BANESHWAR FAIR: INDIA’S LARGEST TRIBAL FAIR
For a truly immersive experience into the enchanting local culture and traditions of Rajasthan, witness and participate in the festivities of the largest indigenous fair in India.
The Baneshwar Fair is held every year. This tour is applicable for travel from 1st February – 18th February, 2022 and you will be at Dungarpur on 13th February, 2022 to witness the festivities of the Baneshwar Fair.
1st February, 2022: Delhi: Arrive in Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague who will escort you to your hotel and help you to check-in.
2nd February, 2022: Delhi: The morning`s sightseeing will begin with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb which is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India.
You will then drive to Old Delhi where, you will take an exclusive cycle-rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the 300-year-old Chandni Chowk market. Your cycle rickshaw will pull up at the Jama Masjid, believed to be the largest mosque in India as well as Shah Jahan’s last architectural venture.
You will then return to your hotel driving through Rajpath or “King’s Way” and the wide tree-lined avenues of New Delhi, which served as the capital city for the former British Empire.
3rd February, 2022: Delhi – Nawalgarh: After breakfast, you will drive to the Shekhawati region of Nawalgarh (approximately 6 hours, excluding stops). On arrival in Nawalgarh, you will check-in to your hotel.
Late in the afternoon, you will visit a few prominent havelis like Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli and Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli. Nawalgarh has seen the origins of numerous Marwari business families and the havelis are known for their elaborate architecture which makes it an interesting destination.
4th February, 2022: Nawalgarh – Mandawa – Nawalgarh: Today, you will take an excursion to Mandawa (45 minutes, excluding stops) which was an important trading town in the 18th century. The wealthy merchant families that settled here constructed many havelis with colored frescoes adorning their walls.
On the tour, you will visit the famous ornately decorated havelis of some of the leading business families. You will also explore the local villages to interact with its people and get a glimpse of the everyday nuances of village life.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel. Later, you will take a camel cart ride through the surrounding villages.
In the evening, you will witness a folk dance performance at your hotel.
5th February, 2022: Nawalgarh – Jaipur: After breakfast, you will drive to Jaipur (approximately 3 hours excluding stops). On arrival in Jaipur, you will check-in to your hotel.
After lunch, you will visit the Fort-Palace at Amber (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
You will then drive about 30 minutes to a private farmhouse abutting the forest. Here, you will get to interact with the farm’s resident elephants - feeding them, washing and scrubbing them– all in the privacy of one of our exclusive wilderness venues. You will then have the option of simply strolling in the wilderness with it. Dinner will be served at a private venue.
Note: Peirce & Leslie is very particular that the elephants are well cared for and are not mistreated in any way so you needn’t worry on that score.
You will then return to your hotel.
6th February, 2022: Jaipur: Early in the morning, you may like to spend time with a yogacharya (a teacher of yoga), who will take you on a spiritual journey of “well-being” through a yoga and meditation session at your hotel.
After breakfast, you will visit the sprawling City Palace, which is a superb blend of the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. You will then enter the extraordinary Jantar Mantar the astronomical observatory built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II. You may stop to click pictures at the iconic Hawa Mahal with its ornate pink façade.
In the afternoon, you will be taken on a specially designed walk through the bazaars of the Old City where you will get the opportunity to interact with the artisans and tradesmen who have been plying their trade for generations and have become an integral part of the city’s economic growth.
Afterwards, you will be taken on a street-food tour of Jaipur. From slurping a creamy lassi (a sweet or savory refreshing drink made from churned yogurt) at an iconic little shop and snacking on crispy pyaaz (onion) kachoris (puff pastries) at Rawat Misthan Bhandar to getting your hands around a ‘roll’ at Al Bake and sipping a hot cup of chai at Gulab Ji’s, Jaipur’s street food is sure to leave your taste buds craving for more.
You will then return to your hotel.
7th February, 2022: Jaipur – Bundi: After breakfast, you will drive to Bundi (approximately 3.5 hours excluding stops). On arrival in Bundi, you will check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Taragarh Fort, one of the most impressive structures in Bundi.
This will be followed by a visit to the picturesque Jait Sagar Lake, encircled by hills and is sprinkled with lotus during the monsoon and winter months.
Also on the tour, will be a visit to Sukh Mahal, a small summer palace with beautiful terraced gardens. This was where Rudyard Kipling stayed whilst he wrote his bestselling novel, Kim.
You will then return to your hotel.
8th February, 2022: Bundi: After breakfast, you will visit the Garh Palace, a series of overlapping palaces built by various rulers between the 17th and 18th century.
You will then visit Raniji-ki-Baori, also known as ‘Queen’s Stepwell’. Commissioned by Rani Nathvatiji in 1699 (she is reputed to have built 20 other stepwells), this is the most well-maintained stepwell in the region.
This will be followed by a visit to Nawal Sagar Lake, an 18th century lake with a temple of Varuna, the God of Water presiding at the head of the lake just below the Garh Palace.
You will then return to your hotel.
9th February, 2022: Bundi – Chittorgarh – Udaipur: After an early breakfast, you will drive to Udaipur (approximately 5.5 hours excluding stops).
On the way, you will stop at Chittorgarh to explore one of the most significant forts of Rajasthan. The local saying goes that if there is a fort it is Chittorgarh (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), rest of them are smaller fortresses. The fort is reminiscent of Rajput valour, pride, sacrifice and loyalty.
Upon arrival in Udaipur, you will check-in to your hotel.
10th February, 2022: This morning, you will visit the City Palace which was built over three centuries and is a series of four interconnecting palaces, illustrative of various architectural styles.
Afterwards, you will walk through the Crystal Gallery which has a rather eclectic collection of Crystal Object d'art and furniture. The morning tour will end at Jagdish Temple, an example of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture.
In the afternoon you will take a walking tour of the old city. You will also stop at a small temple in the old city where you will see the very rare and ephemeral art of “Jal Sanjhi”, a religious art that involves drawing with coloured powder on water.
You will then return to your hotel.
In the evening, you will take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola sailing past its picturesque ghats and palaces.
11th February, 2022: Udaipur: After breakfast, you will drive to the Delwara region of Rajasthan (approximately 45 minutes, excluding stops), which houses the beautiful temples of Nagda and Eklingji.
Afterwards, you will take a Delwara Heritage and Community Walk organized by Udaipur based NGO – SADHNA Cooperative that is a unit of SEVA MANDIR which works on women empowerment by engaging tribal women in textile stitching and manufacturing.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel.
Tonight, you will participate in a unique culinary experience conducted by a family that was once amongst the premier nobility of Mewar. This will be followed by dinner with the host family.
12th February, 2022: Udaipur – Dungarpur: The morning will be at leisure for independent activities.
After lunch, you will drive to Dungarpur (approximately 2 hours excluding stops). Upon arrival in Dungarpur, you will check-in to your hotel.
13th February, 2022: Dungarpur – Baneshwar – Dungarpur: Today, you will take a full-day excursion to Baneshwar (approximately 1 hour, excluding stops) to participate in the festivities of the Baneshwar Fair.
Primarily celebrated by the tribal folk of this region, Bhils - the Baneshwar Fair is held on a full moon day and the sacred Shiv Linga kept in the Mahadev Temple in Dungarpur is worshipped.
You will have the opportunity to join the locals and participate in the festivities as they engage in a series of activities – from belting out folk songs to exciting magic shows and fun acrobatic acts.
14th February, 2022: Dungarpur – Palanpar: After breakfast, you will drive to Palanpur (approximately 4 hours, excluding stops). Upon arrival in Palanpur, you will check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit the sacred temple of Balaram Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be about 5000 years old.
This will be followed by a visit to Balaram Palace, the erstwhile hunting retreat of the Lohani Nawab of Palanpur. A graceful manifestation of neo-classical and baroque styles or architecture, it is currently a luxury heritage resort.
Also on the tour will be a visit to Kirti Stambh, a tower constructed by Nawab Shri Taley Mohammed Khan in 1918 commemorating the gallantry of his father, the history of town and his dynasty.
You will then return to your hotel.
15th February, 2022: Palanpar – Patan – Modhera – Ahmedabad: After breakfast, you will drive to Ahmedabad (approximately 3.5 hours excluding stops). On the way, you will visit Patan and Modhera.
Patan is home to a stepwell, Rani-ki-Vav (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) initially built as a memorial to a king (believed to be Bhimdev I) in the 11th century AD. The central theme of this stepwell is the Dashavatar (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu).
This will be followed by a visit to Modhera, known for its 11th-century Sun Temple. A grand sandstone monument built by the Solanki dynasty in the year 1027 A.D., it is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.
On arrival in Ahmedabad, you will check-in to your hotel.
16th February, 2022: Ahmedabad: After a quick cup of tea/coffee early this morning, you will start the day with a walk around the bustling, industrial and interesting Old Quarter of Ahmedabad, best visited early in the morning.
Breakfast will be served at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, you will visit Shreyas Folk Museum, a tribute to the folk art of Gujarat. It features multiple exhibits of utensils and domestic articles featuring beadwork wood carving, metal and leather work.
Note: The Museum remains closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Sabarmati Ashram, Hutheesingh Jain temple and Jama Masjid (mosque).
Set up in 1915, Sabarmati Ashram was the central point from where the struggle for India’s Independence was started.
Constructed in 1850 AD, Hutheesingh temple is a renowned Jain temple known for its fabulous architectural styling and designs that consist of intricate carvings.
The Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad was constructed in 1423 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city. Made of yellow sandstone, the architecture of this mosque is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styling.
You will then return to your hotel.
17th February, 2022: Ahmedabad: After breakfast, you will visit the Calico Museum of Textiles. A premier textile museum of the country, it is one of the most celebrated institutions of its kind and is known for its distinguished and comprehensive collection of textiles and artefacts.
Note: The Museum remains closed on Wednesdays & Public Holidays. Handbags/baggage, cameras and mobile phones are not permitted in the premises.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will arrange for you to visit Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch, a non-profit organization working to empower the nomadic and de-notified communities so that they get access to citizenship rights, education, health facilities, housing and livelihood support.
You will then return to your hotel.
18th February, 2022: Ahmedabad – Mumbai – Onward Destination: After breakfast, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague who will escort you to the airport and help you to check-in for your flight to Mumbai.
On arrival, you will be met by our colleague and escorted to your hotel located inside the airport where a day-use room will be reserved for you.
Late in the evening, you will be met by our colleague who will escort you back to the airport and help you to check-in for your homeward bound flight.
The Baneshwar Fair is held every year. This tour is applicable for travel from 1st February – 18th February, 2022 and you will be at Dungarpur on 13th February, 2022 to witness the festivities of the Baneshwar Fair.
1st February, 2022: Delhi: Arrive in Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague who will escort you to your hotel and help you to check-in.
2nd February, 2022: Delhi: The morning`s sightseeing will begin with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb which is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India.
You will then drive to Old Delhi where, you will take an exclusive cycle-rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the 300-year-old Chandni Chowk market. Your cycle rickshaw will pull up at the Jama Masjid, believed to be the largest mosque in India as well as Shah Jahan’s last architectural venture.
You will then return to your hotel driving through Rajpath or “King’s Way” and the wide tree-lined avenues of New Delhi, which served as the capital city for the former British Empire.
3rd February, 2022: Delhi – Nawalgarh: After breakfast, you will drive to the Shekhawati region of Nawalgarh (approximately 6 hours, excluding stops). On arrival in Nawalgarh, you will check-in to your hotel.
Late in the afternoon, you will visit a few prominent havelis like Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli and Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli. Nawalgarh has seen the origins of numerous Marwari business families and the havelis are known for their elaborate architecture which makes it an interesting destination.
4th February, 2022: Nawalgarh – Mandawa – Nawalgarh: Today, you will take an excursion to Mandawa (45 minutes, excluding stops) which was an important trading town in the 18th century. The wealthy merchant families that settled here constructed many havelis with colored frescoes adorning their walls.
On the tour, you will visit the famous ornately decorated havelis of some of the leading business families. You will also explore the local villages to interact with its people and get a glimpse of the everyday nuances of village life.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel. Later, you will take a camel cart ride through the surrounding villages.
In the evening, you will witness a folk dance performance at your hotel.
5th February, 2022: Nawalgarh – Jaipur: After breakfast, you will drive to Jaipur (approximately 3 hours excluding stops). On arrival in Jaipur, you will check-in to your hotel.
After lunch, you will visit the Fort-Palace at Amber (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
You will then drive about 30 minutes to a private farmhouse abutting the forest. Here, you will get to interact with the farm’s resident elephants - feeding them, washing and scrubbing them– all in the privacy of one of our exclusive wilderness venues. You will then have the option of simply strolling in the wilderness with it. Dinner will be served at a private venue.
Note: Peirce & Leslie is very particular that the elephants are well cared for and are not mistreated in any way so you needn’t worry on that score.
You will then return to your hotel.
6th February, 2022: Jaipur: Early in the morning, you may like to spend time with a yogacharya (a teacher of yoga), who will take you on a spiritual journey of “well-being” through a yoga and meditation session at your hotel.
After breakfast, you will visit the sprawling City Palace, which is a superb blend of the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. You will then enter the extraordinary Jantar Mantar the astronomical observatory built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II. You may stop to click pictures at the iconic Hawa Mahal with its ornate pink façade.
In the afternoon, you will be taken on a specially designed walk through the bazaars of the Old City where you will get the opportunity to interact with the artisans and tradesmen who have been plying their trade for generations and have become an integral part of the city’s economic growth.
Afterwards, you will be taken on a street-food tour of Jaipur. From slurping a creamy lassi (a sweet or savory refreshing drink made from churned yogurt) at an iconic little shop and snacking on crispy pyaaz (onion) kachoris (puff pastries) at Rawat Misthan Bhandar to getting your hands around a ‘roll’ at Al Bake and sipping a hot cup of chai at Gulab Ji’s, Jaipur’s street food is sure to leave your taste buds craving for more.
You will then return to your hotel.
7th February, 2022: Jaipur – Bundi: After breakfast, you will drive to Bundi (approximately 3.5 hours excluding stops). On arrival in Bundi, you will check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Taragarh Fort, one of the most impressive structures in Bundi.
This will be followed by a visit to the picturesque Jait Sagar Lake, encircled by hills and is sprinkled with lotus during the monsoon and winter months.
Also on the tour, will be a visit to Sukh Mahal, a small summer palace with beautiful terraced gardens. This was where Rudyard Kipling stayed whilst he wrote his bestselling novel, Kim.
You will then return to your hotel.
8th February, 2022: Bundi: After breakfast, you will visit the Garh Palace, a series of overlapping palaces built by various rulers between the 17th and 18th century.
You will then visit Raniji-ki-Baori, also known as ‘Queen’s Stepwell’. Commissioned by Rani Nathvatiji in 1699 (she is reputed to have built 20 other stepwells), this is the most well-maintained stepwell in the region.
This will be followed by a visit to Nawal Sagar Lake, an 18th century lake with a temple of Varuna, the God of Water presiding at the head of the lake just below the Garh Palace.
You will then return to your hotel.
9th February, 2022: Bundi – Chittorgarh – Udaipur: After an early breakfast, you will drive to Udaipur (approximately 5.5 hours excluding stops).
On the way, you will stop at Chittorgarh to explore one of the most significant forts of Rajasthan. The local saying goes that if there is a fort it is Chittorgarh (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), rest of them are smaller fortresses. The fort is reminiscent of Rajput valour, pride, sacrifice and loyalty.
Upon arrival in Udaipur, you will check-in to your hotel.
10th February, 2022: This morning, you will visit the City Palace which was built over three centuries and is a series of four interconnecting palaces, illustrative of various architectural styles.
Afterwards, you will walk through the Crystal Gallery which has a rather eclectic collection of Crystal Object d'art and furniture. The morning tour will end at Jagdish Temple, an example of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture.
In the afternoon you will take a walking tour of the old city. You will also stop at a small temple in the old city where you will see the very rare and ephemeral art of “Jal Sanjhi”, a religious art that involves drawing with coloured powder on water.
You will then return to your hotel.
In the evening, you will take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola sailing past its picturesque ghats and palaces.
11th February, 2022: Udaipur: After breakfast, you will drive to the Delwara region of Rajasthan (approximately 45 minutes, excluding stops), which houses the beautiful temples of Nagda and Eklingji.
Afterwards, you will take a Delwara Heritage and Community Walk organized by Udaipur based NGO – SADHNA Cooperative that is a unit of SEVA MANDIR which works on women empowerment by engaging tribal women in textile stitching and manufacturing.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel.
Tonight, you will participate in a unique culinary experience conducted by a family that was once amongst the premier nobility of Mewar. This will be followed by dinner with the host family.
12th February, 2022: Udaipur – Dungarpur: The morning will be at leisure for independent activities.
After lunch, you will drive to Dungarpur (approximately 2 hours excluding stops). Upon arrival in Dungarpur, you will check-in to your hotel.
13th February, 2022: Dungarpur – Baneshwar – Dungarpur: Today, you will take a full-day excursion to Baneshwar (approximately 1 hour, excluding stops) to participate in the festivities of the Baneshwar Fair.
Primarily celebrated by the tribal folk of this region, Bhils - the Baneshwar Fair is held on a full moon day and the sacred Shiv Linga kept in the Mahadev Temple in Dungarpur is worshipped.
You will have the opportunity to join the locals and participate in the festivities as they engage in a series of activities – from belting out folk songs to exciting magic shows and fun acrobatic acts.
14th February, 2022: Dungarpur – Palanpar: After breakfast, you will drive to Palanpur (approximately 4 hours, excluding stops). Upon arrival in Palanpur, you will check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit the sacred temple of Balaram Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be about 5000 years old.
This will be followed by a visit to Balaram Palace, the erstwhile hunting retreat of the Lohani Nawab of Palanpur. A graceful manifestation of neo-classical and baroque styles or architecture, it is currently a luxury heritage resort.
Also on the tour will be a visit to Kirti Stambh, a tower constructed by Nawab Shri Taley Mohammed Khan in 1918 commemorating the gallantry of his father, the history of town and his dynasty.
You will then return to your hotel.
15th February, 2022: Palanpar – Patan – Modhera – Ahmedabad: After breakfast, you will drive to Ahmedabad (approximately 3.5 hours excluding stops). On the way, you will visit Patan and Modhera.
Patan is home to a stepwell, Rani-ki-Vav (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) initially built as a memorial to a king (believed to be Bhimdev I) in the 11th century AD. The central theme of this stepwell is the Dashavatar (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu).
This will be followed by a visit to Modhera, known for its 11th-century Sun Temple. A grand sandstone monument built by the Solanki dynasty in the year 1027 A.D., it is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.
On arrival in Ahmedabad, you will check-in to your hotel.
16th February, 2022: Ahmedabad: After a quick cup of tea/coffee early this morning, you will start the day with a walk around the bustling, industrial and interesting Old Quarter of Ahmedabad, best visited early in the morning.
Breakfast will be served at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, you will visit Shreyas Folk Museum, a tribute to the folk art of Gujarat. It features multiple exhibits of utensils and domestic articles featuring beadwork wood carving, metal and leather work.
Note: The Museum remains closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Sabarmati Ashram, Hutheesingh Jain temple and Jama Masjid (mosque).
Set up in 1915, Sabarmati Ashram was the central point from where the struggle for India’s Independence was started.
Constructed in 1850 AD, Hutheesingh temple is a renowned Jain temple known for its fabulous architectural styling and designs that consist of intricate carvings.
The Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad was constructed in 1423 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city. Made of yellow sandstone, the architecture of this mosque is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styling.
You will then return to your hotel.
17th February, 2022: Ahmedabad: After breakfast, you will visit the Calico Museum of Textiles. A premier textile museum of the country, it is one of the most celebrated institutions of its kind and is known for its distinguished and comprehensive collection of textiles and artefacts.
Note: The Museum remains closed on Wednesdays & Public Holidays. Handbags/baggage, cameras and mobile phones are not permitted in the premises.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will arrange for you to visit Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch, a non-profit organization working to empower the nomadic and de-notified communities so that they get access to citizenship rights, education, health facilities, housing and livelihood support.
You will then return to your hotel.
18th February, 2022: Ahmedabad – Mumbai – Onward Destination: After breakfast, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague who will escort you to the airport and help you to check-in for your flight to Mumbai.
On arrival, you will be met by our colleague and escorted to your hotel located inside the airport where a day-use room will be reserved for you.
Late in the evening, you will be met by our colleague who will escort you back to the airport and help you to check-in for your homeward bound flight.
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