India Vegan Tour

Today we will travel well off the beaten track as we head into the hinterlands of Rajasthan to the rustic yet charming town of Kishangarh. Located in the heart of one of the old princely states of Rajputana (as the area was referred to before independence), we’ll traverse the desert back roads of Rajasthan before arriving at our home for the next two days – the romantic Phool Mahal Palace located in the heart of the old Kingdom of Kishangarh! Built-in 1870 just outside the walls of the massive Kishangarh Fort, Phool Mahal was actually the Royal Family’s monsoon palace. So during our stay at this lovely lakeside palace, be on the lookout for kites, peacocks, herons, and wild ducks that call the nearby fields and monsoon fed Gundalao Lake their home.

You’ll notice in Kishangarh that the defensive fortifications are pretty intimidating! But even though the formidable fort walls and elephant spiked gates distinctly highlight the kingdom’s chivalrous past, the Maharajas here was also known as patrons of the arts and the area’s paintings, including those that adorn the palace walls. So while here, in addition to learning about life in old Kishangarh, we will have an introduction to the traditional Rajasthani art of painting including learning about its symbolism, history, and artistic techniques that have been passed down for generations. We’ll also explore the colorful bazaars, narrow lanes, colorful centuries-old streets, and temples of this ancient princely state founded in 1611 AD and of course – enjoy plenty of its delicious local cuisines all specially veganized just for us.

Highlights of the Day:

• Morning traditional yoga sessions at the palace (based on the early practice forms of yoga from its birthplace in India).
• Visit the epic Chand Baoli. Said to be the deepest and largest step-well in India, Chand Baoli dates back over half a millennium.
• Guests of the local community temple where we’ll join in their aarti ceremony (Hindu Ritual), an important part of everyday life in India.
• Explore old town Kishangarh and learn about the local way of life and history of the different communities living here.
• A special evening of traditional folk music and dance, followed by a traditional Rajasthani Vegan Feast.
• Introduction and lesson to India’s most famous sport and favorite national pastime – cricket.
• Explore the formidable Kishangarh Fort, learning about the Kingdom’s rich history.
• Cultural Q&A program – in the royal hall of the palace, over drinks and snacks. We’ll have our “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about India but was Afraid to Ask” cultural questions and answer session.
• Explore and have special vegan lunch at Roopangarh Fort. Built by Maharaja Roop Singh in 1648, we’ll explore this ancient citadel that is a captivating example of Rajput defensive architecture, complete with spiked gates and thick walls – evidence of its chivalrous past.
• Papads & Beer Tasting, where we’ll sample the many varieties of papad found in Rajasthan and the refreshing vegan-friendly beers of India.
• Join an expert on the region’s arts for our introduction to traditional Rajasthani paintings. What a better place to learn about Rajasthan’s legendary paintings than in the old kingdom that gave birth to the critically acclaimed Kishangarh style of art that became famous throughout the continent including home to its most famous work, Bani Thani, which is heralded by critics as the Mona Lisa of India.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfasts (x2), Lunches (x2), and Dinner (x1), and Dinner & Drinks (x1).