Rajasthan Tour of Forts, Palaces & Pushkar Camel Fair

Itinerary

• Day 1: International Arrival, Delhi at Leisure

  Welcome to India! Upon arrival at India Gandhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will escort you to the hotel, help you check-in and brief you about the following tours. Have some free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone.

  • Delhi

• Day 2: Delhi Discovery

  After having breakfast at the hotel, meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby and head to Old Delhi to see the magnificent Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. By exploring the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, you will get a unique glance of the local life.

  Pay a visit to the Red Fort before driving to New Delhi for the tallest stone tower in India, the 800-year-old Qutub Minar surrounded by ancient Hindu and Muslim complex. Continue the tour to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. After that, there will be a ride among the city landmarks of India Gate, President's House, Parliament House and Government Secretariat Buildings. Today's tour ends with an insight into the local religion in a colorful Hindu temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple.

  Tips: Female tourists are required to wear robes before entering Jama Masjid. If you don't have one, you can rent one at 50 rupees from the temple.

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  • Delhi

• Day 3: Transfer to Mandawa (Approx. 6Hrs, 258Km)

  After breakfast, you will proceed to Mandawa, the capital of Shekhawati region, famous for its old merchant mansions and beautiful fresco art. On the way, stopovers for a rest or photo taking can be made at your request. After you are settled down at your hotel, the rest of the day will be your own.

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  • Mandawa

• Day 4: Mandawa Sightseeing with Camel Ride

  Breakfast is followed by a walking tour of Mandawa to discover many hidden havelis (mansions). The Shekhavati area is like an open art gallery in India, and will definitely leave you with a deep impression, especially after listening to your private guide's introduction. Later this afternoon, you will enjoy a camel ride into the surrounding sand dunes. 

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  • Mandawa

• Day 5: Transfer to the Oasis in Pushkar (230 Km, Approx. 5 Hrs)

  The destination for today is the oasis in the desert of Pushkar, a town that clings to the beautiful Pushkar Lake, which is considered sacred by Hindus. Built beside the lake are hundreds of small temples with wide stone steps or 'ghats' lead down to the water where pilgrims and sadhus pay their respects by bathing in the lake. 

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  • Pushkar

• Day 6: Camel Fair in Pushkar

  The Camel Fair is celebrated for five days since the full moon day (the 15th) of Kartik (October-November) in the Hindu calendar. The Camel Fair takes place around Pushkar Lake. Men buy and sell their livestock, which includes camels, cows, sheep and goats; while women go to the stalls, wearing many bracelets, clothes, textiles and fabrics. You will have a chance to enjoy a camel race, followed by folk music, songs and exhibitions.

  Come to Pushkar between Oct. and Nov. and you will have the chance to explore the famous and important Camel Fair. If you are not able to come during that time, a camel ride and an afternoon relaxing visit to local bazaars will be arranged for you.

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  • Pushkar

• Day 7: Leaving Pushkar for Palaces in Jaipur (By Car, Approx. 3.5 Hrs, 160 Km)

  After breakfast at hotel, you will head for the 'pink city' of Jaipur. On arrival, today's tour starts with sightseeing at Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State that overlooks the city from a spar of the Aravali Hills. Inside, you'll enjoy the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). 

  The afternoon city tour of Jaipur includes a short stop-over at the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Then you will visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory in the world that is still in service today. On the way back to the hotel, we will drive through the pink rose residential and business areas.

  Tips: Be careful about the hard sell from hawkers all along the way.

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  • Jaipur

• Day 8: Transfer to Agra with Stop at Fatehpur Sikri (289 Km,5 Hrs)

  This morning we will head east to Agra, en-route you can pay a short visit to the former royal city of Fatehpur Sikri (about 1.5 hrs), one of the finest illustrations of Mughal architectural splendor at its height, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned 15 years later due to the scarcity of water. You will proceed to Agra after lunch. On arrival, check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

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  • Agra

• Day 9: Indian Treasures of Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

  Today's tour starts with a visit to Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) in the early morning in order to avoid the crowds and the heat in daytime. This white-marble world wonder was built by a great emperor in memory of his beloved wife. Later you will visit the palatial Royal Pavilions at the red sandstone Agra Fort for a glimpse of the royal Mughal lifestyle.

  Tips: A strict security check is needed before entering the Taj Mahal. Foods, plastic bags, chargers, etc., are all prohibited.

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  • Agra

• Day 10: Transfer to Delhi (Approx. 4.5 Hrs, 220 Km) for Departure

  Say goodbye to India today. After breakfast, you will be escorted to Delhi airport directly for your international flight. 

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