Situated on the edge of the deserts of Rajasthan, Pushkar becomes the temporary home for thousands of people around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November. Coinciding with the religious pilgrimage, the town becomes home to one of the most colourful celebrations of life in India, known as the Pushkar Fair. Most famous for its camel trading, the town becomes a spectacle of dance, music and traditional events. In addition this tour visits the city of Agra (to see the wonders of the Taj Mahal), the city of Jaipur (to see the Pink City) and the kaleidoscope of life that comprises New Delhi, which together are known as the Golden Triangle. If you are looking for a tour that encapsulates both modern and traditional India, this tour is highly recommended.We also offer an itinerary that visits only the Pushkar Fair.

Full Itinerary

Day 1 . tues 4 nov 2008 (sat 24 oct 2009)
depart from UK
Depart from the UK on your overnight flight to Delhi.

Day 2 . wed 5 nov 2008 (sun 25 oct 2009)
arrive delhi . afternoon at leisure . overnight delhi
Arrive in Delhi, where you will be met on an individual basis at the airport and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. For the adventurous among you, the hotel can arrange for a car to take you on a sightseeing trip into the city.

Day 3 . thur 6 nov 2008 (mon 26 oct 2009)
agra . morning at leisure . sunset taj mahal . overnight agra
Breakfast at hotel before transferring to the railway station for your early morning train to Agra. On arrival at Agra transfer to your hotel where you will stay for two nights. The Taj Mahal is one of the world's most recognisable and evocative sights and a visit here does not disappoint. The Taj was built by Shah Jahan to enshrine the body of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth. After lunch you will spend the afternoon visiting the Taj Mahal, staying to watch the colours slowly change as the sun sets, before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Day 4 . fri 7 nov 2008 (tue 27 oct 2009)
fatehpur sikri . red fort . overnight agra
In the morning, visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This was the capital of the Mughal empire between 1570 and 1585, and was built under the personal supervision of the Emperor Akbar. However, due to a severe shortage of water the city was abandoned after only fifteen years and the capital was relocated back to Agra. As a result Fatehpur Sikri stands untouched and perfectly preserved. In the afternoon you will take a sightseeing tour of Agra, including a visit to the Red Fort. This 16th century monument is a powerful fortress of red sandstone, and encompasses within its walls the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Return to your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 5 . sat 8 nov 2008 (wed 28 oct 2009)
agra . jaipur . afternoon around jaipur. overnight jaipur
After breakfast, take the morning train to Jaipur, and transfer to your hotel where you will stay for two nights. Jaipur is one of India’s newer cities, founded in 1727, and was created by Jai Singh II to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber and establish a new capital on the plains further south. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City. After lunch, begin your exploration of this wonderful city.

Day 6 . sun 9 nov 2008 (thur 29 oct 2009)
full day in and around Jaipur . overnight Jaipur
The itinerary around Jaipur will be arranged according to your wishes. A car and driver is available to take you where you need to go. Of the many sights in the area, the City Palace in the centre of the Pink City, the Amber Palace and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of The Winds) are highly recommended.

Day 7 . mon 10 nov 2008 (fri 30 oct 2009)
ajmer . pushkar . overnight at pushkar  
After breakfast, take the morning train to Ajmer. On arrival you will be met and transferred by road to your camp at Pushkar where you will stay for four nights. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual huge and colourful ‘Pushkar Fair’.

Day 8 to 10 . tues 11 nov to thur 13 nov (sat 31 oct to mon 2 nov 2009)
in and around pushkar . camel fair . temples . traditional entertainment
Pushkar Fair is well known for its camel trading and other activities, which include dance, music, puppet shows, camel races and many shops, which spring up during the fair. The fair climaxes on the day of the full moon, when thousands of devotees throng bathing ghats around the lake to take to immerse themselves in the holy waters. Colourfully attired village people enhance the fun of the occasion.

Centrally situated, the camp is an excellent base from which to explore the area. On arrival you will be provided with a programme of events, and you will have a guide to personally escort you around the fair. A car is available for you at all times, though much of the activities are easily done on foot. In the evenings the camp provides themed entertainment for their guests.

Day 11 . fri 14 nov 2008 (tue 3 nov 2009)
breakfast at camp . at leisure until lunch. ajmer. delhi . overnight delhi
After breakfast spend the morning at leisure before an early lunch. Transfer to Ajmer to connect with the afternoon train to Delhi. On arrival late in the evening, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 12 . sat 15 nov 2008 (wed 4 nov 2009)
delhi . depart to UK
Breakfast at leisure, before transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodation and Food
At Delhi, the five star Uppals Orchid hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. In Agra, the five star Taj View hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. In Jaipur, the five star Trident Hilton on a bed and breakfast basis. In Pushkar, a luxury semi-permanent camp on a full board basis. Due to the religious significance of the area, Pushkar is entirely vegetarian and alcohol free. Vegetarian food is widely available on the other sectors of the tour. Hotels of a similar standard may be used if required.

Dates and Prices
Departure dates shown are for the 2008 fair. The itinerary is planned so that the last day in Pushkar is that of the closing ceremony. Please ask for 2009 dates and prices.

Cost  2008 £ 1,585     per person based on twin rooms

Cost  2009 £ 1,825     per person based on twin rooms

Price includes:
Accommodation and food as described ; programme of events as described ; all transfers ; first class/executive chair class train fares ; services of English speaking guide and air-conditioned car at all times in Agra, Jaipur and Pushkar ; all entry fees to monuments in Agra ; all local taxes.

Price excludes:
Flights; visas; camera fees; personal items such as drinks; laundry; phone calls; insurance; tips.

Deposits
A deposit of 20% is required for this tour. If you cancel the booking more than 8 weeks before departure, the deposit is refunded less a file handling fee of £150 per person.

Flight Package
The flights listed in the itinerary are easily available from online agents. The flight package for this tour departing from London typically costs between £400 and £600 in economy. We will be happy to advise you about booking.

General
This tour can link with our other itineraries to create a bespoke itinerary for you. For 2009, this tour can be combined with the Tiger, Tiger ! tour that starts on 2 November.

It is possible to join the tour from any country of origin, so long as you arrive in Delhi during day two of the itinerary.

Tourists visiting India need to be in possession of a visa before arrival. Clients are advised to confirm the regulations with the High Commission of India before travelling.

Pushkar Only

Itinerary
Day 1 . sun 9 nov 2008 (thur 29 oct 2009)
delhi . ajmer . pushkar . overnight at pushkar
Collect from your hotel in Delhi and transferred to the railway station for your express train to Ajmer. On arrival you will be met and transferred by road to your camp at Pushkar.

Day 2 to 6 . mon 10 nov to thur 13 nov 2008 (fri 30 oct to mon 2 nov 2009)
in and around pushkar . camel fair . temples . traditional entertainment
Details as per full itinerary

Day 7 . fri 14 nov 2008 (tue 3 nov 2009)
breakfast at camp . at leisure until lunch. ajmer. delhi . overnight delhi
After breakfast spend the morning at leisure before an early lunch. Transfer to Ajmer to connect with the afternoon train to Delhi. On arrival late in the evening, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Cost 2008   £ 795    per person based on twin rooms

Cost 2009   £ 845    per person based on twin rooms

Deposit 20% as before

Price Includes:
Accommodation and food at Pushkar only ; programme of events as described ; all transfers ; first class/executive chair class train fares ; services of English speaking guide and air-conditioned car at all times in Pushkar ; all local taxes.

Price excludes:
Flights; visas; camera fees; personal items such as drinks; laundry; phone calls; insurance; tips.

General
This tour can link with our other itineraries to create a bespoke itinerary for you. For 2009, this tour can be combined with the Tiger, Tiger ! tour that starts on 2 November.