"Health is a state of
complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence
of disease or infirmity". 'Maharaja' and 'Maharani' are
not just appellations but the very personification of an age that embodied
both a regal and a flamboyant lifestyle. Apart from administering strong and
prosperous kingdoms, these royals lived life to its fullest, patronising
art, music, literature, culture, cuisine etc. while taking care of their
own, physical and spiritual, wellbeing. Rajasthan - one of the most
colourful regions of India - is rich in its history and old traditions. Its
forts, palaces, museums, and gracious people are a window to a vibrant past.
You will be transported back to medieval times while experiencing the lively
bazaars and secluded villages.
The focus of this specially
tailor made holiday is good health, sound mind, and a healed soul. We have
integrated guided visits to historical places; birdwatching; meeting rural
people; walking in the hills; and a rejuvenating retreat, to enjoy the best
of Spa, Yoga and Ayurveda at stunningly located Devigarh Fort, overlooking
the Aravalli hills.
Duration: 13 Days
Best
time: October to mid March
Highlights: forts, palaces,
colourful village life, & day treks in Aravalli Hills
Focus:
Taj Mahal, Ayurveda & Spa
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.
Indian
Festivals 2006/07
