Uncover Wonders … Offbeat Discoveries

Detailed Itinerary

1. Day 1 Ahmadabad - Jawai (Approx. 312 kms/ / 6 hours drive)

   Jawai Bandh

   Today drive from Ahmedabad to Jawai.

   OR fly Ahmedabad to Udaipur followed by approx 3 hours drive to Jawai.

   Flight options: Ahmedabad / Udaipur: Spice Jet - SG 3783 - 0850/1000

   On arrival , check in to hotel.

   Jawai is a small village named after river Jawai surrounded by Jawai Bandh, grasslands, riverbed and grazing ground. The famous Jawai Bandh (Dam), one of the largest reservoir of the western Rajasthan, was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur, which gives an amazing view of the river and located in the most rugged and wild part of the Aravali Hills in the Pali district. The bandh attracts various migratory and non-migratory birds including iconic species of open wetlands, the sarus crane, Indian spot-billed duck, demoiselle crane, Jawai Bandh is also home to the nomadic Rabari herdsman.

   In afternoon, take a jeep safari in the surrounding hills in search of leopards. The Hills of Jawai were shaped by lava millions of years ago and now the natural caves and rock shelters for leopards and Indian striped hyena. You can explore the crocodile and various birds around dam also.

   Dinner at the hotel.

   Overnight at hotel (D)

   Accomodation

   

   

   Amritara Jawai Sagar, Pali

2. Day 2 Jawai - Jamba (Approx. 290 kms/ 6 hours drive)

   Jamba, Thar Desert

   Today, after breakfast checkout and drive to Jamba via Jodhpur.

   En-route explore Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur with a local guide.

   Mehrangarh Fort has been in existence since 1459 and is one of the most astounding constructions and architectural marvels from its day and age. The towering building has extremely high walls and gates, and the closer it is explored, the smaller you begin to feel! Inside the fort is a network of courtyards and palaces including a museum that houses a splendid collection of items from the Maharajas, salvaged to display regally out of pride for their long bout of warding off attackers.

   After visit, continue drive to Jamba.

   On arrival , check into Dera Dune - The Clement Retreat, a retreat, set atop a 130 feet high sand dune with panoramic views of the Thar Desert.

   In the distant reaches and vast expanse of the Thar Desert, far off the beaten tourist trail is the unique and inspirational Dera Dune - The Clement Retreat. This is a perfect place to get away from the big cities and enjoy the solitude of the desert life. Magnificently perched atop stabilized sand dune, it is a wonderful base to explore this remote area of Rajasthan and, most importantly, to interact with the living cultures of rural India.

   Spectacular sunsets from the sun deck call for a quiet moment with the rare colors that tint the western horizon. The eastern front is equally haunting in the early hours of the morning. Each is an individual experience with the superpowers of nature.

   Tonight the Retreat will offer you a unique dining experience.

   Overnight at Dera Dune - The Clement Retreat (B, D)

   

   Mehrangarh Fort

   Accomodation

   

   Dera Dune Retreats - The Clement Retreats

3. Day 3 Jamba

   Jamba, Thar Desert

   After breakfast at the Retreat, enjoy a desert jeep safari, an AC 4WD in the desert, to explore small village communities. This excursion will take you into the living cultures of Rajasthan’s desert, giving you a chance to see close up life in rural Rajasthan. The villages are built with painted adobe walls, and village life continues unaffected by the big cities nearby.

   The Bishnoi tribes that inhabit this region are a fascinating community. All Bishnois follow the 21 (bis-noi) tenets laid down by the 15-century guru Jambeshwar. They fervently believe in the sanctity of animal and plant life so wildlife finds a natural sanctuary around their villages.

   Interact with the weavers, specialized in making woollen rugs of camel hair and hand-knotted carpets have geometric motifs and formal designs.

   Later, enjoy your lunch at the Retreat and relax by the Poolside.

   No visit to the desert can be complete without the mandatory camel ride, so be adventurous and make sure you give it a try. Take an exciting camel safari to nearby dune to for a witness the beautiful sunset while enjoying the sundowner.

   Dinner at the Retreat.

   Overnight at Dera Dune - The Clement Retreat (B, L, D)

   

   Village Excursion/Experience

   Accomodation

   

   Dera Dune Retreats - The Clement Retreats

4. Day 4 Jamba - Narlai by road (Approx. 272 kms / 5 hours drive)

   Narlai

   Today drive from Jamba to Narlai.

   On arrival , check in to hotel.

   Narlai, a beautiful 15th century village at the base of a hill, bustling with activity and bursting with color. The village has many significant Hindu and Jain temples. One of the Jain temples present here is dedicated to Lord Adinath,who is the first Jain Tirthankar. This temple is known for its mural paintings and architectural décor of ancient period.Another beautiful temples lies on the base of this hill, dedicated to a saint lady “Aye Mata” is definitely worth a visit. Apart from these temples, Narlai is also home to several ‘baoris’or step wells. The village itself is interesting to explore. You can visit the temple (dedicated to “Aye Mata”) where a miraculous flame is reputed to have burnt for centuries, producing saffron instead of soot. Wishes made here are said to come true. Or the cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is cool, serene and silent.

   Rawla Narlai, now a heritage hotel, is located in the heart of the village bustling with activity and bursting with color. The Rawla (fortress) however is an oasis of serenity and offers a splendid view of a gigantic [350 ft high] single rock of granite dotted with caves and temples, crowned by a statue of a white elephant - proud guardian to the open desert on one side and the crumbling Aravali hills on the other .

   In afternoon, you can take a Safari in open Jeeps into nearby countryside where Antelope, Leopards, Hyena, Jackals, Hare, Wild Boar, or a Sloth Bear (very rare) can be spotted if lucky. Wildlife and birds are in plenty, if you can just spot them.

   Lunch and dinner on your own.

   Overnight at hotel (B)

   

   Narlai Step Well by richard evea /

   Step Well

   

   akshaya-patra-rajasthan-989299_1280 by akshayapatra /

   Village Tour

   Accomodation

   

   

   Rawla Narlai - A Heritage Resort

5. Day 5 Narlai - Ahmedabad by road (Approx. 336 Kms./ 7 hours drive)

   Jodhpur

   OR Drive Drive Narlai to Jodhpur followed by flight to Ahmedabad (subject to operation)

   Flight options are:

   Sector	Flight Name and Number	Timing
   Jodhpur / Ahmedabad	Spice Jet - SG 2934	1545/1700
   Jodhpur / Ahmedabad	Indigo - 6E 423	1400/1500

   The flight cost is extra

   After breakfast checkout from the hotel and drive to Ahmedabad stopping along the way at Ranakpur, home to some of India’s most exquisite Jain temple architecture. Situated in the lovely valley of Aravalli Hills, are the ornately carved temples of Ranakpur which are the holiest places for Jain pilgrims, the Chamukha temple is three-storied, with 80 domes supported by 1444 carved pillars, each different from one another.

   Lunch on your own.

   (B)

   Accomodation