Pushkar Fair

Day 1  

Arrive at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport by flight.

Delhi – the capital of India – The city consists of two parts – Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi which flaunts a surprising number of impressive monuments related to its conquests by the Mughals, Turks, Persians and ultimately the British.

Meet & Assist: you will be met by our  representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. Special welcome waits for you at the airport with nice garlands of marigold flowers. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Check-in at your hotel for 2 nights.

Overnight at hotel

Day 2

Morning combined sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.

Old Delhi which was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. Begin your day with an exploration of Old Delhi – visit the Jama Masjid, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone and white marble. The main prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers. In the old city of Delhi, walk through the by-lanes of the spice market, the wedding street and the jeweler’s lane to savor the 350 years old culture up-close.

Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi. Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan designed this commercial place in 1648. Drive past Red fort, built in red sand stone by Shah Jahan in 1648, this magnificent monument is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. Drive through the majestic boulevards of New Delhi designed by the Edwin Lutyens in 1920. Lutyens’ Delhi includes the grand government buildings and parliament house.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) is where the Viceroy once lived and now is the official residence of the President of India. It is an imposing structure with 340 rooms, constructed high up on Raisina Hill. View India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honour of 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War.

Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Culminate your tour at Qutab Minar, a soaring tower of victory, 72.5meter high with five distinct stories. The construction of this minaret commenced in 1193 and was completed in 1368. Built on the foundation of a Hindu temple, many elements of the construction reflect their Hindu and Jain origins. Within the complex, there are myriad monuments that combine both Islamic calligraphy and Hindu motifs.

Return to hotel after the above visits.

Breakfast Overnight at hotel

 

Day 3

Breakfast at hotel

Later, you will be transferred to New Delhi airport in time for your flight to Udaipur.

On arrival in Udaipur airport, you will meet by a representative and transferred to your hotel, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Udaipur, the city combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. On little islands in the lake, from the water’s edge, raise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake is the palace of the Maharana.

Evening, embark on a boat cruise on the placid, mystical waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the midst of the enigmatic deserts of Rajasthan.

Back at hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Day 4

This morning enjoy sightseeing tour of Udaipur.

Visit City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas, the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The entrance is through Hathii Pol (elephant gate) along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish Temple. The paintings, mosaics, intricately carved ‘chhatris’ and of course the architecturally brilliant facade all contribute in making a visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience.

Also visit Crystal Gallery located at the City Palace. It has a rare collection of Osler’s crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877.

Afternoon is at leisure for independent activities – time available for shopping / spa OR visit the market and local bazaars.

Special/optional activity: Maharana’s Vintage Car Collection

The maharanas’ Vintage car collection makes a fascinating diversion, for what it tells about their elite lifestyle and for the vintage vehicles themselves. Housed within the former state garage are 22 splendid vehicles, including a seven-seat 1938 Cadillac complete with purdah system, the beautiful 1934 Rolls- Royce

Special/optional activity: Cycling tour in Udaipur

Cycling tour in through the old city of Udaipur we pass through beautiful lakes, Gardens, Temples, Forts and Palaces of Udaipur. This tour has lot of amusement for the traveler and offer an ecological introduction of the city.

Overnight at hotel

 

Day 5

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning drive to Jodhpur covering a distance of 285kms in approx. 6-7 hours. En-route visit Ranakpur Temples.

Ranakpur boasts of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country, famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. The main Chaumukha (four faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened One, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription in it traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha. Erected on a raised platform, it is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444 beautifully carved pillars, of which no two are alike.

After lunch at a local restaurant in Ranakpur; continue your drive to Jodhpur.

Jodhpur, also called the ‘Blue City’ was once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar. It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur. It is still a marvelously medieval city. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.

Arrive at Jodhpur and check-in at your hotel for 2 nights.

Overnight at hotel

 

Day 6

Morning enjoy sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort which dominates the town ringed with its massive protective walls. There are seven gates that lead into the fort. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces.

The palace apartments with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs (used by the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments and costumes.

Continue your tour to Jaswant Thada, located a short distance from the fort, just off the fort road, is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby. There are some beautiful marble jali (lattice) work and fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaphs.

Evening at leisure to enjoy a shopping tour

Special/optional activity: enjoy Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village

In the afternoon, enjoy jeep safari to Bishnoi village, where you can visit to families of shepherd’s people. See how shepherds live in traditional way and only working with animals like goat, ship, Camel etc…….

Special/optional activity: enjoy Camel ride on the dunes followed by folklore dinner at Osian In the afternoon, go for an excursion to Osian. Enjoy Camel Safari on the dunes and later champagne cocktails by poolside-perched on the highest sandune followed by folk entertainment and BBQ dinner.

Special/optional activity: Zip line tour on the ridge top of Mehrangarh Fort

Enjoy breath-taking views as you fly down a series of ultra-strong steel zip lines, securely attached by a harness and pulley – propelled simply by gravity. Trained instructors accompany you to ensure your safety and entertain you with their local knowledge. The tour takes about 2 hours.

 Breakfast Overnight at hotel

 

Day 7

This morning, drive to Pushkar. The closer you get to Pushkar the more you find yourself sharing the road with camels, trucks, cattle, water buffalo, motorcycles, tuktuks, rickshaws, overcrowded buses, and every other form of transportation imaginable.

Pushkar, a quiet, secluded desert town for 51 weeks a year, becomes, for just a few days, an absolutely incredible and authentic extravaganza, drawing people from all around the globe. It is also quite possibly the largest camel and cattle-trading fair in the world. Camels are painted, adorned, beautified and raced to attract the best buyers. Buddhist devotees throng the Ghats around Pushkar Lake in order to bathe, cleanse their sins, and attain a place in heaven.

Arrive at Pushkar and check-in at your hotel for 3 nights.

Overnight at tents

Day 8

Today you have an entire day to enjoy the wonder, absurdity, chaos and incredible photographic opportunities at this fascinating fair. Your guide arranges a visit by camel cart so that you can cover a great part of the fairgrounds in relative comfort. Rest on the private verandah of your tent in the early afternoon, or return to the fair.

Overnight at tents

Day 9

Day at leisure to enjoy Pushkar Fair

Overnight at tents

Day 10

Breakfast at hotel

This morning drive to Jaipur covering a distance of 150kms in approx. 3 hours.

Jaipur: The city was first intended to be called ‘Sawai Jaipur’, named after the boy Prince who commissioned it – Maharaja Jai Singh II – a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned over the Mughals from 1699 to 1743. Today’s Jaipur is pink, visually described as the city shaded with the autumn colors of sunset. Although originally the walls were render set and pigmented the color of red sandstone, Jaipur’s universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name the ‘Pink City’.

Arrive in Jaipur and check-in at your hotel, where you stay for 02 nights.

Evening is at leisure for independent activities – hotel facilities / Spa OR visit the local market.

Overnight at hotel

Day 11

Breakfast at hotel

Morning enjoy an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort on Elephant back failing by Jeep.

Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Niwas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. Pierced screen windows offer views from different vantage points & shimmering mirrors encrust walls of Sheesh Mahal.

Later sightseeing tour of Jaipur.

Visit the Jantar-Mantar Observatory. Built in the 1700s but still appears to be futuristic. It houses unique instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens! Continue your visit to City Palace to witness the Maharaja’s private collection of textiles and armory. Culminate the tour with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved.

In the evening, enjoy cycle rickshaw ride through bustling & vibrant market of the pink city Jaipur. Jaipur rickshaw adventure will take you on a mystical ride through the magical Pink City. You’ll weave down alleyways, wander through a bazaar, sample some masala, and see a majestic palace. A dose of history, a dash of culture, and a sprinkling of mystery, this is the ultimate intro to Jaipur.

Special/optional activity: Elephant Safari Cycle Rickshaw ride through bustling & vibrant market of the pink city Jaipur

In the morning drive to a beautiful country side location to experience an elephant safari. A thrilling regal experience makes you feel like a Maharaja! Culminate the safari at a farm where Champagne breakfast will be served alfresco.

Special/optional activity: Visit to an Indian Family followed by dinner

In the evening, visit to a family, participate in cooking demonstration followed by dinner- step into the heart of every Indian household and immerse yourself in the rich Rajasthani culture on this authentic tour in Jaipur, with market and home visit as well as cooking class. This is an opportunity to learn more about local life, Indian lifestyle, the traditions of home life and the importance of family in Indian culture, arranged marriages and of course, the food.

Breakfast Overnight at hotel

 

Day 12

Breakfast at hotel.

Later drive to Agra a distance of 260kms in approx. 5-6 hours.

En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and Palace in the late 16th century. It is a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the former days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, which is the largest gateway in the world.

Continue your drive to Agra.

Agra: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire. Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow lanes and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains.

Arrive at Agra and check-in at your hotel for an overnight.

Overnight at hotel

 Day 13

Full day sightseeing tour of Agra – visit Taj Mahal & Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal – The 17th century Taj Mahal is often called a poem in stone. If so, the mausoleum is a love poem – created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by a Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. (Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays)

Agra Fort – situated two kilometres towards west of the Taj Mahal on the banks of the river Yamuna. It was built by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar, and added to by his son Jahangir and grandson Shahjahan. Agra Fort is an imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques built by all the three emperors. The fort presents a

Special/optional activity: in the evening, enjoy Mohhabbat-The Taj (a live show at Kalakriti Auditorium).

Mohabbat the Taj, the-80 minute presentation that perfectly complements a pilgrimage to the Monument of Love. “Indeed to fully appreciate and soak into the beauty of the monument, one is advised to see the musical presentation at the Kalakriti auditorium.

Overnight at hotel

Day 14

Breakfast at hotel

Later drive to Delhi covering a distance of 200kms in approx. 3-4 hours.

Arrive at Delhi International airport in time to board your onward International flight back to home.