Exotic Rajasthan Fair and Festival Tour

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Welcome and assistance on arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and transfer to the pre-booked hotel by aircon car. After check in, travel document related to the tour plan and services will be handed over to you; our representative will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. Later in the evening visit to see Light and Sound Show at Red fort. The show exhibits wonderful history of the city in a very interesting way. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and majestic past are vibrantly brought to life. Special effects combine with the exceptional character to make this show an impressively memorable experience.

02 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious.

03 Day: Delhi – Sikandra – Agra (210 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra, on the way stop over at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, after visit continue to proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if time permits, must visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to build this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, the only show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel overnight stay.

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

04 Day: Agra

Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort was built in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj. Afterwards visit Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noor Jahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

05 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambore (260 kms: 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Ranthambore, enroute stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. After visit proceed to Ranthambore, on arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. Evening is free for individual activities. Dinner and overnight stay.

Ranthambore, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife locations, It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. The park derives its name from the fort of Ranthambore, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort dates back to the 11th century when it was a vital citadel for the control of central India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within the fort still remain. Earlier, the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting parties.

06 Day: Ranthambore:

After breakfast, take Jungle Safari by open Canter accompanied by an expert naturalist to explore The Ranthambore wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat. In the dry season tigers can be seen near the watering holes and are clearly visible in the dry forest. You could have a great time going Jeep Safari and viewing various wild animals including dear, wild boar and sloth bear. Return to the hotel for a lunch. Later visit Ranthambore Fort overlooking the National Park and Jogi Mahal. Also visit the famous Temple of Ganesha in the Fort. Return to the jungle resort for dinner and overnight stay.

07 Day: Ranthambore – Jaipur (190 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Enroute visit a step well situated in the village of Abhaneri near Jaipur; it was built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty, and was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion. Afterwards continue drive to Jaipur, on arrival, transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, enjoy your evening at the most authentic and ethnic village resort: called Chokhi Dhani, designed on the theme of an ethnic village of Rajasthan with lots of traditional environment with entertainment like folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music, camel ride, Here you can enjoy the traditional Rajasthani food. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jaipur is widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The walls, houses and buildings of the entire city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed in accordance with Hindu architectural science called Shilpa Shastra.

08 Day: Jaipur

Today morning after breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort. Also visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. The imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The incredible Jantar Mantar was innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later you can explore the bustling market by hoping onto a cycle rickshaw ride. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

09 Day: Jaipur – Mandawa – Bikaner (335 kms: 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Bikaner, en route you can explore Mandawa and Nawalgarh town visiting various ancient Havelies; later continue to drive to Bikaner, you may also opt to visit to Deshnok on the way (bit off beat route) which worldly known for the Rat Temple, this temple is 600 years old, dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata,the temple is built by King of Bikaner Ganga Singh, the temple is decorated with cared silver gages and marble stone work. Later continue to drive Bikaner, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Bikaner.

Bikaner: The city was founded by Rao Bikaji in 1488; Rao Bikaji was the son of King Jodhaji of Jodhpur, due to some personal confront with his family, he took the courage to build his own city by adopting desert and barren land and then he transformed into a charming city called Bikaner, and the city was named after the King Bikaji. The 500 years old city standing still with glorious past is located in Northern part of Rajasthan. The Rajpoot rulers here built splendid palaces, temples and forts that resonance of magnificence and images of monsoon clouds in this desert land.

10 Day: Bikaner – Pokhran – Jaisalmer (330 kms: 7 hrs)

Today after breakfast takes the city tour of Bikaner visiting most popular and magnificent Junagarh Fort. After visit depart for Jaisalmer, en route take a halt at Pokhran: visit the massive Fort of Pokhran. Pokhran Fort was Built in 1532-1584 the yellow sandstone, though not as conspicuous as some of the others forts in Rajasthan, it has a few exquisite palaces like the Mangal Niwas, the Rani Mahal and the Phool Niwas or the Flower Palace; also visit the Pokhran Museum, housed inside the fort’s premises is fairly small and contains an hodgepodge of weapons, pottery paintings, and the costumes which the Maharajas wore. After visiting the fort, proceed to Jaisalmer. On arrival, transfer to hotel. If time permits, take a walk along the local market to acclimatize with the city atmosphere. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Jaisalmer; the desert town is located on the edge of the Thar Desert and is one of most prominent tourist places of Rajasthan. Also known as the golden city, Jaisalmer is quite popular for the crowing Golden Fort. The city is a fantasy in yellow sandstone founded in the 1156 AD by Rawla Jaisal, a Rajput King. Jaisalmer is known for its golden stretched sand dunes, splendid havelies, camel safari on the thrilling Sam dunes, Jain temples, picturesque Gadisar Lake and of course the royal heritage and culture.

11 Day: Jaisalmer

Today morning after breakfast take city tour of Jaisalmer city, visiting most popular Golden Fort, also known as Sonar Kila and Jaisalmer Fort, afterwards visit one of the beautiful lakes known as ‘Gadisar Lake’ the entrance of the lake is quite artistic and there is past day’s story behind this lake. If time permits and you wish to cover more of places, you can visit to Amar Sagar and Mool Sagar Lake and temples of Ladawara. In the evening drive to Sam Sand Dunes, the nearest place of the Great Thar Desert, Sam Sand dunes are seems to be golden stretched sands as a gateway to Thar Desert. Enjoy camel ride to on the sand dunes. Later return to the hotel for overnight Stay.

12 Day: Jaisalmer – Manvar (170 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Manvar in Dechu. This place falls under Shergarh Region of Thar Desert and the highest sand dunes are found in this area. On arrival transfer to the resort, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Early evening transfer on the camels for a desert safari till the Manvar Camp Site, reaching the campsite by sunset. In the evening, enjoy folk dance and music under the starlit sky while enjoying theme dinner. Overnight at the Desert Resort.

Manvar, located right in the heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert is an unprecedented tourist destination offering a rare opportunity to enjoy Rajasthan desert life, culture, wildlife & beauty. The Manvar Resort is spread over 5 acres. Constructed using local materials & techniques, the resort consists of 21 well designed stone cottages with thatched roofs, thatched roof eateries, open air courtyard sit outs, book & gifts shop, reading room and a swimming pool. The interiors have been designed as clean and restful spaces. Smooth stucco plaster, patterned mosaic floors, earthy colours combine with customized elements like a woven headboard and bedside lamps, furniture and rugs - all of them being very specific to the desert region of Marwar. Manvar Safaris offer great outdoor adventure and a taste of the Thar Desert. Visitors can choose between camel and Jeep safaris. visiting a typical desert dwelling (Dhani), Mustard and Red Chili fields in the middle of the desert, Craftsmen at work; carpenters, metal smiths, potters, cobblers (Jutti makers), Virgin sand dunes, Desert wildlife; desert fox, Indian gazelle.

13 Day: Manvar – Jodhpur (110 kms: 3 hrs)

Early morning you may opt to take a jeep safari to explore nearby by desert village to see understand their life style, villagers craftsman, carpenters, metal smith potters, cobblers. After village safari return to the resort to check out and drive to Jodhpur. En route visit Bishnoi Village. Bishnois are vegetarians and hence have great reverence for all living things. Then visit to the local handicrafts viz shoe makers, pottery hand weaving watching men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver Jewellery, en-route watch and photograph the beautiful wildlife - black buck, chinkaras, peacock etc. liberally moving in plenty of care by the local villagers. Later proceed to Jodhpur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may opt to explore the local market, visiting various authentic restaurants. You may choose ‘On the rocks’ an open air restaurants with Rajasthani hospitality, offering authentic food and folk music and dance. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jodhpur: The home of Rajpoot, (Rathors) – The awesome significant city of Rajasthan. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, today Jodhpur is one of the largest and flourishing city of Rajasthan. Known as white city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur was once upon a time was the capital of Marwar state (Northern Part of Rajasthan). Mehrangarh fort, the crowning old palace is major tourist attraction of Jodhpur. Another pride of Jodhpur is Umaid Bhawan Palace; this grand palace is now converted into heritage hotel and present residence of the Royal family of Jodhpur.

14 Day: Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur (276 kms: 5 – 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast, take the sightseeing tour of the city, visiting massive Mehrangarh Fort, wonderful Jaswant Thada (Mausoleums of the great Rajput King: Jaswant Singh), Umaid Bhawan Palace and museum – India is one of most imposing and regal palaces. Later check out the hotel and drive to Udaipur, en route take a halt at Ranakpur, visit the ancient Jain Temples, built in the 12th Century – also enjoy lunch at Maharani Baugh, (on your own) one of the best hotels in Ranakpur. Afterwards continue drive to Udaipur. On arrival, check into the hotel. After refreshment, in the evening you may walk through the old narrow streets of the city or simply enjoy a boat ride at Lake Pichola or a dinner at one of the most luxurious hotels of Udaipur ‘Taj Lake Palace’ (on your own). Overnight stay at the hotel.

Udaipur: One of the most romantic and beautiful cities of North India, the city was founded in 1568 AD by Rajput King Udai Singh. Located on the banks of the shimmering Pichola Lake, it is one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan. Udaipur is cuddle up in lush green Aravali mountain range. The city is also known as the ‘Venice of the East'. It is a kaleidoscope of wonderful lakes, enchanting temples, lake side gardens, amazing forts and palaces and narrow lanes reflecting its historical past. Udaipur characterizes chivalry and valour of the Rajpoot clan who had ruled this city for years.

15 Day: Udaipur

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the wondrous City Palace complex – a significant landmark of the town. The palace is a splendid white marble historical home of the Rajpoot Rulers. Here you will see notable places like the Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and Jagdish temple, followed by Sahelion Ki Bari, a beautiful recreation garden for queens and princes of the rulers. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is an ethnic exhibit of traditions and culture of Rajasthan, ethnic ornaments traditional outfits, puppets, masks, dolls, classical paintings, fold musical instruments. In the evening visit to Lake Bageela 22 kms, for a sightseeing tour of the ancient Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Overnight stay at the hotel.

16 Day: Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Pushkar (280 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Pushkar, enroute visit Chittorgarh city, to visit mightiest and largest historical fort of India: Chittorgarh, this crowning historical Fort stands a jaded reminder of the characteristic and bravery of Rajpoot Clan in Rajasthan, sprawled over 700 acres, area, the fort houses historical monuments: Tower of Victory, Rani Padmini Palace, Man Mahal, Mira Temple and several ruins of temples of Shiva. Chittorgarh echoes with the tales of romance and velour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris' in the fort vicinity visit Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum. Afterwards continue to drive to Pushkar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening enjoys various activities of Pushkar fair. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pushkar.

Pushkar: Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma, known to be the creator of the world, in a search for his abode on earth performed the supremely pious Vedic yagna here in Pushkar, thus making it the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. With over 500 temples and ghats, a pilgrimage center from time immemorial, Pushkar begets an inheritance of timeless architectural legacy. Pushkar is worldly famous for biggest cattle fair in the world. Pushkar emits an ambience of peace and spirituality that entices people to visit again and again.

17 Day: Pushkar Fair:

After breakfast visit to Pushkar Lake, to see thousands of devotees will bathe in the holy lake, believed to have been created when the god Brahma dropped a sacred lotus flower to earth, then visit to the famous temple of Lord Brahma, the creator of universe. A temple with very basic architecture, it is the one and only temple of Lord Brahma in India with a unique mythological reasons. Afterward enjoy the cattle fair: the colorful culture of Rajasthan comes alive in the form of the folklores, music and dance performances besides the captivating turbans of the men. The bards and the poets enchant the audiences with the tales of gallantry, cultural shows, exhibitions and movies add to the fun at the Pushkar Fair. Here you can enjoy hot air balloons floating across the camel ground, the town and lake. What an amazing way to see the fair. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pushkar.

The Pushkar Fair, or Pushkar ka Mela, is the annual five-day camel and livestock fair, held in the town of Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan, India. It 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 its highlights have become competitions such as the "matkaphod", "longest moustache", and "bridal competition" are the main draws for this fair which attracts thousands of tourists.[1] In recent years the fair has also included an exhibition cricket match between the local Pushkar club and a team of random foreign tourists. The Imperial Gazetteer of India, mentions an attendance of 100,000 pilgrims in early 1900s.

18 Day: Pushkar – Delhi (405 kms: 7 hrs)

Today morning, you may opt to visit various temples of Pushkar, as Pushkar city is known as temple city. Or you can opt to visit fair site, early afternoon check out the hotel and drive to Delhi, En route visit to the one of the magnificent fort of Rajasthan: Neemrana; now converted into the luxury heritage hotel, you may opt to have lunch and Zip Tour over here, an exciting and adventurous activity. The Zip tour is an amusement ride wherein the person hangs his weight through a harness which is suspended via pulley from a cable. Later continue to drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can enjoy the best of the like Bukhara, Veda, Summer house café, Moms Kitchen, and others, as Delhi is known for best North India veg and non-veg cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

19 Day: Delhi – Home Town (By Air)

After breakfast the day is free for individual activities and shopping. Delhi is one of the most popular cities for shopping with a wide range of ready-made collections, decoration, food items, beauty products, textile, wooden, silver, bronze art, jewelry & a whole lot more. The famous markets include Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, Khan Market, Old Delhi Market, Chandani Chowk, Spice Market (Khari Baoli), Delhi Hat amongst others. Later transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight for home town/onwards journey. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.