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Home > Destinations > Far East > India > India Pushkar Fair
India Pushkar Fair
The small town of Pushkar is located in a valley14 km from Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills on three sides and the Thar Desert on the other, Pushkar is the location of Rajasthans most important annual agricultural and religious fair, which attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world. Pushkar is among the five dhams or pilgrimages that are held in high esteem by Hindus (the others being Badrinath, Puri, Rameswaram, and Dwarka). It is said that in battle protecting Parvati, his wife, Lord Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower. Three lotus petals floated down to earth in and around Pushkar. Each formed a holy lake. According to legend, at one point Pushkar Lake was surrounded by 500 temples and 52 palaces, and several rajas and maharajas maintained palaces here to use when on pilgrimage. Today, the Brahma temple is the most important temple in Pushkar and is, in fact, the only Brahma temple in India. Unique in this respect, Pushkar is revered throughout India.
DAY 1 : DEHLI: MEET & HOTEL TRANSFER
On arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport we are met and transferred to our Delhi hotel. Overnight The Park Hotel or similar
DAY 2 : DELHI: CITY TOUR
There have been seven cities constructed around Delhi stretching back into history. The latest was built in the 1920s by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It rubs shoulders with the Moghul Old Delhi and its famous market, Chadni Chowk, nearby Red Fort and Jamia Masjid (Friday Mosque), all of which we visit on todays tour, along with India Gate, Hamayuns Tomb, and, if time, Qutub Minar. PM return to the hotel. Overnight Park Hotel or similar [B]
DAY 3 : VARANASI: FLY TO VARANASI
After breakfast we transfer to the airport and fly to Varanasi. On arrival we transfer to out hotel. Varanasi (Benares) has been the center of Hinduism since the dawn of history, contemporary with Mesopotamias Babylon and Egypts Thebes (Luxor). Often known as Kashi (city of Light) by Hindus, it attracts over a million pilgrims each year many of whom come to spend their last years or months here. This afternoon we embark on a guided half day tour of the city. We visit Ramnagar Fort - residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi, where we view the Fort Museum. Dependant on time, we also visit the Golden, Durga and Tulsi Temples. Return to hotel late afternoon. This evening we have the opportunity to explore Indian culture at the home of an Indian family and share their evening meal. Overnight Hotel Radisson (or similar) [BD]
DAY 4 : VARANASI: FULL DAY CITY TOUR
Today we wake very early and transfer to the Ganga River for a Dawn Boat Trip on the Ganges during which we watch the sun rise and view the morning Puja (prayer) at the various ghats. On our return we take breakfast at the hotel. Then we visit Sarnath, site of Buddhas first sermon at Bodhgaya, the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. Located 10 km north-east of Varanasi, Sarnath was at its peak when the Chinese traveler Fahsien visited Benares in the 5th century CE. The city was then known as Deer Park, after The Sermon in the Deer Park, Siddharthas first sermon. Deer still come very close and can be fed by buying a packet of seed. The afternoon is free to explore the city or relax in our hotel. Overnight Hotel Radisson (or similar) [B]
DAY 5 : KHAJURAHO: FLY KJH, TEMPLE TOUR
This morning we transfer to the domestic airport and board a flight for Khajuraho. On arrival we are transferred to the hotel, and then embark on a guided tour of the famous erotic temples. Constructed during the Chandel Empire (circa 950-1050 CE), these temples are considered the architectural genius of Indias medieval period. The temples are a classified world heritage site and the erotic scenes are a relatively small part of the carvings, although sensuous eroticism prevails throughout the sculptures. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 survive. PM return to the hotel. Overnight Hotel Radisson (or similar) [B]
DAY 6 : LUCKNOW: TRAIN TO LUCKNOW, PM TOUR
We take the morning train to Lucknow and check into our hotel. Lucknow, City of the Nawabs (kings), is today the capital of Uttar Pradesh (UP). Prior to UPs creation, it was the central hub of Awadh, a state under nominal suzerainty of the Mughul Emperor then annexed by the British East India Company in 1856, when the last Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah was deposed. Lucknow is famous for the most dramatic and heroic siege of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. We spend the afternoon exploring the historic city. We visit the Bada Imambada (Asafi Imambada / patriarch's place), the Hussainabad, and The (British) Residency. Overnight La Palace Park Inn or similar [B]
DAY 7 : AGRA: TRAIN TO AGRA
This morning we take the train to Agra, where we are met and transferred to our hotel. Agra is the ancient capital of the Moghul Empire and sits astride the slow moving River Yamuna which flows into the mighty Ganga - God-river to Hindus. On arrival in Agra we are met and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening we add the Wildland Touch, and share stories and food with a local Indian family. Overnight Mansingh Palace or similar [BD]
DAY 8 : AGRA: TAJ MAHAL, RED FORT TOUR
This morning after breakfast we depart by peddle rickshaw to the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort for a relaxed pace tour. Exquisite in design and beautiful to behold, the Taj Mahal is perhaps the worlds most famous building. A white marble tomb built by Shah Jehan between 1631 and 1648 for his wife Arjuman Banu Begum, whose death in childbirth broke the Moghul Emperors heart. Later, imprisoned in the Red Fort by his son Aurangzeb, Shah Jehan lay dying. His last wish was to look one more time at the Taj across the river, last resting lace of his beloved, using a strategically held mirror (he was almost blind). Overnight Mansingh Palace or similar [B]
DAY 9 : JAIPUR: DRIVE TO JAIPUR VIA FATIPUR SIKRI
Today we drive to Jaipur (232km / 4 hours, plus stops). Our first stop today is at Sikkandra, tomb of Akbar the Great. Located a few miles along the Bharatpur Road from Agra, Sikkandra is entered through the Buland Darwaza, a gigantic gateway beautifully adorned with huge mosaic patterns inspired by Fatehpur Sikri (which we see this afternoon). It is a beautiful and calm place, despite the active monkeys, who are not shy. Continuing our drive, 24 kilometers from Agra we reach Fatehpur Sikri, deserted capital of the Mughal Empire. Among the important buildings in the complex is the Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti with its huge single-piece latticed marble screens. Others include the Paunch Mahal (Five Palaces) and the audience chanber. Fatehpur Sikri remained capital for only a short period, abandoned soon after construction due to a fatal dearth of water. Continuing our drive we reach Jaipur late afternoon. Ordered painted pink in preparation for a visit in the 19th century of the British Viceroy, Jaipur is still nicknamed the Pink City. Overnight historic Samode Haveli or similar [B]
DAY 10 : JAIPUR: FULL DAY CITY TOUR, AMBER PALACE
We spend the entire day exploring Jaipur and its surroundings. We first visit the City Palace complex, which houses several museums plus the Janta Manta (observatory), and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) which we visit. If the flag flies at the palace, the Maharaja is home and the business of politics is brisk. In the afternoon we drive to Amber Palace. Amber is one of Rajput historys most spectacular fortified buildings, and we explore the labyrinthine passages, chambers, and ornate shrines of the palace. Overnight boutique Samode Haveli or similar [B]
DAY 11 : DRIVE TO PUSHKAR
Pushkar Fair falls a week after the festival of Diwali and lasts for seven days, ending on the Kartik Poornima or full moon. The fair is predominantly agricultural, with a gathering of camels, horses and cattle in their thousands for trade. It is one of Indias most colorful and exciting experiences. It is also of great religious significance. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world, in his search for an abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual Vedic Yagna at Pushkar, and Pushkar is the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. We depart mid morning and drive to Pushkar, arriving mid afternoon. Overnight Dix Swiss Fixed Camp [BD]
DAY 12 : PUSHKAR: GUIDED ORIENTATION WALK
Today, our escort will accompany us in roaming Rajasthans most impressive cultural event, the Puskar Camel Fair. Pushkar is primarily an agricultural festival; a gathering of the desert people to sell their livestock, to meet, perhaps exchange marriage vows, and to pilgrimage at the temples atop the distinctive hillocks which rise like walrus tusks into the sky. There are tradesmen selling every kind of goods, from clothing and jewelry to horse shoes and medicine for camel ticks. But the main attraction is the camel sales. There are races and competitions, auctions and private deals. It is the most important agricultural and social gathering in the region. During the festival this quiet country town caters for up to 250,000 visitors and 50,000 camels. Overnight Dix Swiss Fixed Camp [BLD]
DAY 13 : PUSHKAR: AT LEISURE IN PUSHKAR
The whole day is free to explore the various activities of the Fair. Schedules of events are available at the information booth at our accommodation. The fair is also a religious and propitious occasion. Legend has it that the God Vishnu struck down a demon that was tormenting his wife Parvati by brushing him with a lotus flower. The demon was killed, but three lotus petals fell to earth forming three lakes. One of them is the lake around which Pushkar has grown, and flocks of pilgrims come here to bathe in its holy waters. As the festival has many auspicious aspects relating to women, a pilgrimage to the top of each of the several shrines is a must for the devout, and streams of graceful and colorful Rajasthani women can be seen climbing the hills that dot the fair ground. There are horse and camel races, Ferris wheels and other fair-ground attractions, and all the buying and selling, match making and betrothing that have been common to such gatherings since time began. Overnight Dix Swiss Fixed Camp [BLD]
DAY 14 : DRIVE RANTHAMBORE
This morning we say a fond farewell to Pushkar before the drive to Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary. Our route takes us through what can only be termed the real India. Eighty percent of Indias billion or so people live in the countryside. The route we travel through today is well off the beaten track and almost never visited by tourists. We make a point of stopping to wander through villages, buy chai, and chat with locals. Ranthambhore was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Late afternoon we check into the hotel. Overnight Nahargarh Hotel or similar [BD]
DAY 15 : RANTHAMBORE: TWO TIGER SAFARIS
Tiger safaris traditionally take place between 6:30 and 9:30 in the morning and between 3:30 and 6:00 in the afternoon, and for good reason. Dawn and dusk are when the big cats hunt. So we get up before dawn and, following some welcome tea / coffee and biscuits depart on our first Tiger Safari of the day. On our return, we take breakfast and a few hours of leisure at the pool, walking the neighborhood, or sleeping. In the late afternoon we embark on a second safari to catch the best time of the evening to view Tigers. Interestingly, it is not ones eyes one uses the most to spot tigers, but ones ears. Any and every animal that smells Tiger approaching gives a warning call. To spot a tiger you must recognize these warning calls and follow their route through the bush with your ears. Only then will you have any chance of using your eyes to see a tiger. We return after dark for our evening meal at the hotel. Overnight Nahargarh Hotel or similar [BLD]
DAY 16 : RANTHAMBORE: TWO TIGER SAFARIS
Today we again get up before dawn for our morning tiger safari. Ranthambore is most famous as one of the best places in the country to observe Tigers, and is a favorite with photographers. The park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species include 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 30 mammals, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile, and Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, wild boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds. The park got its name from the Ranthambore Fort, which sits dramatically on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the park. This evening we embark on our last included safari. Overnight Nahargarh Hotel or similar [BLD]
DAY 17 : DELHI: TRAIN TO DELHI
If the Delhi train schedule allows us, this morning there may be an opportunity for those who wish to arrange an additional Tiger Safari directly with your guide. (This is not included on the tour but can be arranged through your local tour leader. Participants will need to pay for this directly to the local guide and or safari guide.) After the return of those on the optional dawn jeep Tiger Safari, we take breakfast and then transfer to the railway station to catch our first class AC train to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi we are met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight Park Hotel or similar [B]
DAY 18 : DEHLI: DAY AT LEISURE
Today is left entirely at leisure for personal exploration and last minute shopping. This evening we include the special Wildland touch a dinner with a local Indian family. Overnight Park Hotel or similar [B]
DAY 19 : DEPART
Transfer to airport. Services end [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 19 | Grade: I (click for grades definition) | 2010 Price: From $5190 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Group Size | 4 | 5-9 | 10+ | Per person | $5460 | $5360 | $5190 | Regional Flights | $265 | $265 | $265 |
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| Single Supplement: $1795 (click for info) | *Prices are valid January 1 through September 30 except during the high season from December 20, to January 10, 2011. | | | | | 2010 Departure Dates | | | Nov 6 - Nov 24, 2010
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| | | Included: Airport transfers; accommodations as noted; private vehicle with English-speaking driver and guide in Delhi; fully escorted throughout by local guide; first class A/C trains KJH-Lucknow-Agra, private vehicle and English speaking driver / escort; all entrance fees to sites for touring as noted; meals as indicated [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]; services of inbound local ground operators and pre-departure services of Wildland Adventures. | | | Not Included: International flights; India visa fees; departure taxes; tips and gratuities; alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks; meals not indicated above; extra costs for optional excursions or services on own or to be paid direct; travel insurance; extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. | | | Trip Notes: This is a typical daily itinerary for the Pushkar Fair trip. Depending on local conditions, the exact day-to-day itinerary and sites visited may vary. | |
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