Royal Rajputana with Pushkar Fair

DETAILED ITINERARY:-

Day 01: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2009, Arrive New Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India! After completing immigration and custom formalities we will be taken through the city to our hotel. Overnight: Ramada Plaza Hotel in Delhi (2 Nights)

Day 02: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2009, 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 starting with Birla House – The Former Residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi spend his later years at Birla House before he was assassinated by Nathu Ram Godse on January 30, 1948. Later we visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and certainly of 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 Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. We end our tour with the visit to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. (B)

Day 03 Thursday, 22 Oct. 2009, Delhi /Alsisar Drive: 250 km
An interesting day as we move into the rural – the real India. Driving westwards, make our way to Alsisar to get the feel of the authentic flavour of rural Rajasthan. Alsisar provides visitors with a true depiction of village life. The region is home to historical forts, castles and beautiful frescoes. Known as an “open air gallery”, Shekhawati has the highest concentration of frescoes in the world. We explore all this before retiring into our hotel. Overnight: Alsisar Mahal Hotel in Alsisar (1 Night)(B)

Day 04 Friday, 23 Oct. 2009, Alsisar / Bikaner (Via Deshnok)- Drive: 250 km
We drive to Bikaner; the once busy trade stop for merchants traveling to Central Asia. We stop at Deshnok and visit the Karni Mata Temple. Famous for rats that run freely and fearlessly throughout the temple, pilgrims from far and wide come to offer sweets as a holy gesture. In the afternoon, we enjoy a tour of the city, visiting a fort and a camel-breeding farm. Overnight:Karni Bhawan Palace hotel in Bikaner (1 night) (B)

Day 05 Saturday, 24 Oct. 2009, Bikaner / Jaisalmer - Drive: 330 km
As we drive through Rajasthan’s colourful and rural roads, we find ourselves at Jaisalmer. Also known as the “Golden City”, Jaisalmer sits on bed of sandstone, crowned by a fort with several Jain temples. We stop for breakfast at the grand and opulent Gajner Palace, formerly a hunting lodge for the region’s royalty. At the heart of the Thar Desert, we experience for a few moments, the lifestyle of, the residents of Jaisalmer. Overnight: Gorbandh Palace The Gateway Hotel Rawal Kot in Jaisalmer (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 06 Sunday, 25 Oct. 2009, Jaisalmer
Almost 900 years old, Jaisalmer was a major post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert. With its golden crenellated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisite mansions, Jaisalmer’s private residences are decorated with beautifully carved facades and perforated screens. Our Jaisalmer experience starts with visits to some of the most colourful and striking havelis (private residences) followed by Gadi Sagar Tank, the fort and Jain Temples.
At midday we drive to the village of Kanoi and begin our camel safari. Riding through the sand dunes just as merchants did during the medieval times. As the sky darkens, we watch the sun slowly fall deeper into the horizon, as we enjoy traditional folk dance and a delicious meal! We leave a part of the desert behind and drive back to our hotel. (B, D)

Day 07 Monday, 26 Oct. 2009, Jaisalmer/ Manvar- Drive: 180 km
Today, we drive to the Manwar Desert Camp. An ideal place to experience desert life, village people and the unique beauty that the glittering sun and golden sands offer. Hidden deep in the Thar Desert, this campsite was once the luxurious rest installed by the Mughal Emperor, Jahangir. Our day at Manvar includes a jeep safari through the Thar Desert. Once the sun has set, we sit around a campfire and enjoy the workings of local musicians and dancers.
Overnight: Manvar Desert Camp (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 08 Tuesday, 27 Oct. 2009, Manvar /Jodhpur / Rohet Garh - Drive: 160 km
We continue our journey through Rajasthan to Jodhpur. Its desert sun reflects on the whitewashed homes that carry a deep and beautiful indigo tinge, resulting in the nickname the Blue City .We visit the Mehrangarh Fort which at a height of 400 feet is one of the largest in the nation. The fort encompasses a series of courtyards and palaces with deep terracotta latticed work. We travel some 40 km and arrive at Rohet. On arrival we check in our Hotel.
Overnight: Rohet Garh Hotel / Fort Chanwa (1 Night) (B)
Optional: - You can embark on a horse safari through the village. With some of the finest stables in the country, Rohet is home to sensitive and beautiful stallions that allow for an enjoyable ride

Day 09 Wednesday, 28 Oct. 2009, Rohet Garh / Ranakpur / Udaipur Drive: 280 km.
Our journey to the world-renowned city of Udaipur takes us through this culturally rich and diverse state as we drive near the Aravalli Mountain Range and stop to explore the historic city of Ranakpur. Ranakpur draws many locals and tourists to visit the well-known 15th C Jain Temple. Inside, you find 24-pillared halls and eighty domes supported by over 400 columns. We make our way to Udaipur where we visit the City Palace. A combination of European and Chinese architecture, the palace is a series of grand royal mansions with courtyards, gardens and glass mosaics, sitting on the edge of Pichola Lake. We continue our excursion with a visit to Saheliyon Ke Bari or the Garden of Maids and the folklore museum. We end our day with a boat ride at Lake Pichola.
Overnight: Hotel Radisson Plaza in Udaipur (1 Night) (B)

Day 10 Thursday, 29 Oct. 2009, Udaipur / Pushkar- Drive: 280 km
Today is another highlight as we make our way to Pushkar. Situated on a beautiful lake, Pushkar is a holy and religious site for Hindus. Also famous for its annual fair, many residents of surrounding villages and towns make their way across the desert in hopes of turning camels into much needed cash. At night, the annual fair brings on a carnival flavour bringing together the city residents and the many visitors. As we walk by we see queues of shy Rajput women dressed in beautiful colourful saris, waiting their turn for a ride on the ferries wheel. As the sun sets, the campfire begins and the bright stars call for an evening meal. Enjoy a free day in Pushkar and take the opportunity to meet and interact with local Rajputs on this very special occasion.Overnight: Royal Desert Camp in Pushkar (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

Day 11 Friday, 30 Oct. 2009, Pushkar
Today we spend a full day at the Camel Fair. One of the nation’s biggest livestock fairs, the Camel Fair draws many from all over north-west India to participate in the buying, selling and negotiating of prized animals. With dancers in the street and skilled artisans selling their goods, the Camel Fair is a jamboree of colour and excitement. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Saturday, 31 Oct. 2009, Pushkar /Jaipur- Drive: 140 Km
We bid Farwell to Pushkar and take a scenic drive to Rajasthan’s capital city of Jaipur. We are received warmly at our hotel and enjoy the balance of the day to loiter around the colourful baza ars. This is the famous Pink City. Overnight: Country Inn Suites in Jaipur (2 Nights) (B)

Day 13 Sunday, 01 Nov.2009, 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 the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city, Jai Singh. 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 and 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)

Day 14 Monday, 02 Nov. 2009, Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Today we drive to the former great Mughal Capital and visit to the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Mughal King, Akbar the Great in 1640, the city is a superb example of Mughal architecture, as it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We continue the day with a look at the mausoleum of the Sufi mystic, Salim Chisty. Waving goodbye to this historically rich city and we anxiously drive to our next destination. Agra! On arrival we check in our Hotel.
Overnight: The Gateway Hotel in Agra (2 Nights) (B)
Optional: - You can visit the world famous Taj Mahal under full moon!

Day 15 Tuesday, 03 Nov. 2009, Agra
Our morning begins with a tour of India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal (WHS). Built by Shah Jehan, the Taj Mahal is a depiction of the king’s love for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Carved from white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, the Taj Mahal is also the site of Shah Jehan’s resting place. We continue our tour of Agra with a visit to the Agra Fort (WHS). Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, it is the site of Shah Jehan’s imprisonment by his son, Aurangzeb. (B)
Optional: - In the evening you can experience Agra’s rich cultural heritage as watch the Mohabatten Taj, a Dance Drama Show at Kalakriti.

Day 16 Wednesday, 04 Nov. 2009, Agra /Delhi /Home- Drive: 220 km
After check out at 12.pm we make our way back to Delhi. Reflecting on our beautiful journey from the nation’s capital to the physical depiction of its most cherished love story, we will remember India for the unique experience it had to offer. In Delhi, we have the final farewell dinner. After dinner we are transferred to airport for our flight to onward destination. (B, D)

• Accommodation on twin‑share basis in the mentioned hotels or Similar with daily buffet Breakfast as per the itinerary.
• Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary by air-conditioned Vehicle.
• Road tax, Toll Charges, parking fees and driver’s overnight wages.
• Services of an English speaking official tour Manager.
• Services of an English speaking Local guide approved by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of India at the monuments.
• Elephant Ride at Amber Fort.
• Camel Safari with Dinner at Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer
• Boat Ride at Lake Pichola in Udaipur(Common Boat).
• Farewell Dinner at Delhi and Lunch at Pokaran Fort.
• Lunches and Dinners at Manvar and Pushkar.
• All presently applicable taxes.

• Any personal expenses such as laundry bills, telephone bills, alcoholic beverages and airport tax.
• Entrances to Monuments of visit :- Supplement Quoted Above.
• Optional Tour cost Horse safari ( 1-2 Hrs) at Rohet Garh.
• Optional Mohabatte –Taj show at Agra.
• Optional Visit to Taj Mahal at Full Moon.
• Tips and other such cost which is to be paid to the drivers, guides, porters etc.
• Visa fees or International flight tickets and insurance.
• Any other services not mentioned in the cost inclusions.

• The price are on Per Person basis in US$.
• All prices are subject to any revision of tax and tariff structure.
• Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday for the general public.
• Red fort –Delhi is closed on every Monday for the general public.