Royal Rajasthan Tour
ROYAL TENTED CAMP AND EXOTIC ESTATES OF RAJASTHAN 2009
For the last 14 years this has been Marieke's signature luxury Tour of Rajasthan offered each January.
For January 2009 this Tour will be offered exclusively to Polkinghorne/Morrison party guests post the Party, for a minimum of 8 couples and a maximum of 12 couples.
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Mother India, the vast Subcontinent constituting the world's largest democracy, an intriguingly complex religious and cultural tapestry with her great mercantile classes, sprawling bureaucracies and exploding economy, remains, even sixteen years after my first visit, one of the most visually memorable and bewitching journeys ever.
For the last thirteen years, my annual escorted tours have won wide acclaim from guests. Shielded from the more maddening aspects of Indian travel, though none of the local colour, guests are assured of Raj-like luxury and supreme comfort with the opportunity to have all their curiosity and sensibility ignited by the intriguing landscape, humanity, aesthetics and multiple values of this extraordinary and rewarding country.
Fast becoming Australia's leading expert on luxury travel to India, Marieke, Director of Art of Living and former co-proprietor of Howqua Dale Gourmet Retreat also has extensive expertise and knowledge about other Indian regions, especially also South India, and customizes tours for individual client-guests at any time.
After so many guided journeys to Rajasthan, Marieke has now also conducts cultural and culinary tours in the South from the Coromandel to the Malabar Coasts. The Desert States are so wondrously exotic, it was hard to imagine that the South could match the North for tribal richness, remarkable architecture, stunning scenery, and riveting cultural experience. However, expectations were completely overturned and we are enchanted by the scenery, the fragrant cuisine, ancient forms of dance, heady spice plantations and gentle people. Then Gujarat is a new frontier for adventurous travellers willing to go off the beaten track to witness the grace and artistry with which traditional tribal dwellers deal with their austere and often harsh existence.
2008/9 India Portfolio includes:
Spirit of India Yoga Journey November 2008
Pearls of South India August/September 2008 – a cultural program
South Indian Kitchen September 2009 – a culinary program and Pearls of South India August/September 2009 – a cultural programA kaleidoscopic tapestry of colourful temple architecture, ancient Dravidian culture, home of Ayurvedic medicine and treatments, classical music and dance, the tranquil backwaters, lovely cuisine and gifted cooks.
Tribals and Textiles in Gujarat: Expressions of Interest being received now for a date to be finalised. A new program designed for a small group of photography, textile and tribal enthusiasts. Going deep into the heart of Gujarat and the Rann of Kutch, this unique tour is truly exotic and celebrates an ancient disappearing culture, their elaborate ways of dress and intricate handicrafts and arts.
Exotic Estates and the Maharaja of Jodhpur's Royal Tented Camp RAJASTHAN12 - 23 January 2009
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Of all her states, Rajasthan is perhaps the most tribally diverse, artistically decorative, architecturally magnificent and regal in India. It is impossible to experience and absorb in a single trip the magnitude of what India offers:
the incredible light, the austere and atmospheric landscapes of desert and ancient Aravali mountains, the romance of Rajasthan’s heritage and chivalry, the hospitality and humour of the people whether from regal lineage or simple, dignified desert-dwellers, and their arts and crafts.
This exceptional 12-day tour is exclusive to marieke’s Art of Living and this year only being offered to guests from the Jaipur party.
The most obscure doors are opened: enabling you to experience the rarefied elegance and traditions of a by-gone, opulent princely lifestyle, the hospitality of the Maharaja's family, camel riding, natural sanctuaries, exquisite architectural jewels, and rich, delicately scented and spiced cuisine.
Highlights:
Three nights in the Maharaja of Jodhpur's Royal Tents, exclusively camped within the ramparts of the impressive and very beautiful Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur, with your private cook who has served the royal family for 30 years. Unspoiled desert locations surrounded by traditional village and bishnoi tribal hamlets. Authentic tribal performances and entertainment under starry desert skies.
Exquisite Palace Hotels in DeviGarh and Udaipur, and the delightful Deogarh. Heritage properties and romantic Tented Camps that exude charm, character and enjoy wonderful locations. Activities and excursions include an evocative camel festival, historic and wonderfully carved temples, ancient bazaars, awesome forts, Mewari bush picnic, evening tribal entertainment, informal "lectures" on culture, religion and politics.
TOUR OVERVIEW
JAIPUR Sunday 11 January
This evening, we will host a small welcoming cocktail party at the Rambagh hotel.
You will likely have concluded the birthday party lunch around 5.00pm.
This will be an opportunity for Marieke to introduce you to our esteemed Tour Guide Durga Singh and to provide a tour briefing including the travel details for the morning of Monday 12 January when you depart your hotels.
Days 1- 3 JAIPUR-JODHPUR 12-15 January
Today’s Kingfisher Airlines flight to Jodhpur, per the current schedule (and please be aware this may change when airlines announce their next season schedule) is due for departure from Jaipur at 11.00am.
This requires that you have an early breakfast and to be prepared for departure from your hotels by 9.00am
After the short flight to Jodhpur, you transfer to the exclusive Royal Tented Camp which sits amongst the ramparts of imposing Meherangarh Fort that soars above the sands of the Thar Desert and the washed out blues of the old city in time for lunch.
This is camping like no other, exclusively established for Art of Living’s group but once a year, with beautiful customised tents, redolent of the Maharaja's Safaris, each with a verandah, twin-bedrooms and bathroom designed for maximum comfort and the romance enhanced by gorgeous sunsets and a roaring fire lit for each evening's tribal entertainment.
The sunsets over the old blue city are mesmerising and as the feeling descends each evening that this magical Fort is totally yours you are transported to a glorious past.
Your exotic home for three nights, there will be plenty of opportunity to explore the marvellous treasures and splendidly rich museum collections, the bazaars in the old city, as well as the astonishing Umaid Bhawan Palace.
There may be a fascinating excursion to the Chadi fair, a mini Pushkar so evocative of biblical times with no evidence of modernity or tourists, during which you can observe many of the traditions of desert dwellers. This depends on next year’s astrological calendar that sets the date.
You will also celebrate the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s birthday at an afternoon tea party at his renowned art deco Umaid Bahawan Palace and lunch in the tranquil surroundings of Balsamand Palace with its spacious and beautiful gardens, delightful pool and lovely setting on the lake. This is a summer retreat for the Maharaja where he keeps his stable of fine horses.
Days 4+5 JODHPUR – DEOGARH 15-17 January
From Jodhpur travel south by road several hours, stopping at Ranakpur, an elaborate confection of white marble and one of India's finest Jain temples. Continue through a landscape that has rocky mountain passes followed by verdant paddocks in which oxen still draw Persian waterwheels and brilliant squares of colour shroud women bent in agricultural production.
After lunch you reach the peaceful lakeside setting of Deogarh Mahal, an award winning Heritage property we particularly like for its individual cuisine and the exemplary hospitality of the Rawat family whose vision has revitalised this lovely old Fort. You will be here two nights. Rawatsahib is an historian, former senior Master and now Governor of Mayo College and connoisseur of art.
Ranisahib runs a fabulous kitchen and will demonstrate some typical dishes.
Deogarh town is nestled among the oldest mountain ranges in the world - the Aravalis. The surrounding hills, rugged and rocky, are dotted with a number of old, majestic forts and over a hundred lakes.
Family members always join for a marvellous day in the countryside to absorb the flora and fauna of the Aravalis. A delightful bushwalk will be taken before you settle on dhurris by the water to enjoy a splendid "bush-tucker" picnic. Deogarh is a delightful traditional village where it is a pleasure to stroll and seek out fabrics and traditional glass bangles. It is also renowned for its miniature painting and the Deogarh School bears a close affinity to the Mewari art form.
Days 6+7 DEOGARH – UDAIPUR 17-19 January
After breakfast this morning there is a road journey of 135 kms (approximately 4 hours).The journey descends into the magical city of Udaipur to reach Oberoi’s Uadivilas on the far shores of Lake Pichola by lunchtime. Your residence the next 2 nights is in Premier rooms with private courtyards.
Here you will visit the City Palace complex and have enough time to roam and explore the old city's maze of narrow winding streets, home to merchants, artisans, Mewar folk art, jewellery, antiques. The human cacophony is a bustling contrast to the tranquillity of Lake Pichola where Jagminder palace and the glorious dusks can be contemplated from a boat on the lake. In regal style, an especially glamorous, elaborate ‘floating’ cocktail party is arranged on the Gangaur boat one evening.
Founded by Maharaja Udai Singh, who moved the Mewar capital to Udaipur, following the third and final sack of Chittor in 1567, he was the foremost Rajput clan Ruler, from the Sisodias, who claim direct descent from the Sun God. Also a keen gardener, he chose this site for its excellent natural protection and good water supply. Under his auspices, Udaipur quickly gained fame as a place of colourful, scented, landscaped gardens, islands parks, pavilions and fountains.
Days 8+9 UDAIPUR – DELWARA 19-21 January
From Udaipur there is an hour's drive in the direction of the austerely beautiful Aravali mountains. Nearby at Eklingji are a number of fascinating temples including an 8th C Shiva temple, and at Nagda the ruins of some Jain temples with particularly fine carving that will be visited before lunch.
Your destination is Devi Garh Fort Palace at Delwara. This is India's most spectacular heritage property - a stunning 18th C Fort whose architects, Nareen Gupta and Gautan Bhatia have retained all the romance and splendour of the original complex, but installed an utterly modern and unique interior. A brilliant young designer, Rajiv Saini has utilised the Indian aesthetic of white marble, limestone plaster, precious stones and mughal patterns to create luxurious, contemporary suites.
Staying two nights is leisurely enough for you to indulge in the hotel's many pleasures: a lovely heated pool, a health club, Ayurvedic treatments and massage or gentle village and hill treks.
The cuisine is a highlight here and meals from the different regions of India will be served in romantic settings. The nearby village and dream-like farmlets offer delightful walks.
Days 10+11 DELWARA – NIMAJ 21-23 January
This morning drive north-west (4 ½ hrs) to reach Chhatra Sagar Tented camp at Nimaj.
Neither a fairy-tale palace nor an impregnable fortress imbued with legends of love and bravery, but 13 sumptuous Royal tents facing a lake bordered by lush green fields and vast grazing pastures greenery in the heart of Rajasthan.
Your abode for the last two nights, this is a tranquil haven with fabulous bird life and exceptional and elegant hospitality and some of the best food in Rajasthan.
Tents are very capacious with verandahs overlooking the lake. Bathrooms are extremely comfortable. The service from retainers who have been with the family such a long time is exemplary.
Untouched in the last 100 years, you will experience a traditional lifestyle with a camel safari and visits to a silver & gold smith workshop where traditional tribal jewellery is made, a blacksmith, the village cobbler & tanner who makes traditional leather shoes, and also the village Potter and local village school.
As well as atmospheric evening bombfires and entertainment there will also be a talk on Indian spices followed by a cooking demonstration.
The last evening will be a gala dinner with very special performers.
Day 12 23 January
NIMAJ – JODHPUR - DELHI or ONWARD POST TOUR ARRANGEMENTS
After a leisurely breakfast, depart by road back to Jodhpur Airport (2-2 ½ hrs by road)
Guests intending to return to Delhi will fly Jet Airways 13.30/15.00 (current schedule that could be revised for the 2009 season).
If departing this evening from India, please ensure your flight out does not leave until after 7.00pm to ensure connections.
Guests wishing to continue to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal have the option to returning to Delhi to overnight and take the early morning train the following morning to Agra.
Alternatively it now seems almost certain that Kingfisher will continue its Jodhpur-Agra flight service. The current schedule departs Jodhpur at 12.30 and reaches Agra at 16.30.
This obviates the need to return to Delhi. Guests may then elect to stay in Agra one or 2 nights before returning to Delhi for International departures.
END of TOUR THE TOUR ENDS FRIDAY, 23 January