Mind India camel trekIndia is a land that truly suspends belief and defies description. Stretching from the frozen barrier of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar Desert, India’s boundaries encompass incomparable variety.
Our camel safari takes us to the colourful region of western Rajasthan, south of Jodhpur. On (and off!) camels we will trek for over 100km in this unexplored region; the land of the Kings and truly India at its most exotic and best.
Our journey starts in Ranakpur, which has the biggest and most important Jian temple in India. On our camels we will trek through the remote and peaceful valleys of the Aravalli range, which are the thought to be one of the oldest ranges of hills in the world! We will pass lakes filled with magnificent bird life and pass some of the charming and colourful villages of Rajasthan, to our finish through forest and the Kumpahgh sanctuary.
This will be a unique journey by day on camel back, whilst spending memorable nights under the stars in this semi desert region. The adventure is concluded with a breathtaking visit to the Taj Mahal, where we will spend time admiring this most famous Muhgal monument. Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love; the Taj Mahal was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who after 17 years of marriage died during childbirth in 1631.
Day 1:The beginning
We have an early morning departure from the UK and arrive at Delhi that evening.we are met with a traditional ‘Flower garland welcome’ and transferred to the Ashok Country Resort hotel.
Day 2:Ranakpur
After some rest and breakfast, we will then transfer by coach to the airport for the flight to Jodhpur. We arrive at Jodhpur and take a short transfer by coach to Ranakpur. After dinner we will have our full safari briefing about the challenge ahead. Overnight hotel.
Day 3:Ranakpur- Muthana Lake Camp.
After an early breakfast we begin our camel safari, which initially passes through villages and farmland with a distant view of the Aravalli Hills. After lunch we continue past rocky outcrops and dry riverbanks to our beautiful camping spot on the Muthana lake. A haven for the birdwatchers and great place to watch the beautiful sunset dropping behind the hills. Overnight in tents.
Day 4:
Muthana Lake to Kana
After early breakfast we continue our camel trek through villages and then through open fields and rocky outcrops to our camp at Kana, which is situated on a dam with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The camp has a very old Sufi Shrine that people can visit or just enjoy the birdlife of Rajasthan, which is at its best in November. Overnight in tents.
Day 5 :
Kana- Amba Bagh
Starting early we continue our safari through open fields and small hills with all around views of the Aravalli Mountain Range. Our Camp is at the delightful Amba Bagh, which is dominated by some old ruined temples taking us back in time thousands of years.
Day 6:AmbaBagh- Baga Ka bagh.
We leave after breakfast and continue trough the rolling hills of Aravalli, open fields and on finally to the forests of Kumbalgah Sanctuary to Baga Ka bag which is surrounded by low hills with a fine temple within walking distance. Baga Ka bag is the old hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mewar. We will overnight in tents, though we will be making use of the hunting lodge facilities.
Day 7:Baga Ka Bagh – The gala evening
We begin the day through forest visiting tribal villages along the way. We ascend gently crossing several small streams en-route to Thandi Beri. On arrival we can visit the lake, which contains crocodiles and is surrounded by green hills harbouring a myriad of bird-life. After lunch here we have the option to drive our next 12 kms by 4 Wheel Drive or to walk to our delightful hotel on the top of the hill offering fine views all around. In the afternoon we will have time to relax and enjoy the pool in the hotel garden before celebrating our achievements for Mind at a special gala dinner. Overnight hotel.
Day 8:
Kumbalgarh to Jodhpur
After breakfast we drive initially through hills and then through fields to the blue city of Jodhpur where we visit Mehrangarh Fort, which dominates the skyline above this beautiful city. After the visit we then transfer to the station for an overnight train to Agra.
Day 9:
Taj Mahal
We arrive this morning in Agra and transfer to the hotel where we have the morning free before our afternoon guided visit to the Taj Mahal and the local bazaar. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10:Agra – Delhi
After breakfast we drive back to Delhi by coach, stopping for lunch on the way. Upon arrival in Delhi, we will have an opportunity to freshen up and enjoy some dinner at the Ashok Country Resort hotel before departing late for the airport.
