Jawai Trails

Rajasthan with the presence of Ranthambhore and Sariska is popular among wildlife enthusiasts for a long time now. A new and less explored region quietly was thriving and flourishing in its leopard population all this while and has recently gained popularity on the wildlife map - Jawai, where man and animal live in perfect harmony! About Jawai -Jawai Bandh (dam) was made by Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji of Jodhpur over a span of 11 years at a cost of INR 2.7 Crores. Built on the Jawai River, a tributary of Luni River, Jawai Bandh is the largest dam in western Rajasthan and supplies water to Jodhpur and nearby area. The region is conveniently located to be accessed from Jodhpur (150 km), Udaipur (150 km) and Mount Abu (110 km) and can be easily woven into any itinerary. What to expect when in Jawai -Leopards of course! But besides these graceful feline beauties, the wildlife enthusiasts can revel on the sightings of crocodiles, sloth bears, antelopes, Indian wolves, hyenas, white fox, nilgai and a plethora of migratory birds. Meet the local, friendly and hospitable community of Rabaris who are herders and keepers of cattle, camels and other domestic animals. The men are out during the days herding their stock while the women engage in some embroidery and handicrafts to earn an extra buck. The Rabaris are protectors of the leopards as they believe them to be the guards of their local deity. Men’s attire includes a large red turban and white kurtapyjamas/dhoti while the women wear their traditional dress with bangles that cover their entire arms, and silver anklets. The migratory birds that flock the Jawai region include the lesser flamingos, spot-billed pelicans, glossy ibis, common sandpipers, bar-headed geese, brahminy ducks, painted storks, little cormorants, Indian river terns, little and intermediate egrets, white-breasted kingfishers, black winged stilts, stone chats, pied bushchats, paddy field pipits and red wattled lapwings. The Jawai region also presents breathtaking views of the horizon, the landscape, the magnificent dam and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Entirely a photographer’s delight! The Safari The leopard safaris, though these should be named as the explore-Jawai safari more aptly, start at 05:30 am everyday as the elusive cats are most likely to be spotted during those hours. The safari takes you up and around the granite rock formations that are home to the leopards and the other animals and birds. While looking for the leopards, one encounters the other wild life, experiences the ride over the round granite rock formations, meets the Rabaris and gets enthralled by the magnificent panoramic views of nature’s beauty spread all around. The safaris are conducted on customized jeeps (4X4 open jeeps with extra seats added) with an accompanying naturalist/guide who is a local and knows the land and animals well. The evening safari starts at around 05:30 pm and finishes by 07:30 pm before it gets dark. Evening excursion to Jawai Dam and Hill ride and excursion for Leopard safari. Overnight stay at your Hotel

After a leisurely breakfast, commence your day Drive to Kumbhalgarh via Ranakpur .Ranakpur which is the largest Jain temple complex in India and dates to the 15th century. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar. Intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns and motifs on the walls, pillars and domes. There are 1444 ornately carved marble pillars in the complex and no two are similar. The beautiful lace-like interiors of the domes are a superb example of western Indian temple style. Surya temple and other Jain temples are side attractions. (Temples open only at 1200 Hrs. Leather belts, footwear, bare legs and black clothing not allowed). After lunch drive to Kumbhalgarh, is one of the finest examples of defensive fortifications in Rajasthan. The 15th century fort commands an important strategic position and gives superb views over the surroundings. The 36 km long walls enclose palaces, gardens, temples and water storage facilities. The fort is believed to have been taken only once in its history. There is also a wildlife sanctuary here, known for wolves. Other wildlife found here includes leopards, antelopes and sloth bears. Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort – the unconquerable fortress is secured under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Encircled by thirteen elevated mountain peaks, the fort is constructed on the topmost ridges around 1914 meters above sea level. The fortifications of the fort extend to the length of 36 kilometers and this fact has made this fort to be in the international records. It is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, the first being and#39;‘The Great Wall of Chinaand#39;and#39;. The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples and gardens making it more magnificent. Restored, preserved and protected by The Archaeological Survey of India, the fort is among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Also visit Badal Mahal Palace Evening light and sound show at Fort Overnight stay at your Hotel

Morning: enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Eklingji , Nagda and Haldighati. Haldighati-Situated towards the southwest of Nathdwara, the historical site of Haldighati witnessed the great battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal army in 1576 AD. The name is believed to have been derived from the turmeric-coloured yellow soil (Turmeric is haldi in Hindi). Haldighati is located 44 kms from Udaipur. Eklingji-Built in the 8th century, Eklingji in Udaipur is a Hindu temple complex consisting of about 108 temples. The structures of these temples have been carved in granite, sandstone and marble. Eklingji (22 KM) Timing hrs 0415-0645,1030-1330,1715-1945 Eklingji is a temple complex of 108 small temples of 8 th century. The main temple of Shiva has four headed sculptures in black stone Nagda (23 km) Timing 0800-1800 hrs Nagda was first capital of Mewar kingdom and now left with ruins of temple known as Saas-bahu temple dated 10 th century. Arrive Udaipur and transfer to your hotel. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. This fairy – tale city, with its marble palaces and lakes surrounded by a ring of hills, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559. The city is dominated by massive City Palace, which overlooks Lake Pichola with its romantic island palaces. Picturesque havelis, ghats and temples line the lake front, with the lively bazaars of the old walled city stretching behind them. Later in the Evening take a boat ride on the 4 km long and 3 km wide Lake Pichola, which is fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats, embankments and temples and offers spectacular Lake Pichola, the largest artificial freshwater lake in Udaipur, was built in the year of 1362 AD. Around 30 feet deep, this beautiful lake boasts of four main islands - Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir and Arsi Vilas. Jag Niwas is home to the beautiful Lake Palace, a well-known heritage hotel. Jag Mandir features the famous Lake Garden Palace. Mohan Mandir used to be where the King would witness the Gangaur celebrations while Arsi Vilas was built by the Maharanas to enjoy the beautiful views of the sunset. The best way to catch scintillating views of the lake is to take a boat ride, especially around sunset, and enjoy the tranquility. Overnight stay at your Hotel

After breakfast proceed for Full day city tour of Udaipur – visiting the City Palace and Museum. The largest palace complex in India, it is a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences. -The most impressive attraction in Udaipur is the magnificent City Palace which is now a museum and houses fine art works in glass mosaics, and miniature paintings, of which Udaipur is famous, depicting glories of an ancient past. The City Palace, Built by the Maharana Udai in 1559, The City Palace is located on the east bank of Lake Pichola. Fused with Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, the Palace is considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan. The Palace has various towers, domes and arches which add to the flavour of the heritage site. It is a marvelous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, this majestic piece of architecture is one of the most visited tourist attraction. Crystal Gallery -Situated at the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Crystal Gallery houses an extravagant collection of crystals. It is an unused collection that includes crystal chairs, sofas, tables and even beds. Other precious items include crystal dressing tables, chairs, crockery, table fountains and even the regal beds. In 1877, Maharaja Sajjan Singh ordered this rare crystal from Fandamp;C Osler andamp; Co in England but died before the package arrived. JAGDISH TEMPLE -The Jagdish Temple is a great focal point for the Hindu people of Udaipur. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, The Jagdish Mandir is an excellent example of Indo - Aryan architecture. One of the popular tourist attractions on the map of Rajasthan, the Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple located in the heart of Udaipur. It enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu, considered as ‘The Creator’ in Hindu mythology. Sahelion Ki Bari -Sahelion Ki Bari, also known as ‘Courtyard of the Maidens’ is a popular tourist attraction in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Set below the embankment of the Fatah Sagar Lake, the gardens is decorated with beautiful lotus pools, elephant-shaped fountains, paintings, glass mosaics and marble pavilions. Legend says, the king himself designed this garden and presented it to the queen. Shilpagram -Shilpagram in Udaipur can be literally translated as the ‘Craftsmenand#39;s Village’. It depicts the lifestyle of the folk and tribal people of the West Zone. Overnight stay at your Hotel

After breakfast, the day is free until transferred to Airport for your onward journey to the next destination