Rural Rajasthan

Delhi
Arrival at Delhi airport. Transfer to hotel for some rest. Around 10 am after breakfast you will start your guided tour of Old Delhi. In particular, you will visit the Red Fort (visit only from outside), a UNESCO World Heritage since 2007, built in 1639 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (the creator of the Taj Mahal), the the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, where an ancient copy of the holy Quran written on Deer skin is preserved. Visit small lanes of this part of the city such as Chawri Bazar, one of the busiest street of Old Delhi. Later visit Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Ghandi cremation. After lunch you will visit new Delhi with its Government buildings such as the India Gate, an arch erected in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I, and the Parliament House. In the late afternoon we will continue the visit with the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship in India, known as the “Sarovar.” Then trasfer to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi (D)

Delhi – Agra
IIn the morning (10 am) you will visit the slums of Paraghanj (old Delhi) with the help of young guides trained by the NGO. City Walk aims to make the story of the children of the street heard and to give us a view of their world through their eyes. Participants of City Walk get to go on a journey through the enchanting streets of the inner city of Paharganj and the area around New Delhi railway station, led by a child who was once living and working on the streets. This walk takes you on a journey through the backstreets of Delhi with a child who has been fully trained as a local guide. It’s a unique way of providing an insight into the lives of these children and an opportunity for them to improve their communication and speaking skills. Afternoon drive to Agra (approx. 4 hrs. drive) via the expressway. Arrive into Agra and visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), one of the most famous and visited monument of all over India, a real epitome of love and romance… The Taj Mahal, is a UNESCO world heritage site, which was originally built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, in the loving memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is built in white marble as a mausoleum for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. It is now a universal symbol of love, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taj Mahal was built in the year 1653, which is symbolized by the fact that there are 16 gardens and 53 fountains. It took 16 years for this symbol of love to be completed, and thousands of artisans contributed in the making this monument. (we will visit the Taj Mahal in case next day is Friday).
Overnight in Agra. (B)

Agra-Jaipur
After breakfast start to discover the most unknown parts of the Agra. Explore the old city on a 3-hour walking tour led by a local guide who shows you daily life away from the typical tourist attractions. Learn about Agra’s history, architecture, and traditions as you discover the old market and its surroundings. The first stop will be the Jama Masjid, a big mosque opposite to Agra Fort. You will continue walking along the narrow lanes of old Agra, meeting a local families living in the area. Later you will visit the ancient Manka Meshwar temple (Shiva temple), followed by the wholesale spice market, Rawatpara, where you can find Agra petha, a candy made from ash gourd. You will also observe the bustle at the shoe mandi in Johri Bazar, the only street of Ayurvedic doctors, the paan (betel leaf), and the food street of Seth Gali. Lunch in a small restaurant supported by a local NGO that helps women victims of acid attacks. Later transfer to Jaipur (4 hrs drive), the largest city of Rajasthan and an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy. This city was established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, and is India’s first planned city. Jaipur was the capital of former Kachwaha rulers and it so presents itself as a versatile tourist destination.
Overnight in Jaipur. (B, L)

Jaipur
After breakfast visit the Hawa Mahal on way to Amber fort. Jeep ride to the ramparts of Fort. After lunch visit the Anokhi museum and understand how handicrafts plays such a big role in rural India’s economy. In the afternoon visit the Royal palace and the ancient city. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture. With splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis; Jaipur turns out to be an ideal tourist destination. It is not just the royal buildings and palaces that this city offers. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewelry. These intricate works of art add life and color to this Pink City’s uniqueness. Also, the serenity of lush gardens and floral array acts as the cherry on the cake of fabulous landscapes. All this make a picturesque view that tends to enthrall any visitor. Walk around the uniquely constructed city, observatory ,bazaar and understand the history of the place.
Overnight in Jaipur. (B)

Jaipur-Tilonia-Pushkar
Drive to Pushkar (160kms, approx. 3,5 hrs. drive). En-route stop at Bagru, known for its block printed textiles. This is a good opportunity to see craftsmen/women at work. Proceed onwards to Tilonia, a small village in Rajasthan, the home of the NGO called Barefoot College. Rajasthan is truly a state of contradictions. From Havelis to rich home-stays to Heritage Palaces to Luxury Hotels, Rajasthan is also one of the poorest states in the country. If any one wonders about how such contradictions can exist in a place, the visit to Tilonia is important for us to explain the story of the ‘bare-foot-soldiers’ who are making massive social and environmental changes using local knowledge and resources. From mask making to workshops on puppetry and interaction with local people, the visit gives ample opportunity to understand the dynamics of the state that is Rajasthan that is far away from the tourism circuits. Subjects like water management, solar energy are touched during the visit. Visit the library and watch documentary film on the achievements of this social college. Lunch in the campus. Thereafter visit the Harmara village where you will meet the leather maker, spend some time in his house and watch the process of making bags and belts. You may purchase directly should you wish to. Proceed to the holy town of Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrim center famous for the cattle fair and Lord Brahmas temple. The word ‘Pushkar’ means lotus flower, which is said to be the seat of Brahma, one of the Hindu holy trinity, who is worshipped as the creator of this world. Watch the evening rituals near the lake.
Overnight at Pushkar. (B,L)

Pushkar
In the morning go for a walk inside the lanes of Pushkar; you may meet citizens from the most part of world in quest of finding the inner self. Hinduism is a thought process and this you can see it in Pushkar. Enjoy a meal overlooking the lake. Spend time visiting the Brahma temple, Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, and if you are lucky meet a Yogi meditating near the lake. The temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India and remains the most prominent among them. Although the present temple structure dates to the 14th century, the temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is mainly built of marble and stone stabs. It has a distinct red pinnacle (shikhara) and a hamsa bird motif. The temple sanctum sanctorum holds the central images of Brahma and his second consort Gayatri.
Overnight in Pushkar. (B)

Pushkar-Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur (4 hrs drive), en route visit Pokaran and visit Shikarpura village in Luni tehsil, famous for its terracotta pottery. Later drive to Mandore near Jodhpur. Arrive in Mandore and check in the beautiful heritage guest house. Here guests have a good opportunity (if they stay longer) to work with volunteers of the NGO supported by the owners. The NGO supports related to education, health care, environment, socio-economic and women empowerment. It also includes activities directed toward meeting the needs of the poor and needy – distribution of food, clothing or medicine; provision of housing for handicapped animals etc. On arrival check in and later go for a jeep safari in a Bishnoi village. Bishnoi village of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is scenic beauty marked with Khejri trees and deers. The villagers are staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, specially the sanctity of plant and animal life. During the safari will visit families of shepherds. You will see how shepherds live in traditional way, working with animals like goat, sheeps, Camel etc. Here you will have the chance to spot wild animals in there natural habitats, many species of desert animals are found there some of them our Antelopes, Gazelle, Dumessille Crane, Rabbits, Blue Bulls, Migrated Birds, Peacocks etc. Later return to the hotel.

Jodhpur
After breakfast start to discover the city of Jodhpur. Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. You will start with the visit of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, which is one of the most famous in India and which is packed with history and legends. Later visit the Jaswant Thada (Cenotaph), the clock tower and the bazaars in the narrow lanes of city. Return to the hotel.
Overnight in Jodhpur (B)

Jodhpur- Nawalgarh
Drive to Nawalgarh in the Sekhawatiregion of Rajasthan (approx. 6 hrs. drive). In the next two days you will have the chance to soak up the local Rajasthani lifestyle, discover the region and its traditions and interact with local people. On arrival check in the hotel and after some rest you will visit the village, which offers a small-town feel and some of the region most outstanding havelis. You can go on village walks and visit old palatial mansions. There are more than 200 old havelis in Nawalgarh. Fresco work at these havelis create an amazing art work. In the late afternoon cookery class at Apani Dhani with some of the members of the lodge. Overnight at Nawalgarh. (B,D).

Nawalgarh
After breakfast you will attend an introductory workshop of local art and crafts led by villagers.It isa a privileged moment of exchange. The “tie-dye” workshop, is a traditional technique of dyeing textile from Rajasthan and Gujarat. This interactive workshop led by a local craftsman, will provide an introduction to this skill. You will discover every step, from printing simple patterns to dyeing and make for yourself or your near and dear, some pretty scarves. Later in the afternoon camel ride through the Nawalgarh countryside to Dundlod. Visit the village and return to the hotel. In the evening dinner will be accompanied by a small concert of Indian classical music performed by local musicians. Overnight in Nawalgarh. (B, L, D).

Nawalgarh-Delhi
After breakfast, a cooking class will be held by a member of the eco-lodge family and lunch preparation. Transfer to Delhi airport (about 5 hours, 270 km) and departure by international flight.