This route is for explorers who wish to see more than just the famous monuments of India. After visiting the famous sights of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, we travel overland along the backroads of the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The trip presents a panorama of timeless pastoral scenes : Eternal India. Sometimes we shall participate with the proud and colorful local clans in their joyful celebrations of Life. The puckish humor and simple poetry of their lilting music and dance are a highlight of this trip.

We start the trip at Delhi, the elegant and impressive capital of India.This ancient city has been created by Hindu, Muslim and British builders, and we shall savor the ambience of several bygone eras as we explore it. Later, we proceed to the magnificent Taj Mahal at Agra, unquestionably the world's most magnificent monument to conjugal love.

Approaching Jaipur, we drive past stretches of golden sand and low, rocky hills dotted with tiny fortresses. The fortifications surrounding Jaipur give it a medieval atmosphere and colorful bazaars thrive around the quaint Hawa Mahal. High above the city, the towers and domes of the Amber Palace are reminiscent of scenes from a fairy tale. This is the capital of the state of Rajasthan, a land of chivalry and knightly prowess; of proud prestige and daring deeds; of Love, Honor, and Romance.
 

At Mandawa and Khimsar, we shall stay in old castles, now converted into comfortable "Heritage" hotels. The ambiance, decor, the style of service have been preserved as they were in the old days. Fortunately, modern plumbing has been added! The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled in the 18th century, and was fortified by the dominant merchant families. Today it has some of the finest painted havelies in the region, and is a perfect place for wandering at random. The fort, dating back to 1760, dominates the town and now houses Hotel Castle Mandawa.

Further west, the massive battlements of the living fort of Jaisalmer rise dramatically out of the surrounding desert. Within lie a host of curious buildings, with fantastic facades and elaborate balconies. This fascinating fort was built in 1156 in the heart of the Thar desert. The Jain temples within the fort are decorated with deities and elaborate dancing figures in mythological settings. We shall explore the intricately latticed “ havelis” - residences of erstwhile noblemen and wealthy traders - with their conspicuous facades. Amidst all this grandeur thrives the gay commerce and simple life of families who have lived within the fort for a thousand years. Jaisalmer’s exotic bazaars offer fine mirror work and embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewelry and curios.
 

Our last night in the desert is in a tented camp, where the local village folk may join us in a campfire evening. The following day we leave the shifting sands of the Thar desert, rapidly traversing the vast green meadows of Gujarat, India's dairy state. For the next two nights we stay in comfortable tourist huts built in local style at Zainabad, at the edge of the Raan of Kutch. This is an intriguing area bordering the Arabian Sea, a semi-desert interspersed with salt marshes. Parts of it are so flat that the horizon is visible for 360 degrees, creating the illusion that you are poised on the edge of the world. The area abounds in large herds of Wild Ass that happily thunder along beside our vehicles, and spectacular colonies of pink flamingoes. Bhuj is the major town in Kutch. It is an old, walled city built around a lake. Until recently the city gates were locked each night from dusk to dawn. There are walls-within-walls, crenelated gateways, old palaces and temples decorated with gay tribal abandon. The market place is alive with sharp-featured, handsome Kutchi tribals who dress in dramatic colors and wear chunky silver jewelry.
 
 

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