Rajasthan with Pushkar Fairs

Rajasthan has long been regarded as the real home of the traditional Maharajas. Jaipur , Jodhpur , Jaisalmer and Udaipur have become India's most popular tourist destinations. However the Forts, Palaces and country estates are steadily being converted into hotels.
From richly painted Havelis of Shekhawati in the north to the magnificent Jain temples of Mount Abu or Ranakpur in the south, the state's wealth of history and the art provides a unique opportunity to see something of a disappearing world. Pushkar lies in a narrow dry valley overshadowed by impressive rocky hills which offer spectacular views of the desert at sunset. The lake at its heart, almost magically beautiful in the early morning and late evening light, is one of India's most sacred lakes. The celebrated Pushakar Fair transforms the quiet village to a colourful week of hightened activity.

Day 01 DELHI.

Arrive Delhi at the international airport. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. ( check-in time 1200 Noon ). Overnight at the hotel.

DELHI 02 - JAIPUR ( 258 KMS )

After breakfast sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit the Red Fort, Jama masjid and enjoy the Rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the Chandini Chowk bazaar. Visit the Raj Ghat, the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi. The old Delhi which was once known as the Shah Jahanabad was protected by rubble built walls, some of which still survive. These walls were pierced by 14 main gates. The Ajmeri Gate, Turkman gate, Kashmiri gate and the Delhi Gate still survive. The Red Fort, most of it is built of Red Sand Stone, begun in 1639 and completed in 1648. Later visit the Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in India and the last great architectural work of Shah Jahan. It lies 1 km to the west of the Red Fort.it is judicious blend of red sand stone and white marble, which is interspersed in the domes, minarets and cusped arches. Last but not the least enjoy the Rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the Chandini Chowk bazaar.Visit the Humayun's Tomb and the Qutab Minar. Evening free for shopping. Overnight at the hotel. Afternoon drive to Jaipur. Jaipur , the colourful capital of a richly state, is a distinctive planned city. It has some fine museums in the atmospheric Old City with its bazaars, palaces and Havelis, as well as a couple of forts and Amber, which are worth exploring. This city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Jaipur is famous for its gem stones ( particularly emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds), gold and jewelry all over the world. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening free to explore the city on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 JAIPUR.

After breakfast excursion to Amber Fort with elephant ride. As you take the winding road from modern Jaipur between the barren hills immediately to the north there is a little hint of the magnificent fort and palace, which once dominated the narrow valley. Amber was the site of a Hindu temple built by the Mina tribes as early as the 10th century. This is one of India's most popular tourist sites, with a continuous train of colourfully decorated elephants walking up and down the ramp. Afternoon visit the City Palace and the Royal Observatory. City Palace occupies the centre of Jaipur. The main entrance leads to the courtyard at the centre which is the Mubarak Mahal. On the first floor is the Textile and Costume Museum which is the fine example of fabrics and costumes from all over India. In the northwest corner of the courtyard is the Armoury Museum containing an impressive array of weaponry. Jantar Mantar also known as the Royal Observatory was built between 1728 to 1734 by Jai Singh. Astrology occupies an important place in daily life, observatory is a fascinating and attractive site to walk around. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 JAIPUR - BIKANER

After breakfast drive to Bikaner. En-route visit Fatehpur in Shekhawati region. This region is famous for its rich fresco paintings on the walls of all the havelis. Fatehpur, founded in the mid-15th century by a Nawab, has very attractive havelis along the Churu - sikar road. Visit the Devra Haveli, Singhania Haveli, Goenka and Saraogi Haveli. This small town also produces very good tie and dye fabric. Afternoon proceed to Bikaner, an oasis town among scrub and sand dunes. The rocky outcrop in a barren landscape provides a dramatic setting for the Junagarh Fort, one of the finest in the western Rajasthan. Rao Bikaji set up this city as an independent kingdom in 1488. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening free. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 BIKANER

After breakfast sightseeing of Junagarh fort. This fort is the finest examples in Rajasthan, of the paradox between military architecture and beautiful interior decoration. There is a Museum in the fort having sanskrit and persian manuscripts, miniature paintings, jewels, enamelware, weapons, palanquins and war drums. Afternoon visit Camel Breeding Farm, one of its own kind in Asia. This is the largest breeding farm in the world.

Day 06 BIKANER - KOLAYAT - JAISALMER.

After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer. En-route visit Deshnokh Temple also known as the Rat Temple. The massive silver gates and beautiful white marble carvings on the façade are very impressive. The temple is dedicated to a 15th century female mystic Karniji worshiped as an incarnation of Durga. Later proceed to Jaisalmer. The approach to Jaisalmer across the hot barren is magical as the city shimmers like a mirage. With the crenellated golden sandstone town walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, through which camel carts trundle leisurely, it has an extra ordinary medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere. The fort inside , perched on its hilltop, contains some gems of Jain temple building, while beautifully decorated merchants' havelis are scattered through the town. Jaisalmer gives convenient access to the surrounding desert wilderness, sand dunes and oasis village ideal for camel rides and safaris. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 JAISALMER

After breakfast sightseeing city tour. Morning visit the Jaisal Fort built up of Yellow sandstone. This is the only living fort all over the world. You will be able to see a small town based inside the fort. Afternoon visit the Havelis. First visit the Nathumal ki haveli, Salim Singh ki haveli and patwon ki haveli.( the finest in town, they have the finest murals and the carved pillars.) Evening drive to Sam Sand Dunes ( 40 kms from Jaisalmer ) to view the sunset along with the camel ride. Here you can see the Kabelia dancers swaying and dancing to the tunes around the born-fire. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 JAISALMER

After breakfast excursion to Lodhurva, 15 km northwest of Jaisalmer, contains a number of Jain temples that are the only remains of a once florishing Marwar capital. All the temples are beautifully carved with jali outside and are well maintained. Afternoon visit Bada Bagh 6 km north of Jaisalmer is an attractive oasis with mango trees and other vegetarian not normally seen in the desert. Evening free. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 JAISALMER - KHIMSAR.

After breakfast drive to Khimsar. On the edge of the desert, Khimsar was founded by the Jain Saint Mahavir 2500 years ago Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit the Khimsar Fort. If you wish you can you can take a jeep safari to Blackbuck Reserve in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 KHIMSAR - OSIAN - JODHPUR.

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. En-route visit Osian, a Jain temple complex. Osian surrounded by sand dunes, this ancient town north of Jodhpur in the Thar Desert contains the largest group of 8th to 10 th century Hindu and Jain temples in Rajasthan. The western group contains a mixture of Hindu temples, including the Surya Temple with beautifully carved pillars. The Jain Mahavira Temple is the best preserved. The Sachya Mata Temple is a living temple of the Golden Durga. Afternoon drive to JODHPUR, the second city of Rajasthan, once the capital of Marwar, Jodhpur sprawls around the massively impressive clifftop Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most rewarding in the state. The outer city, covering a large area , has the added bonus of the vast Umaid Bhawan Palace with its art and interior decoration. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. The fort has a museum in it. In a series of palaces, beautifully designed and decorated windows and the walls. Magnificent collection of Maharaja's memorabilia - superbly maintained. If you have time you can also visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Mandore Gardens, Balsamand lake palace or a jeep safari to Bishnoi Village. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 JODHPUR - MOUNT ABU

After breakfast drive to Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill resort, away from the congestion and traffic of the tourist centres on the plains, strtches along a 20 km long plateau. Many of the rulers from surrounding princely states had summer houses built here. Today, it draws visitors from Rajasthan and Gujrat who come to see the Dilwara Jain Temple. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit the Dilwara Jain Temple set in beautiful surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills, the temples have superb marble carvings. The complex of the 5 principal temples is surrounded by a high wall, dazzling white in the sunlight. The complex has several temples to visit. Chaumukha Temple, Adinatha Temple, Risah Deo Temple, Neminatha Temple are the major ones. Evening free. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 MOUNT ABU - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR

After breakfast drive to Udaipur. En-route visit Ranakpur. This is one of the 5 holy Jain sites and a popular pilgrimage centre. It is the best know Jain temple complexes in the country. The Adinatha ( 1439) the most noteworthy of the three main temples here, is dedicated to the first Trithankar. The whole temple including the extraordinary array of engraved pillars (which are 1444 in number and none of the pillars are alike), carved ceilings and arches are intricately decorated. Afternoon proceed to Udaipur, set in the Girwa valley admidst to the aravlli hills of south Rajasthan, Udaipur is a beautiful city. In contrast to some of its desert neighbours it presents an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, attractive gardens and green hills that keep the wilderness at bay. High above the lake towers the massive palace of the Maharanas. From its rooftop gardens and balconies, you can look over Lake Pichola, at the summer palace. 'Adrift like a snowflake ' in its centre. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening free. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 UDAIPUR

After breakfast sightseeing tour of the city. Visit Sahelion-ki-bari, The Old City, City Palace which ahs an impressive crystal art gallery and the government museum. Afternoon visit the Jagdish Mandir followed by the Boat ride in the Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 UDAIPUR - PUSHKAR FAIR

After breakfast drive to Pushkar. Pushkar, once peaceful lakeside village on the edge of the desert has been markedly change by the year-round presence of large numbers of foreigners who were originally drawn by the famous fair. Pushkar lake, is believed to mark the spot where a lotus thrown by Brahma, landed. The Brahma Temple, at the farther end of the lake, is particularly holy shrine and draws pilgrims throughout the year. Kartik Purnima ( full moon ) is marked by a vast cattle and camel fair ( 16 - 19 Nov 2002). Pilgrims bathe in the lake, the night of the full moon being the most auspicious time, and float 'boats' of marigaold and rose petals ij the moonlight. The all-night drumming and singing in this Tent City is very exciting. Every year over 200,000 visitors and pilgrims and hordes of cattle and camels with their semi-nomadic tribal drivers, crowd in the town. There are horse and camel races and betting is heavy. The Tug-of-War between the localites and the foreigner is generally the favourite. There are side shows of jugglers, magicians, acrobats and folk dancers. At nightfall there is music dancing outside the tents around friendly fire is an unforgettable experience. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the SWISS TENTS. Evening visit the Brahma temple and later view the sunset at the Pushkar lake followed by exploring the Pushkar Fair on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 PUSHKAR

After breakfast explore and enjoy a full day in Pushkar Fair. Overnight in the tents.

Day 16 PUSHKAR - DELHI.

After breakfast drive to Delhi. En-route visit Ajmer, situated in a basin at the foot of Taragarh Hill. Ajmer is surrounded by a stone wall with 5 gateways. Renowned throughout the Muslim world as the burial place of Mu'inuddin Chishti who claimed descent from the son-in-law of Mohammad. Visit Dargah of Khwaja Mu'inuddin Chishti and Arhai-din-ka Jhopra Mosque. Afternoon proceed to Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel for Dinner( NO ROOM).

Day 17 DELHI - ITALY.

Early morning transfer to the international airport to fly back home.

Please note our cost includes:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
Daily breakfast.
All transfers and sightseeing by AC Car, AC tempo, AC 15 Seater Coach depending on the strength of the group.
Services of an Italian / English speaking local guide at all the places of sightseeing.
Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur.
Camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes In Jaisalmer

Our cost does not include:
Any airfare.
Any services other than mentioned.
US Dollar entrance fee in Delhi & Agra.
Any expenditure of personal nature like the Telephone Calls, Laundry, Beverages and Tips etc.