Exclusive Indigenous Raika Tribe "Nomadic Camel Culture" of Rajasthan - Offbeat India tour
HIGHLIGHTS
This extensive tour brings you the unseen glimpses of the state of Rajasthan. The lesser-known but incredibly captivating camel culture of the Raika community is here to put you in awe. In contrast with the regal palaces and majestic forts in the other parts of the state, the village of Sadri brings you humble and minimalist insight into the lives of camel herders.
Hidden among the dense canopy of the Kumbhalgarh National Park, this community thrives and flourishes completely through rearing camels and producing dairy products out of their milk. The most unique form of cattle husbandry in the world, the milk of Sadri-Kumbhalgarh camels is believed to possess medicinal and healing properties.
Stroll through the ever so friendly herds of these camels and bond with them as you come face to face with the daily activities of cooking, agriculture, and medicine making of this nomadic community. From conservation of biodiversity to the diverse singing and dancing of the 36 different Raika communities, enjoy the mesmerizing nights and the eventful days as you make some incredible memories living among colorful turbans.
DAY WISE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Sadri : Traditional arrival celebration and welcome!
Day 2 - Sadri : Explore Sadri and the Raika community
Day 3 - Sadri : Learn about traditional healing in Raika community
Day 4 - Sadri : Learn local cooking and get to know the nomadic culture
Day 5 - Sadri : Final day of the extraordinary nomadic heritage
WHAT'S INCLUDED
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
WHAT TO EXPECT
TRANSFERS
ITINERARY
- Arrive in Sadri and experience traditional meet and greet from the representative.
- Check in the local hotel
- Enjoy the first meal together with us which will be ‘Dal Batti’ - the customary meal of Raika on the move, consisting of bread balls cooked in the embers of a fire made from gobar (dried dung) , a tasty lentil stew, and ghee.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
- At dawn we will venture out to track down one of the last remaining nomadic camel herds that roam the fields and forests below the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort.
- Sit down with the herders for a chat and enjoy camel milk tea brewed on the campfire.
- We then return to Butibagh where a group of noted Raika elders will initiate us into their history, culture and ancient skills of looking after camels and other livestock. They will share with us their love for camels, their appreciation of camel milk, but also report about the problems they experience in a modern, more crowded and competitive world.
- In the evening we are in for a special treat: the performance of the life-story of Pabuji who is worshipped by the Raika as their God. Pabuji brought the first camels to Rajasthan with the help of Harmal Raika. The story is performed by the Bhopas at important events in Raika lives – even when the camels get sick.
- Return to hotel for overnight stay.
- Today, early in the morning walk in the forest with traditional healer and Raika leader Mrs. Dailibai Raika who will tell us about the traditional uses and medicinal value of local plants.
- We will forage ingredients for making remedies and treatments for camels and humans.
- In the evening, we will join another nomadic camel herd and sleep with the under the stars after enjoying a simple nomadic dinner and a nightcap around the campfire. You will see an amazing star-lit sky and listen to the ruminations of the camels around you.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
- We will wake up together with the camels and observe how a typical Raika day unfolds: Examining the camels for any wounds and diseases, milking, looking after the newborn camels and supervising breeding activities. Have breakfast around the campfire.
- Alternatively for those who do not want to stay overnight with the herd, we will arrange a visit to a Raika village.
- In the afternoon, there will be an opportunity for trying your hand at making one or more take-home mementoes from your stay among the camels: make delicious cheese, luxuriant soap, bio-diverse poo paper or create some woollens – according to your heart’s content!
- On our last evening, we will cook a special bio-diverse meal featuring mostly wild food and then enjoy it with our Raika Gurus. We will reflect on our impressions of the journey and discuss how we all can join in to ensure the conservation of nomadic heritage into the future.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
- Early in the morning, play, sing and dance with women from the ’36 communities’ . Rarely will you experience such an exuberant display of joy of life, despite the restrictions these women face and the physical hardships they have to endure every day.
- Check-out of the local hotel and proceed further for your next journey.
GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
Booking and Cancellation
Standard Payment Policy
- Pay 10% Advance and block your tour ,
- Pay 40% in next 7 days (if your tour date is above 60 days)
- 75% payment is required minimum to book tour, If your tour date falls within 45 days than
- 100% payment is required, If your tours falls within 30 days then
These are standard payment terms , in case of any deviation please check individual package policy. In extreme case these policy might get deviated so please check package payment also mentioned on package detail page.
Standard Cancellation Policy
- 0% Cancellation Charges if cancelled 3 months
- 10% cancellation within charges cancelled within 60 to 45 days
- 20% Cancellation Charges if Cancelled within 45-30 days
- 50% Cancellation charges if Cancelled within 30 to 15 days
- 80% Cancellation Charges if cancelled within 15 days of tour start date
These are standard cancellation charges, would be applicable to all packages unless mentioned specific on package detail page.