Royal Rajasthan: Pushkar Fair

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the hotel or explore this bustling capital city on your own.

Delhi is the capital of modern India. It has also been the capital of at least seven previous civilizations as well as the British Raj, and each have left behind a trail of monuments.

 

Explore both Old and New Delhi, including Humayun’s Tomb of the Mughal Emperor, Qutab Minar - the world’s tallest brick tower and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Experience a busy & bustling local bazaar with a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk. Followed by a welcome dinner.

 

Breakfast       Welcome Dinner

Drive to Agra, the erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire. Visit Agra Fort, a prison built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal. Let’s size up the Itimad-ud-Daulah tomb, the "Baby Tāj”, a Mughal era mausoleum.

 

Visit the legendary Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631. We will also have a breathtaking photo-op with a fully symmetrical view of the Taj Mahal from across the river at Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden).

 

Breakfast

En route to Jaipur we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory), which has been deserted for over four centuries. Thanks to the very durable red sandstone from which it was built, Fatehpur Sikri remains well-preserved and a fascinating place to explore. A quick photo-op stop at Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a bird sanctuary that attracts many species of birds across Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Later we drive to Jaipur, the bustling capital of Rajasthan.

 

Breakfast

Visit the stunning 16th century Rajput Amber Fort on a jeep or elephant. The fort is perched on a hillside overlooking the dusty plains below, regal palaces, sleepy villages, and stone carved temples.

 

City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City with a series of temples, pavilions, gardens and palaces like Chandra Mahal (home to present Maharajah of Jaipur), Mubarak Mahal (housing a textile museum). Continue to Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) its interior embellished with reflective glass tiles that embellish the interior.  Enjoy the sight of Jal Mahal (Water Palace), a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. Visit Jantar Mantar, an open-air astronomical observatory and UNESCO world heritage site. See Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), it’s high screen wall allowed the women of the royal household to observe street life without being seen.

 

Marvel at a 16th century step well near Kheri Gate. The step well serves as the community well, gathering place and swimming hole. Spend the evening at Chokhi Dhani (Rajasthani Cultural Village) to enjoy traditional performances of dancers & acrobats, snack stalls, paintings, costumes and tasty Rajasthani thali cuisine at this mock Rajasthani village.

 

Breakfast     Dinner

Checkout and drive to Pushkar.

 

Visit Pushkar Lake and Gau Ghat. Explore the golden sands of the vast Thar Desert in Rajasthan on your Camel Safari! The Aravalli Range has sandy fields, small dunes and beautiful hills with mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets.

 

After checking in your luxury tent, start exploring the Pushkar Fair Ground for camels, horses and cattle. Enjoy a crafts bazaar, evening campfire and culture performances.

 

Breakfast        Lunch       Dinner

Today, explore the fair on your own. Here are a few inclusive activities: camel cart ride, camel race, kite flying, puja ceremony, music and dance performance.

 

Breakfast      Lunch       Dinner

After breakfast, checkout and drive to Jodhur.

 

Jodhpur is called the Gateway to Thar Desert (also known as Great Indian Desert). Jodhpur is a historic city dating to 1459 AD founded by a Rajput chieftain of the Rathores. The city was built as the new capital of the state of Marwar to replace the ancient capital Mandore, the ruins of which are near the Mandore Gardens. Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City with many houses in shades of blue.

 

Breakfast

Visit Mehrangarh Fort, which was described by Rudyard Kipling as "the creation of angels, fairies and giants." Explore the old city on tuk-tuks as you pass by local artists, puppet makers and traditional spice markets. Savor rustic Rajasthani life on a village safari to Bishnoi.

 

Breakfast

Enroute, we visit the charming village of Deogarh. Deogarh Mahal is perched on top of the Aravalli Hills. This romantic fortified palace impresses with its marvelous central courtyard and its array of battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas (a type of overhanging enclosed balcony used in Rajasthan architecture) and huge gateways. It was restored and converted into an authentic heritage hotel.

 

Ranakpur Temple complex is on the western side of the Aravalli Range. This 15th century Jain temple is constructed of light colored marble with more than 1,400 exquisitely carved pillars.

 

Breakfast

Explore the intricate mosaic of rural and royal Deogarh in her colorful villages and understand the ancient bond between feudal lords and their subjects. Unravel the treasures and view the private Vintage Car Collection with a member of the feudal family (subject to availability) followed by a village walk. Catch a glimpse of the humble surroundings, ancient traditions and customs.

 

Breakfast

Today we drive to Lake City of Udaipur that is an oasis in the desert of Rajasthan. Udaipur is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills which are dotted with palaces.

 

Cruise on Lake Pichola. Lake Pichola hosts two islands, each with a palace: Jag Mandir (Lake Garden Palace) dating from 1620 as a summer resort and pleasure palace for the royal family, and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace), an eighteenth-century granite and marble palace which was a residence for the Maharaja´s guests. The famous Lake Palace located in the middle of Lake Pichola is easily one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur with walls made of black and white marble and adorned with semi-precious stones and ornamented niches. Gardens, fountains, pillared terraces and columns line its courtyards. Along the eastern banks of the lake lies the City Palace.  Note: The cruise may be canceled due to the water level of the lake.

 

Breakfast

Surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas towering over the Lake Pichola, the imposing 16th century City Palace is Rajasthan’s largest palace. You pass through the triple-arched Tripolia Gate into a large courtyard, Manek Chowk.  Spot the large tiger-catching cage which works rather like an oversized mousetrap, and the smaller one for leopards. The Mor Chowk (Peacock square) - the elaborate design of this chamber consists of three peacocks (highlighting the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon) constructed by Sajjan Singh in the 19th century.  A total of 5,000 pieces of mosaic of green, blue crystal and gold, as well as concave mirrors evoke the elegant movements of the birds that are the symbol of the Rajasthan.

 

Breakfast 

After breakfast we depart for Udaipur airport and fly to Delhi or Mumbai International airport. The tour comes to an end. To provide an ample buffer, you are advised to schedule your international flight home to depart at 6 pm (or later) from Delhi or Mumbai.

 

Breakfast