Gujarat-Rajasthan-Agra, Feb 04th to 18th 2018
Feb 04th 08.10, upon arrival Ahmedabad Airport, transfer to Hotel Divan’s Bungalow - built 150 years ago, designed by an English Architect. It is an interesting example of the lifestyle of a Muslim household. (02 nights)
P.M, Tour: Sarabhai Foundation Collections (from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM): Images and Abodes of Indian Deities; Ritual Textiles of the Vallabha Sampradaya; Sacred Bronzes from South India; Jaina Textiles, Manuscripts, Sculpture and Ritual Objects; Miniature Painting. On our return, will stop at Agashiya-The house Of M.G terrace restaurant for Typical Gujarati food “Tahli”, Situated in the heart of the city, this place is known for being an heritage symbol of the city.
Feb 05th: - Morning tour of Calico Museum of Textiles (from 10.30 AM to 12.30 PM):Textiles for the Mughal and Regional Courts; Export Textiles; Costumes; Regional Embroideries; Tie-Dyed Textiles; Techniques of Weaving and Dyeing; Embroidery Techniques; Technique of Block-Making and Printing P.M- Maternity Hospital, local market and heritage walk around the old city of Ahmedabad-It takes you through various pols, havelis, Hindu and Jain temples.
Feb 06th: After b/f leave for Village Dasada (05 h) Via Modhera to visit the Sun Temple: it is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya, situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built in 1026-27 AD during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. The temple complex has the shrine hall; the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach bottom and numerous small shrines.
Upon arrival Dasada, stay two nights in Bhunga Houses decorated with mirrors, mud plaster and embroideries wonderful place to soak up the atmosphere.
Feb 07th – 06.30 A.M, a Jeep Safari across the little Rann of Kutch (03.00 hrs) to see the desert wildlife “Wild Ass” and magnificent birds at the lakes and also visit the Kolis at the salt works P.M- Camel Cart ride has been arranged to explore village around and visit the pastoral Vadiaare & Kharapat Rabaries of Dasada, known for their embroideries and silk-weaving.
Feb 08th – After b/f we leave for Udaipur (6h) Via Village Dungerpur for lunch at Udai Bilas Palce, it’s the embodiment of the old world charm of princely India. It offers a scenic location for rest and recreation. This is an ideal paradise of unhurried hospitality from where to explore birdlife and tribal life. Upon arrival Udaipur check in at Kankarwa Haveli for three nights stay.
Feb 09th – After b/f leave for tour visit to Monsoon Palace, driving through Lake Fateh Sagar and time to explore a collection of Gold, Silver and Diamond Jewellery and very fine collections Of Miniature Panting at school Of Art.
Feb 10th-After b/f leave for visit a city Palace complex, local market AND boat trip. P.M- Meal at Jagmandir Island Palace: a palace on an island in Lake Pichola, is a historic 17th century palace redeveloped as a complete destination: with its all-day café, stylish-dining restaurant, bar and spa designed to uplift moods and spirits.
Feb 11th –After b/f we leave for Jodhpur (06 hrs) visit 15th century the famous Jain temple Ranakapur on the way, there are 1444 pillars in white marble, each different from the others. Upon arrival check in at Devi Bhawan for two nights stay.
Feb 12th - After b/f we leave for a jeep safari in the desert, driving through a wildlife park, on our way to visit the Bishnoi tribal people and learning about some of their traditions, have our lunch prepared for by Dhurry weavers Roop Raj’s family, we will also see how these carpet are made and can purchase direct from the Weavers
P.M- A visit to the Mehrangarh fort – unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan, The 19th century royal cenotaph- Jaswanthada, a creation in white marble and the famous spice market in the Old town by Clock tower.
Feb 13th -
After b/f leave for Village Barli for night stay at Fort Barli; truly unfolds the legacy of the erstwhile rulers of the region. Dedicated to offer comfort-filled stay to its guests, this luxury heritage hotel is an amalgam of the old heritage of the royalty of Rajasthan.
Feb 14th –After b/f leave for Jaipur (5h) on the way will stop at Village Bagru to see hand block printing, Indigo dying factory and Textile collection. Upon arrival check in at Alsisar Haveli/ Narain Niwas for 02 nights stay.
Feb 15th – After b\f leave for Jaipur city tour with guide to visit The Palace of the winds, an elephant ride to Amber fort, a carpet making, Paper making and walk along the bustling streets of the Old city. Feb 16th- After b/f we leave for Agra via Fatehpur sikri (5h), the city was founded in the year 1569 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585, when it was abandoned. After his military victories over Chittor and Ranthambore, Akbar decided to shift his capital from Agra to a new location 23 miles (37 km) south-west, to honour the Sufi saint and Salim Chishti. Here, he commenced the construction of a planned walled city, which took the next fifteen years in planning and construction, with a series of royal palaces, harem, courts, a mosque, private quarters and other utility buildings. Upon arrival check in at Mansing Palace for 02 nights stay.
Feb 17th – A.M- Guided tour to Sun rise visit to Taj Mahal, Agra fort and explore the bazaar. P.M: Leave for Mehtab bagh “Shah Jahan’s night garden” at sunset time.
Feb 18th – After b/f leave for Delhi via Elephant conservation Project, upon arrival check in at Ahuja Residency for night stay. (Ghislaine Middleditch will continue journey to Delhi Airport for flight dep 22.30 Hrs.)
Feb 19th – After b/f Melody Kim leave for Delhi Airport for flight @09.05 and Sallyx4 will continue journey by Overnight train to Kalka-Shimla @ 22.00 hrs