PUSHKAR FAIR & NORTH INDIA 2007

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Duration - 17 Nights / 18 Days
Places to See - Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Deogarh - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi

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17th of November 2007
Saturday
Day One
Delhi: Arrival

Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.

18th of November 2007
Sunday
Day Two
Delhi

Start a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi after breakfast.

OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.

Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar and a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence and the Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Spend night at Delhi.

19th of November 2007
Monday
Day Three
Delhi – Agra
By road 201 km in 6 hr

Transfer to station by Compass Executive for train to Agra.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Proceed for sightseeing.

Visit the TAJ MAHAL – one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal – The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan’s second Wife).

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.
Shopping or relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.

20th of November 2007
Tuesday
Day Four
Agra – Jaipur
By road
221 km in 6 hr

Breakfast will be at hotel.
Drive to Fatehpur Sikri.

The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Continue drive to Jaipur.

JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Reach Jaipur and check in at hotel.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.

21st of November 2007
Wednesday
Day Five
Jaipur

Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

Continue sightseeing.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Relax in the evening or visit the markets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.

22nd of November 2007
Thursday
Day Six
Jaipur – Pushkar
By Road
150km/03hrs
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Pushkar.

PUSHKAR – Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over.

Spend the enjoying in PUSHKAR FAIR and in the evening visiting the GHATS and the local market.
Overnight will be at PUSHKAR.

23rd of November 2007
Friday
Day Seven
Pushkar:
Breakfast will be at the camp.
Day will be free to explore and experience the fair. This will be the FULL MOON NIGHT and the festivities will reach its crescendo
Overnight will be at Pushkar.

24th of November 2007
Saturday
Day Eight
Pushkar – Deogarh
By Road
140km/03hrs
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Spend the morning visiting BRAHMA TEMPLE and the Pushkar Fair.
Start for Deogarh after lunch.

Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar. Such feudal estates, called thikanas were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one of them.

Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its old battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to the guests.

Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan.

Enjoy your evening walking the town or relax at the palace. Overnight will be at the DEOGARH MAHAL.

25th of November 2007
Sunday
Day Nine
Deogarh – Udaipur
By Road
120km/02hrs

Enjoy the sightseeing of the small town or enjoy a tour of the palace.
Start for Udaipur after breakfast.
Reach and check in at hotel.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening and spend night at Udaipur.

26th of November 2007
Monday
Day Ten
Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.

27th of November 2007
Tuesday
Day Eleven
Udaipur – Jodhpur
By Road
260km/06hrs
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.

En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach by afternoon and check in at the hotel.

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Overnight will be in Jodhpur.

28th of November 2007
Wednesday
Day Twelve
Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.

In the afternoon proceed to visit the BISHNOI VILLAGES and enjoy the village culture and life.
Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

29th of November 2007
Thursday
Day Thirteen
Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
By Road
300 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for Jaisalmer.
Enroute stop at the OSIYAN TEMPLES.

Osiyan was a religious and trading center between the 8th and 12th centuries. Sixteen Hindu and Jain temples dating from this period are located here. Dominated by the Jains during this period, the town has special significance for Jains because it is associated with the origin of the Oswal Jain community of merchants who became very wealthy through trade. This wealth enabled them to build the beautiful temples. Built from local sandstone, the buildings have withstood time and are in excellent condition.

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.

30th of November 2007
Friday
Day Fourteen
Jaisalmer

After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT – The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)

See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.

In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for a short CAMEL SAFARI visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire.

Proceed to the camp for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Stay overnight at Jaisalmer.

1st of December 2007
Saturday
Day Fifteen
Jaisalmer

Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day walking in the beautiful quaint town and also go for a drive to the LODURVA or the “lost village”.
Overnight will be in Jaisalmer.

2nd of December 2007
Sunday
Day Sixteen
Jaisalmer – Bikaner
By Road
330 km/5 hr

Breakfast will be at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Jaisalmer by noon.
Freshen up at hotel and have lunch. Proceed to Bikaner. Check in at hotel.

BIKANER – The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city’s lifestyle.

More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.

3rd of December 2007
Monday
Tuesday
Day Seventeen
Bikaner – Mandawa
By Road
140 km/3 hr

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast.

Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. The city is also called the “Camel Country”. Visit the camel-breeding farm – the only one in Asia. Visit the KARNI MATA TEMPLE.

Proceed for Mandawa.

The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. This was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Mandawa.
4th of December 2007
Monday
Day Eighteen
Mandawa – Delhi – Home
By Road
260 km/5 hr

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.

Leave for Delhi after lunch and reach by evening.

Proceed for the GHAZALS SHOW (Interesting Musical Evening) in the evening at 1800 hr and after the show the group will have FAREWELL DINNER before reaching the airport for flight home with sweet memories of India.

TOUR ENDS

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES

a) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
b) ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
c) AIR-CONDITIONED COACH WITH DRIVER ,
d) ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
e) MEET AND ASSIST SERVICES ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
f) DAILY BUFFET BREAKFASTS,
g) PUSHKAR STAY IN DELUXE SWISS TENTS WITH ATTACHED BATHROOM,
h) BISHNOI VILLAGE VISIT AT JODHPUR,
i) ALL MEALS AT PUSHKAR,
j) PUSHKAR FAIR ACTIVITIES,
k) DAILY DINNERS DURING THE TOUR,
l) CAMEL RIDE WITH VILLAGE DINNER AT JAISALMER,
m) FAREWELL PROGRAM WITH GALA DINNER,
n) ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
o) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
p) PORTERAGE FOR THE FULL TOUR,
q) ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT – JAIPUR AND
r) ALL PARKING, ROAD TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES.

HOTELS:

City	Deluxe & Heritage Hotels	Budget & Heritage Hotels	Nights
Delhi	The Park	Grand Sartaj	02
Agra	Jaypee Palace	Pushp Villa	01
Jaipur	Jai Mahal Palace	Mandawa Haveli	02
Pushkar	Swiss Camp Tents	Swiss Camp Tents	02
Jojawar	Rawla Jojawar	Rawla Jojawar	01
Udaipur	Fateh Prakash Palace	Jagat Niwas Palace	02
Jodhpur	Ajit Bhawan Palace	K P Haveli	02
Jaisalmer	Fort Rajwada	Rang Mahal	03
Bikaner	Laxmi Niwas Palace	Basant Vihar Palace	01
Mandawa	Mandawa Castle	Mandawa Castle	01

FULL TOUR PRICING: PER PERSON

DETAILS	TOUR PRICE DELUXE US$	TOUR PRICE BUDGET US$
On Twin Sharing / Double Occupancy	2555	1555
Single Supplement	1799	755

The above are per person rates and valid for travel in a group. The group strength will not be more than 10 - 12 people and company provided escort will be at service. Please note that lunches are not included along with, camera fees, tips and personal expenses.

The above mentioned tour price is valid for Pushkar Fair 2007.