Destinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Mandawa - Delhi

10 Nov / Thu:   Abroad - Delhi

Arrive: Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel.
Overnight at hotel

11 Nov / Fri:   Delhi - Agra

Morning combined sightseeing of Old & New Delhi.

This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi - Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and "Chandni Chowk" or also known as Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Onwards to New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace.
Thereafter drive to Agra (203 kms). Upon arrival in Agra - check into the hotel.

Afternoon visit the Taj Mahal -This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).

Remain at the Taj Mahal till sunset to view this true wonder of the world in gentle late afternoon light.
Overnight at hotel.

12 Nov / Sat:   Agra - Jaipur

Morning visit the Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Thereafter drive to Jaipur (221 kms), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.
Continue drive to Jaipur and upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

13 Nov / Sun:   Jaipur

Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

13 Nov / Sun:   Jaipur (contd.)

Afternoon city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments.
Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

14 Nov / Mon:   Jaipur - Pushkar

Morning drive to Pushkar (150 kms). Upon arrival in Pushkar - check into the Deluxe Tents.

Deluxe tents which captures the luxurious nostalgia of a bygone age of the Maharaja's Safari and Shikar camps, combined with innovative design demonstrating many of the skills and crafts of Marwar. The camp consists of tents, each with verandah, bedroom and bathroom. There is a large dining tent serving the best of Rajasthani cuisine and a large open reception tent with seating areas.

Pushkar - is famous for its colourful annual fair during kartik poornima (full moon) in the November each year. At this time, this otherwise peaceful and gentle village on the banks of holy Pushkar take is thrown into colourful confusion when the desert tribes and camel caravans meet to trade cattle, camels, goat, sheep, clothes, jewelry and spices. Up to 200000 traders and 50000 cattle pour into town, along with numerous festooned camels and colourful pilgrims. After 10 hectic days of livestock dealing, camel racing and colourful festivities, on the night of the full moon (Kartik Purnima), everybody goes for a big holy dip in the lake and performs religious rituals in its waters, to the accompaniment of temple & folk music.
Overnight in deluxe tents.

15 Nov / Tue:   Pushkar

Full day at the fair. Built as 'an explosion of fun, frolic, games and laughter', the fair provides some wonderful photographic opportunities and is a rare change to see Rajasthani women decked out in all their traditional jewelry, dress and finery. It is worth getting up early to see the camels and tribes rousing themselves in the pink of the dawn desert light. Temple music wafts through the night, as the fires die down and the Rajasthani melodies played on the stringed ek-tara come to a close.
Overnight in deluxe tents.

16 Nov / Wed:   Pushkar - Mandawa

Morning drive to Mandawa (240 km). Upon arrival in Mandawa, - check into the hotel.

Afternoon visit the enormous Havelis with fascinating murals and painted frescoes built by the wealthy Rajasthani merchants ("Marwaris") in the 19th century. The havelis are mansion of a unique residential architectural style that evolved around courtyards to serve the purpose of family security, privacy for the women as also protecting the inhabitants from the long, harsh summers.
Overnight at hotel.

17 Nov / Thu:   Mandawa - Delhi

Morning drive to Delhi (250 km). Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to International airport for flight to back home.

Depart Delhi.