Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India

NOTE we will collect you from the airport whatever time you arrive

Sightseeing Delhi and gently easing our way into India. Lakshmi Narayan Temple- you always visit the Gods before a new undertaking and this temple, built by the Industrialist Birla in the 1930’s has a lovely feel. To the left of the main temple is a small description of the significance of the sacred swastika, it is an important Hindu symbol which is good to grasp at the outset as you see it everywhere and it can be a shock for Westerners (and the true depth of perversion of the Nazi’s use of it can be understood).

Raj Ghat- to pay our respects at the cremation site of Gandhi, the beloved hero of India.

Akshardham - [www.akshardham.com] a modern temple complex - a superb example of stone and marble carving- I am sure a new wonder of the world in its workmanship. 300,000,000 man hours went into the carving and construction over 5 years- breath-taking!

Great lunches here as well

Craft Museum- a wonderful display of textiles and many other craft items in a traditional style building. 

Welcome Dinner in the evening, let's celebrate our coming  journey.

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We are heading to the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, long famed for its beautiful painted Havelis. 

A Haveli is a rich man’s palace, built with double walls and an internal courtyard it was all about trying to stay cool and private in a very hot environment. One way of showing status was to paint them very intricately, today many are neglected but some jewels still exist, some are old and crumbling, some lovingly restored, all quite magic.

We will visit a Haveli, our castle is also beautifully painted.

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Early start to visit some of the beautiful havelis of Fatepur.

Arriving in Jodhpur in the afternoon we will wander the local area, there is a stunning stepwell and the Clock Tower markets.

Dinner tonight at our hotel boasts a stunning view of the Fort

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Off early to Meherangarh, the mighty Fort of Jodhpur is our awe-inspiring start to the day. This fort is all you have ever dreamed of as a castle on the mountain top from fairy tales.

Along the way today we will visit the Salwas dhurry rug weaver family.

Lunch is a treat made for us by the family- real Rajasthan hospitality.

Then we are heading across country into the beautul Arawali Hills, to stay near the imposing Kumbhalgarh also known as the Great Wall of India.

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Early morning exploration of the Fort, it is famous for it's Protective Wall - 36 kilmetres in length China's Great Wall is the only one longer.

Whilst we won't have time to see all the walls - sorry - we will explore the castle and temples.

In the afternoon we will head onto Udaipur, sometimes called the Venice of the East…. No canals but lovely lakes, our hotel perched on the top of the hill has great views.

We’ll pile into tuk-tuks and visit the Old Town, get you orientated and have a free afternoon to explore.

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City Palace, this morning, early before it is too busy, then a wander down through the market to Sadhna Women’s Co-operative, and further, along to look for turbans if you are interested.

Free afternoon - Udaipur Old City is easy to explore and so interesting, wander down to the lake side, poke through all the little shops in the market, find a roof top restaurant for a delicios lunch with a stunning view of the lake and hills.

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Bandhani workshop day- Tie and dye that is,  

then an afternoon visit up, up into the clouds to the Monsoon Palace

and let’s put on a bit of Glitz for dinner the Garden Restaurant in the old palace that was once home to the Dowager Queens.

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Akola village is not far off the highway along a busy country lane, famous for its indigo work and making the wax resist blue and red country women’s’ skirts- great to poke around and then onto Bundi.

Bundi in the afternoon, a pleasant stroll through the bazaar to check out the step well, dinner by the lake beneath the Castle.

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There is a lovely stepwell nearby, we’ll take a peek on our way out of town.

Driving across country we will visit Ranthambore National Park

Afternoon jeep safaris and hope to see tigers

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Early start to the day- out at sunrise looking for tigers and we will return to our hotel to have breakfast.

Then visit Ranthambore Dastkar, take a tour and spend the rest of the day on the veranda stitching patchwork with the women, sometimes a little singing or dancing with the ladies- we'll help  translate so we can all chat and ask questions. Fun times

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Driving to Jaipur today, 

we'll drop into a papermaking enterprise that uses textile waste to hand make their fine papers.

Visit a textile washing unit- not the type of place you can describe, you have to experience the giant washing lines for yourself.

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Anokhi Blockprint Museum this morning, and a look around Amber Old Town

Then an unstructured day

lunch at Anokhi Cafe

visit Nila House to see their latest exhibition, if anything else is on in jaipur we could visit or relax in our hotel's garden.

Dinner at a well-loved Tandori Restaurant

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Today is devoted to block print and indigo as we deep dive into a nearby village that is famous for it.

Bring an apron or wear an old top, we will being taking a workshop.

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Off early to Agra, lunch on the way, 

Goldwork Embroidery Workshop in the afternoon

followed by a visit to a Goldwork museum and jewellery display.

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Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, watch as the colours change, and the dome starts to glow as the sun lights it up and the colourful crowds of people start to arrive

Then across the river to the Little Taj or Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah

Evening free

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Last day we will start at the serene Lodhi Gardens for a stroll, then out and about to the chaos of Delhi.

We will drop into upmarket Khan Market for a little last-minute research into top end textiles and garments…. OK- retail therapy and lunch.

In the evening let’s put on all our sparkle for our Farewell Dinner.

B,D

Departures from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India

We’ll drop you to the airport