Hotel Ilark (B,L,D)

The Kutch District (aka The Banni) runs from Bajana to Bhuj. Over the next two days we will visit diverse tribal villages. They share some similarities but have distinctive differences in their lifestyles and artisan talents.

We depart at 6:30 am for an early morning safari across the Little Rann visiting the ‘bets’, islands on the ancient seabed that are now higher grounds covered with grass and scrub. These ‘bets’ support a variety of wildlife including gorgeous lesser flamingos , great white pelicans , common cranes , water birds ( bharami duck, gray leg goose, home duck, bar headed goose), black buck, blue bull, hyenas and the Gudkhur (Asiatic wild ass) that are not found elsewhere.

Return to resort at 8 am for breakfast.

Departing at 9 am, we drive (190 km/4.5 hrs) to Dhamaeka, the block printing village. NOTE: Bring a wad of toilet paper for the drive today. There are very clean roadside toilets, traditional style.

We stop for lunch at a restaurant in Shyamakyali, en-route, 30 minutes before arrival to the village.

We continue 1.5 hr drive to Bhujodi Village to meet the nomadic Rabari who weave camel wool on pit looms into blankets and shawls.

Close to Bhujodi Village, (pending their open hours) we visit Chandaben Shroff's project, the Shrujan organization which started as a small family project, and now has a network of over 2500 craftswomen spread across 85 villages. Currently, Shrujan works with 16 different styles of embroidery, done by a variety of communities and tribal groups. Their excellent exhibit displays the various embroidery styles.

Continue 15 km/ 30 minute drive to Bhuj. We estimate arrival in Bhuj to be 4:30 pm. On arrival, we go quickly for a visit the Kutch Museum followed by a walk in the old city.

Bhuj, the major town of Kutch, is an old walled city. There are walls within walls, attractive gateways, old palaces with intricate carvings, and striking brightly colored Hindu temples. This is India before the tourist invasion.

We’ll enjoy our last Indian meal, lunch at a local restaurant.

Nov 28, Day 21 Bhuj Villages/ Hotel Ilark (B,L,D)

A full day to visit various fascinating tribal villages surrounding Bhuj. Each tribe can be identified by its traditional attire and specializes in a different form of handicraft. You will see a variety of handicrafts, including textiles, vegetable color dye printing, Rogan art (wax printing), glass beadwork, woolen shawls, leather articles and more.

The Banni area surrounds the Great Raan of Kutch; the villages of Hodka, Khawda and Ludiya are located in the Banni area. Ludiya is the most beautiful of the Banni settlements.

The Banni (aka The Kutch) tribal dwellings are made of round mud huts called `bhungas‚ with a single central support pole and a thatched or tiled roof, all surrounding a large community courtyard. The women tend to be shy with male visitors, but are hospitable and will welcome you into their homes. They have an exquisite personal collection of embroidered quilts and garments. Walls, shelves, grain containers and cupboards are fashioned in mud with decorative designs washed with lime paste and embedded with mirrors that throw hundreds of shimmering reflections.

Depart the hotel at 8 am.

We start with a visit to Nirona Village (40 km/1 hr drive) with its fabulous Rogan art (wax printing) & bell making. Next, approx 35 km/50 min from Nirona, we visit Bhirandiyara Village, a beautiful Kutch village where every member is an artisan in some medium of art.

Continuing approx 15 km/25 min, we stop for lunch in Hodka village.

After lunch, we visit the picturesque Ludiya (aka Ghandi Gram) village of the Meghwai tribe of the Kutch with its decorative circular huts, 25 km/40 min drive.

Continuing, a 60 km/1.5 hr drive, we’ll visit some local weaving families in Sumarsar village, famous for Scoof Embroidery.

In this area, we also visit the Kala Raksha Trust in Sumrasar Sheikh village, a grassroots social enterprise, dedicated to preservation of traditional arts. Kala Raksha produces some of the most exquisitely hand embroidered and patch-worked products made in Kutch. Their museum exhibits excellent samples.

In addition, time-permitting, we stop by the Kala Raksha Vidyalaya (Institute of Design).

Return to Bhuj at approx. 5:30 pm. If time permits, we can visit A. Wazir to see his textile collection. For our last dinner together we enjoy a traditional Thali dinner (all veg) at Hotel Prince.

Nov 29 Day 22 Fly to Bombay-Depart (B)

Transfer to the airport for the flight to , AI 9626 departing 08:55 am, arriving 10:55 am.

On arrival, transfer to hotel in JuJu Beach. Rooms for wash/change until 11 pm. Enjoy an independent day strolling the promenade and preparing for your flight home. Transfer to intl airport (20 minutes) for flight home.

PRICE: $5588 per person, Single Room Supplement: $1370

SPECIAL OFFER-Single Room Supplement Subsidized; two single rooms at 50% discount (first come basis/based on min 6 people in group)

Plus Airfares: (estimate/exact prices when booked): Bhuj-Bombay: $125 Extra night Delhi: $74 twin share; $135 single room. Transfer if not on tour dates: $45 per car

Includes: Accommodation with breakfast

1 night Delhi at Pride Plaza, near airport http://www.pridehotel.com/delhi/new-delhi- aerocity/overview/ 1 night Alwar at Hilltop Kesroli Fort http://the-hill-fort-kesroli.neemranahotels.com/ 1 night Mandawa at Castle Mandawa, deluxe room http://castlemandawa.com/ 1 night Chomu Palace, palace room http://www.chomupalacehotel.com/first.html 1 night Kishangarh at Phool Mahal, deluxe lake view room http://royalkishangarh.com/default.aspx 1 night Bundi at Hadoti Palace, deluxe room http://www.hadotipalace.com/ 1 night Bijapur at Castle Bijapur, deluxe/heritage room http://www.castlebijaipur.co.in/ 2 nights Narlai at Rawla Narlai, classic heritage room http://rawlanarlai.com/ 1 night Dungarpur at Udai Bilas Palace, standard room http://udaibilaspalace.com/ 2 nights Jambughoda at Heritage Home Stay, deluxe room http://jambughoda.com/ 3 nights Ahmedabad at Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad 4* (B, 2L, D) https://ahmedabad.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html 2 night Poshina at Darbargadh Palace, deluxe room (B,L,D) http://www.poshina.in/ 1 night Bajana at Royal Safari Camp, cottage http://www.theroyalsafaricamp.com/ 2 nights Bhuj at Ilark, super deluxe room http://www.hotelilark.com/ Room for wash & change in Bombay at Sun N Sand, JuJu Beach until 10 pm

Transport in A/C Toyota Tempo Traveler as per itinerary All arrival / departure transfers as per Itinerary Professional accompanying guide throughout: 2 separate guides, one for Rajasthan and the other for Gujarat Entrance to Monuments/Museum 19 lunches and 18 dinners Still Camera Fees Bottled water in the vehicle (2 liter bottles per day per person) India Gov Service Tax 5%.

There are two accompanying guides for this trip, each an expert in his region.

Mr. Kunal Singh will be with the group from day 1 to day 10. In Dungarpur you will meet Mr. Ram Kishore, your guide throughout Gujarat from day 11 to 22.

Kunal Singh’s ancestry goes back to Rao Champa who was the second among the 14 sons of Rao Ridmal. Rao Champa helped Rao Jodha (founder of Jodhpur) to consolidate and expand his rule over Marwar. Kunal studied and Indian philosophy to properly understand Hindu values, religious and social traditions. He holds a post-graduate degree in Sanskrit and Hindu Philosophy. Kunal also studied at the National Museum Institute of the History of Art and Museology and the National Museum in . He has worked in the travel industry since 1998 and for Spirit of India since 2009.

Mr. Ram Kishore is a native of Gujarat thus offering us an intimate insider experience among the people here. He has been guiding Spirit of India’s Gujarat tours since 2009.

Does Not Include: International flight, insurance, visa fee, video camera fees, tips, expenditure of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, drinks, meals not listed.