HOLISTIC RAJASTHAN

Spa & Healing with soft trek Active wellness holiday in the land of Maharajas

Day 1: Arrive Delhi:
Arrive Delhi at midnight, from your home country: upon arrival traditional garland welcome; assistance and transfer to pre-booked hotel. New Delhi, India’s capital and fastest growing city stands on the west bank of Yamuna River, at the narrowest point between the Aravalli hills and the Himalayas. For over 2,000 years Delhi has commanded the strategically vital route from the Northwest frontier to the agriculturally rich Gangetic plains. Within the city Humayun’s Tomb, the towering Qutub Minar, majestic Red Fort and unique Jama Masjid are among the most spectacular remnants of the Muslim dynasties that ruled north India. In the triumphant late colonial architecture of British-built New Delhi, modern buildings testify to the city’s renewed strategic importance. Afternoon sightseeing of these monuments in Old and New Delhi. O/n hotel.
NOTE: Red Fort remains closed on Mondays

Day 2: Delhi – Agra:
After breakfast drive to Agra (about 210km/5hrs); check into hotel. Afternoon we visit India’s most celebrated monument the Taj Mahal – built by Emperor Shah Jahan, as a testimonial of his eternal love for his queen Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful from every angle. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 labourers and craftsmen, and displays superb craftsmanship. The close-up details of the Taj Mahal are as exquisite as the overall architectural design, with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. Emperor Akbar began construction of the Agra Fort in 1565, but additions to the citadel were made up to the time of Akbar’s grandson. Shah Jahan. The fort has fine views of the Taj standing across Yamuna River, and consists of Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (the hall of private audience). It also has a charming grape garden and beautiful fountain ways. Evening free to relax by the pool. O/n hotel.
NOTE: Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays

Day 3: Agra – Bharatpur:
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Bharatpur (about 60km/2hrs), en route halt at Fatehpur Sikri, to visit the Palace complex, built to commemorate the birth of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s first child. Proceed to Bharatpur, check into hotel. Afternoon visit to Keoladeo National Park, on cycle rickshaws: the famous bird sanctuary also known as ‘ghana’. Located on the confluence of Gambhir and Banganga rivers and spread over 29 sq km of shallow lakes and woodlands, Keoladeo National Park provides shelter to over 300 avian species, particularly during winter when the resident numbers multiply as a result of migrants. The freshwater swamp with the picturesque ‘kadam’ trees; stands of Acacia; and profuse aquatic vegetation, is a habitat of various living organisms, which serve as food for the different species of animals. In the beautiful old orchard garden we will do light Yoga and breathing exercises, starting with a brief discourse on this ancient Indian discipline of living life in balance. O/n hotel.

Day 4: Bharatpur – Jaipur:
Early morning, time for some stretching exercises. After breakfast drive to Jaipur (about 175km/4hrs); the picturesque capital of Rajasthan. Check into the hotel. Jaipur displays remarkable harmony and architectural splendour: the ancient heart of this Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces; rugged fortresses perched on barren hills; and broad avenues, that dot the entire city. In the afternoon we visit City Palace; still occupied by Maharaja Jai Singh’s descendants it is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A city within a city, it includes the Govind Deo Temple; the Jantar Mantar (observatory); and the Maharaja’s museum, with his personal collection of weaponry, miniature paintings, royal attire and jewellery. On the periphery of the Palace stands the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), an elaborate pink sandstone façade, behind which the ladies of the court sat and watched the daily goings on in the street below.

Day 5: Jaipur – Udaipur (fly) – Devigarh:
Early morning transfer to the Jaipur Airport to board Jet Airways flight (ETD: 0715/0810hrs) to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur right away transfer to the resort in Devigarh (about 30km). Check into hotel; rest of the day free to relax. At sunset we do our orientation – understand and practice yogic breathing, followed by a gentle Ayurvedic massage. O/n hotel.

Tucked away in the prehistoric Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, the 18th century Devigarh Fort Palace in the village of Delwara commands one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Devigarh stands, quite literally in two worlds – the traditional and the modern. Its ambience is an eclectic mix of skilfully crafted designs, old and new, functional and purely aesthetic. Local materials like marble and semi-precious stones have been used in contemporary designs to create an elegant beauty. Personalised service complemented by a wide range of modern facilities goes towards making Devigarh a comfortable and attractive retreat.

Day 6: Devigarh:
The fort, surrounded by lush green fields and mountains on three sides, overlooks the village of Delwara and is close to the temples of Eklingji and Nagda. The combination of a traditional Rajasthani village; the towering fort; and the temples, makes for an interesting mix. In the morning, prayers and meditation, followed by stretching exercises and Yoga; and then enjoy a healthy organic breakfast. A full day to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, or simply laze by the poolside. Indulge in beauty treatments, Ayurvedic massages and the spa. O/n hotel.

Day 7: Devigarh:
Devigarh, away from the stress of the city, is a perfect place to optimise the benefits from the combined Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda sessions, which soothe your body, stimulate your mind and strengthen your spirit.

With its gymnasium, sauna, Jacuzzi, and beauty parlour, Devigarh offers some remarkable Ayurvedic therapies, ranging from relaxing massages to more complex treatments. For the renewal of energies, one needs an environment of total harmony to reach inner peace. The calming effects of the white rooms is further enhanced by practicing Yoga (control of body, breath and mind) and Dhyana (meditation), on the ramparts of the Palace especially at sunrise. Invigorate your day with Ayurveda sessions and meditation. O/n hotel

Day 8: Devigarh – Ghanerao – Bagh-ka-Bagh (3hrs walk):
Morning – stretching, breathing and stretching exercises. After breakfast we start our day with a short drive (80km/2hrs) through the beautiful Aravalli hills to Ghanerao, a small charming town with cenotaphs and an old step-well, away from the touristy trails. Wandering through its narrow streets gives one the feeling that time has long since stopped. From here our trail takes us through the Aravallis: the 4hours walk through the dry ‘dhok’ forest, bushes, and isolated villages, follows mostly a well worn trail with gradual ascents and descents. There is a variety of birdlife here, and we may also come across a Blue Bull (Nilgai antelope), or even an Indian Gazelle (Chinkara). After a 3hours tramp we reach the Maharaja’s hunting lodge, which is our home for the night. There is no electricity here and bare minimum amenities, but the sounds of the jungle and the crackle of campfire make it an unforgettable experience. O/n guest house.

Day 9: Bagh-ka-Bagh – Kumbalgarh (4hrs trek):
Early morning: stretching and Yoga session, in wild rugged surroundings.

After breakfast we start our 4hrs trek through the Kumbalgarh Sanctuary; this is where the former hunting area of the Maharaja of Ghanerao starts, a small princely state north of Kumbalgarh. It has now been converted into a wildlife sanctuary, under the jurisdiction of the state forest department. After 4hours of walking we reach our comfortable heritage hotel for the night. Late Afternoon visit to Kumbalgarh Fort situated at an elevation of 1100m on a nearby hilltop. The fort has several temples, palaces and gardens. It has an impressive location and commands splendid views of the surrounding countryside. O/n hotel.

Day 10: Kumbalgarh – Ranakpur (6hrs hike):
Start the day with stretching exercises. After breakfast we start our 6hrs walk through the Aravallis to Ranakpur; nature is surprisingly different in this part of Rajasthan, and we will discover this to our pleasure as the trail meanders through rocky hills and plentiful greenery. In the narrow fertile valleys, sugarcane and other staple-foods are cultivated. We will see Persian wheels being used for irrigation. After a picnic lunch we continue on our trail; by late afternoon we aim to reach our destination Ranakpur. Arrive and check into hotel. Rest of the day free to relax by the pool. O/n hotel.

Day 11: Ranakpur – Udaipur:
Morning visit to Ranakpur – a serene place for meditation and prayers. Ranakpur is one of the five holy Jain sites and a popular pilgrimage centre; it has one of the best known Jain temple complexes in the country. The Adinatha – the most noteworthy of the three main temples here – is dedicated to the first Thirthankar. The sanctuary is symmetrically planned around the central shrine, and is within a 100 metre square raised terrace enclosed in a high wall with 66 subsidiary shrines lining it. The sanctuary with a clustered centre tower contains a four faced marble image of Adinatha. The whole, including the extra ordinary array of engraved pillars (1,444 in number, and all different); carved ceilings and arches; are intricately decorated, often with images of Jain saints; friezes of scenes from their lives; and holy sites. The Parsvanatha and Neminath are two smaller Jain temples; the former with a black image of Parsvanatha in the sanctuary, and erotic carvings outside. The star shaped Surya Narayana Temple is also near by.

Later on proceed to Udaipur (about 90km/2hrs), a quaint charming town, spread around the azure Lake Pichola, which is encircled by lush hills of Aravallis – a vision in white drenched in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences – an inspiration for poets, painters and writers. Upon arrival check into hotel. Late afternoon boat ride in Lake Pichola offers spectacular views of the city. The City Palace towers over the lake and you will also see the merchant’s havelis, temples, the royal hunting lodge, and the exquisite Gul Mahal Pavilion on Jag Mandir Island. Having disembarked, continue to the ornamental Sahelion-ki-Bari, the gardens of the ‘Maids of Honour’. Evening free to relax. O/n hotel.

Day 12: Udaipur – Delhi (fly) – IGI Airport:
This morning, after breakfast, we take a short drive to the City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel surrounded by crenellated walls, and towering over the lake on a hill; it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens; comprising many buildings added at different times by various maharajas. Perhaps the most beautiful are the Moti Mahal, with its mirror inlay, and the Chini-ka-Chitra Mahal with its iridescent tile work. At the nearby, Jagdish Temple, there is an impressively carved image of Lord Vishnu, to whom the temple is dedicated. Afternoon transfer to the airport to board flight to Delhi (1335/1505hrs). Upon arrival you will be transferred to hotel near the international airport for wash and change. Later in the night transfer to International airport to board flight back to your home country.

Day 13: Delhi – USA:
Early morning leave Delhi for your onward destination.