Rajputana - An Exploration of Rajastan

Rajputana An Exploration of Rajasthan Includes: Pushkar Camel Fair & Deogarh Village School Project

October 15 – November 5, 2009 Hosted by Tourcan’s Adventure Specialist Priyantha Amarasinghe

Images of Rajasthan, Agra & Delhi

Trip Overview The vast Thar Desert in India's northwest is home to the colourful Rajasthani people. Communities in this area are steeped in cultural traditions that date back thousands of years. While it is a tough existence for the people of Rajasthan, their lifeline revolves around their animals, in particular their camels. Exploring Rajasthan is a remarkable cross- cultural journey that unveils myriad of pleasures an opportunity to meet its people and learn about their culture, interact with the nomads, taste the local cuisine and admire the historic landmarks among the desert landscape.

When the British Empire rolled onto the Indian subcontinent in 1817, the maharajahs of Rajasthan, also known as the Rajputs, were so fierce that the crown decided to broker a deal: They could rule independently, so long as Her Majesty's envoys could play among the luxurious palaces of the maharajah's, the Hawelis of the Marwari trading community who displayed their wealth in elaborate mansions and private nature reserves that dot Rajasthan's desert landscape. Today visitors to Rajasthan can take the same liberties liberties, stay stay and at the at converted the converted palatial palatial homes. homes.

Explore Explore Rajasthan Rajasthan in great in great depth in this unique adventure designed by Canadian adventurer, Priyantha Amarasinghe along with his Indian counterpart Mandip Singh who led the first Indian camel expedition across the sands of great Indian Thar Desert.

Titled, Rajputana - An exploration of Rajasthan - the tour includes a variety of activities packed into 20 18 Days. Your escapade begins with a discovery of Old and New Delhi, India’s federal capital before we take a train ride to Agra to see the grandest of all Mughal treasures, the eternal Taj Mahal, a world wonder and monument a monument forfor love. love.We We travel further inland to explore the magnificent pink city of Jaipur, a UNESCO heritage site and ride elephants an elephant at at the the famous famous Amber Amber Fort, Fort, the ancient capital of Rajasthan.

Adventurers get a real taste of nomadic living among the tawny sands of the Thar Desert on a fascinating three day camel crossing, traversing a starkly beautiful wilderness of sand dunes, rock shelves and scrubland. The nights are spent in the open wilderness with camps set up by a full service crew of cameleers, cooks and guides.

The camel, the ship of the desert, is an important facet of the Rajasthani desert folk's existence and an encounter with the sand dunes from atop this stately beast is an enthralling and rewarding experience.

Participants have a rare opportunity to interact with nomadic tribesmen when they come face to face and mingle with thousands of camels, cameleers, nomads and traders bartering at the world famous spectacle of Pushkar Camel fair, the only one of its kind and one of India's most colorful annual pageants.

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Day-by-Day Tour Itinerary October 15 – Depart Toronto to New Delhi, India Depart by Etihad Airways overnight flight to Abu Dhabi (UAE)

October 16 – Abu Dhabi – En route to New Delhi October 17 – New Delhi Early arrival and transfer to Hotel Maidens, situated in a residential area with “Turn of the Century" bungalows of New Delhi and the bank of the river Yamuna. Breakfast and morning at leisure. Own lunch. This afternoon we explore New Delhi, the capital of several Indian empires in the medieval period and a major city along the old trade routes. Visit “Qutab Minar” tower built to commemorate the victory of Islam over Hindus, drive through the Embassy row, the Government buildings and Connaught Place, the heart of the capital. Welcome dinner. (B,D)

October 18 – New Delhi – Agra by Shatabdi Express train Transfer to the rail station to board the train to Agra. Breakfast on board. Met on arrival and transfer to Hotel Grand Imperial, a 100 year old hotel built using bricks that were also used in the construction of Taj Mahal. It has interesting mementos, photographs and stories of courage. Own lunch. Afternoon guided tour of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Dinner & overnight.

(B,D)

October 19 – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri - Delhi (150Km) Drive back to Delhi via Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign from 1571 to 1585, which was later abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. Lunch on arrival in Delhi at a local specialty restaurant called Chor Bizarre with an eclectic decor. Visit “Dilli Haat” a unique village and traditional weekly market, offering a delightful amalgam of craft, food and cultural activities representing each state of India and a kaleidoscopic view of the richness and diversity of Indian handicrafts. Check in to Hotel Maidens. Own dinner.

(B,L)

October 20 – Delhi – Mandawa (263km) An early departure to Mandawa, a drive through scenic Rajasthani desert with en route stops to meet locals. Own lunch. Mandawa is a fortress town and we visit its 18th century Castle Mandawa, now a hotel, housing a large collection of antiques and paintings an arched gateway with beautiful murals, marble fountains and frescoes. The rooms of this palace are decorated with Lord Krishna paintings, exquisite carvings and amazing mirror work. Arrive at the Mandawa Desert Resort, recreated in the style of a typical Rajasthani village. Dinner and overnight.

(B,D)

October 21- Mandawa – Jaipur(262km) Drive further north through pastoral villages, stop for unplanned photo opportunities to see rural folk before arriving in the Pink city of Jaipur. Also visit Johari Bazaar, the colourful jeweler's markets.

Jaipur is a major center of jewelry production, and is especially known for precious stones and traditionally designed jewelry.

Check in at Alsisar Haveli hotel, a 500 year old haveli (mansion) owned by the descendants of a Rajput clan. Dinner.

(B,D)

October 22 - Jaipur Tour the Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Rajputs. Ride up to the palace on a caparisoned elephant, a tradition of the Maharajas. Explore the Palace of the Winds, a pink sandstone structure and the City Palace, depicting a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Also visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure with solar devices that gives accurate predictions till date. Dinner. Alsisar Haveli Hotel.

(B,D)

October 23 - Jaipur –Thar Desert/Camel Safari – 6-8 hours Begin the camel caravan to the remote desert village of Merta and join the cameleer families of the Raika tribe heading to Pushkar to trade their animals. A bit like out of the Wild West! A packed lunch is provided. There will be camel carts, which are designed like wagons for those who do not wish to ride camels. At night, we line the carts in a circular fashion and convert them into sleeping quarters and set up a camp with separate dining and toilet tents.

Full camping, kitchen gear and sleeping mats are included. Our team of local chefs will cook Indian style meals during camping.

Overnight in the Thar Desert.

(B,L,D)

October - 24 Thar Desert/Camel Safari - 6-8 hours Breakfast at the camp and enjoy a second day of traversing through desert country towards Pushkar, where people are gathering for the annual Pushkar camel fair. Packed lunch and dinner. Overnight in the Thar Desert.

(B,L,D)

October 25 - Thar Desert/Pushkar (3-4 hours approx) Arrive in Pushkar and accommodation for 2 nights at our deluxe tented Royal Camp Site, a concept similar to safari and hunting camps. The luxury tents, each with verandah, bedroom and bathroom, are custom made, using the finest of traditional skills and weaving in the best of modern comforts. Delectable Rajasthani cuisine is also served. With the help of our guides join in the festivities of the Pushkar fair and witness camel races, parades, the cattle games and bartering. You will see almost 50,000 camels and over 200,000 camel traders. With dusk at your camp come the campfires, around which various performances indigenous to the Thar Desert take place. Dinner and overnight.

(B,L,D)

October 26 – Pushkar Camel Fair A Full day of fun at the Camel fair. Overnight camp.

(B,L,D)

October 27 - Pushkar/ Kumbalgarh (65km)

Drive to Kumbalgarh with a lunch stop at Rawla Narlai, 17th century hunting lodge, owned by Maharjah of Jodhpur. With a naturalist guide, we visit the Kumbalgarh panther sanctuary for a 4-hour hike through the forest. This is the only panther reserve in India and home to several highly endangered species including wolf, leopard, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat and antelopes. Check to Hotel Aodhi, a royal retreat in a picturesque hilly setting. Own dinner.

(B,L) October 28 - Kumbalgarh Wall Trek – 5-6 hours A fascinating walk along the wall of the fort of Rana Kumbha built in the 15th century with its penetrable walls that snake along for 22 miles along 13 mountain peaks. The walk shows a vista of the surrounding hills and 360 Hindu and Jain temples. Packed lunch.

We return to Aodhi Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

(B,L,D)

October 29 - Kumbalgarh –Deogarh- Phulad (90km approx) A 2 hour drive to Deogarh from where we take a 1930’s train ride to the quaint village of Phulad, made famous by the film, “ The Man Who Would be King” starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine.

Check in to Deogarh Khayyam deluxe tented camp.

(B,L,D)

October 30 – Pati ki Aanti Village (Volunteering Project) Transfer to the village of Pati ki Aanti, where our school project and community work is going to be undertaken for the next 3 days.

We drive off road to reach the school and our local NGO provides us the carpenters and tools; the wood, polish/paint and additional local labour to help us put the desks together. The school needs 12 desks and benches to sit 40 children with each shared by 4-5 children. Packed lunch. Each guest assembles one partially prefabricated desk cum bench, do the basic woodwork of fixing the planks, sanding them and then painting it. Back at tented camp for dinner & overnight.

(B,L,D)

Ethnic & Tribal Encounters ▪ Historical, Cultural & Wilderness Discovery ▪ Community Projects

Day-by-Day Tour Itinerary

Tour Price & Inclusions

(Continued) October 31 – Pati ki Aanti Village (Volunteering Project) After breakfast, transfer to Pati ki Aanti village school to continue the second day of work and completion of desks and benches.

Back at tented camp for dinner & night.

(B, L,D)

November 1 – Pati ki Aanti Village (Volunteering Project) Back at the village with a packed lunch, the group moves onto the next project to install a water pump and a storage tank at the school. Group will dug a furrow, lay a pipe and connect the motor to pump water into the storage tank. The pipes, an electric motor, electrical wires and additional local labour for digging are included. Participate in a simple ceremony to hand over the desks and the completed water project before we bid farewell to the locals, students and the principal. Dinner & night at camp. (B,L,D)

CA $8680 per person Local payment – USD 395 per person for volunteering

Price Includes:

November 2 – Deogarh – Udaipur (140km) Depart for Udaipur. Check into our hotel, Shikarbadi Hotel, another royal retreat nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli mountain range. Formerly a hunting lodge of the Royal Family of Mewar, it still retains a rugged sanctuary ambience. After lunch, we relax at the hotel or a nature walk for a panoramic view of (B,L) Udaipur. Dinner is on our own. Night at Hotel Shikarbadi.

November 3 - Udaipur Sightseeing Full day sight seeing of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace and the Palace Museum and enjoy the glass work and paintings including the fascinating miniature paintings. Visit the Crystal gallery at the Fateh Prakash Palace and then to the Gallery of Vintage and Classic Cars. Own lunch in the city. After lunch, visit the Jag Mandir Palace and stop at a 17th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Our final stop is at the 18th century Bagore ki Haveli, now a museum with displays of Udaipur's traditional arts and crafts. We dine at the famous Lake Palace, a luxury hotel located on an island in Lake Pichola, one of the world’s most romantic places.

(B, D)

November 4 – Udaipur – New Delhi – Abu Dhabi Early morning flight to New Delhi. Met on arrival and we proceed to see the old city of Delhi: The “Jama Mosque” and drive through the fabled “Chandni Chowk” (translates to Moonlight Square). The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws, a remarkable way to picture the hustle and bustle. Drive past the Red Fort built by Shahjehan the builder of the Taj Mahal and visit Raj Ghat to pay homage at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, considered the father of modern India. We then have free time for shopping and then enjoy a farewell lunch at a traditional Indian restaurant in the city.

Late afternoon transfer to New Delhi airport to board our international flight. Depart New Delhi by Etihad Airways flight to Toronto via Abu Dhabi (UAE).

(B,L)

Return economy class airfare from Toronto to New Delhi via Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways Domestic flight from Udaipur to Delhi Local transportation by air-conditioned coach with driver, English speaking assistants and luggage handling 4 star quality twin sharing accommodation at well preserved mansions, palaces & haveli’s as per itinerary.

Deluxe tented camp accommodation in Deogarh on 2 person sharing basis 2-person sharing camel cart accommodation on the Thar desert trek Meals as indicated in the itinerary – B – breakfast; L – lunch- D – dinner ( During desert camping, Indian style meals provided) English speaking guides/porters or cameleers for the camel trek in the desert All local expenses/materials during 3 days of volunteering and community work at the rural village Round trip train tickets on Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Agra with breakfast on board Welcome dinner and farewell lunch in New Delhi Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikiri, Jaipur & Udaipur city sightseeing with local guides & admissions to attractions The services of a Canadian expedition manager/escort throughout the trip.

Not Included: Taxes/fees on air (Currently at $400, subject to change), visa fees for India, mandatory medical, emergency, cancellation insurance; meals other than specified; Sleeping bag and your personal trekking equipment (boots/trekking poles /backpacks/personal clothing/nutritional food); Beverages, wine, mineral water at restaurants during meals; Personal expenses, tips for guides, porters, cameleers, drivers and hotel/restaurant staff; Airport departure taxes if any.

Limited number of Single rooms available on request Flights from Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and are arranged at special add-on fares. Contact us.

Interested in an optional Stopover in Abu Dhabi/ Dubai on your return? Ask us for hotels and sightseeing options.

November 5 – Abu Dhabi – Toronto Connect with Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Toronto.

Contact Your Tour Leader:

Priyantha Amarasinghe Toll free: 1 800 262 6818 Ext 203 (416) 923 2003 Ext 203 E-mail Priyantha@tourcanvacations.com Visit the web, see under Promotions:

www.tourcanvacations.com

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