India Tours: Colors of Rajasthan with the Pushkar Fair

Pushkar is a sacred town for Hindus who come from all over the country to bathe in its lake. It also has the only temple to the Hindu god Brahma in the entire country!

Of course at this time of the year during the auspicious full moon is the time for Pushkar's biggest event, the annual cattle fair. People from far and wide gather here to trade in all kinds of cattle and farm animals, but especially camels. This is an amazing sight and an incredible experience!

The annual Pushkar Camel Fair is an experience that will make for a magical sojourn to Rajasthan. A tented city is created adjacent to Pushkar Lake during the full moon days for this fair. It is here that thousands of men and women cover the sand dunes and indulge in festivities, trade in livestock, handicrafts, participate in camel races, dances, drama, and music competitions.

This will be a once in a lifetime journey….

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India! After clearing all immigration and customs formalities, our representative will meet you in the arrival area.

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

Day 2: Delhi

After a hearty breakfast this morning, proceed for a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi had been the capital of Mughal India between the 12th and 19th centuries. See the 17th century Jama Masjid mosque and walk through the narrow, winding lanes of the colorful and bustling Chandni Chowk and take a rickshaw ride through these bazaars. Visit the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort, as well as Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

Further proceed to New Delhi for a visit that includes driving past the Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in Honor of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and Secretarial buildings. Visit Qutab Minar, the 12th century tower of victory built by a slave king and prototype of all minars (towers) in India and the 16th century Humayun’s tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you start for your drive to Agra.  On arrival in Agra, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Agra, best known as the city of the world’s most famous monument of love, is situated along the banks of the River Yamuna and attracts thousands of visitors every day from all over the world to visit the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a seventh wonder of the world and was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

In the afternoon visit Agra Fort, a high red stone monument overlooking the Taj Mahal.  It is one of the finest and best kept Mughal forts in India. Many Mughal emperors lived and governed the country from here. At the end of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned in this fort by his son, Aurangzeb. The fort was also the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857.

Day 4: Agra

Catch the magic of Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) during sunrise. The sun comes up from the side of the Taj and the morning light literally lights it up. During this time Taj Mahal changes from various hues of pink to light yellow to bright white.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and the morning will be at leisure.

In the afternoon walk through Kachhpura village to Mehtab bagh a Mughal era garden that is being restored just behind the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.  The walk conducted by volunteers of an NGO supported by USAID includes some less known Mughal era monuments along the way. The initiatives of the NGO include developing a livelihood support programs and improving sanitation conditions in the village.

Day 5: Agra - Jaipur

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the hotel and later drive to Jaipur. On the way you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition.

On arrival in Jaipur the rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan province, is known for its arts and crafts, jewelry, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. It old town is one of North India’s finest examples of a planned city embodying the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

Day 6: Jaipur

Today morning visit the Amber Fort. Enjoy an elephant ride ascending the fort with lovely views of the topography and monuments around along the way.

Amber was originally built by the Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess. The palace complex that stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Amber had changed by successive rulers over the next 150 years until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur.
On the way back from Amber Fort you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.

Continue the tour of Jaipur city that includes the City Palace of Jaipur and Jantar Mantar the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The City Palace is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armory, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings.

Day 7: Jaipur-Pushkar

In the morning, have your breakfast and continue your journey Pushkar. En-route stop at Ajmer, a major center of Muslim pilgrims and home to the Dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti. Seven pilgrimages to Ajmer are supposed to equal one to Mecca. Ajmer has some superb examples of early Muslim architecture.

The village of Pushkar is 11 kms from Ajmer on the edge of the desert. At its heart is one of India’s most sacred lakes. There are 52 ghats around the lake and numerous temples. The Brahma temple, especially, attracts pilgrims all year round. Apart from its religious significance, Pushkar is known for its Cattle and Camel fair held every year in the month of Kartik which attracts visitors in their thousands. Being a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are taboo.

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

In the evening visit the Pushkar fair ground. It offers an unforgettable experience to capture the vibrancy of Rajasthan during the festivities.

Day 8: Pushkar

Return to the fair ground. The Cattle Fair of Pushkar is the spotlight of an Indian holiday. During this period the population of 14,000 swells to over 200,000 while the festival hosts over 50,000 camels that are sold, raced and decorated. You can observe devotees taking a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake and seeking blessings at the only Brahma Temple.

This is a truly dramatic event that shimmers and gleams with rich colors and vibrant life. The annual fair in Pushkar is serious business for villagers who spend days travelling across the desert to Pushkar hoping to turn camels into much needed cash.

Rest of the afternoon is free for independent activities.

Day 9: Pushkar - Bikaner

Take an early breakfast today and drive to northwest India for an amazing experience in the small town of Bikaner. This desert town was founded in 1488. Like many others in Rajasthan, the old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall and was once an important staging post on the great caravan routes. The old city with its exquisite merchant havelis, temples and bazaars retains a medieval air. The city is chiefly interesting for its superb large fort, but it is also known for the fine camels bred here. There is a government camel-breeding farm near the city.

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Later in the afternoon visit the Camel Breeding Farm to know the unknown facts about camel and it’s products. If you wish, you can enjoy the ice cream made from camel milk.

Day 10: Bikaner - Jaisalmer

Post breakfast proceed to the fair site at confluence of rivers. 

Every year thousands gather at Allahabad to take part in the festival on the banks of the Ganges, the Magh Mela. The same festival is organized in a larger scale every 12th year and attracts millions of people and is called the Kumbha Mela. Kumbh Mela (especially the Maha Kumbh Mela) is the most sacred of all the pilgrimages. Thousands of holy men and women (monks, saints and sadhus) attend, and the auspiciousness of the festival is in part attributable to this. The sadhus are seen clad in saffron sheets with plenty of ashes and powder dabbed on their skin per the requirements of ancient traditions.
Hotel: Kanha Shyam – Deluxe Room (B, L, D)

Day 11: Jaisalmer

After breakfast, it’s time to explore Jaisalmer city. While proceeding for a city tour you are sure to be overwhelmed by the stunning beauty and grandeur of Jaisalmer Fort. The best way to explore the fort city is on foot.  The Fort is approached through many gates such as Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. The most fascinating structures inside the fort are a group of Jain temples dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Visit the Havelis, 18th and the 19th centuries yellow sand stone mansions built by the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer remain unmatched for their exquisitely carved sandstone facades, jali screens and oriel windows. These are some of the most beautiful and elegant examples of medieval architecture in India created by silavats, a community of masons.

In the afternoon, visit the golden sand dunes in the city outskirts. Drive to the nearest parking point and ride on camel back to reach the dunes during sunset.

Day 12: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur

In 1459, Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha who was a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan. Jodha succeeded in conquering the surrounding territory and thus founded a state that came to be known as Marwar. The city is referred to as the Blue City due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh fort. The forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, color and texture, a booming handicrafts industry, all add up to make this historic city worth a visit.

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

In the evening visit the local market on a tuk-tuk and walk into the several streets. Witness the people buying vegetables, spices and utensils and learn their techniques of bargain.

Walk to the clock tower that is a prominent landmark of the old town. The main attraction is the Sadar bazaar (Market). The market has kept alive the old 'haat bazaar' culture. The colorful but hectic bazaar consists of many narrow lanes, lined with tiny shops.

Day 13: Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city, and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum, there is a selection of old royal palanquins. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.

In the afternoon enjoy a Bishnoi village safari in the outskirts of Jodhpur where you can see farmers, potters and the Bishnoi tribal shepherds. The Bishnoi belief in the sanctity of the environment and the need to protect trees and animals dates from the 15th century.

Day 14: Jadhpur - Udaipur

After a leisurely breakfast you will be driven to Udaipur.

One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills. Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh, shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola. The city was named Udaipur after him.

In the evening set out for a wonderful boat ride this evening on Lake Pichola and enjoy beautiful views of the City Palace and the old town that it offers.

Day 15: Udaipur

After a leisurely breakfast you will be driven to Udaipur.

One of the most romaThis morning enjoy the city tour of Udaipur starting at Jagdish Temple that was built in 1651. Notice the many heritage mansions that line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to the old bathing ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola. Visit the City Palace,one of the largest palace complexes in the world and see the gorgeous peacock mosaics, striking blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, glass and porcelain figures and miniature paintings.

Today visit the homes of traditional textile artisans, some of them the last remaining in the line, to witness, understand, and appreciate the subtle nuances of their art forms that are unique to Udaipur. It is a rare opportunity to experience the vibrant and diverse world of textiles up close and at your own pace. An expert will be on hand to answer your questions and help interact with

Day 16: Udaipur - Delhi - Fly out

Today you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival connect to the international airport to board your homebound flight.

Tour Quote:
Valid November 1 – 30, 2012, based on two people traveling together

Four Star Hotels: From $2350/person.
Airfare from Udaipur to Delhi at $185/person (subject to change) is included in the
above quote.

Accommodation for 15 nights at the hotels envisaged or similar, as follows:

Five Star Hotels: From $3229/person.
Airfare from Udaipur to Delhi at $185/person (subject to change) is included in the above quote.

Accommodation for 15 nights at the hotels envisaged or similar, as follows:

 

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