TEXTILE TOUR – GUJARAT & RAJASTHAN (22 Nights / 23 Days)

Day 01. Arrive Delhi.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds- the ancient with the modern. Amidst the tall and modern skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region's ancient legacy. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising that what constitutes Delhi today is really a conglomeration of seven cities. Down the ages the region in and around modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in mid eleventh century; Siri, established by Allauddin Khilji; Tuglakabad, and Ferozabad built by the Tughlaks followed by the city of the Lodi’s; and followed by Shajehanabad, the capital of the Mughal's respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in life styles: the walled city retains its past traditions and one can get a glimpse of a past life with its many facets, colors and spells. New Delhi, in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of twenty-first century standards.
 

Arrive by International flight. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02. Delhi
Morning, proceed for a tour of New Delhi: the modern city striving to move into the new era with the best of modern cities. We visit stop at the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower. We are driven down the spectacular Rajpath passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President’s House and India gate. Visit Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful temple we enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city.

Later, visit Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjehanabad. The great Red Fort was the opulent residence of Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), which dominates the skyline. We also visit the Raj Ghat-- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka Pillar and later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahajahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar. Enjoy a tricycle ride on the narrow lanes of Old Delhi.
Overnight at the hotel.


Day 03. Delhi – Agra
Morning after breakfast drive by surface to Agra. On arrival check in at Hotel

Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments -The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort. It is more just a decadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vibrant center of Culture, Art and Religious philosophies that have enriched mankind and shaped humen thought over centuries. Agra is famous for handicrafts products such as Inley work on Marvel, Leatherwork, Footwear, Brassware, Carpets, Jewelry, Zari and Embroidery work.

Afternoon half city tour to visit the two most magnificent monuments:

Taj Mahal  the incredible lacy white grandeur built by Emperor Shahjehan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, the “lady of the Taj”. It has been described, as the most extravagant monument ever built for love for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died. The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might well have been two of them. Shah Jahan, it is said, had intended to build a second Taj as his own tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj Mahal. Before he could embark on this second masterpiece, Aurangzeb deposed and imprisoned his father. Shah Jahan spent the rest of his life in the Agra Fort, looking out along the river to the final resting place of his favorite wife. The construction is believed to have taken 18 years (1631-48) with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of legendary architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahori. Although the Taj is amazingly graceful from almost any angle it’s the close up detail, which is really astounding. Semi-precious stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful pattern and with superb craftsmanship in a process known as pietra dura. The precision and care, which went into the Taj Mahal’s design and construction, is just as impressive whether you view it from across the river or from arm’s length. Stroll around the lovely gardens before you enter this intricately carved and inlaid marble structure. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity of viewing this magnificent edifice in the warm glow of sunrise.

Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century. It lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the year 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls red sandstone and a moat. Three great Mughal's – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, each of whom made significant structural contributions to this complex successively occupied the fort, approachable through its lofty main portals on the west and south, besides a private gate on the east.

Overnight at the hotel.


Day 04. Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Samode
Morning, leave by surface for Samode visiting Fatehpur Sikri

Built by Akbar the great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. Today it’s a perfectly preserved Mughal city built at the height of the empire’s splendor. The Mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of the Mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant, containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. The main entrance to the complex “Buland Darwaza” is reached by using an impressive flight of stairs. Inscribed on the inside of the archway is the quote: “The World is a bridge. Pass over it, but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour may hope for eternity”. The complex consists of the mosque, which houses the tomb of a Moslem Saint, the palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan and the Karawan Sarai & Hiran Minar. Also inside the complex is chamber of Royal audience. Today it’s a perfect preserved Mughal city built at the height of the empire splendor.

Later proceed to Samode, on arrival transfer to hotel.

Samode is in Rajasthan and is about 42 kms from Jaipur. It lies on the way to Shekhawati and is famous for its gorgeous havelis and forts. It is quite close to Jaipur and is a perfect place to spend one's holidays. It is a place of great interest for people who appreciate culture and local arts. The village or town is famous for its magnificent havelis, mansions and handicrafts, so for your next holiday travel to Samode and see the rural life and flavors of Rajasthan.

Overnight at the hotel.


Day 05. Samode / Jaipur

Morning, after a short trip of village proceed to Jaipur.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan also known as the “Pink City.”. The city capital painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, literally blushed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1863. Interspersing the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs, painstakingly outlining the architectural highlights of Jaipur's buildings, the city has retained its glow since 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had it built. Surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; with beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts, Jaipur simply exemplifies the lifestyles of an amazing people. Check into the Maharajah’s former resident, the magnificent.

Upon arrival, visit Amber Fort.

Amber was once the capital of the Mina tribes believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. History recalls the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughal's. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar’s army and Mirza Raja Jai Singh was a powerful ally of Jahangir. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens.

Tour the city of Jaipur this afternoon.

In the old city, still encircled by a crenellated wall, visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," Jaipur's central landmark, an extraordinary façade of multiple airy windows used by the court ladies to watch the outside activities without being seen. Explore City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons. The observatory, originally built in the city's early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures, but is in fact a collection of the huge masonry instruments for studying the movement of constellations and stars in the sky.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06. Jaipur / Sanganer / Bagra / Jaipur

Sanganer is located at a distance of 16 kms from Jaipur on the Tonk road. Sanganer is renowned for its crafts and hand-printed textiles. Sanganer forms a major part of excursion from Jaipur. In order to enter Sanganer, one has to drive past two massive Tripolias (Triple Gateways) on the Tonk Road. Sanganer boasts of ruined palaces and Jain Temples, which are carved with refinement.

The town of Sanganer is well known as the largest center of the handmade paper industry. It manufactures the supreme quality of handmade papers and hand printed textiles by using units of block and screen printers. Traditional small floral prints form the specialty of Sanganer block printers. One can explore the Kagazi Mohalla of Sanganer, which is prominent for expert artisans. These artisans are known as 'Kagazis' and observing these artisans making lovely patterns on fabrics with block-prints, will definitely please the visitor.

Sanganer prints are one of its own kinds, for the reason that patterns in bright colors are always printed on white backgrounds. Actually, this handmade paper industry began with the idea of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1728. In the present day, there are around 10 handmade paper industries in Sanganer. Apart from the paper industry, one can discover medieval remains, primeval temples and deep cultural roots in Sanganer.

Shri Digambar Jain Temple of Sanganer attracts the visitors with its fine carvings. This temple is often compared to the Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu. The temple is constructed in old architectural style, comprising sky-high 'shikhars' (Spires). The inner chamber has a stone shrine with three pinnacles, which shelters the idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods. The beauty of the temple cannot be described in words.

One is required to visit the place to feel and praise the magnificence of this temple. The Sanganer Fort too forms a major tourist attraction though in ruins. People still find charm in the wonderful interiors of this fort. Sanganer is a nice place to visit and admire the cultural roots of Indian heritage.

Bagru is a small village, located at a distance of 30 kms from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Ajmer Road. The village town of Bagru is not popular for any palace or fort, but for its typical wooden prints. These prints of Bagru are acclaimed all over India and are particularly known as Bagru prints. The Prints of Bagru, unlike other prints, involve a different kind of printing. The unique method for printing employs wooden block in it. In the process, the desired design is engraved on the wooden block first and then the carved block is used for replicating the design in the preferred color on the fabric.

Chippa Mohalla (printer's quarter) is the area for those, who are interested in textile printing. One can walk into the quarter, where people are always engrossed with dyes and blocks. The three-centuries-old tradition of block printing is kept alive with the efforts of Bagru artisans. Keeping the convention, these artisans smear the cloth with Fuller's earth got from the riverside and then dip it in turmeric water to get the habitual cream color background. After that, they stamp the cloth with beautiful designs using natural dyes of earthly shades.

As a matter of fact, Bagru prints are more famous for their exceptional quality of being eco-friendly. Even today, artisans use traditional vegetable dyes for printing the cloth. Like, the color blue is made from indigo, greens out of indigo mixed with pomegranate, red from madder root and yellow from turmeric. Usually Bagru prints have ethnic floral patterns in natural colors. Bagru prints form the essential part of the block printing industry of Rajasthan. The village fabricates some of the fabulous bed covers and other materials.

The brilliance of the craft has located this small village of Bagru near Jaipur on the map of International fashion. Rajasthan block printing recognition gets complete, with the amalgamation of Bagru printing in it. The village of Bagru will be definitely a treat for craft lovers and one must visit the place to acknowledge the tradition of former centuries.

Overnight at the hotel.


Day 07. Jaipur / Jodhpur

Morning after breakfast drive to Jodhpur, also known as "The Blue City", the land of Royalty.

Jodhpur, the heart of Rajasthan and the majestic jewel of her eternal crown, illuminate the Thar, enriching the desert with entrepreneurship, scholarship and art. In the evening take a tour to Mehrangarh Fort, the 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structure. From Fort you can visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. Drive down to Jodhpur, also known as "The Blue City", the land of Royalty. Jodhpur, the heart of Rajasthan and the majestic jewel of her eternal crown, illuminate the Thar, enriching the desert with entrepreneurship, scholarship and art. In the evening take a tour to Mehrangarh Fort, the 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structure. From Fort you can visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 08. Jodhpur / Rohetgarh / Jodhpur

Morning after breakfast same day excursion to Rohetgarh. Rohetgarh is approximately 40 kms from Jodhpur.

Rohet is situated in Pali district of Rajasthan. Rohetgarh, the Castle here, is a 350-year-old fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathores of the Champavat clan. Generations of valiant noblemen have built this heritage home, where the members of the family still reside and welcome you personally. The fortress has brightly painted walls in the traditional style, finely carved stone arches, and old family photographs and historic artifacts and peacocks strut about in its beautiful garden. Often, folk dancers and local musicians enliven the evenings with their vibrant hues and vigorous rhythms.

Located just outside Jodhpur, Rohetgarh is just a perfect place for those who want to stay away from larger cities at the same time want to be close to them....

Rohetgarh introduces its guests to local culture and tradition through a village tour. The guests are taken to their homes to interact with them and understand their worlds. The area around Rohet is the residence of the Bishnoi tribes — staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. These tribes have been the protectors of nature for five centuries and arguably the world's first ecologists, responsible for the survival of species such as the blackbuck antelope. Other resident of the area are the semi-nomadic Raika shepherds.

One may go on a jeep safari to these interesting villages. The hotel also arranges horse-riding to visit these areas. The safari options on offer are an extensive one-to-five day horse safari programme and one-day camel safari through neighboring villages. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 09. Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur

Morning, leave by surface for Udaipur enroute visiting Ranakpur Temples.

One of the biggest and the most important Jain temples in India, the extremely beautiful Ranakpur complex is well worth a visit if you are anywhere near Jodhpur or Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are very well preserved and one of the most holy places for Jain pilgrimage. These temples lie in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravali range.

The main temple, dating back to 1439, is called the Chaumukha Temple or the “Four-faced temple” and is dedicated to Adinath — the first of Jain teachers. Beautiful sculpture and grand structures mark the glory of this place. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 carved pillars, none of which are alike. The play of light and shade on the minutely curved figures leaves a tantalizing effect. The temple was erected on the top of a hill on a raised platform and covered an area of about 4,460 metres. Within the complex are two other Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parasnath.

Later, proceed for Udaipur and on arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in India. Here are lakes that, in sandy Rajasthan, come as a surprise, and forested hills where wildlife still abounds. Udaipur was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini, and Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through eleven gates. Ruins of these ancient fortifications are still in evidence, and the more recent palaces can still be visited.

Overnight at the hotel.


Day 10. In Udaipur

Morning after breakfast city tour of the ‘City of Lakes,” including the City Palace, the white and majestic royal palace standing on a hill, surrounded by crenellated walls and overlooks an immense esplanade edged by arcades; its main entrance leads to a series o-courtyards, overlapping pavilions, terraces corridors and hanging gardens-a harmonious profusion hard to describe.

Evening boat ride at Lake Pichola, Lake derives its name from Pichola Village was submerged and Maharana Udai Singh enlarged the lake after he founded the city. He built a masonry dam known as Badipol and lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. This picturesque lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir. And, the City Palace extends along its eastern banks. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 11. Udaipur / Jodhpur

Morning after breakfast drive to Jodhpur. On arrival check in at hotel. Balance day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 12. Jodhpur / Jaisalmer

Morning, leave by surface for Jaisalmer and on arrival, transfer to the hotel.Tour this exotic and unusual city which time has left unchanged.

The Fort with honey colored walls that rise and fall with the contours of the terrain and magnificent cenotaphs, was built in 1156, crowning Trikuta Hill. About a fourth of the old city’s population resides within the fort walls. The houses are so splendidly carved that, elsewhere, they would have been declared national monuments, but here, people still reside in them amid the old city enclosed within its walls. We also find exquisitely carved temples and havelis built by the Jains, the influential financiers of the Rajput Kings. See Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks; Patwon-ki-Haveli, the most elaborate and magnificent haveli and best known for its latticed façade. Sam, 45 km away is known for its enormous sand dunes that make a surrealistic landscape patterned by the wind. This evening we are treated to a unique experience. Ensconced on board our camel, the ship of the desert, we proceed majestically over the sand dunes, and observe with awe, as the setting sun bathes the distant Jaisalmer in a golden hue. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 13. Jaisalmer / Barmer / Jaisalmer

Morning visit of Barmer local city, visit of Temple of Goddess Devi, Block Printing bed Sheets shops. (Just 160 Kms / 3 Hours Drive from Jaisalmer).

Day 14. Jaisalmer / Balaram

Morning, drive to Balaram enroute visiting Garasia Tribes, and on arrival, check in to hotel, Rest of the day Leisure,

Overnight stay hotel.

Day 16. Balaram / Bhuj

Morning drive to Bhuj, in the noon visit market area of Bhuj as well as Foreign Registration office to take a permit to visit Banni Tribal area.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 17. Bhuj

Excursion visit of Banni villages to see the various peoples like Jat, Harijan, and Meghawal, Mutva etc in various villages like Hodka, Ludiya, and Dhordo. The most popular work force is that of the Rabaris, dressed in back skirts with creative edges embroidered and so are their profusely decorated veils with tie and dye patterns. Normally Jats are not allowed their photography.

To carry packed lunch and enough water is must required in these remote area except tea nothing is available.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 18. Bhuj / Wankaner

Morning drives to Wankaner, visits of Ranjeet vilas palace, it’s was designed by last ruler Maharaha shri Amarsingh Ji, A private museum of Royal family show cases princely paraphernalia as well as hunting trophies from all over the world. The internationally recognized breed of Kathiawadi horses & vintage cars are kept for riding & viewing.

Overnight stay at Wankanaer.

Day 19. Wankaner / Jamnagar

Early morning drives to Jamnagar, Jamnagar is famous for Bandhini or tie-and-dying is a well-known traditional handicraft of Gujarat. It is supposed to have entered the state from Sindh. The best product comes from Jamnagar in Saurashtra. The printed portion of the fabric is pinched and pushed into small point and then knotted with two or three twist of thread. The knotted parts remain uncolored and the fabric is dyed in the lightest shade first, retied and dyed again in the darker colour. The process is repeated several times and you get the final colour scheme.

Overnight stay at Jamnagar.

Day 20. Jamnagar / Ahmedabad

Morning drives to Ahmedabad, Often referred to as the ’Manchester of the East’, Ahmedabad is situated along the Sabarmati River in the western state of Gujarat. The city contributes about 25 per cent of India’s total textile production.

Founded in AD 1411, the city of Ahmedabad was named after its founder Sultan Ahmed Shah. The city became an important business center after it was annexed by Mughal Emperor Akbar in AD 1572. In 1818, the city was taken over by the British who set up a number of textile mills here. Ahmedabad was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970.

Ahmedabad has a hot and humid climate. Temperatures can rise up to 46°C in the summer. The city experiences good rainfall during the monsoon season. Winters are cool and pleasant and are the best times to visit the city.

On arrival check in at hotel.

After noon visits of Textile mills, where we can meet with the directors & top level HOD, & see how cotton mills are working, how cotton is processed from raw material to finished goods. We can see yarns out of spinning mills are taken to be of the best quality. Knits division today boasts of serving some of the best brands in the world and is in the process of ramping up the capacities looking at the potential demand. Evening dinner at hotel,

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 21. Ahmedabad – Patan – Patola – Ahmedabad

Morning drives to Patan to visits Patola. The Patola saree is acclaimed as the queen of silk and Patan is the original place where its manufacture began. According to one tradition, seven hundred Patola weavers came from Maharastra and Karnataka and settled down in Patan. They came along with King Kumarpala of the solanki dynasty to his Palace at Patan. To mark the occasion the ruler himself wore patola robe. After the fall of the Solanki dynasty, the weavers’ descendents were patronized by rich Gujarati merchants. Enroute visits also sun temple at Modhrea, Evening back to Ahmedabad.

Day 22. Ahmedabad – Delhi

Morning, transfer to the airport to connect flight for Delhi:
0810 hrs. Leave by 9W 702
0935 hrs. Arrive Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Morning after early breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi. Upon arrival you’re your will be met and transferred to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 23. Leave Delhi.

Morning after breakfast proceed for orientation tour for Delhi.

Late evening transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.


Note: All the flight & train schedule are as on date and subject to change without notice.