Pushkar Fair with Classical India - Group Departure

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Duration of Trip -::- 13 Days
Key Places covered -::- Delhi, Pushkar (Camel Fair), Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho and Varanasi

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India is perceived as the magical land of snake charmers, flying carpets, mystic gurus and a gazillion forts. Well, if this be your perception too then this tour is a must for you. Your vacation starts off in Delhi - a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India. Next stop – Pushkar. Pushkar is a mellow, serene and bewitching little town which attracts those in search of some respite from the tumult of India and you'll see plenty of Sadhus (individuals on a spiritual search. The Pushkar fair is one of the world's largest camel fairs, and apart from buying and selling of livestock it has become an important tourist attraction and justifiably so, since it is one of the world’s most dazzling traditional gatherings.  Its highlights are competitions such as the "matka phod", "longest moustache", and "bridal competition". In the evenings, capacity crowds throng to huge theater tents to enjoy traditional musical dance – dramas in the Marwari regional language. After Pushkar you head to the magnificent pink city – Jaipur, a place that lets you in on what Rajasthan is all about. Here you visit the Amber Fort – a classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace and the Hawa Mahal among other places. And last but definitely not the least, the breathtakingly exquisite Taj Mahal in Agra.

Though we have tweaked that old saying a bit but it holds true for this particular group tour. Not all of us enjoy travelling unless we’re in a group that however does not translate into touring in herds, we like our space too. That is why we designed this tour. That means great prices even in a small group.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Saturday, 05/11/11:
Day 01
New Delhi 

Arrival in Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport . 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. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Morning: FREE to relax. After lunch New Delhi sightseeing that includes Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Baha'i Lotus Temple and drive past government buildings in New Delhi like President's Mansion, Ministries, Parliament House and India Gate. 
Overnight will be in Delhi. 

Sunday, 06/11/11:
Day 02
Delhi

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Start tour of Old Delhi. 

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 the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk

Later visit Akshardham Temple.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Monday, 07/11/11:
Day 03
Delhi/Pushkar
By Train in 6 hr 40 min

Early morning take a train for Ajmer. Reach and drive to Pushkar (30 mins).

Enjoy India's and perhaps the world's most colorful folk festival – the Pushkar Fair. Observe, explore and photograph the colorful Fair. Enjoy a camel ride, enjoy the festivities and many interesting events or visit the many temples along the Pushkar Lake including the famous Brahma temple. 

Overnight will be in deluxe tents in fair grounds. 

Tuesday, 08/11/11:
Day 04
Pushkar

Full day to enjoy the festival atmosphere at the colorful Pushkar Fair

Overnight will be in deluxe tents. 

Wednesday, 09/11/11:
Day 05
Pushkar

Another full day at the Pushkar Fair

Overnight will be in deluxe tents. 

Thursday, 10/11/11:
Day 06
Pushkar/ Jaipur

Drive to the city of Jaipur through rustic villages. Reach and check in at hotel by afternoon.

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.

This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur. 

Overnight will be in Jaipur. 

Friday, 11/11/11:
Day 07
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.

Saturday, 12/11/11:
Day 08
Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
By Road in 7 hrs

After breakfast drive to Agra.

En route visit 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.

Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.

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.

Check in at hotel and relax. Overnight will be at Hotel. 

Sunday, 13/11/11:
Day 09
Agra

Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. 

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. 

Overnight will be at Agra.

Monday, 14/11/11:
Day 10
Agra/Jhansi/Orchha/Khajuraho

After breakfast transfer to Agra Cantonment train station to board the air-conditioned chair car compartment of Shatabdi Express to Jhansi in central India. 

On arrival transfer to a hotel for lunch, then visit the Orchha Fort and very interesting Hindu temples on the way to Khajuraho. 

Proceed further to Khajuraho.

Situated in the heart of india, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint, rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage, honoured by the world as india's unique contribution to human civilisation. the chandela dynasty built eighty-five temples here. twenty remain as embodiments of indian architectural and sculptural art at its most evolved state. even ten centuries after they were constructed, the temples of khajuraho reflect an eternal philosophy relevant to all mankind. the temples of khajuraho is a world heritage site and belong not just to india but to the world. Khajuraho is one of the few millennium destinations of the world. 

Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. Visit the Western set of Temples and enjoy Sound and Light Show. 

Overnight will be at Hotel. 

Tuesday, 15/11/11:
Day 11
Khajuraho/Varanasi
By Air

After Breakfast, visit the world famous Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho that are profusely carved from red sandstone. 

Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel. 

VARANASI IS THE WORLD'S MOST ANCIENT LIVING CITY. SUNRISE ON THE RIVERFRONT, AS SEEN FROM A BOAT, CAN BE SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING SIGHT. CROWDED WITH TEMPLES, AND ITS LABYRINTH OF STREETS, THE CITY ATTRACTS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TOURISTS. THE RELIGIOUS CAPITAL OF HINDUISM, VARANASI IS THE CARPET MANUFACTURING PLACE OF INDIA. IT WAS PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS KASHI - THE CITY THAT ILLUMINATES. THE PRESENT NAME IS DERIVED FROM THE FACT THAT THE CITY IS AT THE CONFLUENCE OF THE RIVERS VARUNA AND ASI.

Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Overnight will be at Varanasi.

Wednesday, 16/11/11:
Day 12
Varanasi

Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we’ll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi. 

Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. 

Overnight stay will be at hotel. 

Thursday, 17/11/11:
Day 13
Varanasi/Delhi
By Air

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. 

Visit the birthplace of Buddhist religion, Sarnath. Lord Buddha meditated for many years in the dear park at Sarnath. After enlightenment at Bodhgaya, he returned to Sarnath to preach the "Dharmachakra" or the "wheel of religion sermon". This was his first sermon to his initial five disciples. Mauryan Emperor Ashoka built a Stupa at the site where Lord Buddha's ashes were preserved along with a massive monastery and university complex. We will view the archeological ruins of this historic site and also visit a very interesting site museum of archeology. 

Transfer to airport to board flight to Delhi. Reach and take a flight back home with sweet memories of India.

TOUR ENDS

HOTELS:

City	Suggested Standard Hotels	Hotels Website	Nights
Delhi	Clarion Collections - The Qutub	http://www.clarionnewdelhi.com/	02
Pushkar	Swiss Camp Tents / Cottages	http://www.hotelpushkarpalace.com/rdcacco.htm	03
Jaipur	Ramada	www.ramadajaipur.com	02
Agra	Grand Imperial	www.hotelgrandimperial.com/	02
Khajuraho	Radisson Jass	www.radisson.com/khajuraho-hotel-in/indkhaj	01
Varanasi	Radisson	www.radisson.com/varanasi-u-p--hotel-in-221002/indvaran	02

Tour to Include:

• Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary,
• Accommodation at suggested Hotels,
• Daily Buffet breakfast at the hotels,
• Daily Buffet Lunch & Dinner at hotels/local restaurants,
• Deluxe Coach for the full tour (18/36 Seater),
• English speaking escort for the tour from Delhi to Agra,
• English speaking local guide at Khajuraho and Varanasi,
• Meet and assist on arrival/departure at the airport/train stations,
• Pushkar stay in deluxe Swiss tents,
• All meals at Pushkar,
• Pushkar Fair activities,
• All monument entrances,
• Executive class train fare between Delhi – Ajmer and Agra –Jhansi,
• All Applicable Taxes and Service Charge, and
• All parking, fuel, Road/toll tax, driver allowance, and Third Party Insurance.

Highlights Included:

• Camel Cart ride in Pushkar,
• Elephant ride to Amber Fort in Jaipur,
• Walking tour of the Old Jaipur city,
• Horse Cart ride to Taj Mahal in Agra,
• Kalakriti Cultural Show in Agra,
• Sound and Light show at Khajuraho,
• Sarnath visit in Varanasi,
• Prayer Ceremony at the banks of River Ganges in Varanasi, and
• Boat ride at River Ganges in Varanasi.

Tour Price: 
£1555 / US $ 2449 / € 1799 per person (10-14 people traveling)
£1455 / US $ 2299/ € 1679 per person (15-20 people traveling)
£1425 / US $ 2249/ € 1649 per person (20-25 people traveling)

Note: Please note that camera fees, tips and personal expenses are not included in the tour. The airfare included is in economy class. Porter charges are included for the group.

PLEASE ASK US FOR MORE HOTEL OPTIONS
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