“Still round the corner there may wait a new road or a secret gate. And though I often have passed them by, a day will come at last when I shall take the hidden paths that run west of the moon, east of the sun.“ ~J.R.R. Tolkien

Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens? To be transported into the Royal dynasties, palaces and forts? Exploring and uncovering hidden gems at every turn?

 

Join Anita Sundaram and Joan Ngo for 12 royal days.

A Journey into the Lost Arts – Jaipur Edition, India.

Welcome to Jaipur, Rajasthan!

A city that is home to royal majestic forts, spectacular palaces, temples and bustling colorful markets. The opulence and the extravagant lifestyle of this princely state is like no other. Each day is curated and themed to give you a taste and flavor into an incredible rich tapestry of Rajasthani art, history & culture.

Our journey into this sacred, sublime time of the monarchs begins in Jaipur (The Pink City). Wandering the City Palace, where part of this magnificent palace still lives the king! Wait till your eyes feast on the Peacock Gates intricate details.

Meandering to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) an architectural gem, showcases the grandeur of Rajput legacy. Wait till your eyes take in a breathtaking site, the majestic Amber Palace! It will take your breath away. An opulent, rich glimpse into lives of the Rajput rulers.

Jaipur to Bagru

From Jaipur we make our way to the village of Bagru, an intriguing community that has preserved their laborious craft for over 350 years. Jaipur’s rich heritage is home to the famous woodblock printing. A cherished art form passed down through generations of skilled artisans. You will experience first-hand the secrets of natural plant dyes, and printing techniques. This ancient tradition is being kept alive by a lineage of families in the villages of Bagru. We will spend a day with one of the families, learning the intricate art of carving, dyeing, washing, weaving and printing to create a single piece of hand block printed textile. We will have a traditional lunch, sip on chai and you will print your own product as a remembrance of this soul enriching day.

Bagru to Pushkar

From Bagru we venture to Pushkar. Known as the rose garden of Rajasthan. The essence of the Pushkar Rose is famous worldwide. We will have a sensorial walk through one of these botanical gardens. Pushkar is a pilgrimage town, peppered with ancient temples and is known for its sacred vortexes of energy including the Brahma temple, the only temple in India honoring the Lord of Creation. So the story goes, Pushkar was created when Brahma (the creator of the universe) triumphed over a demon using only a lotus flower. After the battle, the lotus flower fell to the ground, creating Pushkar Lake. To this day, Pushkar remains an important Hindu pilgrimage spot. No pilgrimage is complete without a blessed dip in the Holy Pushkar Lake. It is an ancient pilgrimage site for many people seeking to reignite, and recognize the very nature of one “Self”.

In Pushkar you will also experience a once in a lifetime private candle-lit Folk Rajasthani concert in an ancient Vishnu Temple featuring the Langa desert musicians, and a breathtaking Sunset Camel Safari.

Pushkar to Shekhawati

Giving gratitude to the holy city of Pushkar we will make our way to Shekhawati. A hidden architectural marvel tucked away in the vast desert landscapes of Rajasthan. Known as the world’s largest open air art gallery, built around the 18th century. Situated along the famous Silk Road where trade and commerce flourished wildly. Once home to the world’s wealthiest merchants and the “old world billionaires,” they call this secret place the “Hamptons of Rajasthan.” Massively affluent businessmen commissioned the region’s most gifted artisans to construct ornate palatial havelis (mansions) as lavish displays of their wealth. The walls, ceilings, wherever the eye can see is covered in extraordinarily intricate frescos (paintings) that tell the stories of grandeur among the old merchant class. We will have the luxury of staying overnight in one of these grand havelis. A day will be spent exploring the lost art of these havelis, bangle making and much more.

Do you feel Royal enough yet?!

Our journey will not be complete without an Ayurveda Immersion.

Returning to Jaipur we will visit an authentic Ayurvedic Clinic and Research Center to experience, Sundari – A Day of Beauty.

You will have the option of receiving a consultation, treatments and partake in a sacred beauty workshop.

Nahargarh Fort

Finally, an unforgettable sunset experience at the hunting residence of the kings, Nahargarh Fort (abode of the tigers- Don’t worry there are no tigers anymore). An incredible fort overlooking the city of Jaipur, constructed as a place of retreat from attack. The most beautiful and enthralling aspect are the suites for the Queens of Jaipur. Each room linked by secret corridors, still depicted with frescos (paintings).