TRAVEL INFORMATION INDIA
Pushkar Camel Fair (08 nights / 09 days)
Delhi - Ajmer - Pushkar - Camel Fair - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
India has always been associated with opulence, stories of kings and queens, of lavishness and wealth. Witness this magnificent country with a visit to the Land of Rajas or Kings – Rajasthan, a place known for its inimitable hospitality interfused with the splendor of royalty.
Starting off from India’s capital New Delhi, touch base at Udaipur, also called the city of lakes; an emerald jewel snuggled amidst arid land. Move on to the dry and barren regions of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer before heading off to Bikaner to complete the Rajasthan triangular circuit. Head off to Jaipur the Pink City, Jaipur before heading off for Agra to witness a poetry in stone, the ever so beautiful monument – the Taj Mahal. Culminate your visit with the journey back to New Delhi.
Day 1 Delhi
Saturday 01 November 2014. Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Delhi – India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 2 Delhi & Old Delhi
Today embark on a full day sightseeing tour of the city, kicking off in the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi. Here we will see the famous Red Fort, the towering minarets and marble domes of Jama Masjif – one of the oldest and most impressive mosques in the city, and government buildings. Later we head into New Delhi, with its wide boulevards, plentiful parks and majestic parliament buildings and palaces. View the lofty Qutab Minar tower, and the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb. In the evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner in an Indian restaurant
Overnight at the hotel
Day 03 Ajmer Pushkar
After breakfast morning is free for personal activities.
Delhi – Ajmer - Pushkar. Today we take an early morning train to the town of Ajmer and enjoy a sightseeing tour upon arrival. Located just 11 kilometres away from Pushkar, Ajmer is an important railway town and home to the mausoleum of Muslim Sufi Saint Chisti. Not being part of any principality, it represents the multi-religious character of India and is a blend of Sufi culture and Hindu religion. Ajmer also has a reputation as a great centre of education, with the Mayo College standing above the rest. Later this afternoon we drive on to Pushkar for the evening.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 4 - 5 Pushkar Camel Fair
After breakfast you will be taken for the half day sightseeing tour of Udaipur city.
Pushkar Camel Fair. Today is our first day at the Pushkar Camel Fair. Once a year this sleepy lakeside town erupts into a frenzy of activity, as hundreds of thousands of cattle traders, pilgrims, breeders, herdsmen, farmers and travellers descend upon the town for the annual Pushkar Camel Fair. After lunch we head over to the fair grounds for a glimpse of this authentic cultural affair. Here you can witness the serious business of livestock trading as well as watch (or take part) in some fun activities, such as a game of tug of war, a cricket match, a competition for the longest moustache, and a camel beauty-pageant. There are also plenty of market stalls with local wares on sale, including bracelets, clothing, and fabrics.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 6 Pink City of Jaipur
We start the day with a stately elephant ride up to the lofty Amber Fort. Once inside the sheer rock walls we explore palaces, gardens, temples and opulent private apartments that were once home to Mughal rulers. In the afternoon we enjoy a city tour of Jaipur. Here we will see the remains of the Hawa Mahal palace, visit the ancient Jantar Mantar observatory, and explore the vast City Palace, with its many courtyards, gardens and majestic buildings. There will also be the chance to browse several museums and art galleries
Overnight at the hotel
Day 7 Fatehpur Sikri & Agra Fort
Jaipur – Agra. This morning we set out for Agra, home to the magnificent Taj Mahal. En route we visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. Upon arrival into Agra we check in to our hotel and enjoy some free time before heading over to the imposing Agra Fort in the early evening. This 16th century sandstone fortress was once home to Mughal rulers, and within its fortified walls you can still find evidence of the empire’s grandeur with a number of enchanting mosques and stunning palaces
Overnight at the hotel
Day 8 The Taj Mahal
Agra - Delhi. In the morning we visit the magnificent Taj Mahal just in time for sunrise. This iconic white marble mausoleum was constructed to commemorate the late wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, taking over 22 years to build. In 1983 the structure was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is possibly one of the most universally recognised masterpieces in the world. Later on we begin our drive to Delhi arriving in the evening
Overnight at the hotel
Day 9 Good Bye India
Sunday 9 November 2014. Today we say goodbye to India as our tour comes to an end. After breakfast and check-out you will be transferred to the airport for your onward travel
