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PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR

November 4-20, 2008

Experience the ancient tradition of
Pushkar's colorful, exotic, legendary Camel Fair

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Delhi.
Transfer to hotel (5*)

Day 2 Delhi (B,D)
Breakfast, orientation & introductions by tour escort. Afternoon sightseeing of Old & New Delhi including Red Fort, India Gate, Qutab Minar & riksha ride thru the market in Old Delhi. Dinner at a traditional restaurant

Day 3 Fly to Udaipur (B)
Jet Airways 9W707 dep. 13:45 arr. 15:05. Transfer to hotel. Sunset private boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Day 4 Udaipur (B)
Morning city tour including the City Palace & Museum, Jagdish temple, visit a minature painting artists' studios if interested; walk around old city. An independent afternoon to relax, stroll, and shop.

Day 5 Nimaj Village, enroute a visit Ranakpur Jain Temple
Deluxe tents (B,L,D)
Surrounded by tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyards, Ranakpur is one of five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. Noted for its grandiose scale and elaborate ornamentation, of the three temples, the Adinatha is the most outstanding. Built by Daranshah in 1439, the temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara saint. The whole temple is fascinating, including the extraordinary array of 1144 sculpturedpillars each distinct in design, carved ceilings, and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints, Jain mythology and cosmology. Lunch at Maharani Bagh (Mango Orchard of the Maharaja of Jodhpur) near the temples.

Continue our drive to Nimaj (190 km/118 miles), a hundred year old reservoir surrounded by lush green fields of wheat, mustard, cotton, chilies and vast grazing pastures. Nimaj has no palaces or forts, just wonderfully warm hospitality, an insight into rural India, and a chance to get to know an Indian family. Nimaj was a Jagidari, or a principality, under the Kingdom of Marwar, the rulers of Jodhpur. It is managed by the Rathore family and their two sons and daughter in-law. A charming family, overwhelmingly hospitable, and a fountain of knowledge on local history and legends. The location is stunning. Chattra Sagar, the district where Nimaj is located, is the home of the Seervi Tribe, a tribe very similar to the better-known Bishnois. Tourists are a rarity here.

There are 10 fully furnished tents with attached bathrooms set along an enormous man-made lake, a haven for water birds. Traditional Rajasthani meals will be served with farm fresh, organically grown vegetables.

Day 6 Pushkar BhadRawti camp, Deluxe Tents (B,L,D)
We visit a Bishnoi Village and after lunch drive 90 km (56 miles) to Pushkar.
The Bishnoi are a gentle people who follow the 29 (bish-noi) principles of a non violent Vishnaa sect. Founded in the 15th century, their religion dictates protection of all animate beings. Their careful environmental management has resulted in abundant wildlife, including the rare black buck, taking sanctuary near their villages. They are a community of potters, weavers, leather embroiderers and camel herders.

Day 7-8 Pushkar BhadRawti camp, Deluxe Tents (B,L,D)
Our deluxe tents each have an attached bathroom with western facilities. We are located near the fair grounds and one can wander through the nomadic camel herders’ camp quarters to see their lifestyles c loseup and interact with them. They are very friendly and enjoy the exchange as well. The town of Pushkar surrounds a holy lake below the fair site and one can relax by the lake, explore the village on foot and check out cafes and shops, as well as visit the Brahma Temple.

Day 9 Jodhpur
Hotel Taj Hari Mahal /Ajit Bhawan (B)
Drive to Jodhpur (4 - 5 hours) via Ajmer, a holy site for both Hindus and Muslims. It has the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose blessings are eagerly sought by pilgrim to his dargah. Known as the Dargah Sharif, it is the last resting place of the saint who died in 1235 and it lies at the foot of a barren hill. The saint’s marble-domed mausoleum is India’s most important shrine for Muslims and receives an endless flow of visitors. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor Akbar came here to the saint in the 16th century in quest of a boon for an heir and the saint obliged. After the stop we continue our drive to Jodhpur.

Day 10 Jodphur-Jaiselmer
Hotel Taj Rawla/Gorbandh Palace (B)
A morning half-day city tour of Jodhpur including the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort perched majestically on a high hill and the Museum. The best way to trace the history of Jodhpur is to visit the majestic Meherangarh Fort, which dominates the skyline. We enter through gates which bear the evocative handprints of the Sati queens, women of the royal harem who took their own lives when their men were defeated in battle. The fort has a series of spectacular palaces, each decorated with exquisite engravings, lattice and mirror work. Of particular note is the museum that exhibits a magnificent collection of royal memorabilia. We also will see the graceful cenotaph at Jaswant Thada.
Afterwards, brief time to browse in the bazaars of the old city, Jodhpur is well known for its glass bangles, puppets and other folk art. Ornate glass bangles with mirrors embedded in them and lacquer finished can be found here. The area around the bazaars is a wonderful example of 19th century town planning, blending Rajasthani concepts with more contemporary styles. Afternoon drive to Jaisalmer.

Day 11 Jaiselmer
Morning visit the hilltop Fort and the ancient Jain Temples. The fort is the most lively that you'll visit anywhere in India with homes and shops tucked in hidden lanes. Stalls swaddled with colorful Rajasthani embroidered and mirrored cloths. Built in 11 56 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala, the fort crowns the 80 meter high Trikuta Hill. About a quarter of the Old City's population resides within the fort walls. Within the fort walls are a beautiful set of Jain temples built between the 12 and 15th centuries. Guided walk about the city seeing several havelis. These impressive mansions, built by wealthy merchants,are fine sandstone buildings with elaborate wall murals and mirrorwork. They are still occupied by families, descendants of the original owners in most cases.

Late afternoon; visit Khuri village, in the desert 40km southwest of Jaiselmer. It's a peaceful place with houses of mud and straw decorated like the patterns on Persian carpets. Camel ride in the sand dunes just before sunset.

Day 12 Drive to Bikaner (7 hrs) Hotel Karni Bhawan Palace /Laxmi Villas Palace (B, L)
We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Khichan, a lovely village with superb red sandstone havelies belonging to the Oswal Jains. Just outside the village, hidden by sand dunes, is a lake full of cranes. Our hotel, an original palace, is a small intimate 14 room heritage hotel decorated in time-period luxury.

Day 13 Drive to Mandawa Mandawa Castle (B,D)
Morning visit to Junagarh Fort before departing for Mandawa. In Mandawa, we’ll stay at the authentic 16th century castle, run today by the grandson of the former maharaja. The medieval feel of the place has remained undiminished. The rooms are wonderfully furnished with original period pieces. We’ll enjoy an afternoon walk through the village, visiting the bazaar and the many ornate havelis. Evening dinner under the stars in the back courtyard, including a cultural program of Rajasthani music and dance.

Day 14 Jaipur Samode Haveli /Raj Palace/Sujan Niwas Palace (B,L
Drive to Jaipur, also known as the “pink” city, via Sikar and Nawalgarh. Lunch at the Samode Palace. Jaipur is the only city in India built according to the Vedic Shilpashastra, and was built in 1727.

Day 15 Jaipur (B)
Morning: we visit Amber Fort, the old capital of the kingdom of the Kacchawaha Rajputs of 15th-18th centuries. An elephant ride up to the gates is included. Afternoon: a city tour including Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, and Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. Time to browse the shops if you wish.

Day 16 Agra Grand Imperial (B, L)
Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri and have lunch at the Chandra Mahal Haveli. Known as the deserted city, Fatephur Sikri was the capital from 1570 to 1586 of the Great Mughul Empire, and has a unique architectural concept reflecting Akbar's belief in the unity of all religions.

Day 17 Morning visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort(B)
After visiting the majestic, beautiful Taj Mahal, we will take an afternoon drive to Delhi. Shared rooms for wash/change at Ashoka Country Resort. In the evening we will transfer to the international airport for your flight home.

Hotels Based on Availability

Photo: The holy village of Pushkar is built around Pushkar Lake which has 52 ghats (steps to enter the water).

Price: $3985 per person.

Single room supplement $1325

Plus Airfare Delhi-Udaipur $150 (subject to change)

Includes:

Accommodations (dble occupancy)
Meals -as indicated in the itinerary
Land transport by private ac bus
Escort throughout the trip
Entrance fees to monuments
Elephant ride at Amber
Camel ride in the desert
Private boat tour in Udaipur
Still camera fees
Mineral Water provided on bus
Porterage at hotels & domestic airports

Does Not Include
International Flt (please request quote)
Departure Tax
Tips
Insurance
Personal expenses

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