About the Experience - Earth Cultures

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your Hotel. Depending on your flight details, you will rest at the Hotel before you are free to explore Delhi on your first day.

Walk through the labyrinth of narrow streets at Chandni Chowk visiting the local spice market, stop and browse at one of the oldest book shops Kitab Mahal, sample a Parantha (Indian stuffed Bread) at 'Paranthe Waali Gali'. Continue onwards to Darya Ganj, eat lunch at Moti Mahal - the pioneer in introducing Tandoori Chicken and Butter Chicken to the world. Visit the streets of Paharganj and New Delhi railway station guided by the street child from the "Salaam Baalak Trust" - see Giving section and visit their website.

Your guide will advise you on all these options.

Overnight at your 3*, 4* or 5* Hotel of choice - see Accommodation section for options throughout the Tour.

Day 2 - Delhi to Jaisalmer

Breakfast at the hotel. You have the morning at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur. Upon arrival leave by surface for Jaisalmer (approx 330kms/7 hours). Arrive Jaisalmer and check in to the hotel.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 3 - Jaisalmer

After breakfast, you have a day of exploring Jaisalmer with your guide.

The Jaisalmer fort, known as Sonar Quila or the Golden fort, rises from the sand and merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience. The setting sun in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale appearance. It is simply magical - as the bastions envelop a whole township that consists of the palace complex, the intricately carved havelis of rich merchants, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and traders placed strategically on the trade route. It was from this trade route that the ancient caravans passed, distributing the riches for the prosperity to an otherwise non resourceful kingdom. These merchants served and acquired a great deal of power and noble status in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century AD and proceeded further. However, the rich merchants inspired by the classic style of the royals, constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval culture and profusely decorated the walls and ceilings and intricately carved the outdoors and interiors. The colourful art forms had somehow relegated the royal heritage to a position of secondary importance. The craftsmen were usually Muslims who were induced on their journey to exhibit their skills in art forms. The result was an architectural purity that cannot be seen elsewhere.

In the evening, visit the Sam sand dunes to watch the sunset.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 4 - Jaisalmer - Thar Desert

Take a Camel safari in the desert. Visit the Khuri Village, the local people and experience their lives in the Fort area - what is unique to you is a way of life for them. We will spend time with the local people, undertaking activities, having dinner with them around the fire and listening to their history, stories and beliefs. Your experienced guide has local contacts and will be able to introduce you to the local people who are happy to share their lives with you for a short time.

Sunset on Sands Dunes with traditional desert music and camp fire.

Overnight at the Desert Camp.

Day 5 - Jaisalmer - Thar Desert

After a leisurely breakfast, you have a full day to spend time in the Desert with the people and undertake traditional activities. Take the Camel Safari (2 to 3 hours) through the Desert Villages to meet the people and local craftsmen. The day is flexible to allow you to choose your activities.

In the early evening we will return to Jaisalmer and back to your Hotel.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 6 - Jaisalmer

Today you have a day to explore Jaisalmer at your leisure or just to relax on the fort ramparts or at your Hotel.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 7 - Jaisalmer to Jodhpur

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave by surface for Jodhpur (approx 330kms/7 hours), en route visiting Osian. Adorned with the clang of temple bells, Osian (Osiyan), an oasis in the Thar Desert and an ancient town in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India, is the gateway to Thar Desert and connected to the renowned Reggies Camel Camps. This town houses numerous ancient Jain and Hindu temples, some temples dating back to 8th to 11th centuries. Once credited as the main religious hub of the Marwar Kingdom during Pratihara Dynasty, presently owes many modern facilities keeping its ancient religious traditions and temple rituals intact.

Arrive at Jodhpur and at the hotel in late afternoon. Early that evening you will leave for a visit to Mehrangarh Fort - founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 when he shifted his capital here from nearby Mandore. There are palaces housed within this daunting structure, among them are Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Jaswant Thada is constructed out of thin sheets of marble which allows the sun to filter in and was built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in 1899. Also see the Clock Tower and take a walk through the old city. You will be offered a Cooking session (Rajasthani cuisine) at a local Haveli or have an exclusive dinner at Balsamand Lake Palace.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 8 - Jodhpur to Bishnoi Village

Breakfast at the hotel. Before leaving for Bishnoi Village, you can either visit pot makers, Shepherds and craftsmen, or get up early to go Bird watching at Sardar Samand Lake. You then leave for a visit to the Bishnoi Village near Jodhpur, where you can experience the opium ceremony. The Bishnoi tribe is a staunch believer in the sanctity of plant and animal life. The villages are marked by khejri trees. The cult was established in the last 15th century by Guru Jambhoji, who outlined 29 conservation principles. The Bishnois hold all animal life as sacred and the rare blackbuck thrives in their region. Experience the arts and charms of the Guda Bishnoi Village and find out more about the traditions and customs of a land caught in a delightful time warp, where life goes on as it would many years ago.

Continue onwards to 'Korta Escape'. Korta Escape is a themed cottage development on 27 acres of farm, peacefully set between two small hills amidst the peaceful Aravali range and surrounded by serene farmlands and small villages. It allows you to experience rural Rajasthan. The food here is delicious and organic and prepared by the host family. On arrival, welcome drinks will be served and an introduction given to the host family. Late evening cocktails are served around the bonfire followed by dinner.

Overnight at Korta Escape.

Day 9 - Korta Escape

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you can take a walking tour to the village, visiting the Shepherd's hamlet and interacting with locals to experience the rural life style. On return lunch will be served. Relax in the afternoon and in the evening take a jeep excursion in the privately developed wildlife sanctuary, witnessing antelopes, wild boars, many species of birds, while crossing beautiful countryside and landscape. We visit farm lands to see how different crops grow, meet the farmer's family in their farm house and have our tea or coffee on the dunes while the sun sets. Later, cocktails and dinner are served near the bonfire. Even visit the ancient temple in the village to learn about the history and traditional practice of daily 'candle lit' worship. Horse riding is available at additional cost of about 4500 Indian Rupees.

Overnight at Korta Escape.

Day 10 - Korta to Udaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave by surface for Udaipur (approx 180kms/5 hours), en route visiting Ranakpur. Ranakpur is a cluster of Jain temples made of intricately carved marble, which represent a marvellous feat of architecture, given that they were built in 1460 and remain so well preserved.

You then continue on towards Udaipur and arrive at the hotel in late afternoon. In the evening you will take a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 11 - Udaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for a city sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the City Palace built in 1725 where the museum contains an incomparable, historic Jagdish Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu the temple, which was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh 1. You will also see the Saheliyon Ki Bari Gardens of the Maids-of-Honour, designed by the Maharana Fateh Singh, which consists of beautiful lawns, gardens and fountains. Visit the local puppet makers and see their trade.

In the afternoon you will visit the Molena Village and meet the people who live there.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 12 - Ajmer and Pushkar

Breakfast at the hotel
Leave by surface for Pushkar en route visiting Ajmer. Ajmer is venerated as a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims. It has the mausoleum of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti whose blessings are eagerly sought by pilgrims to his dargah. Known as the 'Dargah Sharif' the last resting place of the saint who died in 1235 lies at the foot of a barren hill.

Arrive Pushkar at the hotel. You will visit the Brahma Temple, which is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshiped and is the main attraction of Pushkar. The temple has a special position in Hindu pantheons. Pushkar Lake, according to the legends, is the lake dedicated to Lord Brahma after a lotus fell from his hands and dropped into this picturesque valley. A lake sprang up on the same spot and is now considered as a holy place. The entire lake is supposed to be surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces, and 52 ghats.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 13 - Pushkar to Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave by surface for Jaipur (approx 150 kms /2.5 hours).

Arrive Jaipur and check in to your Hotel. You will then leave for a city sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting The City Palace, a residence of the former ruler and renowned for its stunning architecture, which also houses a museum. Visit Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, once a viewing gallery used by the ladies of the palace to view the outside world. Also see Jantar Mantar or the Royal Observatory, built in 1716, which was a superb achievement of its time.

Meet Gulabo the world famous dancer of the traditional 'Kalbelia' Dance form and her family (subject to the availability of Gulabo being in the city). This traditional dance form could be lost and soon forgotten. Walk through the souk and the local bazaars frequented mainly by the local people. Visit a Tie and Dye and block printing village in Sanganer and the Valley of monkeys and the Temple of Galtaji to meet the local devotees.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 14 - Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will take an excursion to the Amber fort and climb the fortress on elephant back. The structure which is known today as "Amber Fort" was initially a palace complex within the original fort of Amber that is today known as Jaigarh Fort. Connected to Amber via fortified passages, Jaigarh Fort is located on a hill above the Amber complex, and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It overlooks Maotha Lake, and was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers.

In the afternoon, visit the City's Bazaar and explore at leisure.

Overnight at your Hotel.