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RURAL RAJASTHAN & GUJARAT
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi in the early hours and transfer by car to The Manor Hotel
or the Hotel Oberoi Maidens. Later today tour Old and New Delhi with your
local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s dense network of homes, markets, mosques
and alleyways visiting Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort
and Rajghat. Later visit Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in
1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian
President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. (B)
Day 3 Delhi to Kota – by train
This afternoon leave your hotel and catch the Jan Shatabdi Express to Kota
where you will be met by your driver. Stay overnight in Kota at the Brijraj
Bhawan Palace Hotel (B/D)
Day 4 Kota to Bhainsrorgarh – 110kms
via Bundi
Leave Kota and drive to nearby town of Bundi and explore the 17th Century
Taragarh Fort before continuing through the countryside to the historic Bhainsrorgarh
Fort where you will stay for the next two nights. A fortified outpost of the
Kingdom of Mewar, Bhainsrorgarh was built in 1741 AD and has recently been
beautifully converted into a small, five bedroom hotel that transports you
back in time. (B/D)
Day 5 Bhainsrorgarh
Today explore the area surrounding Bhainsrorgarh. The 8th Century Baroli Temples
and the nearby tribal villages are particularly fascinating. Nevertheless,
you may just wish to leisurely boat on the River Chambal and wander the village
that has not changed for centuries. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Bhainsrorgarh to Shahpura Bagh – 200kms
This morning continue onto the small market town of Shahpura and Shahpura
Bagh where you will stay for three nights. The history of Shahpura dates back
over 400 years and the original house was granted to the present family by
Shah Jehan. (B/D)
Day 7 Shahpura
To
Day 8 Shahpura
At leisure to explore the area with your car and driver. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Shahpura to Udaipur – 220kms
Udaipur to Dungarpur – 140kms
Morning drive south to Udaipur for lunch before continuing onto Dungarpur
in the afternoon – a 13th Century town famous for being the home of
the Bhil tribal people and, in the surrounding countryside, a birdwatchers
paradise. Stay at the lakeside Udai Bilas Palace for two nights (B/D).
Day 10 Dungarpur
At leisure. (B/D)
Day 11 Dungarpur to Poshina – 180kms
Leave Dungarpur on the bumpy drive through the Aravalli Hills to Poshina.
Just over the state border in Gujarat, stay for three nights in Darbargadh
a small family owned 17th Century Haveli. (B/D)
Day 12 Poshina
&
Day 13 Poshina
Spend the next two days with your hosts exploring the area by jeep. Known
for its tribal people, visit some of the villages where craftsmen still make
traditional terracotta wares, jewellery and hunting weapons. (B/L/D)
Day 14 Poshina to Dasada – 220kms
Meet your guide who will accompany you throughout Gujarat and drive to Dasada
stopping en-route at Patan – home to Patola, one of the richest silk
textiles in the world and an 11th Century step well. Later visit some of the
settlements around Dasada. Stay for two nights at the eco-friendly Rann Riders
Camp located on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch. (B/D)
Day 15 Dasada
Safari to the Little Rann of Kutch – the best birding here is over the
winter months from October to March – with the numbers and variety of
birds, from plovers and chats to flamingos and storks, particularly astonishing.
Time is also spent in the villages including pastoral Vadiara, the silk-weavers
of Dasada and the goat-herders of Ambala. (B/L/D)
Day 16 Dasada to Bhuj – 260kms
After a final early safari drive to Bhuj and the Prince Hotel for an overnight
stay. (B)
Day 17 Hodka and Banni Villages
&
Day 18 Hodka and Banni Villages
Over the next two days visit the Banni villages, north of Bhuj, home to the
Hindu pastoral tribes of the Ahirs and Rabaris as well as the Islamic pastoral
groups that include the Muthwas and Jaths. Stay two nights in Hodka at the
Shaam-e-Sarhad Rural Resort (B/L/D).
Day 19 Hodka to Mandvi – 100kms
Leave Hodka for the short drive south to Mandvi beach for a two night stay
at the well-furnished Mandvi Luxury Tented Camp set in the grounds of Mandvi
Palace. (B/D)
Day 20 Mandvi
At leisure (B/D)
Day 21 Mandvi to Ahmedabad – 446kms
Today drive to Ahmedabad where you will stay for two nights at the centrally
located boutique heritage hotel House of Mangaldas Girdhardas. B)
Day 22 Ahmedabad
A fascinating city, today take a heritage walk around the old quarters of
the city. Explore the beautiful havelis, temples, mosques and mausoleums ending
at the finely carved 15th Century Jama Masjid. Visit the Gandhi Ashram and
Adalaj step well in the afternoon. (B)
Day 23 Ahmedabad to Mumbai – by train
Take the afternoon Shatabdi Express train to Mumbai and stay two nights at
the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel which stands facing the Gateway of India
in the historic Colaba district of the city. (B)
Day 24 Mumbai
Vibrant Mumbai was originally a small group of islands and the transition
into one of the greatest cities in the world has been achieved through a continuous
struggle against the sea. Visit the Gateway of India, built to commemorate
the visit of George V in 1911, the Prince of Wales Museum, the historic Fort
area of the city and Malabar Hill with its superb views over the city. End
at Mani Bhawan, a small museum celebrating Gandhi’s links with Mumbai,
and the colourful Dhobi Ghat where the city’s linen is washed. (B)
Day 25 Depart Mumbai
Depart Mumbai on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal Five.
(B)
STAYING ON
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended with a cruise on the backwaters.
Festivals – Please click here to include a visit to one of the many festivals of Rajasthan
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – RURAL RAJASTHAN & GUJARAT
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £4,200. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.