MARCH 15-26, 2024: RAJASTHAN WITH KIKI KEATING

Rajasthan, India's enchanting desert jewel, unfurls a mesmerizing tapestry of vibrant traditions, ancient palaces, and golden sands. The rugged grandeur of its iconic landmarks, like the majestic Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort stand as a testament to a rich history steeped in valor and opulence. As the sun sets, painting the arid landscape in hues of orange and gold, the heart of Rajasthan comes alive with the rhythmic beats of traditional music, the swirl of colorful attire, and the aromatic allure of its flavorful cuisine.

Rajasthan is located in the northwestern region of India. Its western boundary is defined by the vast Thar Desert, which adds to the state's unique geographical and cultural identity.

A visit to Rajasthan offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Old Delhi, with its bustling markets, historic sites like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, and delectable street food, will immerse you in the vibrant chaos of India's capital. Agra, home to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, embodies timeless romance and architectural brilliance, while Jaipur, the Pink City, dazzles with its majestic palaces, colorful bazaars, and the Amber Fort's regal allure. 

Ranthambore National Park beckons with thrilling wildlife safaris, where glimpses of majestic tigers and diverse flora and fauna await. Lastly, Jaisalmer, the Golden City, entices with its fairytale-like sandstone architecture, the grandeur of Jaisalmer Fort, and the enchanting desertscape, promising a captivating journey through history and nature's wonders.

Arrive in India

You will arrive in Delhi in the evening on March 15 or early in the morning on March 16 if you prefer to cut it close. After arriving and collecting your baggage, you will be met by a representative in the arrival hall, who will pick you up and take you to your hotel. 

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: The Oberoi
Meals: None

Walking the streets of New Delhi

New Delhi reflects the legacy and heritage of Mughal Delhi, which is now known as Old Delhi. Pulsing with energy and color, Old Delhi is laced by a maze of narrow lanes where you get a glimpse of the many flavors from the wedding bazaar to spice markets to graceful architecture. In contrast to Old Delhi the imperial city or New Delhi, was created by the British, and has numerous fine colonial structures, magnificent buildings and wide boulevards laid according to the master plans of the great colonial architect Lutyens.

After a relaxing brunch, I will have a local expert take us on a guided tour of Old Delhi. We will start the tour by exploring the fascinating living legacy of the Indo-Islamic culture and the lifestyle in Old Delhi with our guide. 

To get a real feel of this area we will take a rickshaw ride in the busy and narrow streets. The energy of this area is palpable with all the activity that you will see, including vegetable vendors calling out their wares, shops doing brisk business, roadside snack stalls attracting passers-by,  laborers carting goods through the narrow lanes, and so much more! View the busy and narrow streets of the mile long Chandni Chowk, popularly called “Silver Street”, surrounded by shops and bazaars. Our guide will take us through the famous food streets and the biggest spice market – Khari Baoli - existing for centuries and now known for its wholesale groceries. It is one of Asia's largest wholesale spice markets selling all kinds of spices, nuts and herbs. 

Visit the largest mosque of Old Delhi which can accommodate 20,000 people at one time - Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes. Later, a drive around New Delhi including the magnificent Parliament Building, Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate in New Delhi. Time permitting, you like to visit Khan Market, a bustling shopping area to pick up gifts and knick-knacks. We may visit stores such as Fabindia, Good Earth, Anokhi and Cottons.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: The Oberoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Quick Drive and Historical tours

After breakfast, we will drive the distance four hours to Agra. The ancient city of Agra lies on the banks of the river Yamuna and is one of the oldest settlements of India. Between the 16th and 17th Century it was the seat of power of the Mughals and three generations of Great Mughals ruled a huge empire from here. It was also a center of learning, Culture, Art and Religious philosophies which produced some of the most renowned scholars. 

We will meet a our guide upon arrival and we will proceed for a visit of the Agra Fort, strategically situated along a bend on the Yamuna River. Built 16th century AD by three generations of Mughal emperors, it is a superb synthesis of stern military fortifications with delicate interior details. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son here. We will have a chance to see the art and craftsmanship of the white marble that has made the area so famous.

This evening, we enjoy a sunset visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Experience the sublimity of the Taj Mahal - a varying kaleidoscope of solitude, color and mood. A tribute from a great emperor to the memory of his beloved wife, it was 22 years in the making (1631-1653). Widely regarded as the earthly replica of paradise, the Taj Mahal is likened to “a vision, a dream, a poem and a wonder."

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Oberoi Amarvillas
Meals: Breakfast

Trekking through the Wilderness

Leave early in the morning for your drive to Ranthambore (295 kms / 6 hours approximately). Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Spread over an area of 400 sq. km of dry, deciduous forest 1,334 sq. km these former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur is a major wildlife tourist spot which attracts many wildlife lovers, experts and photographers. Ranthambore was established as a Game Sanctuary in 1955 and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. Although there is a rich wildlife here, the park is famous for its tigers and is considered one of the best locations to spot the majestic predator in its natural habitat. Other animals include spotted deer, nilgai, sambar deer, sloth bear, hyena, jackals, leopards, langur monkeys, marsh crocodile and a variety of birds. The terrain is beautiful with lakes, rocky outcrops, and ruins of the 10th century Ranthambore Fort. 

In the afternoon, we will enjoy your first game drive in a shared jeep. A game drive usually lasts about three hours. A naturalist will accompany us to point out flora and fauna, as well as attempt to track the elusive tiger. The dirt roads are bumpy and dusty but the beautiful terrain and the adventure of spotting animals more than compensates for any discomfort.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Nahargarh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visiting The Dastkar Ranthambore

This morning will be your second game drive.  You will return to the hotel for breakfast and then Mid-morning we will visit Dastkar. The Dastkar Ranthambore Project became a fine example on reviving crafts and establishing craft groups with special focus on women. They have initiated several income generation activities particularly among women in the area. You may enjoy a visit with them and support their efforts. At 2pm we will head off to our final afternoon game drive.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Nahargarh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Traveling from Ranthambore to Jaipur

After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur, the first planned city of India. Jaipur is about a four and a half hour drive from Ranthambore. It is a renowned city best known for its glorious architecture. Jaipur was founded by the ruler of amber named Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. In the afternoon, we will relax and enjoy the luxuries of your lovely hotel. 

This evening we will walk to the Rambagh Palace for drinks at the Polo Bar, followed by dinner at Steam; Jaipur's best lounge bar offering Mediterranean cuisines, and features a restored steam engine and a recreated Victorian station or Suvarna Mahal; the speciality fine dining Indian restaurant. 

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Taj Sawai Man Mahal Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Exploring Jaipur City Palace

After breakfast, I will take you for a half day tour of Jaipur including a visit to the home of the royal family in City Palace, and its excellent private museums that display royal memorabilia, particularly armaments, art, books, costumes and textiles. Stroll to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory built in 1726 by the Maharaja of Jaipur. It is one of five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh that makes accurate predictions even to this day.

We will have lunch is at the City Palace at the Baradari Restaurant. The afternoon is free for independent activities or to indulge in some shopping. There are a number of options for afternoon activities including a tour to view rug making and jewelry making craftsmen.

Drinks and dinner will be at our own beautiful hotel this evening.  

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Taj Sawai Man Mahal Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Investigating the ancient city of Amber

The day starts when we visit the ancient capital of Amber. The city was founded in the 11th century and expanded in size and scope by succeeding dynasties and their rulers, Amber is a fortress town of visual majesty.  We will ride in Jeeps up to its imposing hilltop location and explore the fort’s wondrous maze of passages, corridors, pavilions, ornamental gardens and ramparts. We will also have a chance to visit a spectacular stepwell, Panna Meena Ka Kund.

On the way back, we may also opt to visit the renowned Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing to see its fabulous collection of block printed textiles, printing tools and the colorful traditional dress that is characteristic of Rajasthan. Later in the afternoon, we will visit a camp that’s located at the foothills of the Aravali Range and surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest. A local family who reside in the area and organize “Rhythm with the elephant” use their home and camp as base. We will all get to interact with their resident elephants. This will be followed by a fresh farm dinner.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Taj Sawai Man Mahal Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jaipur to Jaisalmer

A car will pick us up from our hotel and take us to the airport. We will fly from Jaipur to Jodpurh at 9:30 am where our car will pick us up for the drive to the golden desert city of Jaisalmer, where you are booked at the stunning Suryagarh for the next 3 nights. 

A remote and spectacular outpost in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer was founded in the 12th century and was once a flourishing trading center on the busy overland caravan route from Central Asia. By the 16th century, Jaisalmer was peaceful and prosperous and wealthy traders competed happily with each other to create the most beautiful palaces and havelis out of the local golden sandstone. We will have dinner at Thar in the gardens of the our hotel.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Suryagarh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Fairytale city of Jaisalmer

In the morning, we visit Jaisalmer Fort, one of the largest forts in the world. We will see some of Jaisalmer’s unique fairytale havelis in the town below. 

Popularly known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort by the locals, breathtaking Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 and stands high on Trikuta Hill in the heart of the city. The massive yellow sandstone walls of the Fort are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging it amidst the golden stretches of the surrounding great Thar Desert. In medieval times, the city’s entire population lived within the walls of the Fort. Today, some 1000 people still live in the tiny village inside the Fort, whose twisting lanes are so narrow they can be blocked by a single cow! 

The facades of the highly ornate Jaisalmer havelis are quite remarkable for the intricate delicacy of their relief carvings, windows, jali screens and the small projecting balconies called jarrokhas. Steps lead up to the ornate door of the haveli through this is a central courtyard. 

Our lunch will be on a rooftop lunch overlooking the Fort. The afternoon is free for shopping at some of Jaisalmer’s excellent handcraft outlets or indulge in the spa treatments offered at the hotel.  We will depart for a special dinner in the desert at 5:00 pm.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Suryagarh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Celebrating Holi

Today is the color festival of HOLI.  It is a popular and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colors, Love and Spring. Holi celebrations at the hotel with brunch and venturing into the city. We have some amazing options for the afternoon, depending on what you are in the mood for this afternoon.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Suryagarh
Meals: Breakfast, Holi Brunch

Fly Home

This morning, drive to Jodhpur for your flight Jodhpur to Delhi, Air India 476, 1455-1620 hours. In Delhi, you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight home (no rooms booked).