Day 12: Jaisalmer / Manvar (170 Kms) (03 ½ Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Manvar
Upon arrival, check into Manvar Camp, located right in the heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert. It is an unprecedented destination offering a rare opportunity to enjoy Rajasthan's desert life, culture, wildlife & beauty. The place provides every comfort the modern traveler could wish for; luxurious accommodation, mouth watering cuisine & an incredible Rajasthani hospitality. Built in the style of a traditional desert village, the resort complex is spread over 5 acres. Constructed using local materials & techniques
Manvar offer great outdoor adventure and a taste of the Thar Desert. We would enjoy jeep safaris and a camel safari today to the Mustard and Red Chili fields in the middle of the desert. We would also witness traditional desert villages and lifestyles unchanged for centuries
Overnight at Manvar Resort / Camp (Standard Room / Tent)
Day 13: Manvar / Jodhpur (120 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)
Early morning excursion to Khichan. The tiny village of Khichan has assumed a popular appeal with the bird watching community. The local people offer large amounts of grain to birds every morning and this has attracted large numbers of Demoiselle Cranes to usurp this food supply. It is great spectacle to watch these Cranes swoop down to a especially created rectangular enclosure, for their early breakfast. The feeding session lasts for an hour and a half, one group takes off as another settles. Their flight across the backdrop of the traditional mansions of the village, presents wonderful opportunities for photography, as do the feeding birds on the ground. We are very close by and can be offered vantage positions over the terraces, by the local people who feel proud of their visitors.
Later, we will drive to Jodhpur
Upon arrival, check into your hotel Ratan Vilas, exudes an aura distinctly its own - enhanced by its rich and varied collection of paintings, treasure troves and hunting trophies of yesteryear. Everything is well preserved by the royal family, which still uses a part of the building as its home. The magnificent sandstone building, built for Sir Ratan Singhji, the Maharajadhiraj of Jodhpur, tastefully blends the lavish interiors and modern comforts. Present day facilities are harmonized so as not to disturb the antiquity of the royal abode
Afternoon, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India’s largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc. It is a fantastic experience to walk through the place observing and photographing this incredible spectacle of vibrant lifestyles and incredible colours.
Overnight at Ratan Vilas – a Heritage property (Superior Room)
Day 14: Jodhpur
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the massive fort. In olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight down making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels, on to the armoury and Jaswant Thada - the Royal Crematorium. This evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc.
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets and localities in the walled city devoted to single commodities. The city is famous for bandhani and lahariya, block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture, wood and metal handicrafts. Carpets and durries can be found on the Umaid Bhawan Palace road. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and die-makers and probably the last of the tailors of the classic Jodhpur breeches
Overnight at Ratan Vilas – a Heritage property (Superior Room)
Day 15: Jodhpur / Shahpura Bagh (250 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)
Morning we drive off the beaten track to reach Shahpura Bagh an aristocratic Estate. Set amidst the golden sands of Rajasthan at Shahpura one finds an oasis - A dazzling shimmer of sunshine on water that hovers on the edge of a mirage. Shahpura Bagh has just opened its doors to visitors for the first time. A stay here with the family and the Ruler himself, offers a rare opportunity to experience a royal way of life, preserved in a timeless corner of Rajasthan. Simple in decoration, but grand in proportion, Shahpura
Upon arrival, check into hotel Shahpura Bagh situated on the edge of the lakes where man and nature exist in harmony with each other. This was the summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura. The 30-acre estate was granted by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to Rajadhiraj Suraj Mal, Rana Pratap's grandson in 1630 AD for successful military campaigns against the Marathas and Afghans.
Shahpura Bagh has exquisitely furnished spacious bedroom over 600ft with walls that are coated with limestone. The traditional charm and décor blends delightfully to facilities and services discerning tourists would see - all rooms have world space radios, coffee and tea makers, hair dryers, phone system as well as eco friendly herbal toiletries. The place is still the residence of the descendants erstwhile Royal family and they are your present hosts. They meet you, share stories and put your holiday in perspective. It is their personal touch and their local knowledge that make the stay a memorable fairy tale.
Shahpura Bagh is also a food-lover's heaven. You can take your pick from authentic home cooked Rajasthani food prepared over fire or home-cooked continental and tradition meals, tempered to suit your palate.
Late afternoon, we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of villages where tradition centuries old still permeate life styles. We will witness the rituals & local practices of the people of this town. Gaily attired men and women carry on their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village huts remind one of the simple and traditional living here.
Overnight at Shahpura Bagh (Royal Suite)
Day 16: Shahpura
Today make short trips into farms & villages and forts; these farms are great for bird watching. You will have a great time with simple activities like boating, air gun, target shooting, farm visits as well as having fun with someone like Sat and Jai. They are the host brothers who will escort you around.
You will enjoy your visit to Ram Dwara, the revered ancient temple. Also, the old city palace reveals the integration of Rajput and Mughal traditions in architecture while the geometrical symmetry of the baoli (step wells) inspires a serenity that lingers. The Dhikola Fort stands majestically on a hill, surveying a vast expanse of verdant green and lakes.
In evening we explore the unending shopping options of Shahpura. There are many goods on sale in the marketplace. Suggest get a leather mojari or local footwear, made to your size.
Overnight at Shahpura Bagh (Royal Suite)
Day 17: Shahpura / Ranthambhore (200 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Ranthambore
Upon arrival, check into the Ranthambhore Regency
Afternoon Jungle excursion in Shared Jeep / Canter (Community Safari Vehicle)
Overnight at Ranthambhore Regency (Standard Room)
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