MONSOON MIGRATION WITH THE RABARI, ​JULY 6 - 16, 2021

MONSOON MIGRATION WITH THE RABARI
JULY 6 - 16, 2021

with Jeremy Woodhouse & Abhishek Hajela

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The Aravalli hills, mustard fields and villages surround this large expanse of land, in Southern Rajasthan bordering the state of Gujarat. An occasional splash of red adds a dash of colour and vibrancy to this land. The word Rabari is derived from ‘Rehaan’, meaning – a person who shows the path.

The community is involved in raising cattle, camels, sheep and goats. They are semi-nomadic, living in tents or under the open skies, and raising cattle, camels and goats–they have been travelling since ancient times using traditional routes to find greener pastures for their herds. Traditionally, the Rabari followed a highly nomadic way of life, following the seasonal rains for periods of time, and then returning to their villages.

Monsoon is the best time to come closer to these amazing Rabari communities as most of them are on the way home with their livestock, traditional camping gear, their wives, sisters, mothers and grandmothers, and kids sitting high on the camels – its such an outstanding sight! 

Rains in India for centuries have played a big role in people’s lives, as water is scarce, especially in state of Rajasthan. Rain represents life. Still the farmers and the Rabari communities are dependent on the rains. The movement of these nomadic tribes is dictated by the rains. During the dry season they migrate to nearby states such as Gujarat in search of pastureland for their livestock, and when monsoon arrives, they return home to their homeland where there should now be ample to feed their livestock. 

Rain is truly holy here!

This community has also been tolerant to leopards taking away and feeding on their livestock, as they consider it to be a spiritual offering to the gods. This is one of the main reasons, that the Jawai region still remains a habitat of harmony, for both leopard and man.

The Rabari men wear minimalist, simple clothing that is comfortable. They choose to wear white, as it is airy and is a colour suited to beat the scorching heat of the Rajasthan sun. They wear a red, white or yellow turban that not only prevents them from heat stroke, but also acts as a "safety helmet" when they trek around the hills with their herds. The elders in the community generally wear a white turban as a symbol of retirement, if that is their wish.

Rabari women and men are a fashionable lot. The ethnic safari jacket they wear is called a ‘borla’ and the comfortable loincloth is called a ‘pacheri’. Men and women traditionally have tattoos made on their faces, and they still wear a lot of jewelry. The women also wear heavily embroidered traditional clothing from a young age. When they get married, they are presented with ivory bangles that they must wear on their lower arms. Another set of bangles is added to the upper arm once a woman is welcomed into her husband’s home. These days the bangles are made of strong plastic, or occasionally wood.

During the trip we will stay at an ancestral property of Mr Shailendra Singh, situated in the foothills of Mount Abu – it has been developed, maintained and nurtured with great care.

It offers a wondrous mix of natural beauty – rivers, mountains, greenery and picturesque sunsets. The local culture and tradition, the village folk and tribe offer a unique perspective and enhance the experience.

​We have a long Interest List at this point. If you would like to be added to the list please go to the following link to register.


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Itinerary 

Day 1, Tues, July 6, 2021 | Arrive in Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be met by an Pixelchrome representative who will escort you to your hotel and assist in checking-in (NB: check in time 12 noon). After your long flight, you will have the rest of the day free to visit Delhi or relax at the hotel. If you are planning to arrive early you should make your own reservations for your hotel.

Just minutes from T3, the hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi and Airport transfers on select rates

Day 2, Wed, July 7, 2021 | Delhi to Jawai via Udaipur
Today after breakfast we board our flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival we will start our drive to Chittorgarh.

Chittorgarh is a major city in Rajasthan state of western India. It lies on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, It was capital of Rajput State of Medapata (Modern Mewar) during 8th-16th Century. Chittorgarh is home to the Chittor Fort, the largest fort in India and Asia. 

This is also the place from where all the Rabari’s migrate. This is their exit point from Rajasthan before they enter into the state of Madhya Pradesh.


Day 3 & 4, Thu, July 8- Fri, July 9, 2021 | In Chittorgarh
For the next 2 days we will go out early in search of the Rabari groups which are now heading back to their villages in Rajasthan—all of them will pass from Chittorgarh. We personally know many groups and have photographed them before.

We may have to drive up to two hours in search of these migrating groups. We will spend as much time as we need with these groups.

O/N Pratap Palace (B,L,D)

Day 5, 6 & 7, Sat, Sun& Mon July 10, 11 & 12, 2021 | Sirohi
We will spend these three days with the Rabari community! The community here is involved in raising cattle, camels, sheep and goats. They are semi-nomadic living in tents or under the open skies and raising cattle, camels and goats, and have been travelling since ancient times using traditional routes to find greener pastures for their herds. Traditionally the Rabari followed a highly nomadic way of life, following the seasonal rains for periods of time, and then returning to their villages. Monsoon is the best time to come closer to these amazing Rabari community as most of them are on the way home with their live stocks, traditional camping gear, women of the house and kids sitting high on the camels – its such an outstanding sight!

Rains in India from centuries have played a big role in peoples life, as water was scare especially in state of Rajasthan. Rain represents the very life. Still the farmers and the Rabari communities are dependent on the rains. The movement of these nomadic tribes is dependent on the Rains. During the dry season they migrate to nearby states in search of pastureland for their livestock and when monsoon arrives they return home, as now their homeland would have maple to feed their livestock.

O/N Aravalli Farm House (B,L,D)

Day 08, Tue, July 13, 2021 | Sirohi to Jojawar
Today after breakfast, we will start our drive to Jojawar. A sleepy little town, full of colors markets and culture.

This afternoon we will drive to the near by villages and spend time with the locals.

O/N Rawla Jojawar (B,L,D)

Day 09 and 10, Wed and Thu, July 14 and 15, 2021 | Jojawar
We will spend the days photographing the untouched Rajasthan! Set amidst the Aravalli hills, this little garrison fort was once a major principality of the Royal house of Marwar. Bestowed with the title of Rao, the nobles looked after this little fiefdom for about two centuries after its construction in the 18th century. 

We will also take around an hour-long local train sitting next to the locals. We will spend time exploring rural villages and getting closer to their lives.

O/N Rawla Jojawar (B)

Day 11, Fri, July 16, 2021 | Jojawar - Delhi
After breakfast, we will start our drive to the Udaipur Airport to board our flight to Delhi.
DEP: Udaipur by Indigo 6E 747 at 14:10 ARR: Delhi at 15:30
The rest of the evening is free to relax.
O/N Holiday Inn Aerocity (B)


Arrival, Departure & Visa

​Arrival & Meeting Place 

​Departure 

Visa

Weather 

Language

Currency

2 SPOTS OPEN

TOUR COST: $5,500
DEPOSIT: $500 
SINGLE: $650

FLIGHT: delhi/uDAIPUR: $250

Group size 6


Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers at the beginning and the end of the tour (unless you are arriving early or leaving after the official tour is concluded)
  • Ground Transportation with local photographer/guide for 10 days
  • All meals
  • Tour accommodation, as listed​

Tour Price Excludes

  • Arrival/departure flights
  • Return flight to Udaipur
  • ​Travel insurance
  • Alcohol
  • Pre- and post-tour accommodation

Paying by check

If you would like to pay your deposit and/or balance with a check, please make the check payable to: Pixelchrome, Inc and mail it to:

Nicole Woodhouse
Pixelchrome, Inc, 
605 Rouen Drive, 
McKinney TX 75072

Paying by Wire Transfer

If you would like to pay by Wire Transfer please contact nicole@pixelchrome.com for bank account details.


Equipment Checklist

  • Bring you own laptop computer and storage media
  • Camera body(s)
  • Lenses, 16-35mm, 24-70mm zoom and 70-200mm zoom or similar lenses are very good
  • Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories
  • Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses
  • Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses
  • Charger for batteries
  • Spare batteries
  • Spare Memory cards
  • Memory card reader
  • USB key to exchange images

Also good to have

  • Tripod
  • Lens extenders
  • Good quality polarizing filter

Covid-19 Arrival Protocol for International Travellers

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International Arriving passengers coming to India can now experience a smooth & hassle-free arrival process. Apply Online to fill out Self-Reporting and Exemption Forms.

Passengers with approved exemption requests on Air Suvidha are exempted from institutional quarantine. In case of rejection, the passenger will have to undergo institutional quarantine as per the state govt guidelines at the first airport of entry.

There is no quarantine applicable to passengers arriving with negative RT-PCR report. Fly Safe!


Returning to the USA

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As per the US Embassy & Consulates in India, effective January 26, 2021, all incoming airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide results of a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days before travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for additional information


Book your Covid-19 Test at Delhi Airport

Delhi Airport led the way to set up the first Airport COVID Lab offering RT-PCR facility to all arriving International passengers to avail an exemption from institutional quarantine. Now, after a successful phase-1 operation, the facility introduces upgraded packages for the benefit of all passengers. 

  • The facility will be operating 24*7 for both arriving and departing passengers. 
  • This service and facility is being provided in collaboration with Premium Plaza Lounge and Genestrings Diagnostic Centre, a Delhi-based laboratory, which is currently associated with Delhi government to test COVID-19 samples
  • The cost of the package for arriving passengers is Rs. 3400 (2600+800), while for the departure passengers is Rs. 800. The above-mentioned package rate would be implied from 30th November 5pm onwards only as per government rules. 
  • Passengers can book the slot online and proceed to the ‘Covid Test Center and Lounge’ available at arrivals and departure. After the test, passengers can relax at the lounge while the awaiting the results and enjoy the lounge service. 
  • The test results will be available within 4-6 hours. All Passengers are suggested to book the slot 1 hour after the time of arrival and minimum 4-6 hours before the departure flight (post sample collection) or book domestic flight after test results are available.  
  • All arriving International passengers without pre-approved exemption can opt for exemption with negative RT-PCR certificate. 
  • RT-PCR report is valid only up till 72 hours after testing. 
  • To support the Test Center and Lounge a Covid lab has been built in 3500 square meter area at multi-level car parking (MLCP) of Terminal 3, this is the first COVID-19 testing lab among Indian airports.