NOMADS & VILLAGES OF INDIAN DESERT
DISCOVER RAJASTHAN & GUJARAT

If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most deeply pondered over the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions to some of them which well deserve the attention even of those who have studied Plato and Kant… I should point to India. And if I were to ask myself from what literature we who have been nurtured almost exclusively on the thoughts of Greeks and Romans… may draw the corrective which is most wanted in order to make our inner life more perfect, more comprehensive, more universal, in fact more truly human life … again I should point to India.

This tour travels through the desert kingdoms and tribal heartlands of Rajasthan and Gujarat and presents the region's well-preserved ethnicity and historical heritage to the modern travellers. This circuit offers a fantastic combination of tribal traditions; architectural marvels; pastoral lifestyles; and diverse wildlife, thriving in pristine wilderness. Vibrant local festivals, wedding ceremonies or a 'pooja' in a temple can only add to this journey full of cultural and natural revelations and surprises.

Best Time: Mid October to Mid March
Focus: Village life, Tribal people, Textiles & Crafts, Grand architecture, Ancient temples, Wildlife & Nature.

Day 01, Delhi:
Arrive Delhi from your home country by early morning. Garland welcome, assistance and transfer to pre-booked hotel. A city that has moved forward with the rest of the world while having its roots firmly planted in the past. The modern capital of India, Delhi is the fusion of eight former capitals under different rulers of India. The significant architectural wonders of Delhi include the grand Red Fort, the lofty Qutub Minar, the distinctive Jama Masjid and the imposing Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace). However, it is along the wayside, within bazaars and on almost every curve in Delhi, that there are fascinating ruins of tombs, palaces and mosques, unnamed and unmarked, waiting to be explored. After late breakfast we begin our tour of these monuments located in the old and New Delhi. O/n hotel. NOTE: Red Fort remains closed on Mondays

Day 02, Delhi - Udaipur:
After breakfast transfer to IGI airport to board flight to Udaipur (CD 7471, ETD 1100hrs; ETA in Udaipur 1400hrs). On arrival, transfer to hotel; in the afternoon sightseeing tour of the city. Rising majestically from the banks of Lake Pichola and encircled by hills of the Aravalli Range, Udaipur was the capital of the old Mewar state, and the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance against Muslim invasions.

We start our visit with City Palace - the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, comprising many buildings added at different time by various maharajas. The most beautiful amongst them are the Moti Mahal, with its mirror inlay, and the Chini-ka-Chitra Mahal's iridescent tile work. At the nearby, Jagdish Temple, there is an impressively carved image of Lord Vishnu, to whom the temple is dedicated. Also continue to the ornamental gardens of Sahelion-ki-Bari (Maids of Honour) or. In the evening, we take a boat cruise on Lake Pichola, to enjoy the mesmerising sunset over the shimmering waters of the lake. O/n hotel.

Day 03, Udaipur - Dungarpur:
After an early breakfast drive to Dungarpur (about 110km/3hrs); check into hotel and in the afternoon visit this City of Hills. Dungarpur dates from the 13th century and is the main home of the Bhil tribe, and is also renowned for its stone mansions. The attractive and friendly village has one of the most richly decorated palaces in Rajasthan, the Juna Mahal. Evening free to relax. O/n hotel.

Day 04, Dungarpur - Ahmedabad:
After breakfast drive to Ahmedabad (about 165km/4hrs); check into hotel. Ahmedabad was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the banks of River Sabarmati in 1411A.D. Sultan Ahmed Shah graced his kingdom with splendid monuments, mosques, pavilions and mausoleums, marking the beginning of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Modern day Ahmedabad, the capital of the State of Gujarat, is the largest city and a leading industrial centre in Gujarat. Popularly known as the Manchester of the East, Ahmedabad boasts of the largest denim production in the world. It is also home to several interesting museums. Many of Ahmedabad's buildings bear the signatures of world-renowned architects like Le Corbusier, Louis Khan, Doshi and Charles Correa. It is from the austere environs of Sabarmati at Ahmedabad, that the 'Father of the Nation' - Mahatma Gandhi took on the mighty British Empire, and gave the human race one of its most significant ways to fight oppression - Ahimsa (non-violence). Afternoon sightseeing to the following monuments: - Sabarmati Ashram, Shaking Minarets, and the Calico Museum.

Sabarmati Ashram: Situated on the banks of Sabarmati River, this ashram, founded in 1915 by Mahatma Gandhi, was once the nerve centre of the Indian freedom movement.

Shaking Minarets: Close to the Ahmedabad railway station stands this amazing specimen of Muslim architecture; this pair of minarets in the Sidi Bashir Mosque is unique because if one of them is shaken the other also starts wobbling! It is said that they were built this way to avoid any damage during earthquakes.

Calico Museum: This one-of-its-kind museum housed in a carved wooden haveli (Indian mansion) boasts of an amazing collection of antique and modern textiles. Its repertoire includes rare tapestries, wall hangings and costumes and also some antiquated weaving machines. The collection of the museum dates back to the 17th century and it also has an excellent reference library on textiles: closed on Wednesdays and bank holidays. Evening free to relax. O/n hotel.

Day 05, Ahmedabad - Bhuj:
After breakfast drive to Bhuj (about 280km/6-7hrs); check into hotel and relax. The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a typical example of a desert town located between two geographical features - Bhujiyo Dungar on the east and Himsar Lake on the west. O/n hotel.

Day 06, Bhuj:
After breakfast we commence sightseeing with Rao Lakha, the fortunate patron of Ramsingh Malam, who after his European adventures became a master clockmaker, architect, glass-bowler, tile-maker and much more. This large white mansion with carvings and fitwork, the palace contains a Durbar Hall, State Apartments, Aina Mahal (Mirror Palace), the Fuvara Mahal (Music room) and conclude our sightseeing with Rao Pragmalji's Palace, across the courtyard and Kutch Museum near Mahadev Gate. Evening at leisure. O/n Hotel.

Day 07, Bhuj:
Handicrafts are a living tradition of Kutch, and local women from the various Kutchhi communities produce attractive fabrics for a second income for their households, while girls of marriageable age make beautifully embroidered garments for their own trousseaus. Morning excursion to north of Bhuj to visit villages engaged in several types of embroidery works. The vast grasslands of Banni meet the Great Rann in the Khavda region. They are home to numerous pastoral nomadic and semi-nomadic people who tend sheep, goats, camels, buffaloes and other livestock. However, the forty or so hamlets here are best known for the minute details of their embroidery.

Day 08, Bhuj:
Morning excursion to the south of Bhuj to visit villages engaged in several types of embroidery works. Visit will also be arranged to a characteristic ethnic dwelling to observe the native way of life and we shall also join in for a meal with a resident family. This is an unforgettable experience that gives one the opportunity to delve deeper into the culture and customs of the inhabitants who have resiliently survived the test of time for generations. O/n hotel.

Day 09, Bhuj - Dasada:
After an early breakfast drive to Dasada (about 285km/6-7hrs); check into Rann Riders - a comfortable hut style accommodation. O/n hut.

Day 10, Dasada:
Kutch is an erstwhile princely state and presently is the largest district of the state of Gujarat. The Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch are the largest saline deserts in the world , some 24000 sq km in extent. Both are less than one metre above sea level and during the monsoon season become inundated with water providing an excellent breeding ground for Greater Flamingos; in winter the water dries out leaving behind a vast salt field. The Little Rann of Kutch is the home of the last remaining population of Khur or the Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) and was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972.


The asses are attracted by the flat grass-covered expanses known as bets (islands where coarse grasses spring up in monsoon in the Little Rann). With the advent of summer, the asses move to other 'bets' in which there is perennial supply of water and grass. Besides the Wild Ass, other species such as the Nilgai (Blue Bull), and the Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) may also be seen. Carnivores include Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle Cat and Desert Cat. A variety of birds - almost 300 species - can be seen in and around the Rann during winter, with cranes and flamingos in their thousands, and rare birds such as the McQueen's Bustard (Houbara) also survive in healthy numbers. Morning drive to the 'bets' - elevated patches in the Rann covered with scrub and grass. In winter, this is a likely area for the Houbara bustard. Long legged-, Common- and White-eyed Buzzards, Booted Eagle, Bonneli's Eagle are often seen during the drive. In the Evening we visit Nawa Talao (lake), where Demoiselle- and Common Cranes gather in large flocks during the winter months. Greater and Lesser Flamingos are also seen in large numbers and the Great White-, Spotbilled- and Dalmatian Pelicans have also been recorded. Back to our hut to relax and overnight stay.

Day 11, Dasada:
An early morning jeep safari before visiting some of the local villages and pastoral tribal settlements. Kutch is a cultural melting pot of Sindhi, Gujarati, Muslim and Rajasthani cultures. Meet Bharwad shepherds; the Rabari camel and cattle herders; Maldharis - who keep buffaloes - and Samra and Sindhi Muslim cameleers. O/n simple huts.

Day 12, Dasada - Palanpur - Balaram:
After breakfast drive to Balaram (about 194km/4-5hrs), en route visit Palanpur - the city circled by hillocks of the Aravalli mountain range. We visit Sri Tirth: built by King Prahalad, this temple is famous as the temple of Prahladan Parshvanath and today it is known as the temple of Pallaviya Parshvanath. This brave king melted the metal idol of Delvada in Abu and made an idol of Shiva riding a bull. Arrive and check into one of the best-kept palace hotels in Gujarat. O/n hotel.

Day 13, Balaram - Danta:
After breakfast we drive to Danta (about 2hrs) - a small town situated at the foothills of the Aravalli hill range. The landscape of forest and hills, punctuated with huge boulders, add up to an interesting setting for this town. The entire region is populated by the Bhil tribe and has forests with diverse flora and fauna. Arrive and check into the hotel and further explore this tribal belt. O/n hotel.

Day 14, Danta:
After breakfast, excursion to Ambaji (22kms) - one of the major Shakti-Piths of India situated in the Arasur Hills. The Ambaji temple contains no idol, but an inscribed Yantra in the niche. Ambaji is essentially a temple town with a temple dedicated to Goddess Ambaji in the centre. The Ambaji temple and the front court Chachar-no-Chowk are aligned in the same axis of the cave, at Gabbar Hill - the original abode of Goddess Ambaji. The present temple was constructed a few years ago, maintaining the original architectural style.

Afternoon excursion to Taranga: (27 km); visit Ajitnath Temple (1166 AD), one of the finest and best preserved examples of Jain temple architecture from the Solanki period. It has a 'shikhara', 'mandapa', pillars and brackets, made of marble with excellent carvings. In the evening back to hotel. O/n hotel.

Day 15, Danta - Barmer:
After an early breakfast drive to Barmer (about 240km/5hrs) and check into hotel. This dusty desert town, south of Jaisalmer, is surrounded by sand dunes and scrublands. It is a major centre for woodcarving; 'durries' rug weaving; embroidery; and block printing (you can watch printers in 'Khatriyon ki galli'). The 10th-11th century Kiradu temples, though badly damaged, are interesting. Someshvara (1020AD), the most intact, has some intricate carving, but the dome and the tower have collapsed. O/n hotel.

Day 16, Barmer - Jaisalmer:
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer (about 154km/4hrs), en route visit Khuri village on camel. A small picturesque desert village, of decorated mud thatched buildings, which was ruled by the Sodha clan for four centuries.

The approach across the barren Thar Desert is magical, as the city shimmers like a mirage in wilderness. With granulated golden sandstone town walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, it has a quaint appeal of its own. Check into hotel and free to relax. O/n hotel.

Day 17, Jaisalmer:
After breakfast, sightseeing of Jaisalmer, a medieval city of elaborately carved mansions (havelis) in yellow sandstone, built by rich merchants at a time when the city was a key stopping place on the caravan routes from the Middle East. Visit to Jaisalmer Fort, often referred to as the golden fort because of the colour of the sandstone: it seems to rise dramatically from the desert sands. The fort is still home to many of the town's people who live in tiny, but beautifully decorated houses and havelis. Jaisalmer has been described as an open-air museum, and to enter its narrow cobbled lanes is to step into a bygone age. Evening drive to Sam Sand Dunes; arrive Kanoi - 3km before Sam - and transfer on camels for a ride across the sand dunes to witness a golden sunset over the shifting sands of the desert. Later, check into your tents with attached bath, and enjoy the melodious strings of the local musicians. O/n tents.

Day 18, Jaisalmer - Jodhpur:
After an early breakfast drive to Jodhpur (about 310km/7hrs) - land of the valiant Rathores and the sensuous leheriya sari - Jodhpur is also the second largest city in Rajasthan and an oasis in the arid Thar. Arrive and check into hotel and free to relax. O/n hotel.

Day 19, Jodhpur:
After breakfast we start sightseeing of this town with Mehrangarh Fort. The invincible Rao Jodha built this impregnable fort (one of the best in India) on a steep hill with a strategic view of the surroundings. The fort has intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels, and elegantly curved porches. Further visit Jaswant Thada, close to the fort complex: this 19th century cenotaph was built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Later on we visit Umaid Bhawan: this ornate palace was built in the 20th century as a famine relief project, which gave employment to the people over a time period of 16 long years. A fabulous art-deco edifice, Umaid Bhawan is meticulously maintained and one of the most spectacular sights in Jodhpur. The museum within, is a veritable treasure trove of memorabilia, showcasing the royal past of Jodhpur, from tea sets and clocks to paintings and royal apparel.

Afternoon jeep safari to Bishnoi village to have a glimpse into the timeless Indian village life; many villagers live in handmade thatched huts, following the traditions of their ancestors. The Bishnoi are perhaps the most dedicated conservationists in the world. They hold all animal life sacred, in particular the endangered Blackbuck. The relationship between the villagers and the animals has been carefully nurtured for hundreds of years. The 1730 sacrifice of 363 villagers to protect the Khejri trees is commemorated in September at Khejadli village, where there is a memorial to the victims fronted by a small grove of khejri trees.

At Guda Bishnoi, locals are traditionally engaged in animal husbandry; there is a small artificial lake here, where migratory birds and mammals, such as the Blackbuck and Chinkara may be seen, particularly at dusk, when they feed at the lake. The village of Salawas is traditionally a centre of weaving durries (carpets). Also in Salawas, several families are engaged in block printing. Evening back to Jodhpur and relax. O/n hotel.

Day 20, Jodhpur - Delhi:
The day at leisure or free to stroll around the local bazaar, famous for its leather products and antiques. Late afternoon transfer to railway station to board express train [2462] to Delhi at 1930hrs. O/n train.

NOTE: - The room will be retained only till 1200hrs

Day 21, Delhi:
Arrive Delhi at 0630hrs and transfer to hotel; rooms for day use till 2000hrs. Late night transfer to International Airport to board flight.

Day 22, Delhi:
Early morning board flight for onward destination.
Additional important information: -

Bhils: Bhils are a major central Indian tribe and traditionally inhabited the area around Udaipur, Dungarpur and Danta. Legend has it that the Bhils were fine archers, hence their name, which can be traced to the Tamil word 'Vil' meaning 'bow'. They were highly regarded as warriors, and the Rajput rulers relied on them to thwart the invading Marathas and Mughals. Originally food gatherers, the contemporary generation of Bhils have taken up small scale agriculture.

Rabari: The present-day Raika-Rabari tribe likes to be identified as a camel-rearing community. This half-nomadic community traces its descent from Lord Shiva and now they have more or less settled down in villages. While most of the tribal communities in India are non-vegetarians, Rabari tribal are vegetarians despite being herdsmen. They adhere to the 'silent' way of life and their daily activities are based on traditional knowledge. Some people associate the origins of Rabaris to the Dravidians who came from the Indus Valley, now in Afghanistan. Some people also say that Rabaris and Ahirs came to Gujarat with Lord Krishna, from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.

Maldharis: In Gujarat, communities practicing animal-rearing traditionally are Maldharis (pastoralists). Maldhari does not connote a caste or a community but it signifies association with an occupation. Maldhari is derived from "mal" (livestock) and "dhari" (owner), i.e. those who own livestock. In Gujarat Maldharis are known as "Ter Tansalia" which comprises of thirteen different castes including Rabari, Bharwad, Ayar, Charan, Gahvi Mer, Chaudhari, Jat and Mutva. The origin of Maldharis cannot be said with certainty.

The Maldharis and their cattle thrived on the grasslands. They sold milk and milk products such as butter, ghee (clarified butter) and condensed milk, to the nearby towns and villages. The shepherds, among the Maldharis, also sold wool and woollens that their women folk made with deft hands, embellishing their work with intricate embroidery. However the main source of income was through bullock trading, and Maldharis are known to have produced some of the best breeds of cattle.

Jat Embroidery: this technique uses chain stitches inset with small mirrors, leather embroidery as well as silver jewellery.

Ahir Embroidery: this style uses round mirrors with floral and geometrical patterns.

Pit loom Weaving: this method produces colourful 'galichas' (carpets), 'durries' (rugs), 'dhabolas' (blankets) and other items from wool, camel/goat hair, cotton and even synthetic fibres.