Pushkar Fair

Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi, Shekhawati, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Agra

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive late evening at New Delhi International airport. Upon arrival at International Airport, you will be met by our representative, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Indian welcome consisting of Aarti-Tikka and garlands) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for two nights.Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you. Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!

Day 02: Delhi
Enjoy full day sightseeing of New & Old Delhi.(Including the Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb and Lutyen's buildings, Jama Masjid, Red Fort and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk) Old Delhi pulses with the energy and colour, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. In Old Delhi you will see the famous Red Fort surrounded by shops, and bazaars (built by the Emperor Shah Jehan – the builder of Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi's business nerve center), the hustle-bustle of everyday Indian life all around you and chattering voices.

Note: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays

New Delhi stands in formal splendour, like a lone sentry guarding an outpost of a long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards, which offers ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city rich with formal parks and you will see the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens), once the awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys and now the Presidential Palace, India Gate (a majestic 42-mts high arch, built as a memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in World War I), Qutub Minar (the 72.5 mts high tower dating back to 13th century and one of the greatest bequests of Islamic Culture), Humanyun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal, has Mughal Architecture at its graceful best).

After finishing the sightseeing tour we drive back to our hotel for Overnight stay

Day 03: Delhi - Shekhawati (about 270 km)
In the morning we drive to Shekhawati region. Arrival in Shekhawati in the late afternoon
Upon arrival we check in at our pre-arranged hotel for overnight stay.

Day 04: Shekhawati - Bikaner (about 190 km)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. Shekhawati lies in the north east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups in India, they developed their business acumen on the trade routes between Delhi and the coast between India and Central Asia. marwaris enjoyed protections by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. These havellis are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology. After the visit of Shekhawati area we proceed to Bikaner.

The fortified city of Bikaner is encircled by imp osing battle­ments and stands on a slight eminence.
Its roads undulate through colourful bazaars and the predominant hue of the buildings is the strong reddish pink of local sandstone. Raja Rai Singh built an outstanding general of Mughal Emperor, Akbar Junagarh Fort. It is encircled by a moat and contains palaces made of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke is dedicated to Karni Mata, a mystic. Legend goes that she foretold the vic­tory of success of Rao Bika and the prophecy came true. Today along with her, thousands of rats are revered here. The strange mode of worship owes to the belief, that the souls of her de­votees are housed in these rats, and consequently they must be protected and well fed.

Day 05: Bikaner to Jaisalmer (320 Kms / Approx 6 hours)
Post breakfast we drive to Jaisalmer (320 kms - 6 hrs), founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal.Often described as Golden City & rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendour. Because of its strategic location it was an important ancient trading centre & camel caravans laden with precious spices & silk crossed the territory en-route India, Sindh, Arabia & Europe. The merchants of the 19th century built Havelis (Mansions) that are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still in a beautiful condition. The life within the Fortified town conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples, & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.Overnight Stay at the hotel in Jaisalmer.

Day 06: Jaisalmer
Today we visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort, built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only "Living Fort" in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces & beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.

We also visit magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town. It was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose business stretched between Afghanistan & China. It is the most elaborate & magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis & is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold. Later we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to take the Camel ride on the Sand Dunes of Sam while the sun is setting down.Overnight Stay at the hotel in Jaisalmer.

Day 07: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 km - 7 hr)
Today we drive to Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar.Overnight Stay at the hotel in Jodhpur

Day 08: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 260 km)
Today we drive to Udaipur. Enroute we will visit Ranakpur. Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th century. We have a break in Ranakpur before proceeding further for Udaipur.
Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.

Day 09: Udaipur
Today we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view the facade of filigreed balconies & ornate cupola-topped towers.

Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions & elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic technique devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today.

Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in the lake.Overnight Stay at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 10: Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 km)
Today we leave Udaipur and drive to Pushkar. Pushkar being one of the most religious places for Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient religious town. The only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for Hindus. Pushkar has become famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival which takes place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle and camel markets take place here where Farmers, breeders and camel traders buy and sell. (if this tour takes place during the time of Pushkar Festival we spend 2 nights stay in Pushkar instead of one and therefore the duration of this Tour will be extended for one more day making it 16 days tour).

Day 11: Pushkar - Jaipur (about 120 km)
Today we leave the holy city of Pushkar and drive to the Pink City Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. After a break in Jaipur we visit "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses.

Afternoon tour of the City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments.

Day 12: Jaipur S/S
Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow bu t steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Evening we take am excursion to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort located at a distance 15 km from Jaipur. Evenings at Chokhi Dhani are very special. A Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling grounds and includes entertainment by folk dancers and musicians. Guests can move around freely and enjoy the evening. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 13: Jaipur – Agra
Post breakfast drive to Agra (221 kms), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri we continue drive to Agra Upon arrival in Agra , We check in at or pre-arranged hotel for Overnight stay.

Day 14: Agra = Delhi (By Shatabdi Express Dep: 0825 / Arr: 1040)
After breakfast we checkout from hotel and visit to witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view at the time of Sunrise. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna.. Later in the evening transfer to Railway station to catch the shatabdi train to Delhi..Overnight in Delhi

Day 15: Departure
Tour concludes. T4U thank you for your patronage and ensure a punctual transfer to International Airport to catch the flight back home