Special Education teacher of Learning Resources at The Cathedral and John Connon School .
This unique educational experience into the heart of the Marwar region of Rajasthan will unravel for you the splendors of the mighty Thar desert, the gentleness of the Bishnoi people and the stunning monuments of Jodhpur.
On arrival at Jodhpur you will be transferred by coach to Manvar Desert Camp, your home in the timeless sand dunes of the mighty Thar desert.
Manvar is an ideal base to explore the Indian desert life, culture, wildlife & beauty. Your tented camp in the desert is a rare sanctuary of pristine beauty, tranquility and peace. The concept of MANVAR Desert Camp seems to trace its birth to the 17th century when while on his way to the battlefields, the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, known for his luxurious lifestyle, used to set up royal style camps.
After lunch this afternoon you proceed on a 2 hour camel safari. Experience for yourself the splendor of the Thar desert perched a top its most famous and iconic inhabitant. Within Manvar’s timeless horizons, you will find yourself at one with nature.
Watch the chinkara – the shy Indian gazelle as they make way across the silent sands and catch the sun set over the distant dunes.
This evening before dinner brace yourself for an evening of excitement at the campfire featuring a plethora of Rajasthani folk dancers and acrobats.
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred by road to the hamlet of Luni. Located 35 kms away from Jodhpur, it is a charming and cloistered village which reflects the royal past of Rajasthan. In Luni many artisans are still pursuing their ancestral profession of carving metal, clay or wood into intricate forms. The village of Luni is situated in the shadow of the fort walls.
Your home for the next two days is Fort Chanwa, famous for its elegance in Indian architecture. This entire fort is carved out of the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur. It reminds us of the grandeur and grace of Rajasthan. The traditional paintings on the walls are evidence of the skill of craftsmen and the bygone days. Maharaja Dalip Singhji, and his wife Rani Madhu, the fort's former rulers have restored its old charm and will be your host.
After breakfast this morning you will proceed by jeep to the tribal settlements of the Bishnoi and the Rabari people.
The Bishnoi are a community of nature worshipers, the sect was founded by Guru Jambeshwar in 1451 after a drought in the area. The Bishnoi have banned all killing of animals and the felling of trees, which are thus considered sacred by the Bishnois. Spend sometime with the children at the local village school and let them explain to you their efforts in the preservation of the environment. Interact with the village matrons as they teach you the intricate art of carpet weaving.
Late after lunch you will continue your exploration of rural Rajasthan as you visit the settlements of the Rabari people, whose main business is raising cattle, camels and goats.
After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to Jodphur. On arrival you will proceed on a sightseeing tour of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. This fort is one of the largest in India and situated at an altitude of about 125 metres. It has been a witness to the splendor of a bygone era. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous places in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpur sculptures. Mehrangarh literally means "Majestic Fort". It is located at very center of the city and is visible surrounding from the city. Originally built in 1806 the fort has been added to many times since. The palaces in this fort were built in an informal pattern over several centuries. They have their own peculiar style, with narrow staircases, serving as the only means of access to the royal residences within. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the fort's ramparts are well – preserved.
You will continue your discovery of Jodhpur by visiting the Jaswant Thada located close to the fort complex. This white marble cenotaph was built in 1899 in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh.
After lunch at a local restaurant you will have some time off for shopping at the City clock tower and the colorful Sadar Market near it. These colorful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city and popular for a wide range of handicrafts.
After breakfast this morning we will be transferred to the airport for our flight back home
Return home with happy memories spent with friends and of your Outlearn Outdoor School Trip.