The Green Triangle - Vegetarian--vegan travel Trip

Accommodation

Combination of hotels, a boutique bed and breakfast and a charming centuries-old Maharajah\'s royal palace.

Itineraries

Namaste! Welcome to Delhi! A teaming metropolis steamrolling into the modern age with new high-ways, skyscrapers and an ultra-modern Metro, Delhi still manages to retain much of its historical charm with its lively bazaars, captivating temples, epic mosques and narrow-winding side-streets lined with local shops and roadside vendors. A fusion of the old and new, Delhi’s streets are filled with cows, goats, bicycles and rickshaws that all share every possible space with taxis, trucks, cars in all shapes, sizes and conditions and the largest eco-friendly CNG bus network in the world. As we take in Delhi, remember its history doesn’t just date back decades nor centuries, but millenniums – the area originally being settled as far back as the 6th century BC. On arrival, we’ll meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. In the morning, we’ll have our group introduction before jumping right in to the historical streets and alleys of India’s vibrant, bustling and at times chaotic capital city! For your first taste of India, we’ll explore the capital’s famous Connaught Place, or “CP” as the locals call it, India Gate and the Gandhi Smriti where Ghandiji spent his last days. We’ll also take a trip on the pride of Delhi - its sleek Metro, disembarking in the heart of the old city that we’ll explore by foot. Ruled by Hindus, Muslims and eventually the British, nowhere is the city’s diversity more evident than in the heart of old Delhi where forts, temples of all faiths, mosques and bazaars sit side by side. Today, we’ll also sample some of the tastiest South Indian food found in the capital when we enjoy a feast of dosas, pooris, idlys and idiyappams! In the evening, we’ll settle down back at our hotel for our rooftop orientation meeting. With views of the old city, we’ll enjoy refreshing cool drinks, snacks and dinner while discussing the adventure that lies ahead. (Lunch, Dinner)

Today we journey to the romantic desert Kingdom of Kishangarh. Founded by a Jodhpur Prince in 1611, Kishangarh flourished with its military prowess and fortunes earned as a member of the Mughal court. The Maharajahs here were not only known for their successes on the battlefield, but also as patrons of the arts and the area’s paintings, many of which adorn the walls of their palaces including the one we’ll be staying in, are known throughout India. Our home for the next two nights - the Maharajah’s beautiful monsoon palace! Built in the 1870’s, the palace is located just outside Kishangarh Fort on the banks of the monsoon fed Gundalao Lake. During our stay, be on the lookout for peacocks, kites, herons and wild ducks that call the nearby fields and lake home. After freshening up, we’ll meet on the palace verandah for some chai (tea) and snacks before hiking into the village to explore the centuries-old streets and colorful bazaar of this old princely state. As the sun sets over this charming town and historical kingdom, we’ll join a local family at their home for drinks, local snacks and a delicious home-cooked vegetarian Rajasthani dinner! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Starting our day with yoga on the palace grounds overlooking the lake, we’ll have a hearty breakfast and then begin today’s adventure! Rajasthan is famous for its marble – you\'ll see it in temples, homes and palaces and this morning we’ll get a chance to find out how it comes to be - from the quarry to the cutting factory to the final product. Next, we’ll head to the saltpans near India’s largest salt lake - Sambhar Lake. Throughout history Rajputs, Mughals and British alike have all exploited this rich source of salt and to this day salt is still “farmed” here using the same methods they used centuries ago. After seeing the salt flats, we’ll head to the nearby village of Roopangarh for lunch where we’ll dine in a royal palace that dates back to 1648. After lunch, we’ll explore the centuries-old streets of this colorful medieval town before heading back to Kishangarh to explore its 17th century fort - one of the few forts in Rajasthan that was never conquered. We’ll also make a special visit to a local school where we’ll be the guests of the students and teachers. At sunset, we’ll settle down back at the palace for sundowners with the lake at our front and the centuries-old fort at our back. Over refreshing cold drinks, snacks and a delicious local vegetarian feast we’ll enjoy live traditional folk music and dance. Make sure to bring your appetite, thirst, party shirt and of course – don’t forget your dancing shoes (flip-flops are okay too)! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

The capital of Rajasthan, the City of Victory, the Pink City – whatever name Jaipur has been called or title it has held, one thing is certain – it has intrigued and seduced travelers, wanderers, caravans and the like throughout history. Enamored and enticed by the legends, wealth and history it holds within its walls – the kingdom has drawn people for centuries from the furthest points on the globe. The city you see today was founded in the 1700’s, though the history of settlements in the area dates back to the 12th century. Rich in history, arts and architecture that many back in the day say were second to none; the city’s unique design was built using Vastu Shastra – the Indian version of Feng Shui. The desert terrain around the city consists of the rugged hills of the Aravallis, the oldest mountain range in India – where early rulers constructed gated passes, walls, palaces and forts in epic proportions – a good example of Rajput defensive architecture. Today we’ll explore Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars, temples and back alleys giving you a real local’s taste of the city. Speaking of taste, Indian vegetarian fare is truly a unique blend of fragrant spices, fresh veggies, flavorsome herbs and delectable breads and rice dishes. This being said, in the afternoon we’ll meet up with a local chef who will teach us how to prepare a delicious full course Indian vegetarian meal. Our first stop: the local market where we’ll learn about the traditional bazaar scene and pick up the ingredients we’ll need for tonight. After the market, we’ll head to the kitchen to cook up a delectable Rajasthani vegetarian feast. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves as we begin our cooking class where we’ll not only learn, but also cook tonight’s meal - so no mistakes (just kidding)! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After our morning yoga in the garden and a hearty breakfast, we’ll jump right back into the streets of Jaipur exploring some of the historical capital’s most important landmarks. We’ll also spend time at a very special animal hospital and shelter in Jaipur that has been helping locally abused and neglected animals as well as standing up for our four legged friends without a voice for almost three decades. Some of the sights we’ll see today include the ancient seat of the present ruling Rajput clan of Jaipur before they moved their capital to its current location. Located 11 kilometers from the city center, the massive and impressive Amber Fort is a fusion of Hindu and Muslim architectural influences built from sandstone and marble. We’ll also visit Hawa Mahal, a.k.a. the Palace of Winds and the centuries-old Nahargarh Fort that overlooks the Pink City from a rugged ledge of the Aravallis. In the evening, we’ll visit a local hotspot for India’s famous vegetarian sweets (and they do have vegan sweets as well) before joining a local family at their home where we’ll enjoy traditional warm Marwari hospitality with drinks, snacks and a delicious home-cooked Jaipuri-style vegetarian dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today we set out back on the desert roads for Bharatpur - home of the UNESCO World Heritage Keoladeo Ghana National Park. A haven of wetlands and forests, the national park is home to over 400 species of birds, including a selection of herons believed to be among the best in the world, as well as a wide variety of other wildlife. On the way to Bharatpur, we’ll stop in Abhaneri village to visit its epic Chand Baoli step-well. Said to be the deepest and largest step-well in India, its history dates back well over half a millennium. While here, we’ll also visit the ancient Harshat Mata Temple before continuing on to Bharatpur. Arriving in Bharatpur in the early afternoon, you’ll have time to take a swim and freshen up before we hop aboard bicycles or peddle rickshaws (your choice) and explore the national park traversing the back trails of the sanctuary with our naturalist guide. As the sun sets over the wetlands of the wildlife reserve, we’ll return to our hotel located just a stones throw from the park for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585 AD before being deserted due to a lack of water. The well preserved ruins of this ancient ghost town combine both Islamic and Hindu elements, as Emperor Akbar was known as one of the most open minded of Mughal Emperors. Today it is a World Heritage site. After exploring Fatehpur Sikri, it’s a short drive on to Agra – home of the Taj Mahal! Our first stop is the magnificent Agra Fort. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort was home to some of the most important Mughal Emperors in history and is a testament of the empire’s legacy of conquer and conquest. After the fort, we move on to India’s most famous landmark - the stunning Taj Mahal. A remarkable mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his favorite wife – Mumtaj Mahal, when one sees it in person knowing its history the feeling is best summed up in the words of Rabindranath Tagore who described the tomb as “one tear drop…upon the cheek of time”. The Taj is also one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. In the evening, we’ll return to Bharatpur where you’ll have time to freshen up and get ready for tonight’s farewell party. So make sure you to bring a good appetite, a good thirst, your party shirt and dancing shoes (here too – flip-flops are okay) as we enjoy traditional live local folk music and dance, tasty snacks, refreshing drinks and a Rajasthani feast for dinner! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After yoga and breakfast, we begin our trip back to Delhi. On the way, we’ll visit the sacred city of Mathura. An ancient holy city whose Hindu and Buddhist rich history dates back over 2,500 years, Mathura is believed to be the legendary birthplace of Lord Krishna. While here, we’ll visit some of the spiritual town’s most sacred sites including the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Vishram Ghats. After lunch in Mathura, we’ll continue back on the road to Delhi. Our adventure ends in the late afternoon on arrival in Delhi. If you would like to extend your stay here or for any onwards assistance, please contact your Adventure Leader who will be more than happy to help. Bahut, bahut dhanyavaad (thank you very much)! (Breakfast, Lunch)