‘Banjaras’ originated centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan. These are gypsies who wander from one place to another, leading a life on their own terms and conditions.
This New year’s trip is about Banjaras. We will be the nomads, travelling from one destination to another in Rajasthan, experiencing the rustic life, visiting centuries-old forts, meeting other travellers, coming up close and personal with original banjara tribe. We will sing and dance around the bonfire, ride camels, sleep under the stars, in the camps, on desert, havelis andbackpackers hostels.
This trip is not about luxury or comfort but it’s a unique experience. A journey full of adventure, fun and wilderness.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Jaipur Roamer
Padharo Rajasthan. Check into the hotel and meet fellow roamers who are going to accompany you on this trip. A quick lunch and we’ll find ourselves in the hustle of the streets in front of the Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. An encounter with the palace of winds and the royal observatory and later we will head 10 kms away to the Hanuman temple called ‘Galtaji Mandir’. The beautiful temple complex is nothing short of an adventure when you spend time with the residents, aka the Monkeys. Feed ‘em, watch ‘em, wish to be like ‘em. The monkeys are the life of the temple.
Day 2: Ajmer and Pushkar
Next morning we will be off to Ajmer in our #RoamingRide aka our Taxi to Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The Sufi saint Moinuddin Chisti’s Dargah is a place not to miss if you are in Ajmer. 8 Kms away is our humble hostel in Pushkar. A quick check-in and a little rest later we will be at the most popular temple, and there are 500 temples in Pushkar. You will get the free-spirited hippie vibes through-out this city. Fancy a dip at the Ghat later? Go ahead take #RoamerPlunge.
Day 3: Jodhpur- The Blue city
Lunch on the highway and stay at the Blue city. Such is the life of a Banjara. Let’s walk around the beautiful town of Rajasthan, shop a little and relax by the Lake. Along the way the shutterbugs can rejoice at the historical sites of Ghanta Ghar and Gulab Sagar Lake.
Day 4: Let’s fly (read: Zipline) through history
The best things in life are free, some best things however cost a lot of money as well. Umaid Bhavan palace is one such luxurious palace. After our time at the palace, it is time to explore the Meherangarh fort that is looking over the city. Catch a bird’s eye view of the fort and the city as you zip-line across 6 different locations. Hey, we know that Zip-lining is not everyone’s thing, so we have kept this as an optional activity. We will bargain with the zip-lining company to reduce the cost for our group and we will get you the best deal out of them.
Day 5: Jaisalmer – A Village Stay
Time for complete Isolation. No Wifi, only #RoamersConnection. Stay away from the traffic, the noise, the constant honking and enjoy the day in a traditional village with huts to spend the night in. Meet the real Banjaras and eat finger licking authentic Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma. Brace yourself for some awesome gypsy stories around the bonfire.
Day 6: Desert Safari, Haunted Village, Sunset on a camel
Many years ago one night the entire population of a town called Kuldhara disappeared. No one knows where they went and no one saw them leave. It’s time we do some research of our own in this ‘Haunted Town’. After our #RoamingInvestigation we will head for Khaba fort and have lunch nearby. As the sun begins to set, we will get up on a camel to enjoy the view in the desert. Followed by a traditional Kalbelia performance and another authentic dinner. Enjoy a good night’s sleep in a tent in the desert.
Day 7: Jaisalmer – Time to explore the city
Jaisalmer town is full of historic huge monuments and all of them are unique. Setting out early, we will head to Patwonji ki Haveli, a huge cluster of 5 havelis built by a wealthy banker Guman Chand Patwa. The Jaisalmer golden fort is one of the largest fortified cities in the world. The fort was built in 1156 CE by Rawal Jaisal and is still fully preserved. We will also spend some time at the Jain temples and boating in the Gadisar Lake. After the day in the city, we will back to the calm and serene village for another night under the stars.
Day 8: Kuchaman – Stay in a Haveli #RoamerTime
Vacations are supposed to rejuvenate you and this one shouldn’t be an exception. Today is all about staying in a Haveli, eating good food, singing and dancing around a bonfire. Let’s know some secret stories from other roamers of our #RoamingClan.
Day 9: Jaipur – The fort city and New years Party
Jaipur is a land of forts and as mesmerising as they may be we can’t go to all of them in one evening. That is why we do the best. Amer fort, a UNESCO heritage site built in 16th century by emperor Akbar’s trusted general Maan Singh has stood the test of time. A little time also for the Nahargarh fort which is named after the ghost of Nahar Singh, a prince who let the construction happen. The sound and light show in the evening at Amer fort is one to not miss.
Countdown to the New Year on the rooftop of our Hotel. The place to hangout is called FullPower and you’ll see why. You just did a round trip in Rajasthan, at the stroke of midnight, memorise the moment when you lived like a Banjara.
Day 10: Return
Aah this is the tough part. We part good byes at the hostel as Roamers start to go back home. As we leave we make a promise to cherish the memories and to meet again.
Inclusions
Shared Accommodations
Local transportation
All Breakfast, 4 Dinners and 2 Evening Snacks
Camel Safari (Jaisalmer)
Jaisalmer traditional Kalbelia performance
Village and Rustic life experience
Huts, camps, desert, backpackers hostels, havelis stay
Visit to haunted villages
Camping in sand dunes
Wild desert safari
Unlimited Fun
Exclusions
Flights or other transportation to/from Jaipur
Airport/Train station pick-up and drop
Meals not mentioned
Entry Tickets
Zip lining cost
Travel/ Health Insurance
Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Please Note:To join this trip, you have to reach Jaipur on 23rd before 12:00 Noon.
Physical Level: While the Rajasthan tour itself is not very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, a good amount of walking, early morning wake up calls, and other similarly challenging scenarios.
Subject to Change: Please keep in mind that the above itinerary and activities are subject to change. Travel sometimes involves unexpected situations so things might need to be re-arranged at times. However, it is important to remember that travel is all about the journey, and so even the unexpected situations we may face should be treated as part of the overall experience!
Accommodations:Prices are based on the sharing of rooms. Single supplement is not available on this trip. You might not find electricity and mobile network at some places and you might not get proper toilets in the desert. This is not a comfort, luxury trip but it’s an experience full of fun and adventure.
Airport/Railway Station Transfers:This Rajasthan trip doesn’t include airport/railway station pick up and drop. It’s very easy to travel in Jaipur. You can easily book an Ola or Uber to reach the start destination. However, we will be more than happy to arrange a pickup and drop for you. Just let us know and we will arrange a private taxi for you. Price for that will be on the actual basis and you can pay the amount directly to the driver.
Cancellation Policy
75% of your booking amount will be refunded if you cancel your participation before 25 days of the tour date.
50% of your booking amount will be refunded if you cancel your participation before 15 days of the tour date.
25% of your booking amount will be refunded if you cancel your participation before 7 days of the tour date.
No refund afterwards.