Destination Insider

Come explore with us

July 2014

Rajasthan

Content

3From the Explorer�s Desk

4Interaction with Mr Bhatia

in Jaisalmer 5

Zip-line Tour in Jodhpur

6Chanoud Garh

7

Hike, cycle and trek in and around the Aravalli

8

Cooking demonstration in Dakshu's Place

9Photo Gallery

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Dear Partners

Travel the traditional Rajasthan route through Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra where modernity blends with old traditions in perfect harmony. This is where you will truly experience India in all its glory. Impregnable fortresses, amazing palaces of Maharajas, unique heritage hotels, gracious people, wealthy and diversified culture, everything about this trip will quench the thirst of the traveler seeking to discover this enchanting part of India!

From the appealing town of Jaisalmer with its many magnificent Havelis and narrow streets lost in the desert, to the peaceful Udaipur with its romantic scenery of Lake Pichola via the imposing Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur� So many unavoidable sites and so many stop-overs, you cannot miss them in this tour of the vibrant state of Rajasthan.

But from our point of view, a tour in Rajasthan today, should propose more than this. In our perpetual quest of making closer contact with the local culture and our constant endeavor to further the client's expectations we would like, in this Destination Insider, to promote unusual activities and a unique property which will transform a classic tour into an everlasting experience. It will give your clients an opportunity to be completely absorbed in the lively local culture through these activities which demand closer contact with the people, the traditions as well as the history�.

Have a nice trip!

The five highlights of this tour would be:

Interaction with Mr. Bhatia in Jaisalmer Zip-line Tour in Jodhpur Chanoud Garh, the 300 year-old homestay-fort Hike, cycle and trek in and around the Aravallis Cooking demonstration in Dakshu's Place

These are just some extracts from my detailed travel report,for the entire report you can write to me atjean.esteve@sita.in

Until next time.

Jean-Noel Esteve

From the Explorer�s Desk

This ancient flourishing trade center, located on the old caravan trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia is worldwide reputed to host one of the most impressive forts of the country, but also locally famous for its Ghotua Ladoos (sweet balls made with gram flour from generations to generations in some families of the Golden city.) I have been given the opportunity during my stay to discover one of these local manufacturers which carry on this tradition. Indeed Mr Bablo Bhatia permitted me to enter his world - The Bhatia Shop, situated in the heart of the old city. It was a real immersion with the family of this local manufacture composing a team of about ten persons which I really enjoyed!

Interaction with Mr Bhatia in Jaisalmer

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In this country where spice is the King, I can guarantee you that this unusual and so exciting Zip-line tour has spiced my trip and has been an everlasting souvenir that I took back from my Indian trip. It is definitely an exciting new way to experience India's natural and cultural beauty which, besides, permitted me to discover the fort from a new point of view. So, if you wish to include one unique activity in a classic trip�.don't search further, this is for you. Important point, about safety and security, I felt very comfortable. Their zip line tours have been designed by Switzerland's leading zip tour engineers, and their personal protective equipment is made by Petzl of France, one of the world's leading climbing brands. To sum up, strong feelings in total secure!

Zip-line Tour in Jodhpur

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On the road between Jodhpur and Udaipur, this 300 year-old fort nestled in the heart of a little village and recently renovated has been an unforgettable stay for me. I have been completely immersed in the sights and sounds of south Rajasthan's countryside by spending one night here. History apart, Chanoud could almost be called a Homestay-Fort, since I have been personally welcomed by the owners who stay in one of the wings of the property. Besides, the warm welcome of Mr. Singh and his family combined with the home-made food served every night made me feel as comfortable as at home! Chanoud Garh is a good option for travelers to stay one night instead of travelling directly from Jodhpur to Udaipur. Definitely for those who want authentic and local experience included in a classic Rajasthan itinerary.

Chanoud Garh

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South Rajasthan represents for so many people the splendid Jain Temple of Ranakpur, the impregnable Kumbhalgarh Fort or the peaceful and bright lake town of Udaipur which are indeed one of the jewelleries of the Rajasthani patrimony. But what is less in mind is that this entire region is bordered by the mountain ranges of Aravalli which not only gives wonderful sceneries, but also constitutes great playing ground for those who want to practice external activities. I experienced a cycling-tour in the outskirts of Udaipur which we experienced first-hand, and provided by a team of young hospitality professionals involved with the local area. I loved the picturesque natural setting of the Aravalli and the Fateh Sagar Lake early morning. Easy cycle ride, during which I have been completely charmed by the simple but so peaceful nature surrounding Udaipur. Hike, cycle and trek in an around the Aravalli is an exciting and different way to promote south Rajasthan.

Hike, Cycle and Trek in and around the Aravalli

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I assisted many and many cooking demonstrations all over the country, and if I had to advise only one, without any shadow of a doubt it would be this one. Not only because the food was excellent (it happens quite always that food is excellent in this kind of activity). But what made this evening extraordinary for me is the kindness and relaxed attitude of the couple. No hurry! I felt so comfortable that I almost forgot that I was participating in an activity. Since the beginning I was hosted with the smile of Rakshita and her husband Dakshu at their house. I liked it more as it was lively and pleasant moment shared with an Indian couple rather than a formal cooking lesson. I can tell you, just go to the local market with Rakshita in her 1962 original Jeep to choose the vegetable you want to have for diner was already fascinating!

Cooking Demonstration in Dakshu's Place

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Photo Gallery

Jaisalmer Fort

Udaipur Boatride

Flying Fox

Jodhpur Zip-line Tour

Udaipur Bicycling Tour

South Rajasthan Village Walk

Ranakpur Jain Temple

Amber Fort

Jaipur Streets

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Note: These images are part of Sita�s photo bank and have a copyright.In case you would like to use the images, please write to us at jean.esteve@sita.in