Colours of Rajasthan - Puskhar Festival Trip Notes

pushkar
Duration

Day Plan

13 Day/12 Night

Group Size

17People

Languages

English

Rajasthan, the 'Land of Princes’, is full of monuments to its warrior past. The imposing forts of Jodhpur and Jaipur bear testament to
the battles that once raged here, whilst the palaces in Udaipur, Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal offer a softer side to North India's
rich history. As well as exploring these historic landmarks we also stay in the charming town of Bundi, exploring its blue alleyways,
forts and hillside lake, and every year we run a special departure to visit the world-famous Pushkar Camel Fair.
Day 1
Start Delhi; free time

For those who are on the

flight inclusive package we land in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free. Land
only please make your way to our start hotel. Your leader will leave details of your welcome meeting time in the hotel
reception. (Delhi sightseeing is on day 12)
Standard Hotel

Day 2
Transfer to Agra; afternoon visit the Red Fort.

Today we will transfer to Agra (approx. 5 hrs drive) and in the afternoon visit the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty
sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons
and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan.
Standard Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal; to Ranthambore N.P. via Fatehpur Sikri.

A very early start to see the incredible spectacle of the sunrise over the Taj Mahal. The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in
memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, built the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal. The Taj is serenely
beautiful and never fails to amaze a

rst time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the
sun during the day and is matched by the rich interior detail. After our visit it's time to leave Agra and drive to Ranthambore

National Park. On the way we visit Fatehpur Sikri which is the Emperor Akbar's deserted royal city. This impressive and well-
preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a

longed-for son, his successor the Emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold ten thousand worshippers, the palaces,
residences and halls of audience are all made of decorative red sandstone. But this magni

cence only lasted 14 years, as in
1584 Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today - in perfect condition.
This is another very full but rewarding day (approx. 7/8 hrs drive).
Standard Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 4
Morning and evening game drives.

Today is more relaxed as we take two game drives into Ranthambore National Park. The reserve was declared a wildlife
sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 became part of Project Tiger. Sadly, after initial success, poaching has drastically reduced the
tiger population. However, Ranthambore is still considered one of the best places to spot tigers in the wild and many Exodus
groups over the last few years have seen the elusive predator. Tiger aside, Ranthambore is also home to a great variety of
wildlife such as several species of monkey, deer, crocodile, birdlife, and together with the scenery, make the visit well worth
it.
Standard Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
To Bundi nestled within the beautiful Aravalli Hills, with its picturesque hillside lake; visit Bundi Fort.

Today we leave Ranthambore and drive to Bundi. Bundi is a delightful town, with a rustic setting, that stands on the foothills of
the Azavali Mountains. Bundi is especially famous for its palaces and the beautifully decorated stepwells that back in the 15th
and 18th century were used to collect water during the monsoon season. In the afternoon we visit the Bundi Fort, arguably
one of the most beautiful palaces in India, home to outstanding miniature paintings portraying the history of the palace and its
royal family. The fort is set high on a hill overlooking Bundi and its Krishna blue stonewashed houses. (Approx. 4 hrs drive)
Standard Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
To Udaipur.

Today we set off on our 145 mile journey to Udaipur. Known as 'The Pearl of Rajasthan', the 'City of Sunrise' and 'Venice of
the East', Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and travellers as the most romantic city in India. (Approx. 5
hrs drive)
Comfortable Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 7
Full day to explore Udaipur including visiting the City Palace and Jagdish Temple.

Situated on the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurpassed view across the shimmering lake to the
dusty Aravalli Hills with the luxurious Lake Palace hotel adding to the scene. Lake Pichola has two islands, each with a palace
to rival that on the mainland; Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas (the latter is now the Lake Palace Hotel) rise out of their own
re
ections in the waters of the lake. Udaipur is surrounded by a massive bastion with

ve gates and dominating the town is
the City Palace of the Maharana. The sumptuous apartments are decorated with multi-coloured mosaics, elaborate mirror
work and inlaid tiles; half of these can be visited as the current Maharaja still occupies the rest of the palace. We spend the
morning visiting the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, with a huge black stone image of Jagannath, an aspect of Lord Vishnu.
If time allows it may be possible to visit the gardens of Gulab Bag or take a boat trip on the lake. The afternoon is free to
enjoy this evocative city.
Comfortable Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
To the Hindu pilgrimage town of Pushkar.

Today we have an early start and head to Pushkar, pilgrimage town and home to the annual Pushkar Camel Fair. Steeped in
mysticism and surrounded by the desert this little town is a holy site on the fringes of a lake. This is a great place to relax and
soak up the atmosphere. The drive will be approx. 6-7 hrs in total.
Full-service camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9
Pushkar Camel Fair.

Full day to enjoy the colourful spectacle of one of Asia's most vibrant festivals. The normally peaceful oasis is transformed into
a bustling meeting place when the tranquil desert becomes a colourful blanket of camels,

res and tents with stall holders,

musicians and comedians plying their wears amid the high-spirited festivities.
Full-service camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 10
Morning sightseeing; afternoon drive to Jaipur.

In the morning we do some sightseeing; in the centre of town is holy Pushkar lake surrounded by a number of temples
including the famous Bramha temple said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to this deity. A dip in the waters of
Pushkar Lake and worship at Bramha temple ensure salvation. In the afternoon we drive to Jaipur. (Approx. 3 hrs drive)
Standard Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11
Sightseeing in and around Jaipur; including the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, the Observatory and
City Palace.

A day of sightseeing. The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Rajah Jai Singh decided
to abandon his nearby fortress and palace at Amber in 1727 and laid out a planned city of broad avenues, built of
sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. In the centre of Jaipur is the City Palace, formerly the residence of the Maharaja,
it is now a
ne museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of
the most intriguing sights of India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made
of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We will also see Jaipur's impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of
the Winds. A few miles from the main city is the splendid Amber Palace, rising above a lake. The imposing hilltop fort contains
large courtyards and interiors with

ne decorations including inlaid alabaster panels and a Chamber of Mirrors. Jaipur is a
centre of many handicrafts, such as durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones, leatherwear etc.; it will
be dif
cult to leave a workshop without buying anything!
Standard Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12
Train Jaipur to Delhi; city sightseeing

Today we take an early morning express train back to Delhi. (approx. 4 1⁄2 hours) In the afternoon we visit the walled city of
Old Delhi; crowded, full of activities and still in

uenced by the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the
majestic Red Fort. We visit Jama Mosque - built in 17th century and the largest mosque in India and Rajghat - the memorial to
Mahatma Gandhi. We will also see India Gate and the vast colonial buildings as we navigate around the city.
Standard Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

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Accommodation
Hotels & Swiss Cottage Tents

During this trip you will spend 10 nights in hotels, all with en suite facilities. Accommodation for the 2 nights in Pushkar will be
provided in en suite Swiss Cottage Tents with attached bathrooms.
Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single will only guarantee a room for single use. It does not necessarily mean
a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.
Please note that a member of the group may be allocated a single room by default if the make-up of the group means there isn’t
anyone for them to share with. Paying the supplement in advance is the only way to guarantee a single room.
Single supplements cannot be refunded retrospectively.
Single supplement from £350.00
Food & Transport
Day 13
End Delhi.

Those on the

flight inclusive package will depart for London this morning for the daytime

flight back to London; Land Only

arrangements will

finish after check-out from the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast
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