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Pushkar Camel Festival
Duration :- 15 Days Tour
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A cultural tour of India
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 and 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 is a truly dramatic event that shimmers and gleams with rich colours and vibrant life.

Day 01: Monday, Arrive New Delhi
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. Arrival at Delhi Airport, and you are in India. After immigration and custom formalities, we are assisted and driven through the city to our hotel.
Overnight: (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 02: Tuesday, New Delhi
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit first the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Moghul India, Hindu India, British India and, certainly, modern independent India.
Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Moghul Empire. Next we visit another Moghul majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. (B, D)

Day 03: Wednesday, New Delhi / Agra (Train)
Early morning we take a train journey to Agra. We start our tour with the Taj Mahal, a world Heritage Site. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Next we visit Agra Fort, also a World Heritage Site, where Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son in the later years of his life to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. Afternoon is free to shop for the Taj replicas; wood works and leather goods that the descendants of the builders of the Taj are still famous for.
Overnight: (1 night) (B, D)

Day 04: Thursday, Agra / Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (drive - 4 hours)
A short drive gets us to the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Moghul king Akbar the Great and was later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Moghul architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir. From here we continue on a scenic countryside drive to Jaipur, the rose pink capital of Rajasthan. Overnight: (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05: Friday, Jaipur
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After enjoying the panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh who founded the city. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, and the colourful bazaar. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. One of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy both shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur. (B, D)

Day 06: Saturday, Jaipur / Pushkar (drive - 4 hours)
A royal experience awaits us, as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished specimen of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we set for on our journey to the Pushkar fair grounds.
Overnight: (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Sunday, Pushkar
The annual fair in Pushkar is serious business for villagers who spend days traveling across the desert to Pushkar hoping to turn camels into much needed cash.
The Pushkar Lake is holy to the Hindus and religious ceremonies are performed simultaneously as camels are being traded. The night at the fairground takes on a Carnival atmosphere. The ferries wheel attracts line-ups of giggling Rajput women in their richly coloured saris and sparkling bangles that stretch from wrist to shoulder. Roadside vendors sell pots, pans, bangles, saris, belts and other various items. Campfires dot the dark desert like bright stars as the evening meal is prepared. This day is free to experience the festivity and mingle with the people. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Monday, Pushkar / Ajmer (drive - 1 hour)
An interesting drive gets us to Ajmer. We visit the Mosque and the Mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisthi highly regarded by Muslims and Hindus alike. Evening, we witness the auspicious ceremonies performed by the devotees at the Mosque experiencing tranquility.
Overnight: (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09: Tuesday, Ajmer / Jodhpur (drive - 8 hours)
A countryside drive gets us to the desert city of Jodhpur. Afternoon, we visit the city which stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a strong wall nearly 10kms / 6m
in length, with seven gates. Dominating the city is the massive fortress, safeguarding the Royal palaces with their collections of arms and priceless jewels.
Overnight: (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 10: Wednesday, Jodhpur / Jaisalmer (drive - 7 hours)
After the Jodhpur experience we get a different feel of Rajasthan as we drive to Jaisalmer, the ancient capital of the Yadavas in the heart of the Thar Desert. The evening is free.
Overnight: (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 11: Thursday, Jaisalmer
Iaisalmer is the museum-city of India and one of the last princely bastions. Our tour of this desert city offers an interesting insight to architecture. Each of the buildings is a monument to the skills and creativity of the Rajasthani craftsmen of medieval times, for all have exquisite carvings and filigree work. The Citadel of Jaisalmer, built in 1156 A.D., stands atop a hill on the slopes of which a large part of the population lives. The high walls protect palaces, towers, streets and buildings with beautifully carved, overhanging balconies. Evening, an unforgettable desert safari over the sand dunes on camelback. (B, D)

Day 12: Friday, Jaisalmer / Bikaner (drive - 7 hours)
Completing this triangle we take an interesting drive to Bikaner. Founded in 1488, Bikaner was a bustling center on the caravan route to West Asia and Africa. It is famous for its camels. Bikaner's wall and buildings, built of red and yellow sandstone, are fine specimens of Rajput architecture. We take a tour of this rural township. It gives us an interesting exposure to lifestyle of the people. Our tour covers the Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, the Camel Breeding farm and Karni Mata Temple.
Overnight: (B, D)

Day 13: Saturday, Bikaner / Mandawa (drive - 5 hours)
Our tour of Bikaner will culminate with a drive to Mandawa. In Mandawa we visit the Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, Shani Temple and Kanhaiayalal Bagla Haveli where you can see the glass lamps and Shekawati Furniture. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: (1 night) (B, D)

Day 14: Sunday, Mandawa / New Delhi (drive - 5 hours)
Drive to Delhi, upon arrival in the capital city, we are transferred to our hotel.
Balance of the day free. Optional Sound and Light Show at the Red Fort.
Overnight: (B, D)

Day 15: Monday, New Delhi - Home
Today we bid farewell to India and the festivities of Pushkar. We are transferred to the airport for our departure flight home. (B)


Fairs & Festivals Calendar 2004 - 2010: