Tour Overview
Welcome to India! The small and beautiful town of Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair which is globally famous and attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world. Every November, the sleepy little township of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India comes alive with a riot of colors and a frenzied burst of activity. The occasion: PUSHKAR FAIR. Very few, if at all any, fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. Most people associate the Pushkar Fair with the world's largest camel fair. But it is much more than that. It is an occasion for villagers from far and near to gather together and enjoy a welcome break from their harsh life of the arid desert. And enjoy they do! In dazzling style and colors. It is an occasion for Hindu pilgrims to converge for a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake to "wash away the sins of a lifetime" and pay obeisance at the ONLY Brahma temple in the world. For the visitor, it is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience to capture the vibrancy of the entire state of Rajasthan in one place.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi, IndiaUpon arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at your leisure. Located in the heart of the city, The Claridges has been a landmark in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950’s. Set on 3 acres of land, the hotel is a low-rise building with only three floors. It is within close proximity of the business district, ministries, diplomatic missions, shopping & cultural centers and historical landmarks. The flagship property of The Claridges Hotels & Resorts, The Claridges has over the years played host to several important social, political & business gatherings. The rooms at The Claridges are amongst the most spacious in Delhi and are a blend of the classic and contemporary, providing guests with all modern conveniences and facilities. The hotel offers a wide choice of accommodation ranging from well-appointed spacious Deluxe Rooms to Luxury Suites, some with their own private terrace. The guest rooms overlook the swimming pool, landscaped gardens and the surrounding diplomatic avenue. Services & Amenities in Rooms
The Claridges- Deluxe Room Day 2: Delhi
The capital of India is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines the ancient and modern in its folds. Standing on the west bank of the Yamuna River at the narrowest point between the Aravalli Hills and the Himalayas, Delhi has commanded the strategically vital route from the northwest frontier to the agriculturally rich Ganges Plains for more than 2,000 years. Its strategic location was on of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising that what constitutes Delhi today is really a conglomerate of seven cities. Through the ages, the region in and around modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in the mid-11th century; Siri, established by Allaiddin Khilji; Tuglakabad and Ferozabad, built by the Tughlaks, the city of Lodhis; and later Shah Jahanabad, the capital of the Mughals. The division between the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in lifestyles. The walled city retains its traditions and one can get a glimpse of past life with its many facets, colors and spells. New Delhi, in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. Amid the modern skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. Today you will enjoy a full-day city tour of Old and New Delhi. The tour of the 17th century old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, which is both the largest congregational mosque and the final extravagance of Shah Jahan. The main street of Old Delhi is the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk (“Moonlit Street”). Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. The tour of New Delhi includes the Humayun’s Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath (the “Kingsway”), passing the India Gate (the memorial built on behalf of the unknown soldiers), the President’s House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful Hindu Temple.
Breakfast
The Claridges- Deluxe Room Day 3: Delhi- Agra After breakfast, you will be driven from Delhi to Agra (203kms/4.5 hours).
On arrival you will check into your hotel and have time for lunch. Trident Hilton Agra. Set among beautiful gardens with an outdoor pool, the Trident Hilton Agra hotel is just 1 mile from the Taj Mahal. Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine at the Trident Hilton Agra hotel’s Restaurant or a cocktail and snack at the Bar, both with pool views. Enjoy the outdoor pool and fitness center. This afternoon, you will explore the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The Taj Mahal, a poem in white marble, is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles. The incredible lacy white grandeur built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might well have been two of them. Shah Jahan, it is said, intended to build a second Taj as his own tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj Mahal. Before he could embark on his second masterpiece, his son Aurangzeb deposed and imprisoned him. Shah Jahan spent the rest of his life in the Agra Fort, looking out at the final resting place of his favorite wife. The construction is believed to have taken 18 years (1631-1648) with more than 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of legendary architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori. Although the Taj is amazingly graceful from almost any angle, it’s the close-up detail that is really astounding. Semi-precious stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns and with superb craftsmanship in a process known as pietra dura. The precision and care that went into the Taj Mahal’s design and construction are just as impressive whether you view it from across the river or from arm’s length. Stroll around the lovely gardens before entering this intricately carved marble structure.
The Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal Dynasty in the 16th century, lies on the bend of the Yamuna River, almost in the heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel between 1565-1573. It has imposing gates, walls of red sandstone, and a moat. Three great Mughals, Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, each of whom made substantial structural contributions to this complex, successively occupied the fort, which is approachable through its lofty main portals on the west and south, as well as a private gate on the east. It has magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience, and beautiful gardens. This is where Emperor Shah Jahan was kept under house arrest by his son Aurangzeb and spent the last years of his life viewing the Taj Mahal from the little octagonal tower in the fort. Ask your guide to make sure you are at the Taj Mahal for sunset!
Breakfast
Hotel Trident- Deluxe Garden View Room Day 4: Agra- Bharatpur
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal is even more magical than sunset. The rising sun breathes life into the inanimate stone turning it first pink then ever deepening shades of red until the whole monument dazzles and sparkles! (not included) Return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. Meet your guide and driver for your drive to Bharatpur. En route you will stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. The mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of the mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant, containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. The main entrance to the complex Buland Darwaza or “Great Gateway” is reached by an impressive flight of stairs. Inscribed on the inside of the archway is the quote: “The World is a bridge. Pass over it, but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour - may hope for eternity.” Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Panch Mahal (Five-Storied Palace), the Tomb of Saint Salim Chisti (the mosque built in honor of Saint Salim Chisti, who foretold the birth of three sons to Emperor Akbar) the palace of Empress Jodha Bai, Birbal House, Karawan Sarai, Hiran Minar, Queen Miriam’s House, and Ankh Michauli. On arrival in Bharatpur, you will be assisted with check in before your afternoon of bird watching at Bharatpur bird sanctuary via rickshaw.
Breakfast
Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace-Standard Room Day 5: Bharatpur- Jaipur
This morning enjoy more bird watching by rickshaw. You might like to be up before dawn to witness the awakening sanctuary! This afternoon, your tour continues with a drive to Jaipur, an exuberance of color, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It’s one of India’s most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur’s foundation. Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture. This “Pink City,” so called because its buildings are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs. The royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions, now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, a juxtaposition accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people.
Breakfast
Jai Mahal Palace- Standard Room Day 6: Jaipur
This morning you are transported back in time as you ride like royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants into the high mountain fortress of Amber. Once the capital of royals, the fort is a superb example of the blend of Rajput and Mughal influences. What stands today with magnificent glory are the complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens, and temples built over a period of 125 years. Centuries of disuse have not withered their pristine beauty. After visiting the Amber Fortress return to Jaipur for any afternoon tour. Visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds,” one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a façade. The five-story building overlooks the main street of the old city and is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal, honeycombed, sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The City Palace, located in the heart of the old city, is a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior.
Breakfast
Jai Mahal Palace- Standard Room Days 7 & 8: Jaipur- Pushkar
Late morning drive from Jaipur to Pushkar (150 Kms/ 3 Hours) where your guide will introduce you to the Camel Fair! 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. 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. Every November, the sleepy little township of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India comes alive with a riot of colors and a frenzied burst of activity. The occasion: PUSHKAR FAIR. Very few, if at all any, fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. Most people associate the Pushkar Fair with the world's largest camel fair. But it is much more than that. It is an occasion for villagers from far and near to gather together and enjoy a welcome break from their harsh life of the arid desert. And enjoy they do; in dazzling style and colors! It is also an occasion for Hindu pilgrims to converge for a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake to "wash away the sins of a lifetime" and pay obeisance at the ONLY Brahma temple in the world. For the visitor, it is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience to capture the vibrancy of the entire state of Rajasthan in one place. For two nights stay at the Swiss Tents. Rustic yet comfortable, the Tents provided for Camel Safaris or spending the night on the sand dunes are mobile sturdy and eco-friendly "Shamiana" type Swiss Cottage tents. They are 12 x 12 feet (about 13.5sq.m) spacious and are made of a double fly canvas with roll-up windows and doors, specially treated to withstand any climatic hurdles such as strong surface winds and dust. They are well equipped with all the necessary amenities like double/twin full sized bed cots, en-suite bath tents with wooden floors, WC toilet and a sit-out veranda. Hot water is provided in buckets morning and evening. Soap, towels, mirrors, fresh cotton bed linen, quilts, pillows, mosquito nets, water flasks, table and chairs
A separate dining tent is provided in the camp with chairs & tables and kerosene lamps are provided. The menu is fixed with a choice of Indian, Continental and local Rajasthani desert cuisine.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swiss Tent- Standard Room Day 9: Pushkar- Udaipur
This morning after breakfast, begin the first 4 ½ hours of your transfer to Udaipur, stopping en route to visit Ajmer. Ajmer is famous for the Tomb of the Sufi Saint, Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, and the Dargah Sharif. The complex of 108 temples enclosed high walls is devoted to Eklingji, The Deity of Maharanas of Mewar. Set in forty-three acres of lush green landscaping, Trident, Udaipur is located on the banks of the picturesque Pichola Lake and is ten minutes drive from the city center. The rooms at the Trident, Udaipur are furnished in shades of beige and light cream and the architecture reflects the ancient heritage of Udaipur.
The hotel provides a perfect base to explore the fabled city of Udaipur, acclaimed worldwide for its beautiful lakes, medieval palaces and colorful bazaars.
Breakfast
Trident Hotel- Deluxe Garden View Room Day 10: Udaipur
This morning you will visit Kumbalgarh Fort and Ranakpur Jain Temple en route to Udaipur. Ranakpur Jain Temple. The exceptionally beautiful Ranakpur complex, 60 km north of Udaipur, is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India. It is tucked away in a remote valley of the Aravalli range and is certainly worth seeing. The main temple is the Chaumukha Temple, or Four-Faced Temple, dedicated to Adinath. Built in 1439, this huge, superbly crafted and well-kept marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two alike. Within the complex are two other join temples to Nominate and Peasant and, a little distance away, a Sun Temple. One Kilometer from the main complex is the Amba Mata Temple. On arrival in Udaipur you will check into the Trident Hotel where you can relax for the balance of the day while enjoying the sights and sounds of India! The Trident is a new landmark in the city of Udaipur, acclaimed the world over for its beautiful lakes, palaces and colorful bazaars. The hotel is located on the banks of the picturesque Pichola Lake and is only 10-minutes from the city center. (Note that Lake Pichola has been dry for nearly 2 years. The current monsoon season has filled it a little.
Breakfast
Trident Hotel- Deluxe Garden View Room Day 11: Udaipur- Delhi
After breakfast, meet your guide for a private tour of Udaipur. The enchanting city of Udaipur was once the lakeside capital of Mewar. Romantic, wistful, and serene, Udaipur was built around shimmering blue lakes that reflect the green hills of
The Aravali Ranges. Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur in 1599, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini and Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the Sisodia family. The highlights of an excursion to Udaipur involves a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum. Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, or “Garden of the Maids of Honor” is a small ornamental garden with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and delightful lotus pools. Jagdish Temple is an Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. The Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum has an interesting exhibition of folk arts including dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments, paintings, and puppets. Pratap Smarak, located atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake, is a memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap. You will then be transferred to the Udaipur airport for you flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at the Delhi airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight. The balance of the day is at your leisure.
Breakfast
The Claridges- Deluxe Room Day 12: Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your stay in incredible India!
Breakfast
( 
