Wild Frontiers tour leader, Dee. is currently in Rajasthan enjoying a alternative Christmas. She writes...
Dec 22nd
After an early wake from the train, we stop off at a local hotel to freshen up and have breakfast, the more active members of the group go to see the Chittor Fort at sunrise! We are all very exicted to be going to Castle Bijaipur. We load up and off we set, its a warm sunny day, the views are stunning, Rajastan is waking up as we head to the castle. On arrival we are treated like royalty with a champagne reception and musicians to entertain us. We get our rooms and settle into the tranquil surroundings. Garlands of flowers are everywhere, the staff are on hand to cater to our every need...
Dec 23rd.
First yoga session today, on the roof while the sun rises, flocks of parakeets break the silence of the early morning. we then have a hearty breakfast and the group divides into taking out the bikes, or going horse riding on the Marwar horses, others take advantage of the peace and quiet and relax around the castle or sleep around the pool. we enjoy lunch around the pool and board th jeeps for a countryside tour finishing by a local lake for sundowners and snacks, we head back to the castle to dinner.
Dec 24th.
Some of us rise early and go on a nature walk with Raoul, we spot several birds including kingfishers and owls, we take some great photos and go back to the castle for breakfast or yoga. After breakfast we again take out the horses or cycle, facials and massage are popular today! We have lunch on the rooftop and have spectacular views over the castle, village and surrounding hills.
The Christmas Eve dinner is celebrated with dancers and musicians, we have an Indian style Christmas tree. During our dinner we have not one,but two Santa's come to wish us Merry Christmas.
Dec 25th.
We start our Christmas morning with sunrise yoga, we then relax and have a very long and peaceful breakfast, (maybe getting over hangovers!).
We have a special lunch by the pool, where we all sing Christmas songs and pull crackers, we tell bad jokes and have plenty of champagne! After eating the huge christmas chocolate cake, a few head off for the traditional nap, but this really is a very special alternative christmas in Rajastan.... For those of us that can manage it, we go for a walk, not to the 'dog and badger' but round the local village. Everyone is so friendly, our new faces are a delight for them, they all say hello and most want us to take their photos, we wander back when the sun is lower in the sky and get ready for dinner...and its not turkey sarnis!
Dec 26th.
We start the day a little hungover, but yoga fixes that, massage and facials are a real treat and the horses are waiting for the keen. After another tasty lunch by the pool, there is just enough time for a quick nap before we take the jeeps out at sunset the spot the local animal and birdlife, we spot Jackel and fox, many birds including a Night Jay. We come to a spot in the woods totally lit by candles, its very special. we have bbq chicken and some organic local vegatables, followed by Indian sweets, and all washed down with some G & T's.. The end of another spectacular day.
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