THE BISHNOI : a rural tribal group, are a Hindu sect founded in the Punjab, who follow the teaching of Jambeshwar, a 15th-century sage & religious reformer who left a legacy of 29 (bis noi) tenets. The countryside around Jodhpur is home to many tidy Bishnoi villages & family compounds. These gentle communities of potters, weavers, leather embroiderers & camel herders have achieved world acclaim for their religious conservationist beliefs. They are vegetarians, follow the principles of non-violence, & above all, reverently protect all flora & fauna. They do not allow felling of trees or hunting on their lands. This area is home to the rare blackbuck antelope with remarkable spiral horns. (We saw quite a few of the graceful creatures.) They freely graze, fully aware, it seems, that no one here will harm them.
The history & customs of the Bishnoi are legendary. In fact, one infamous incident in 1730 involved the massacre of 363 Bishnois who sacrificed their lives to save their trees. They were felled indiscriminately by the raja’s troops along with the trees they were hugging to protect them. (I can't help but wonder if this is where the term "tree hugger" came from?)
Meet your guide in your hotel lobby at 8:30am and make your way to visit the Bishnoi communities. These communities consist of potters, weavers, and leather embroiders. Upon your arrival, head to he Khejarli Massacre, a massacre that occurred when members of the community sacrificed their lives to protect their sacred trees. Next, head to the Singhasni Potter's Village where the guide will give demonstrations on how to make pottery. Afterwards, move on to Gudha Village and Weavers Village, where rugs are commonly weaved out of cotton or wool.
Come 12:30pm, take a break to have lunch(At own Expense) . Once you have finished eating, visit Mehrangarh Fort where you will see the cannon ball on the second gate, as well as a monument of Chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda. Visit seven gates, including Jayapol and Fatehpol. On the way down from the fort, take time to observe the marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in Jaswant Thada. Drive back to your hotel at 4:30 to end the day.
Timing : 08:30 am to 05:00 pm
Duration : 8 Hrs
Pick up & Drop Place : Hotel in Jodhpur City
Inclusive
- Inclusive Taxes & fuel Services.
- Inclusive English Speaking Guide
- Hotel Pick up & Drop within Jodhpur City Centre Hotel
Exclusions
- Entrance
- Gratuities
- Lunch
For Tours
- 7 days before Start of the tour No Charge
- 3 Days before start of the tour 50 % of the amount will be refunded.
- Cancellation 48 hours or lesser no refund.
- For Refund thru Credit Card 5% Bank charges Applicable
For Transfers
- 24 Hours before Start of the transfer.
- For Refund thru Credit Card 5% Bank charges Applicable