Holiday in detail
An exciting journey in which you will explore Rajasthan – the cultural heart of India as well as experience the unique Pushkar Camel Fair. We travel from the capital into the small town of Mandawa on the old silk road where little has changed for hundreds of years. From here we go to bustling Bikaner, your first desert city. No trip to Rajasthan would be complete without visiting Jaisalmer; the magical citadel that rises out of the desert like something from Arabian nights, so next we travel here and spend two nights.
We then move to the blue city of Jodhpur with its epically placed fortress; you can even zip-wire around its walls. From here we drive to the holy lake city of Pushkar, spending two nights to witness the largest trading of camels on earth and a colourful celebration of Rajasthani culture. After this we move to Rajasthan’s capital – the pink city of Jaipur. After seeing Jaipur we travel by train to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi.
THE TOUR...
DAY 1 Sat 7th Nov Depart UK
With India being several hours ahead of the UK, most flights arrive next day. Often travellers like to arrive a day or more earlier to relax after the flight. We can book extra accommodation for you at a competitive price. Remember we always pick you up free from the airport up to three days before the tour starts.
DAY 2 Sun 8th Nov Arrive Delhi (2 nights) HB
We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our hotel.
Tonight we invite you to our enjoyable included Welcome Meal (no charge to you).
Day 3 Mon 9th Nov Tour of Delhi B&B
Tour we take you on a fascinating tour of both New and Old Delhi. You'll see India Gate, together with the magnificence of Edwin Lutyen's designed capital, as well as down-town old Delhi.
DAY 4 Tues 10th To Mandawa B&B
We now leave the capital for an altogether different experience in the town of Mandawa - your first medieval desert town. This was was once part of the Silk Route stretching from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal. We’ll take you on a guided walk with some free time to explore. Expect traditional women in bright silks and saris, mules or camels along the streets in this traditional setting.
DAY 5 Wed 11th Bikaner (1 night) B&B
This morning we’ll move to Bikaner; your first desert city. Bikaner is a lively place and - not for everyone - you may like to join us to visit the Karni Mata temple (around 30km away), a temple devoted to rats. It has been featured on BBC documentaries and covered by Sir David Attenborough. Later, we’ll also take you to a camel breeding centre to see legions of camels; a mesmerising sight! Late afternoon/early evening you may want to take a stroll in the city's busy centre. Tonight free to enjoy our hotel. There is a good restaurant if you'd like to enjoy dinner.
DAY 6 Thurs 12th To Jaisalmer (2 nights) B&B
After breakfast we drive to the far west of India, to magical Jaisalmer, bordering Pakistan. It's dramatic setting is like something from ‘Arabian Nights.' Here, we’ll stay for two nights.
DAY 7 Fri 13th Rest day B&B
Free time to explore Jaisalmer at your own pace. Jaisalmer enjoys a wonderful setting with its citadel rising out of the desert. You can enjoy wandering around its medieval alleyways, shop for handicrafts, dine at rooftop restaurants and enjoy sunset over its fortress walls.
We also offer an optional afternoon desert experience, where we drive out of the city, enjoy a camel ride (around 1 hour) and dinner in the desert at sunset (approx. £32).
DAY 8 Sat 14th To Jodhpur (2 nights) B&B
Today we drive to the ‘blue' and medieval city of Jodhpur.
DAY 9 Sun 15th We explore Jodhpur B&B
Today, we’ll explore the city's dramatic fortress or, for the adventurous, you may prefer to even zipline around its walls (an extra cost). Please note a local operator offers this and it falls outside of our itinerary - so you do so at your own risk. Later we'll all explore the busy spice and traditional markets.
Evening free. Dining in Jodhpur at a rooftop restaurant, dominated by the fortress which is lit up at night, is a delight. Our hotel will be enjoyable too!
DAY 10 Mon 16th To Pushkar (2 Nights) B&B
Today we move by our private bus to the pilgrimage town of Pushkar. Holy men (and cows) wander the alleyways, there's interesting shopping, traditional waterside cafes and the spectacle of pilgrims bathing in the sacred water. We're here to enjoy the spectacle of the Pushkar Camel Festival over tomorrow and Wednesday.
DAY 11 Tues 17th Pushkar Camel Fair B&B
Today, we'll take to witness Pushkar's unique camel fair. Also known as Pushkar Mela, it's the world's largest coming-together of livestock, where thousands of camels are traded, together with dances and colourful rituals to celebrate Rajasthani culture. We'll give you the freedom to explore this special event at your own pace.
Day 12 Wed 18th Pushkar Camel Fair and to Jaipir B&B
This morning you are free to enjoy more of this unique festival. In the afternoon, we'll take the relatively shorter drive to Rajasthan's capital - the pink city of Jaipur!
Day 13 Thurs 19th Tour of Jaipur B&B
Today we will take you on an optional (and free) tour of the city. This is in two halves; in the morning we travel by our bus then by jeeps up the hills to the Amber fort (around 10 miles outside the city). In the afternoon we return to Jaipur and visit the City Palace as well as the outdoor observatory known as Jantar Mantar - and featured on Dan Cruikshank's 'Around the World in 80 Treasures.'
DAY 14 Fri 20th To Agra (1 night) B&B
Today, you'll enjoy a new experience; travelling by train to Agra - in place to see the beautiful Taj Mahal tomorrow.
DAY 15 Sat 21st The Taj Mahal & Delhi (1 night) HB
This morning we will take you on a guided visit to the Taj Mahal with free time to explore this beautiful monument and its surroundings. This afternoon we drive back to Delhi and enjoy our farewell dinner together.
DAY 16 Sun 22nd Nov Alas, home B&B
After this incredibly varied journey, today we take you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
CODES
B&B = Bed & Breakfast, HB = Half Board
* Your free transfer for your flight home after the tour is only available up to 3 days after the end date of the tour
