Nov 25th. Pushkar - Narlai
Overnight – Rawla Narlai
You have the option to enjoy a balloon ride over Pushkar early this morning – $267 per person, and limited availability during the fair means that this needs to be reserved at the time of your tour reservation. If you opt for this experience you will return to your resort for breakfast.
Those who don’t select the balloon ride can choose to either sleep in or to experience the early morning activities at the Fair – you can have an early breakfast and join your guide for a visit to the fairgrounds, where you will walk through the awakening campground and observe the villagers as they prepare for the day.
Start your day with a guided exploration of small town of Pushkar, where you will walk through its crowded and colorful alleys this morning. This is a pilgrimage destination and you will see temples that are a hubbub of activity during this auspicious period. There is usually a colorful religious procession that goes through the alleys this morning, but this events schedule can change and so it is not guaranteed. Visit the holy lake in the middle of town where pilgrims are taking a dip to wash away their sins.
You are assisted in climbing on your personal camel (camel carts are also available) and then you proceed on a camel safari through the semi-arid region near Pushkar. Your safari ends at a venue where you are the guests of honor at an Trehan Journeys sponsored Camel Race.
Experience the fascinating race where some camels will develop a mind of their own and head in every other direction but the finish line. You will be amazed by the speed and grace of these awkward looking animals as they fly over the sand. Return to your resort to freshen up. You are assisted with your check-out from your desert resort and then you have your last meal at Pushkar. After lunch you will proceed on the drive to historic Rawla Narlai, a 17th century Royal Hunting Lodge located right in the middle of a wonderful and authentic ancient village. Rawla means Royal Palace, Narlai is the name of the village.
Much of the so-called rural tourism offered in Rajasthan is of smaller villages that receive a constant stream of visitors and most of their guest experiences are, at least partially, staged. This large 16th Century village (almost 6000 residents) of Narlai is centuries old and the people are genuine and warm villagers.
The ancient royal lodge has been meticulously restored by its owners, the Royal Family of Jodhpur, and calling it boutique would be a vast understatement. There are two wings – one being the original 17th Century hunting lodge, and a more modern wing that was built around 20 years ago. Near the lodge and visible from various vantage points is a massive ancient volcanic granite boulder called Elephant Hill, with a historic small Hindu Temple at its peak, and many caves carved into its facade.
Please note that the lodge is a unique rural historical experience and is not a luxury hotel – the amenities will not match your previous lodging. Although the rooms in the new wing are larger and have more modern conveniences and much more natural light, we recommend the rooms in the ancient wing as their incredible historical charm is a unique experience not found elsewhere. However, if you do not want a paucity of natural light, we recommend the new wing. Rooms in both wings have upscale traditional Rajasthani artwork, furnishings and décor, and the heritage wing rooms obviously have more antiques. If you choose the new wing, you will still experience a lot of the 17th Century lodge’s original features. You will select your room preference at the time of your reservation.
The cuisine served at the lodge wins accolades from everyone who stays here, and most of it is sourced from their own organic farms and orchards, as well as other farms surrounding the village. The chefs are attentive and will customize your meals to your preferences, and just like in every resort that you will stay in while in Rajasthan, there are live local cultural performances every evening. The lodge also offers exceptional service levels – nothing is too much for the staff.
Ancient Stepwell Dinner Experience: After sunset you will be assisted in climbing aboard a traditional bullock cart and transported through the dark countryside to a charming 16th Century stepwell. Your magical dinner will be at the stepwell, accompanied by live local folk music and accented by hundreds of oil lamps adorning the steps of the stepwell. As you enjoy a multi-course dinner of local delicacies and the lodge’s attentive service, the oil lamps and countless stars will illuminate this amazing night.
You have the option to enjoy a balloon ride over Pushkar early this morning – $267 per person, and limited availability during the fair means that this needs to be reserved at the time of your tour reservation. If you opt for this experience you will return to your resort for breakfast.
Those who don’t select the balloon ride can choose to either sleep in or to experience the early morning activities at the Fair – you can have an early breakfast and join your guide for a visit to the fairgrounds, where you will walk through the awakening campground and observe the villagers as they prepare for the day.
Start your day with a guided exploration of small town of Pushkar, where you will walk through its crowded and colorful alleys this morning. This is a pilgrimage destination and you will see temples that are a hubbub of activity during this auspicious period. There is usually a colorful religious procession that goes through the alleys this morning, but this events schedule can change and so it is not guaranteed. Visit the holy lake in the middle of town where pilgrims are taking a dip to wash away their sins.
You are assisted in climbing on your personal camel (camel carts are also available) and then you proceed on a camel safari through the semi-arid region near Pushkar. Your safari ends at a venue where you are the guests of honor at an Trehan Journeys sponsored Camel Race.
Experience the fascinating race where some camels will develop a mind of their own and head in every other direction but the finish line. You will be amazed by the speed and grace of these awkward looking animals as they fly over the sand. Return to your resort to freshen up. You are assisted with your check-out from your desert resort and then you have your last meal at Pushkar. After lunch you will proceed on the drive to historic Rawla Narlai, a 17th century Royal Hunting Lodge located right in the middle of a wonderful and authentic ancient village. Rawla means Royal Palace, Narlai is the name of the village.
Much of the so-called rural tourism offered in Rajasthan is of smaller villages that receive a constant stream of visitors and most of their guest experiences are, at least partially, staged. This large 16th Century village (almost 6000 residents) of Narlai is centuries old and the people are genuine and warm villagers.
The ancient royal lodge has been meticulously restored by its owners, the Royal Family of Jodhpur, and calling it boutique would be a vast understatement. There are two wings – one being the original 17th Century hunting lodge, and a more modern wing that was built around 20 years ago. Near the lodge and visible from various vantage points is a massive ancient volcanic granite boulder called Elephant Hill, with a historic small Hindu Temple at its peak, and many caves carved into its facade.
Please note that the lodge is a unique rural historical experience and is not a luxury hotel – the amenities will not match your previous lodging. Although the rooms in the new wing are larger and have more modern conveniences and much more natural light, we recommend the rooms in the ancient wing as their incredible historical charm is a unique experience not found elsewhere. However, if you do not want a paucity of natural light, we recommend the new wing. Rooms in both wings have upscale traditional Rajasthani artwork, furnishings and décor, and the heritage wing rooms obviously have more antiques. If you choose the new wing, you will still experience a lot of the 17th Century lodge’s original features. You will select your room preference at the time of your reservation.
The cuisine served at the lodge wins accolades from everyone who stays here, and most of it is sourced from their own organic farms and orchards, as well as other farms surrounding the village. The chefs are attentive and will customize your meals to your preferences, and just like in every resort that you will stay in while in Rajasthan, there are live local cultural performances every evening. The lodge also offers exceptional service levels – nothing is too much for the staff.
Ancient Stepwell Dinner Experience: After sunset you will be assisted in climbing aboard a traditional bullock cart and transported through the dark countryside to a charming 16th Century stepwell. Your magical dinner will be at the stepwell, accompanied by live local folk music and accented by hundreds of oil lamps adorning the steps of the stepwell. As you enjoy a multi-course dinner of local delicacies and the lodge’s attentive service, the oil lamps and countless stars will illuminate this amazing night.