Green Earth Travel
(301) 229-5666
  • Home
  • Tours & Packages
  • Destinations
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • About
    • Ireland Travel
    • Resources
  • Testimonials
  • Forms

VEGIN’ OUT IN THE LAND OF RAJPUTS 
12 – Day Vegan Tour in Rajasthan North India

Picture
$2,440 per person
Single supplement: $440
October 21 - November 1, 2019 
February 24 - March 6, 2020
September 21 - October 2, 2020
October 19 - 30, 2020
Book Now
Picture
“Veg Out” for 12 exhilarating days in splendid centuries-old palaces, mystical ancient Hindu temples, remote villages, and medieval desert towns while enjoying scrumptious local vegan cuisines!

For centuries, Rajputs have been known for their bravery, courage, warmth, and hospitality. Recognized as a fearless warrior caste, they ruled Rajputana, one of the most colorful Indian states, for hundreds of years. Their majestic palaces, impregnable fortresses, and extravagant gardens are a testament to their architectural prowess. Rajput culture is known for its vibrant dances, charming folk music, tasty cuisine, and brightly attired people, whose clothes stand out in an otherwise arid desert landscape. As is evident from the murals that adorn the walls of many Rajput homes and the intricate carvings in their temples, the Rajput maharajahs were patrons of the arts and fostered spirituality.

Several images associated with India – desert kingdoms, scenic villages, maharajahs, and camel caravans crossing the vast desert – are from Rajasthan. Our trip brings these images to life as we step back in time to the land made famous by the journals of Rudyard Kipling. Visit the must-see highlights of this mysterious land and journey off the beaten track to experience India of a thousand years ago.
​
Come join us for 12 days of literally “vegin’ out” in centuries-old palaces, ancient Hindu and Jain temples, rural back road villages and medieval desert oasis towns while enjoying a plethora of tasty local vegan cuisines!

Taj Mahal, India
D​AY 1 Arrival in Delhi/Gurugram
Namaste, and welcome to India!

Your Vegan adventure start at 4:30 PM with Orientation. If you arrive on the same day, you can relax after your flight. If you feel like going out, just talk with your Adventure Leader who will be on hand to assist and point you in the right direction. In the evening, we’ll have our group orientation meeting complete with local snacks and dinner where you’ll have a chance to get to know your Adventure Leader and fellow travelers while discussing the journey ahead. (Snacks, Dinner)

DAY 2 Bharatpur & Bird Sanctuary National Park
Today, we’ll hit the road for Bharatpur – home of the UNESCO protected World Heritage Site: the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary National Park. After checking in to our hotel and freshening up, we’ll head into the national park. A haven of wetlands and forests, the sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds and a wide variety of other wildlife. We’ll explore the park in the late afternoon and early evening by bicycle traversing the back trails of the sanctuary with our naturalist guide. In the evening, we’ll return to our hotel where we will have time to freshen up before settling down for tonight’s Hindi lesson, and a delicious vegan feast for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

“While I was looking for a way to explore India in a manner that would feel authentic and would bring me closer to the lives of the people, nothing prepared me for the magic of VegVoyages. The depth and breath of our exposure to India was outstanding. I’d recommend VegVoyages for anyone with curiosity and adventure in their soul.”
​
Elaine Albert (California, USA)

DAY 3 Bharatpur & Taj Mahal
After breakfast, we’ll visit India’s most famous landmark – the stunning Taj Mahal. A remarkable mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his favorite wife – Mumtaj Mahal. When one sees it in person, the feeling is best summed up in the words of Tagore who described the tomb as “one teardrop…upon the cheek of time”.

After visiting the Taj, we will enjoy some delightful dosas at Agra’s best South Indian eatery. Then we will make our way to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri was built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar. These well-preserved ruins were the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571-1585 AD before being deserted.

We’ll return to our hotel where you’ll have time to take a dip in the pool and freshen up before we meet for today’s Hindi lesson, Papads & Beer Tasting, and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
​
Thank you for a marvelous trip! We had a wonderful time and would recommend VegVoyages to anyone. We’ve learned a great deal about India and appreciated the opportunity to see aspects of the country and culture, which the average tourists would not.” 
Janet & Russell Devlin (Victoria, Australia)

Picture
​DAY 4 Kishangarh
Today we will continue our journey well off the beaten track to the ancient town of Kishangarh, stopping at Abhaneri village to visit its epic half-millennium-old Chand Baoli step-well, the largest step-well in India. After the step well, we’re off to our home for the next two days – the romantic Phool Mahal Palace in the old Kingdom of Kishangarh! Built-in 1870 just outside the walls of the massive Kishangarh Fort, Phool Mahal was actually the Royal Family’s monsoon palace that was built on land originally used by earlier Maharajahs as their pleasure gardens.

Kishangarh has a rich connection with the traditional arts of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, we’ll have time to freshen up before we meet in the early evening to set out by foot and explore the colorful bazaar and centuries-old streets of this princely state founded in 1611 AD. During our walk, and during our stay at the lovely lakeside palace, be on the lookout for kites, peacocks, herons and wild ducks that call the nearby fields and monsoon fed Gundalao Lake their home. We’ll return to the palace from exploring the village for local snacks, dinner and some great local music and folk songs! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

“The trip was incredible! I really enjoyed the rural villages and Rajasthan as a whole. I feel like I saw the real India and not some conjured up version of it. I definitely want to travel with VegVoyages again. The food was wonderful and the value of the trip was unbeatable.”
Jules Summers (Massachusetts, USA)


DAY 5 Kishangarh
We’ll begin the day with yoga before sitting down for a tasty traditional Rajasthani breakfast in the palace dining room. Then we’re heading to a local bazaar where we’ll buy gifts for kids at a local school we’ll be guests of later in our journey. Lunch today is at the nearby palace of Rooparngarh. After lunch, we head back to our monsoon palace where you’ll have time to freshen up before we’re off to the “palace pitch” for a game of India’s favorite past time, the national past time of the country – you guessed it: cricket! You’ll see it played in every available space, whether in a side alley in Delhi, a recently plowed farm field in Uttar Pradesh or in a village square in rural Rajasthan, any trip to India is definitely not complete without joining in on a local game of cricket! India’s national pastime, it is an obsession and the local love of cricket that unites Indians across the country – no matter race, caste, religion, ethnicity or economic background, which many commentators say surpasses the love Brazilians have of football! As the sun sets over Kishangarh we’ll head out on foot for a special aarthi (Hindu ritual) ceremony at an auspicious temple before returning to the palace for our vegan dinner of Kishangarh classics cuisine! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6 Ghanerao Rawla Village
Saying farewell to Kishangarh, we’ll continue our journey well off the beaten track as we head further into the hinterlands of Rajasthan to the enchanting village of Ghanerao. Nestled near the foothills of the epic Aravalli Mountains, we’ll be staying as personal guests of the royal family at their ancestral home, the delightful and stunning Ghanerao Castle, which dates back to the 1600s. This historical, picturesque town will be our home for the next two days as we focus on learning about local village life, culture, and customs in the Rajasthan countryside.

Upon arrival in Ghanerao in the late afternoon, you’ll have time to freshen up before we set out on foot to take in the serenity of Ghanerao exploring the narrow winding streets and about the dozens of unique step-wells that are scattered throughout the village. A brilliant glimpse into the extraordinary and vital stepwell water system of the often harsh and unforgiving arid-terrain of the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. As the sun sets over Ghanerao, we’ll sit down for local folk music, snacks and a delicious dinner of the vegan versions of local Mertiya Rathore recipes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7 Ghanerao Rawla Village
After yoga at the palace and breakfast, we’ll explore the surrounding countryside learning about the various ethnic groups and cultures that call Rajasthan their home and the different agricultural products being farmed here. We also will be visiting a local village school where we’ll join the kids for a challenging game of sitolia (a classic cross between cricket and dodgeball) – so be ready to play as they are darn good at it. We’ll return to the palace for lunch, then you’ll have time to relax with a dip in the pool. In the afternoon, we’ll join a member of the Royal Family of Ghanerao who will introduce us to the vital importance agriculture plays in the life of the people here and their fight, which is be being led by our hosts, to keep traditional local organic farming, the livelihood of many communities here, alive, local and out of the reach of global companies. At nightfall, we’ll settle down for another delicious dinner of local Mertiya Rathore recipes! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to see India, and not just the India tourists see. Not only did you surpass every expectation I had for this trip, but you gave me and intimate experience of India which I forever be grateful for.”  
Peggy Goings (California, USA)

DAY 8 Aranyawas – Saira Countryside
From the arid-desert plains of Rajasthan, we ascend into the Aravalli Mountains – the oldest mountain range in India and one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world (which is just the opposite of its cousin to the north, the Himalayas – one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world)! Stretching roughly 692 kilometers from northeastern Gujarat, through Rajasthan and all the way to Delhi, this impressive ancient mountain range literally means “line of peaks”. We’ll make our way up to the awe-inspiring fifteenth-century “marble-marvel” Ranakpur Jain Temple, that sprawls out over 48,000 square feet and has 1,444 pillars each carved differently. After exploring the temple, we’ll check in to our hillside hotel for the night. You’ll have time to relax before we meet up for a hike to the nearby Bhil village. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9 Udaipur
From the Aravalli Mountains – we’ll make our way up into the enchanting rolling hills to the enchanting oasis city of Udaipur. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll settle into our home for the next three days, a charming noble’s haveli (mansion) set alongside Lake Pichola! Surrounded by lakes, rolling hills and rich in history, Udaipur, with its lakeside palaces, ancient temples, vibrant bazaars & narrow-winding streets, is the perfect place to relax and take in the alluring princely charm of Rajasthan. Upon arrival in this charming city, we’ll hop aboard a boat for a relaxing cruise around Lake Pichola.

In the evening, we head out for our cooking class. Our first stop: the wet market – a treasure trove of spices and flavors where essential ingredients such as chilly, ginger, mint, cilantro & tamarind are found amongst a colorful selection of spices and veggies. After the market, we’ll head to the rooftop where we’ll learn how to cook up a Mewari feast as we enjoy drinks & views of the old city as the colors of the day change to night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10  Udaipur
One of the highlights of our stay here in the City of Lakes is our visit to a very special animal rescue organization known as Animal Aid. We’ll spend the morning with them out at their base where they not only offer a hospital, but also a home for the abused and neglected animals of the city. Their patients include everything from donkeys to dogs, cows to water buffalos, monkeys to pigs – whoever is in need gets the help. After our visit to Animal Aid, we’re off to the majestic Royal City Palace, of the legacy of the Mewar Kingdom. From the palace, we’ll make our way through the narrow winding lanes of the city to a veg cafe for lunch. After lunch,  you’ll have a free time to take in the regal charm of this half millennium old city at your own pace. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 11 Udaipur
After a hearty breakfast in our “haveli on the lake’s” dining hall, you’ll have the morning and afternoon free to explore on your own. We’ve kept you busy over the past days, so today – on your last full day in India, you’ll have time to catch up on  your souvenir list for friends and family (or yourself), sipping on a cup of coffee or chai at a local lakeside café, rejuvenating with a traditional massage or just kicking back and taking in the charm of princely Rajasthan. Before the sun sets over this ancient city, we will meet up in the lobby of our lakeside haveli and hop aboard auto rickshaws. Traveling down the narrow storybook-like back alleys of the City of Lakes, we’ll make our way to a local Rajput family’s home in the heart of the old town where we’ll be joining Singhji and his family in Udaipur for our farewell party dinner! (Breakfast, Dinner)

“The adventure still lingers so vibrantly in my mind as the most amazing travel experience I’ve Had yet. Thanks!” 
Michelle Flynn (California, USA)

DAY 12 Back to Delhi
After a hearty breakfast in our haveli’s dining hall, you have some time free to do any last minute shopping or simply relax in the verandah enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. Later, we’ll meet up with all our bags ready, stopping for lunch before we head out to the airport to catch our flight back to Delhi. Arriving in Delhi in the late afternoon, your adventure ends on arrival at the airport at around 5 PM. If you need any onward assistance, please talk with your adventure leaders who will be more than happy to help. Thank you very much again for traveling with VegVoyages – Bahut, bahut dhanyavaad. Have a safe trip back home! (Breakfast, Lunch)
​

The sights, sounds (and not to forget, the tastes!) of Rajasthan have left a lasting impression thanks to the excellent organizational skills and personal attention of VegVoyages. Thanks to you all for the unforgettable experience, and (as we say here in the Netherlands) “Tot Ziens”!” 
Richard & Margreeth Marsden (Holland, Netherlands)​

Tour Includes:

ACCOMMODATION: 
11 Nights Rooms, all with AC and Private Bathroom (1 Eco-hotel, 1 Villa, 1 Royal Palace, 1 Royal Castle, 1 Noble Haveli)

MEALS: 
31 Vegan Meals (11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, and 10 Dinners)

ALSO INCLUDED:
• 5 Yoga Sessions
• 4 Festive Nights with Beer/Rum, and/or Juices included with dinner
• 3 Live Music and/or Traditional Dance Performance
• Daily Bottled Water
• Airport Arrival Pick Up *
• All Sites Entry Fees
• Afternoon tea and coffee 
• Daily Local Language Lesson
• Vegan Cooking Class
• Visit a World Heritage Site: Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary National Park
• Visit India’s most famous landmark – the stunning Taj Mahal
• Visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit the Epic Chand Baoli step-well, the largest step-well in India
• Boat Ride in Lake Pichola, Udaipur
• Entry Fee to the City Royal Palace in Udaipur
• Introduction to Traditional Art of Painting
• Participating in a local favorite game of Cricket
• Wander through a local Bazaar
• Guest of Local School
• Explore the narrow winding streets of centuries-old villages
• Learn about traditional farming
• Visit the awe-inspiring “marble-marvel” Ranakpur Jain Temple
• Visit a Local Grassroots Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Animal Aid
• Domestic Flight from Udaipur to Delhi (on last day of tour)

*Airport arrival pick-up is provided for free if you arrive on the day the tour start, a day before or two days before the tour start and staying at our hotel. If you will be arriving much earlier, please kindly arrange your own transport. Thank you.

Tour Does Not Include:
International flight, visa, tips, departure transfer, camera fees at sites.
Contact Donna at Green Earth Travel for more information 
donna@greenearthtravel.com
 or call 301 229-5666
Picture
Buy travel protection from Travel Insured International
Picture
Subscribe to our Constant Contact Newsletter!
Managed by Voyager Websites
Photo used under Creative Commons from The Brian Solis