Visit Rajasthan

Introduction
Rajasthan is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and women in Colorfulturbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are all there in abundance. But they form only part of an intricate tapestry. Beneath the surface, expect to find many contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly when you escape from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the unexpected, whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view. The mood and the rhythm of the country side changes from one region to another, and from season to season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing natural beauty that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller.

Rajasthani Music & Dance

Rajasthan is culturally rich and has extensive tradition in art and culture, which reflects Indian way life. The dance, music and art forms have been watchfully cultivated and patronised by the erstwhile courts. Of considerable significance are the devotional songs and the communities who render these songs. Professional performers like the Bhaats, Dholis, Mirasis, Nats, Bhopas and Bhands are omnipresent across the state. They are patronised by the villagers who participate actively in the shows put up by these travelling entertainers. Some of the better known forms of entertainment are:

Pabuji Ki Phach: A 14th century folk hero, Pabuji is revered by the Bhopa community. The phad, or scroll, which is about 10 metres long, highlights the life and heroic deed of Pabuji. The Bhopas are invited by villagers to perform in their areas during times of sickness and misfortune. The ballad is sung by the Bhopa as he plays the Ravan-hattha and he is joined by his wife who holds a lamp and illuminates the relevant portions at appropriate points.

Maand: Rajasthan’s most sophisticated style of folk music and has come a long way from the time it was only sung in royal courts, in praise of the Rajput rulers. Professional singers still sing the haunting ballads of Moomal Mahendra, Dhola-Maru and other legendary lovers and heroes. List of singers and performers also includes the Mirasis and Jogis of Mewat, Manganiyars and Langas, Kanjars, Banjaras and Dholies.The musical instruments of Rajasthan are simple but quite unusual. Handcrafted by the musicians themselves they are rather unique and include instruments like the Morchang, Naad, Sarangi, Kamayacha, Rawanhattha, Algoza, Khartal, Poongi, Bankia and Da There are dozens of other instruments which are exclusive to Rajasthan only.

Ghoomar Dance: This is basically a community dance for women and performed on. auspicious occasions. Derived from the word ghoomna, piroutte, this is a very simple dance where the ladies move gently, gracefully in circles.

Gait Ghoomar: This is one of the many dance-forms of the Bhil tribals. Performed during Holi festival, this is among a few performances where both men and women dance together.

Gait: Another Holi dance but performed only by men. This becomes Dandia Gair in Jodhpur and Geendad in Shekhawati.

Chart Dance: This is popular in the Kisherigarh region and involves dancing with a chari, or pot, on one’s head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the pot.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer(Jan-Feb.):

One of the most popular of all festivals it is a journey into the heart of the desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer that has a charm of its own. Held in the month of January - February, the Desert Festival exudes a delightful spirit. For three days ,he otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes to life and is cluttered with hordes of colorfully dressed people . Infact during these days Jaisalmer gets a chance to paradeits exuberant charm to the world. Traditional dance backed by high pitched music take the folk dancers and the audience on an euphoric trip. The turban-tying competition and Mr. Desert contest add a touch of excitement to the festive celebrations. The famous Gair dancers and the traditional fire dancers leave the crowd enchanted whenever they perform. The grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride & at times also view the musicians and dancers performing on the dunes.

Other Fairs & Festivals

Mewar Festival
The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur, and has a unique charm about it. The women folk gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. Once the religions part of the festival is over it is time for potrayal of Rajasthani culture through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival culminates with an impressive fire works display.

Elephant Festival
The Elephant Festival is an inimitable event held annually in Jaipur. Groomed flawlessly, rows of elephants do a catwalk before an enthralled audience liked best fashion models to make this festival an amazing one. The elephants move with poise in pageant, run races, play the regal game of polo, and finally participate in the spring festival of Holi. It is festival time with elephants typically celebrated one day before the Holi, Indian festival of colours. Staged at Jaipur Chaugan Stadium elephants put up a variety programme and the arena is brought alive with musician and dancer. The crowd, which includes sizable presences of foreign and Indian tourist, electrify the atmosphere. The festival starts with an impressive procession of the majestic animals lovingly painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets. There are deadly and fierce elephant fights.

Rajasthan Tour with Pushkar

Duration: 16 Days/15 Nights
Destination: Delhi - Samode - Mandawa - Kuchaman - Deogarh - Devigarh - Mt. Abu - Udaipur - Nimaj - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

Day 01: Arrive - Delhi
Arrive: Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi
This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi ? Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the 'cycle rickshaw ride' for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Afternoon visit New Delhi ? drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi - Samode
Morning drive to Samode (260 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Samode - the small principality of Samode lies 50 kms northwest of the city of Jaipur and dates back to the 16th Century. The 7th ruler of Amber, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire, had twelve sons, one of whom was awarded the feudatory seat of Samode for his gallantry and outstanding service. The construction of the fort began 400 years ago and each successive ruler added to the fort and the palace.

Samode Palace - The comfortable palace is today full of architectural delights with stately corridors, frescoed walls ethereal audience halls, harmoniously reflecting the skill of master craftsmen.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Samode - Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa (100 km). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit the town, a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. You can wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate & lively frescoes, cataloging the life, habits/fashions of the Marwari community.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Mandawa - Kuchaman
Morning drive to Kuchaman (90 km). Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Kuchaman Fort - a rare jewel set in a glittering sea of golden sands. The Kuchaman Fort was built between 450-750 A.D to control the ancient trade from Central Asia. It has 32 bastions that house cannon points, thousands of muzzle loader ports from which pellets were showered upon enemies, 10 strategic gates and various secret passages and escape tunnels. This recently restored Fort is an exotic mix of the modern and the ancient. An amazing contrast of the severity of its exterior and the sheer delicacy of the beauty of its interior.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : Kuchaman - Deogarh
Morning drive to Deogarh (240 kms) enroute visiting Jodhpur.

Visit Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive and formidable fort in the whole of fort-studded Rajasthan. It is situated on a high natural rock bluff from where you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada - the Royal Cenotaphs.

Later drive to Deogarh (120 kms).
Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Afternoon visit Deogarh Mahal - built in 1670 A.D., the Mahal stands at a height of 2100 ft. above sea level with its bold battlements, domed turrets and balconies offering a commanding view of the surrounding Aravalli mountains and its rugged rock-strewn countryside dotted by a number of lakes.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : Deogarh - Devigarh
Morning drive to Devigarh (90 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Devi Garh - Tucked away in the age-old Aravali hills of Rajasthan, the 18th century Devi Garh Fort Palace, in the village of Delwara commands one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Sajja Singh, who hailed from the neighbouring state of Gujarat, was awarded this strategically significant principality, in recognition of his bravery and loyalty to Maharana Pratap against the Mughal emperor Akbar, at the battle of Haldighati (1576). The actual construction of the fort palace started in the 1760s, under Raghudev Singh II, with further additions being made to the structure by the rulers who followed.

Today, after years of restoration and reconstruction, Devi Garh has regained its past glory. An imposing and impressive structure, it is now a unique all-suite boutique hotel, with 23 suites and 6 tents.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : Devigarh - Mount Abu
Morning drive to Mount Abu (120 kms). enroute visit Ranakpur Temples.

Ranakpur Temples - the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main "Chaumukha temple" dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. Includes visit to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Thereafter continue drive to Mount Abu and upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desert of Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs.

Afternoon enjoy the peaceful surrounding of Nakki Lake: The islets in the artificial lake and the rock formations on the sides are of interest. According to a legend, the Gods carved out the lake with their nails, nakki meaning nail.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 : Mount Abu - Udaipur
Mt. Abu offers a stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankara. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture. Another is Lun Vasahi temple and Adhar Devi temple with its many stairs is a tourist attraction.

Afternoon drive to Udaipur (190 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 : Udaipur - Nimaj
Morning city tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari".

Afternoon drive to Nimaj (280 kms). Upon arrival in Nimaj, check-in at hotel.

Jagram Durg is situated in Nimaj village of Pali district in Rajasthan. Built in 1773 by Thakur Jagram Singhji, the fort has been witness to many battles in the past. The family continues to live in the fort, which was converted into a hotel in 1995. Care has been taken to retain the original character of the place, though all modern amenities have been added to it.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Nimaj - Pushkar
Morning drive to Pushkar (90 km). Upon arrival in Pushkar - check into the Deluxe Tents.

The Royal Camp which captures the luxurious nostalgia of a bygone age of the Maharaja's Safari and Shikar camps, combined with innovative design demonstrating many of the skills and crafts of Marwar. The camp consists of tents, each with verandah, bedroom and bathroom. There is a large dining tent serving the best of Rajasthani cuisine and a large open reception tent with seating areas.

Pushkar is famous for its annual Fair during kartik poornima (full moon) in the November each year. It is one of the most colorful fairs of India and is one of the major cultural reflectors of the state of Rajasthan. Besides trading of horses, camels, cows and bulls, there are exciting camel-cart races and cultural events, people from different parts of India gather on the fair ground to participate in the various entertaining events. The variety of folk dances and songs lend vivid splashes of colour and music to the atmosphere that is already charged with excitement of the camel races and the cattle fair. The bargaining process, which involves a great deal of haggling between the camel traders and the buyers, add to the spirit of the fair. This fair attracts people not only from India but a large number of tourists from other countries as well.

Overnight at the Camp.

Day 12 : Pushkar
Full day at the fair. Built as 'an explosion of fun, frolic, games and laughter', the fair provides some wonderful photographic opportunities and is a rare change to see Rajasthani women decked out in all their traditional jewellery, dress and finery. It is worth getting up early to see the camels and tribes rousing themselves in the pink of the dawn desert light. Temple music wafts through the night, as the fires die down and the Rajasthani melodies played on the stringed ek-tara come to a close.

Overnight at Camp.

Day 13 : Pushkar - Jaipur
Early morning drive to Jaipur (140 km). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Thereafter proceed to the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Afternoon city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Morning drive to Agra (260 Kms) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted, red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.

Thereafter continue drive to Agra and upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Afternoon visit the famous Taj Mahal -.This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child.The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. Above the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are false tombs, a common practice in Indian mausoleums. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).

Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 : Agra - Delhi
Morning visit the Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Afternoon drive to Delhi (203 kms). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 16 : Delhi - Onward journey
Early morning transfer to the International airport for flight for your onward journey.
Depart Delhi.


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	Visit Rajasthan: About Rajasthan - Music & Dance - Desert Festivals - Other Festivals - Rajasthan Tour - Map