Bishnoi “Mukam” Festival & Unknown Rajasthan
€2290
per person
This journey takes you to meet the Bishnoi community during the Jambeshwar Mukam Mela near Bikaner in Rajasthan, combined with a cultural loop of unique places in the Land of Kings.
The Bishnoi are a unique community in Rajasthan, often called “India’s first environmentalists” because, for them, ecology is innate and taught through 29 precepts that were edited by Jambheshwar ji, the founder of Bishnuism.
The “Jambheshwar or Mukam Mela” is a festival organized in memory of Sri Jambheshwar Ji. It is held twice a year in the village of Mukam, near Nokha, 80 km from Bikaner. The largest fair takes place in February or March (Falgun Amavasya) and attracts up to 500,000 devotees from many states. The smallest is held in October (Ashwin Amavasya).
During these melas, devotees generally visit the village of Pipasar (the saint’s birthplace) and pay their respects at the Mukam temple, built on the Mahasamadhi (tomb) of Sri Jambheshwar Ji, as well as at the one located on the Samrathal Dora sand dune where the saint gave his initiation, a few kilometers from the first temple.
Another tradition involves taking sand from the foot of the Samrathal Dora dune and placing it on its summit to build several other sand dunes near the temple. In this way, devotees follow one of Jambhoji’s teachings, which states that “dunes must be built to break the wind and save biodiversity.”
During this festival, you will be accompanied by a guide from the Bishnoi community who will provide you with detailed explanations about the uniqueness of this culture. We will also spend time with Ram Khamu, a Bishnoi environmental activist who is fighting against plastic pollution in India.
The Mukam Mela will be a great excuse to take a cultural tour and discover a little-known Rajasthan, full of little treasures..
The price indicated above is an estimated price. As we only offer tailor-made services, this budget depends on several factors (choice of services, number of people, type of car, time of year, etc.); the only valid price is that of your personalized quote (free).
THIS TRIP INCLUDES:
- Double occupancy accommodation in 3* and 4* boutique hotels
- All transportation by INNOVA AC car with a driver who speaks basic English (taxes, fuel, accommodation, and driver’s meals included).
- Breakfast
- Guide for the Shekhawati Heritage Walk
- Guide for the Old Bikaner Walk
- Bishnoi guide during the Mukam Mela
- Meeting with Ram Khamu Bishnoi
- Guide for the Nagaur Heritage Walk
- 24/7 support, we are in constant contact with you.
THE TRIP PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals other than those listed in “included.”
- Any personal expenses.
- Tips.
- Anything not listed in “included.”
You may also like...
ART & CULTURE
An artistic journey to the land of kings, where art is not only a form of expression but an integral part of daily life. Enriching encounters with artists and artisans.
18 days
CULTURE / PHOTO
This journey takes you to meet the Bishnoi community during the Jambeshwar Mukam Mela near Bikaner in Rajasthan, combined with a cultural loop of unique places in the Land of Kings
12 days
ATELIERS / CULTURE
This 5-day trip takes you to Barmer, a unique destination in Rajasthan, for an immersion in the Mallani culture, meeting its artisans and rural life
5 days
HERITAGE / LUXURY
A journey to the heart of Rajput culture and the royal heritage of Rajasthan, whose heirs, keen to preserve and share their traditions, have opened the doors of their refined homes to travelers. A journey back in time, in the footsteps of the great families of the land of kings.
23 days
PHOTO / FESTIVAL
Photo-tour combining 'Gangaur', one of the most colourful and photogenic festivals of Rajasthan, with the visit of Udaipur, the romantic city of lakes, and typical villages around.
5 days
HERITAGE
Grand 23-day tour days to discover the rich cultural heritage of the land of Maharajas with a stopover in Delhi, the bustling capital of India and Agra known for its legendary Taj Mahal, masterpiece of Mughal art.
23 days
ETHNIC / PHOTOGRAPHY
Embark on an immersive 11-day adventure to meet the authentic people of the desert, far from the beaten track, from Udaipur to Jaisalmer via Ghanerao, Jodhpur and Barmer
11 days
ETHNIC / PHOTO
Meeting the Rabari Raïka €1300
A 5-day tour to meet the Raika Rabaris in the Ranakpur and Mount Abu region of Rajasthan. Share precious moments with one of India's oldest pastoralist communities
5 days
HERITAGE / CULTURE
Experience the cultural heart of Shekhawati, Rajasthan's "open-air art gallery," on a 10-day tour. You'll explore a stunning collection of stately homes adorned with intricate frescoes, discover historic wells featuring Persian-style columns, and visit ancestral temples that reveal the region's rich history
10 jours
HERITAGE / CULTURE
Escapade de trois jours à Delwara, près d'Udaipur au Rajasthan, à la découverte de son patrimoine inédit et de sa vie rurale authentique
3 jours
RURAL / PEOPLE
Embark on a 5-day journey off the beaten track for an authentic exploration of the Pali district where rural life pulses with the rhythm of ancient traditions and unique age-old temples
5 days
Day 1
Delhi - Mandawa (Shekhawati)
Namaskar! We warmly welcome you to Delhi and depart for the Shekhawati region, known as the "open-air art gallery" due to the sumptuous frescoes adorning the region's mansions (Havelis).
*
Arrival in the late afternoon and check-in at the Vivaana Hotel, a meticulously restored 19th-century haveli blending Rajasthan's cultural heritage with contemporary decor.Day 2
Visit of the Shekhawati region
Early in the morning (around 7:00 a.m.), our guide will visit a tie-dye workshop in Nawalgarh, a regional specialty.
*
After breakfast, we will begin our tour of Nawalgarh with the Podar haveli, a masterpiece in itself, adorned with no fewer than 750 frescoes.*
We will continue with visits to the Morarka haveli and the Bansidhar Bhagat haveli, two other masterpieces in the city.*
We will then head to Dundlod, known for its Shivgardh Fort, built under the Rajput Thikana dynasty in the 18th century, and its beautiful havelis.*
One kilometer away, we will discover the Fort's stables and its Marwari horses whose ears turn inward, a unique feature in the world. The owner, Mallyka Singh Dundlod, will accompany us on this tour. Return to Mandawa in the afternoonDay 3
Mandawa - Lohargal - Mandawa
Located 50 km from Mandawa, Lohargal is a gem nestled in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains, nestled among banyan trees and century-old mango trees.
It is a major pilgrimage site, home to a temple dedicated to the sun god (Surya). A sacred pool attracts large crowds of worshippers for their ritual ablutions.
Overnight in Mandawa
Day 4
Mandawa - Bikaner
Today, we depart for Bikaner, the red city of Rajasthan.
Arrival mid-afternoon.
Free time to explore your hotel, a former stately home full of curiosities.
Day 5
Visit of Bikaner
A day dedicated to visiting Bikaner. A city that is still relatively untouristy, yet incredibly charming!
*
After breakfast, we will visit the Bikaner Fort, which may not look like much from the outside, but it is one of the most majestic in Rajasthan. The refinement of the interior is stunning.*
With a guide, you will then stroll through the bazaars of the old town. Its narrow streets are lined with magnificent havelis intricately carved from red sandstone. The most famous are those belonging to the same Jain family, the "Rampurias." Night in BikanerDay 6
Bikaner - Nagaur via Deshnoke
Departure for Nagaur.
On the way, we will stop at the famous "Rat Temple", 30 km from Bikaner, dedicated to the goddess Durga. It is said that there are more than 20,000 of these rodents living in the temple. Worshippers come to offer them prasad (blessed food), as these rodents are considered sacred.
*
Arrival in the afternoon at the hotel, a 4-star hotel located within the magnificent Ahhichatragarh Fort of Nagaur, which was the residence of the Maharanis of Jodhpur in the 18th century. The fort also hosts the "Sacred Spirit Festival", a festival originally inspired by Sufi culture that takes place in February of each year; It may very well coincide with the dates of the Bishnoi festival.Day 7
Nagaur - Mukam - Nagaur
Today, we'll head to the Bishnoi Jambheswar Mukam Festival, an hour's drive from Nagaur. We'll spend the day there and meet Ram Khamu, an Indian Bishnoi environmental activist who is fighting against plastic pollution in India.
Our Bishnoi guide will explain the unique nature of Bishnoi culture and accompany you to the various pilgrimage sites.
*
[Note: The Festival lasts about ten days, with the first two being the most important. You can choose the number of days that best suits you, knowing that you will have to return to Nagaur (or Bikaner), the main towns around Nokha-Mukam, as there are only a few hotels on site (mostly dormitories) and they are quickly taken over by the thousands of pilgrims. Return to Nagaur in the eveningDay 8
Visit of Nagaur
Today, you will embark with our guide on a heritage walk through the city's narrow streets and visit the Sufi mosque, the cenotaphs of Amar Singh Ji, the Bansiwala Temple, and the Mirabai Temple, among others.
*
You will also meet various local artisans such as Juti Mojari (traditional Rajasthani footwear) makers, potters, Dhurrie (cotton rug) weavers, and ironworkers. Overnight stay at the Nagaur FortDay 9
Nagaur - Kishangarh
We now head to Kishangarh, a former princely state and another hidden gem of Rajasthan.
*
You will be staying in Roopangarh, 30 km away, in a 350-year-old fortress located in hilltop north of Kishangarh. In 1999, the royal family converted the fort into a 4-star hotel, but left the interior and exterior little changed since its glory days.Day 10
Kishangarh & Surroundings
A day dedicated to visiting Kishangarh. We will begin with the Mokham Vilas, also known as Jannat, built as a pleasure and hunting lodge; many migratory birds can be seen there.
*
We will continue our visit to the Phool Mahal Palace, built in 1870 and located on the banks of Gondulav Lake, with Kishangarh Fort as a backdrop.*
One of the must-see attractions in Kishangarh is its massive fort, built in 1649 by Maharaja Swaroop Singh of Kishangarh. It contains exquisite frescoes.*
We'll end the day with an unusual visit, a marble dump, which, with its blue lake and white marble mountains, looks like a postcard from Iceland.Day 11
Kishangarh - Alwar
Departure for Alwar, one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan. The city is surrounded by a wall and moat and is dominated by a fort perched on a conical hill.
*
You will stay in Dadhikar, in a 9th-10th century fort, delicately restored and surrounded by the hills of the Aravalli Mountains. A true paradise for nature lovers.Day 12
Alwar & surroundings
A day dedicated to the city of Alwar.
We will begin with the Bala Kila (Nikumbh Mahal), a fort built by Alghu Rai Nikumbh in 1049 CE, perched on the most prominent hill in the Aravalli Range.
*
We will continue to the City Palace, a jewel of Rajput architecture with a pond bordered by ghats and wonderfully symmetrical pavilions. Nearby, we will also visit the cenotaphs built in memory of the ruler of Alwar, Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh, and his queen, Rani Moosi.*
On the way back, we will stop at the Hope Circus, a stunning circular structure. At its summit stands a temple dedicated to Shiva, offering breathtaking views of the entire city of Alwar. Overnight at Dadhikar FortDay 13
Alwar - Delhi
We will slowly return to Delhi and drop you off at your hotel, the end of this trip. We look forward to welcoming you back to the land of kings. Namaskar.
