Pushkar Camel Fair Package

Day :03  – Delhi. 

Continue your exploration of Delhi with a guided city tour of Old Delhi. This tour begins with the amazing Red Fort. Both the Jama Masjid (Mosque) and this massive structure were built by Shah Jahan, the emperor who created the Taj Mahal. The great city inside the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort offers visitors a large number of architectural and historical attractions; it was once known as the 8th wonder of the world. The Red Fort was the seat of the Mughal Empire for more than two hundred and fifty years and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an amazing example of a blend of Persian, Indian and European architecture. One of your most vibrant and enduring memories of India will be your next experience as you drive, walk and ride Rickshaw Ride through the ancient city's streets and alleys for a couple of hours; enjoy a fascinating rickshaw ride, and extended walk with your Tour Director through the crowded ancient alleys of Chandni Chowk. The cacophony of sounds both ancient and modern from the cries of hawkers and the animated bargaining that have echoed through the centuries, to the modern motor horns, the riot of colors from spices to saris, and the equally diverse smells emanating from the street food stalls and spice markets that form part of the bazaar, this is truly an assault on the senses at every level. Next is an exploration of the Jama Masjid (1650 A.D.), the largest mosque in India. The Masjid (Mosque) is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It is an active place of worship and its courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers.

There is a break for lunch (included).

After lunch a short drive will deliver you to an oasis of calm and serenity, which also happens to be your last destination in Old Delhi. The cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi (Raj Ghat) is a simple yet stirring memorial to the father of the nation. Lush lawns extend beyond the enclosure surrounding the black marble platform occupying the spot where the Mahatma was cremated. An eternal flame burns next to the platform.

From here you will drive to visit the magnificent tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Delhi has such an abundance of amazing monuments that this Tomb Complex (1562 A.D.) does not quite get the acclaim that it deserves. It is Delhi’s third UNESCO World Heritage Site and its amazing architecture and the elaborate gardens will captivate you as your Tour Director explains the unique architectural and historic facets of this monument.

After exploring the tomb you will be driven back to your hotel.

Day :04 – Delhi - Agra. 

You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel in the mid-morning and you are driven to Agra on North India’s newest highway. Arrive at Agra and there is a break for lunch (included) at a popular local restaurant - you can choose to enjoy their buffet, or order ala-carte. 

After lunch, you will be driven to your hotel, where you will be assisted with your check-in.

Afternoon - you will visit the first red sandstone fort of North India, the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1565 by India’s greatest Mughal ruler, Emperor Akbar. Its royal audience halls, immense stone courtyards, marble mosque and the private Taj Mahal, Agra royal chambers give us a glimpse of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

Enjoy a sunset visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the incomparable Taj Mahal. The world’s greatest monument dedicated to love is obviously a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal was completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 A.D. as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. This spectacular white marble mausoleum was created by about 22,000 skilled craftsmen and it took twenty two years to complete. When you experience the Taj Mahal with an Easy Tours Tour Director who shares unique insights into its innumerable facets, some of their passion for this masterpiece may rub off on you. Explore the amazing Taj and its surroundings until it is time to admire the sun’s rays setting on the façade of the world’s finest monument.

Agra’s artists are famous for their inlaid marble creations.

Day :05  – Agra - Ranthambore. 

Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise - the best time to see it during most of the year! Due to it being more expensive for Indian tourists at that time, and the early hour, the massive monument and its surrounding Mughal gardens are a lot less crowded than in the afternoon. As the rising sun’s rays illuminate the precious stones inlaid in the marble, they will gleam momentarily as the marble’s color changes. You will return to your hotel to freshen up and have breakfast after the excursion.

You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel and then you are driven to Abhaneri. Upon arrival at Abhaneri you will stop for lunch (included) at a nature resort that serves organic and all natural food, most of which is freshly picked from their estate.

After lunch you will proceed to a very unique monument that is located nearby, next to a charming Rajasthani village. The massive 10th century Chand Baori stepwell is one of the most impressive in all of India. The depth of the stepwell is that of a modern 7 storey building, and there are stairs leading down to the bottom from three of the 100 foot plus (35 meters) four sides of the opening. Enjoy a guided exploration of the stepwell and then you will walk through the small village to get a glimpse of the lives of the simple but proud Rajasthani villagers. There will be young boys and girls herding goats, sheep, and cows around the area, camels carrying loads for their owners, and many other experiences that are only found in rural India. There are potters huts that you can stop at, as well as ladies weaving traditional garments, as well as opportunities to view many other indigenous activities. This is not a disguised effort to sell local wares, as is often found in tourism destinations. These are real villagers, and their simplicity, warmth, and hospitality will captivate you.

After this you will continue on with your journey to Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore National Park). The second half of this drive is through rural Rajasthan and there are multiple photo opportunities of the colorful villagers as they go about their daily activities. You will also encounter many camels and other livestock on this drive. You are greeted on arrival at your jungle lodge and assisted with your check-in.

Since 2006, Easy Tours of India has tracked the percentage of tiger sightings for our guests in Ranthambore National Park. More than 85% of our guests have had tiger sightings during this period, with many of them getting multiple sightings.

Day :06  – Ranthambore. 

Covering an area of 410 square kilometers, Ranthambore National Park runs along the eastern spur of the Aravali mountain range until it meets with the Vindhya ranges. Ranthambore was Tiger once the Jaipur rulers’ private hunting ground. In 1972 it was declared a Sanctuary and was brought under the Project Tiger Conservation platform. Dry deciduous forest covers most of the park, and the vegetation is lush around the many small lakes and ponds. The open grasslands that are the tiger’s favorite terrain account for much of the land on the higher slopes. This varied flora supports a large number of animals including a variety of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the tiger. 

Enjoy wildlife safaris into the park in the morning and evening. All meals will be at your lodge during your stay at Ranthambore.

In between safaris, you have the option of a guided visit to the Ranthambore Fort. This excursion does have a fairly steep climb with approximately 700 feet of stairs. The massive Fort is one of the finest examples of the ancient Hindu concept of Vana-Durg, or a fort protected by a jungle.  The history of this Fort (originally built in 944 A.D.) is a chronicle full of tales of blood and valor. Successively occupied by the Muslims, Rajputs and Mughals, the insides of the fort today lie partly in ruin. There are superb views of the park to be had from its ramparts. There is also an ancient temple located in the fort which attracts a continuous stream of pilgrims from the surrounding villages. A little note of caution – a large number of aggressive langurs (South Asian monkeys) have made the Fort area their home and it is not advisable to have food or shiny objects visible in your hands as you tour the fort as they will be snatched away.

Day :07  – Ranthambore - Jaipur. 

Enjoy your last safari into Ranthambore in the morning. Return to your lodge after the safari to freshen up and have breakfast. You are at leisure for a while so that you can freshen up, after which you are assisted with your check-out from your jungle lodge and then there is a break for lunch (included). After lunch you are driven to Jaipur. Sawai Madhopur itself (the community located next to Ranthambore) is a rural small town, and you will drive through it to get a glimpse of life here before you head for Jaipur. The first half of this drive is also through rural Rajasthan and there are multiple photo opportunities. You are assisted with your check-in at your boutique Palace hotel upon your arrival at Jaipur.

Jaipur is famous for its carpets, jewelry and handicrafts.

Day : 08  - Jaipur. 

Start your day with an excursion to the Amber Fort and Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located a short distance from the walled city. Just like the Emperors of a few centuries ago, enjoy the ascent up to the ramparts of the fort on top of a colorfully caparisoned elephant. If you prefer not to ride the elephants, you can be driven to the rear entrance of the monument. Amber Fort The massive Fort complex was originally built by Raja Mansingh and is one of India’s finest examples of Rajput architecture. Explore the chambers and hallways, which are famous for their exquisite designs and handcrafted embellishments. Return to the valley beneath the Fort and there is a break for lunch (included).  

You are now driven to the outskirts of Jaipur to the ancient Hindu pilgrimage site of Galtaji in the Aravalli Hills. The complex of temples here is collectively known as the Monkey Temple because a large tribe of monkeys lives here and believes they own all the monuments. We recommend that you don’t carry any food in your hands, as it may be snatched away. The complex of temples has several ponds that are fed by springs on the hill tops, and Hindu pilgrims consider taking a dip in these to be purifying. The monkeys agree and swim around the main pond with reckless abandon, and many of them can be seen diving into the pool from various vantage points.

Enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Galtaji Temple, which is crafted in pink stone. There are other ancient temples in the complex, such as the Balaji Temple. Monkeys are everywhere, and they are obviously in-charge! For someone not used to their social behavior and grooming practices and rituals, observing them can be fascinating.

After this excursion, you will be driven back to your hotel.

Day : 09  – Jaipur. 

Continue your exploration of the walled city of Jaipur, including the magnificent City Palace. You will visit Jantar Mantar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is the fascinating stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. Among other instruments, it includes a giant sun dial that is accurate to within 2 seconds. After the observatory comes a photo opportunity of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind). This intriguing facade was built in 1799 so that the ladies of the court could use its unique windows and observe the bustling bazaar without being visible to the people on the streets. Continue the tour with an exploration of the City Palace, the former royal residence (a part of which is still occupied by the Royal family and is not accessible to the public), built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. This immense complex also houses a number of museums that offer a large and impressive collection of costumes, armory and miniature paintings.

Lunch is at one of Jaipur’s premier restaurants this afternoon.

During the afternoon you will take a stroll with your Tour Director through the “pink” bazaar in the heart of the old town, and watch the locals as they bargain for their everyday necessities. You will also enjoy a brief stop for a tour of a collection of Rajput turbans. A turban tying demonstration is included, as are turban and Sari tying lessons.

You are now driven to a very scenic location in Jaipur adjacent to a public park, for a guided exploration of The Albert Hall Museum, which was completed in 1887 by the architect Samuel Swinton Jacob. Its origins lie in the suggestion to open a museum of the Industrial Arts, which would acquaint local craftsmen with the best examples of art work and handicrafts of India. It was hoped that this would inspire them to improve their own skills, thereby protecting and preserving traditional arts, while providing greater employment for artisans. It was also the intention that the display would help to educate youth in a wide variety of fields, entertain and inform the people of Jaipur. Rudyard Kipling (himself the son of a curator) on a visit was so impressed by the architecture, woodwork, display, exhibits, cleanliness, and not least the curator’s office that he wrote "it is now a rebuke to all other museums in India from Calcutta downwards".

Return to your hotel in the evening.

Day : 10  –  Jaipur - Pushkar. 

You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel after breakfast and then you are driven to Pushkar. Arrive at Pushkar around noon and you are assisted with check-in at your desert lodge. Please note that, although it is one of the best in the small town of Pushkar, your lodging for Pushkar Camel Fair this night is fairly basic, and will not have the luxury of your other hotels in India. There will be a staffed Easy Tours Facilitation Center in the lobby of the desert lodge to assist you for any needs that may arise.

There is a break for lunch. All 3 meals are included at your lodge while you are at Pushkar.

Afternoon - Experience a camel cart ride to the cattle trading fairgrounds. Walk through the Fair camp grounds with Easy Tours guides and Tour Directors to experience the cattle trading and everything else that goes on at this massive fair. The trading activity is at its peak during this part of the fair and you will experience rural Rajasthan as one can only do during this massive cattle fair - photo and video opportunities are endless. Thousands of camels, horses, and other cattle will be traded within a few days. The cattle are groomed and decorated, their skills and strengths are demonstrated in various ways, and there is intense haggling. A plethora of street vendors are mixed in with all this activity, selling food to the villagers and fodder for the various cattle.

At the end of the day the trading ceases and the thousands of villagers settle down to discuss the day’s exploits, and to prepare for their evening meal. At this time, as the sun sets in the desert, you will return to your lodge by camel cart.

Day :11 – Pushkar - Udaipur. 

Guests that want to experience the early morning activities at the Fair can have an early breakfast and join Easy Tours Tour Directors for a drive to the fairgrounds, where they will walk through the awakening campground and observe the villagers as they prepare for the day.

Our other guests will depart for the small town of Pushkar after breakfast. Your vehicle will stop near the fairgrounds to pick up the early risers that were at the Fair.

Enjoy a walk through Pushkar’s crowded and colorful alleys. This is a pilgrimage destination and you will see temples that are a hubbub of activity during this auspicious period. There is usually a colourful religious procession that goes through the alleys this morning, but this events schedule can change and so it is not guaranteed. Visit the holy lake in the middle of town where pilgrims are taking a dip to wash away their sins.

Board your vehicles again and you are led to a spot where your caravan of camels awaits. You are assisted in climbing on your personal camel (camel carts are also available) and then you proceed on a camel safari through the semi-arid region near Pushkar. Your safari ends at a venue where you are the guests of honor at an Easy Tours sponsored Camel Race.

Experience the fascinating race where some camels will develop a mind of their own and head in every other direction but the finish line. You will be amazed by the speed and grace of these awkward looking animals as they fly over the sand.

Return to your lodge and freshen up.

You are assisted with your check-out from your desert lodge and then you have your last meal at Pushkar.

Proceed on the drive to Udaipur. This is one of the most picturesque drives in all of India as you drive through the pastoral regions of the Aravalli hills. Arrive at Udaipur in the evening and you are assisted with your check-in to your hotel.

Udaipur is famous for its artists and paintings, including exquisite miniatures.

Day :12 – Udaipur. 

Proceed for a city tour, including a tour of the fabled City Palace. At this Palace complex, explore the beautifully decorated rooms with thousands of exquisite, handcrafted mirrors City Palace that cover the walls, the ancient ivory doors (a dark reminder of Indian royalty’s passion for hunting), the brightly colored stained glass windows, expansive inlaid marble balconies and the unique peacock courtyard. There are amazing views to be had from this structure, especially of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace hotel and Jag Mandir Island. Enjoy a private tour of the amazing Crystal Gallery, which houses the world’s largest collection of priceless crystal. Marvel at pieces like the complete bedroom furniture set in crystal, discovered recently in a store room off the palace.

Lunch today is included at the Sunset Terrace restaurant at City Palace. Enjoy spectacular views as you dine on fine cuisine.

After lunch you will enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola and visit the historical and beautiful monuments at Jag Mandir Island (if available - the royal family at Udaipur will occasionally rent out the island for large celebrations, and on those occasions the island cannot be visited by tourists).

Late afternoon: you are driven to visit the Monsoon Palace, a small hilltop structure that offers amazing views of the picturesque city of Udaipur and its lakes and palaces. The short drive up the hill takes you through a protected wildlife sanctuary and occasional wildlife sightings can be experienced. Enjoy the spectacular sunset from this vantage point before returning to your hotel.

Day :13 – Udaipur - Delhi - International Flight. 

You are assisted with check-out from your hotel in the morning. You will now enjoy a three-wheeler (Tuk Tuk) ride through the streets, and then a guided walk with your Tour Director to explore some of the markets in this charming city with a small town atmosphere. After the walk, there is a break for  an early lunch at a lake front restaurant (included). After lunch you are driven to the airport in time to board your mid-afternoon flight to Delhi. Arrive at Delhi airport and collect your baggage, then check-in for your international flight.

If your international flight departure is four or more hours from your scheduled arrival time at Delhi, you are greeted at the Delhi airport by an Easy Tours Facilitator and your personal chauffeur. Your personal vehicle and chauffeur are available to you until 9 pm for your assisted check-in at the airport. This is a good time to do some last minute shopping and/or sightseeing if you are so inclined. If your flight departs early the next morning, you may want us to arrange a room for you so you can rest.

Our services end at Udaipur or Delhi airport.