Jewels of Central India

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Mumbai

Arrive in Mumbai at any time, pickup and transfer to your hotel included. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the evening you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. Check the notice board to see what time and where the group meeting will be held.

Day 2-3 Bhuj (2B)

Rise at dawn to watch the morning ritual at the Sassoon Docks, South Mumbai’s main fish loading and trading centre. Shoot a picture of the Gateway to India, facing westward out to sea and stop in for a cup of tea at the famous Taj hotel next door. From here, boats leave for Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri Island or Place of Caves), famous for is cave temples caved straight from the rock.Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, forms the world's fifth most populous metropolitan area when combined with its suburbs, a total population of about 20 million. The city has a deep natural harbour and the port handles over half of India's passenger traffic and a significant amount of cargo. Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India, and home to the world-famous Hindi-language film industry, Bollywood.We will have a flight to Bhuj from Mumbai. And on arrival we transfer to our hotel. Bhuj was the capital of the prosperous princely state of Kutch, whose wealth derived from its sea trade with East Africa and the Persian Gulf Ports. African slaves were an important part of the maritime trade and many descendants can still be found in the area. Until the earthquake in 2001, Bhuj was an old walled city- in the past the city gates were locked each night from dusk to dawn - whre you could lose yourself for hours in the intricate maze-like streets and alleyways of this fascinating town. Walls within walls, attractive crenellated gateways, old palaces with intricately carved wooden pavilions, and striking, brightly decorated Hindu temples could be discovered. Much of the town was destroyed and reduced to rubble.Bhuj has slowly rebuilt itself but it is a massive task given the magnitude of the earthquake - more than 250,000 people were made homeless. Over 150 countries provided assistance and together with the resilience of the residents that life has almost returned to normal.Full day excursion to Banni area visiting Nakhatrana, Hodka, Khavda, Dhordo, Nirona tribal villages etc., which produce very heart warming handicrafts like Tie & Dye, traditional Rogan-Art, Hand Block & Vegetable Dyes printing, Glass & Beed work, Woollen Shawls etc.

Day 4 Gujurat village stay (B,D)

Driving further into the heartland of Gujurat, to see tribal villages, former princely states and towns famous for their weaving and traditional handicrafts.We will stay in either Sayla or Wankaner.Sayla was a 575 sq km princely state ruled by the Jhala Rajputs, a clan that came to the region and established their reign in the 12th century. After the Islamic invasions, the Jhalas moved their capital to Halwad and over the centuries, they established Dhrangadhra, Wankaner, Limbdi, Wadhwan, Sayla, Chuda and other princely states.The state of Sayla was founded in 1751 by Seshmalji, who is said to have fought many battles and to have captured Sayla from the Kathi Darbars and made it the capital of his state. He is credited with building the fortified wall around Sayla and founding the Darbargadh or Rajmahal (palace), which is still the residence of the Jhala family. The palace has halls for audiences, administrative and judicial meetings of the rulers, life-size portraits of successive rulers and attractive carvings.Sayla is the centre for ikkat silk weaving. The Bharwad shepherds and other communities around Sayla are also known for their intricate beadwork on fabrics. About 20 minutes drive from Sayla is the village of Somasar known for its silk and cotton weaving. Sejathpur, about the same distance from Sayla, is a Kathi village known for its beadwork.Other villages nearby are known for their bandhani tie-and-dye, brassware, ceramic and terra-cotta industries. And many of these towns and villages offer an opportunity to see the fortified towns and historic buildings of these erstwhile princely states.Wankaner derives its name from the geographical feature related to the location of the town: 'Wanka' means a bend and 'ner' means water stream in Gujarati. Wankaner literally means a bend on the stream and it is located on the bend of the Machchhu river.The Jhala Rajput clan ruled Wankaner, the capital of the former princely State of Wankaner, till Indian independence in 1947 AD. Sartanji founded the princely State of Wankaner in 1605 AD and the town was fortified in the late 18th century for protection against the bandits and neighbouring enemies. King Amarsinhji, a noble ruler, who made Wankaner a rich city-state, ruled Wankaner up till 1947 AD. He built a number of palaces including Ranjit Vilas Palace on a hill, overlooking Wankaner town. It took seven years to complete (1907-14 AD) and was designed by Amarsinhji himself. Ranjit Vilas Palace is a very eclectic building, a bold attempt to sythesise various architectural styles. The front and back facades are appropriately designed in response to its location. The seven storied central clock tower capped by a Mughal dome, the facade has arcades of arched Victorian windows, a massive Dutch roof spans the central wing of the palace. A double staircase is the unique feature of the interior of this palace, where the royal ladies could ascend and descend without being seen by men. Wankaner also has a step well, the last one to be built in Gujarat. In the royal oasis complex, the 3-storied step well, has 2 underground floors with cool subterranean marble rooms, fine sculptures and a fountain.

Day 5 Little Rann of Kutch Sanctuary (B,D)

An expanse of salt flats and grasslands in northwest of Gujurat, the Little Rann of Kutch has a stark and unforgettable beauty. This unique ecosystem, which supports a variety of fauna is one of the last refuges of the Asiatic wild ass. Known locally as ghorkhur, the handsome pale chestnut brown member of the wild horse family has a dark stripe down the back. Only about 1,000 of them now remain. Known foor its speed of up to 60kms per hour, the wild ass lives in herds led by a stallion. The sanctuary also has a large population of nilgai (blue bull), blackbuck, Chinkara (Indian gazelle) and wolves. Birdlife is rich and varied including migratory cranes, pelicans and flamingos who come to the salt marches during the winter months.

Day 6 Ahmedabad (B)

Ahmedabad is home to Sabarmati Ashram, situated on the west bank of the Sabarmati River. As India struggled for Independance prior to 1947, Gandhi made this place his headquarters and his spartan living quarters have been preserved well. There is also a comprehensive pictorial record of his life on display, which is fascinating to follow. The wonderful Calico Museum of Textiles, run by the Sarabhai Foundation, is housed in a complex of old buildings and wooden havelis and if time permits is certainly worth a visit.A stop in the state of Gujurat would not be complete without tasting a famous "Gujurati Thali" a delicious and distinct cuisine which will definitely tickle your taste buds.

Day 7 Dungarpur (B,D)

Dungarpur the "City of Hills" was founded in the 13th century and rose to fame under the Guhilot Ahara Suryavanshi Rajputs, who trace their ancestry from the elder branch of the main lineage at Chittorgarh. Dungarpur is still a picturesque town set amongst the rugged peaks of the Aravalli mountains.Udai Bilas Palace, the royal residence named after the Maharawal Udai Singh II, has intricately sculptured pillars and panels and impressive balconies, bracketed windows and marvellous arches. Juna Mahal, is a 13th century seven storeyed structure resembling a fortress, with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and corridors to slow down the enemy. The splendid interiors interiors embellished with beautiful frescoes, minature paintings and glass and mirror work, make it an impressive creation.

Day 8-9 Udaipur (2B)

Continuing on to Udaipur, which is famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Most famous of these, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, an island-palace where the white marble buildings (now a hotel) entirely cover a small island in Lake Pichola. Originally known as the Jag Niwas, the palace took three years to build and was inaugurated in 1746.The city’s lakes—Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar—are considered among the most beautiful in Rajasthan. An island in Fateh Sagar is even home to the Udaipur Solar Observatory, one of six stations participating in the international Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG), which studies the physical properties of the solar interior.Relive life as royalty at Sajjangarh Fort, also known as Monsoon Palace, summer resort of the Maharajas. Sitting atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes, the palace was equipped with an ingenious rainwater collection system, essential in the dry desert conditions of the region. Indeed, recent drought has sadly put an end to the once popular boat rides on Lake Pichola. Other options include a visit to the Jagdish Temple, the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir folk museum, Saheliyon-ki-Bari (the Garden of Maidens) and the City Palace and Museum.

Day 10 Jodhpur (B)

Today on our journey towards Jodhpur we will stop off and visit the marble Jain temple at Ranakpur. The temple is dedicated to Adinatha and light colored marble has been used for the construction. Its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rise majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1400 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, is also formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name. A large and varied city, Jodhpur is sometimes called the “Blue City” for its large number of houses painted with thsi colour. At Jodhpur, stark desert landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts and temples, all enclosed within imposing city walls. Six enormous gates provide entry to the city centre: Nagauri, Merati, Sojati, Jalori and Siwanchi gates, plus Chand pol. Overlooking it all stands the imposing shadow of Meherangarh Fort.Make the short climb to the top of a 125m high hill on the outskirts of the city and you arrive at the magnificent Meherangarh Fort (Jodhpur ka kila), one of the largest forts in India. Originally started around 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the fort are enormous—up to 36m high and 21m wide. Admire the breathtaking view of the city from the ramparts, saving some time to check out the fort museum, which houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.Experience firsthand the famed gentle nature of the Jodhpur people (well, so they say!) in the ancient Sadar Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in India. Handicrafts and tourism are Jodhpur’s two biggest industries, in that order, so it will come as no surprise that the shopping is superb. Glass bangles, cutlery, carpets and marble products are some of the most popular items; Jodhpur is also famous for its antiques. By some estimates, the furniture export segment is a USD200 million industry, directly or indirectly employing as many as 200 000 people.We visit one of the outlying Bishnoi tribal villages to experience village life firsthand. Bishnois are followers of a 15th Century sage Jambeshwar, whose creed is contained in 29 (bis noi) principles. They are known for their reverence for wildlife and respect of the environment.Make sure to try a Makhaniya Lassi before you leave Jodhpur—a delicious local treat. And yes, jodhpurs actually do come from Jodhpur.

Day 11-12 Jaipur (2B)

Travel to the capital of Rajastan and the former capital of a princely state of the same name, Jaipur. Clothed in pink stucco (in imitation of sandstone), wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India, and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Here follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, or ride an elephant to the sandstone and marble Jaigarh fort, one of the most spectacular forts in India.Founded in 1728, Jaipur, or “The Pink City” as it is often called, is unlike any other pre-modern Indian city, in that the entire town was planned according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory. The city is in fact built in the form of a nine-part mandala known as the Pithapada, which combined with wide streets makes for an unusually airy, orderly atmosphere. That the results of this urban planning have so endured to this day (present day population approximately 3 million) is nothing short of miraculous.Enter the heart of the mandala (on foot or by cycle rickshaw) and you are in the central palace quarter, with its sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens and a small lake. Built in 1799, the "Palace of Winds" was part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana or chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. Constructed of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered with 953 small windows. The breeze (hawa) that comes through the windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its name.Just 15 km from central Jaipur is the ruined city of Amber, former capital of Jaipur state. Founded by the Meenas, Amber was a flourishing settlement as far back as 967 AD. Overlooking the artificial lake south of Amber town stands the Amber Fort/Palace complex, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. At the bottom of a hill sits Amber Fort, initially a Palace Complex within the Fort of Amber on top of the hill (today known as Jaigarh fort). The two forts are connected through well-guarded passages, and there is even the option of an elephant ride from the town up to the palace courtyard.

Day 13 Agra (B)

Travelling to the Muslim city of Agra, best known as the site of India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Constructed between 1631 and 1654 by a workforce of 22 000, the Taj Mahal was built by the Muslim Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, better known as Mumt?z Mahal. Mumt?z had already borne the emperor fourteen children when she died in childbirth, and it is the romantic origin of the Taj as much as its architectural splendour that has led to its fame worldwide. Actually an integrated complex of many structures, the Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, itself a combination of Islamic, Hindu, Persian and Turkish elements.We ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to visit the Red Fort. This walled palatial city was first taken over by the Moghuls, at that time led by Akbar the Great, in the late 16th century. Akbar liked to build from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble and intricate decorations, and it was during his reign that the fort began changing into more of a royal estate. However, it was only during the reign of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan (who would eventually build the Taj Mahal) that the site finally took on its current state. Unlike his grandfather, Shah Jahan preferred buildings made from white marble, often inlaid with gold or semi-precious gems, and he destroyed some earlier buildings inside the fort in order to build others in his own style. At the end of his life Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the fort by his son, Aurangzeb. It is said that Shah Jahan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal.The fort was also a site of one of the most important battles of the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, leading to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.

Day 14 Delhi (B)

Depending on our departure from Agra, you will have time to dive into the heart of India’s capital to explore Old and New Delhi. Visit Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) or walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets. Stop for photos at the colourful spice market before finishing at the Victorian Connaught Place, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule. Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, commonly known as the Jama or Jarna Masjid (Great Mosque) of Delhi is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. Masjid-i-Jahan Numa means "mosque commanding a view of the world, " whereas the name Jama Masjid is a reference to the weekly congregation observed on Friday (the yaum al-jum`a) at the mosque. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in the year 1656 AD, the Jarna Masjid is the best-known and largest mosque in India; its courtyard can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque houses several relics in a niche in the north gate, including a priceless copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin. The giant circle of New Delhi’s Connaught Place, sitting at the centre of any map of Delhi, radiates with roads like spokes from a wheel. The circle’s obviously Victorian architecture was modeled after the Royal Crescent in Bath, England.Other options include the ruins of Qutab Minar and Purana Qila, a crafts museum and the Indira Gandhi Museum. Take a cycle-rickshaw trip or visit the Gandhi museum, built on the site of his assassination, to learn more about one of India’s most famous sons.

Day 15 Depart Delhi (B)

You are free to depart at any time on Day 15, though remember check out from the hotel is 12.00 midday.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Hotels/guesthouses (14 nts)
Departure	Departs on selected Mondays, August-March.
DepEnd	Mon-Mon
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	Tribal tour in Bhuj area, Jeep safari Little Rann of Kutch, Heritage walk Ahmedabad, Bishnoi village safari, Mehrangarh Fort, Amber palace, Taj Mahal, Agra Red Fort
Local Payment	USD250
Meals Included	14 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
StartFinish	Mumbai to Delhi
Transport	Train, local bus, charter bus, jeep, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, plane
Brochure Intro	Take an unforgettable journey from Mumbai to Delhi. In addition to discovering Udaipur, Jaipur, and Agra, we introduce you to one of our favourite hidden gems - the rarely visited state of Gujurat. Old walled in towns, fairytale palaces and quaint handicraft villages are just waiting to be discovered in Central India.

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