India Royal Rajasthan & Pushkar Camel Fair Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Ashim Ahuja

A trained mountaineer with a travel bug, Ashim started his career in travel more than 20 years ago. After earning a degree in Japanese language, he was soon organizing tours and leading groups of Japanese, British and Americans all over the Indian subcontinent-from classic destinations to off-the-beaten-track corners. As someone who has seen most of the country, he is in a great position to explain the various contrasts one finds in their journey through India. Ashim looks forward to welcoming you on MT Sobek's India adventures.

Yatish Bahugana

A travel guide for over 30 years, Yatish is one of the most knowledgeable Indiaphiles we know. He was born and raised in Pauri, Garhwal, in the foothills of the Himalayas and studied Indian history and tourism at Garhwal University. Since 1983, Yatish has led innumerable cultural, historical, and wildlife tours-as well as safaris and treks throughout the Himalayas and the Indian subcontinent. He has also been engaged in regional research for books and documentary films. Yatish looks forward to sharing India with you on MT Sobek's adventures in Rajasthan.

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Welcome to India! Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in vibrant New Delhi, meet an MT Sobek representative outside of customs, and transfer to the luxury Taj Mahal (Taj Man Singh) Hotel for our welcome dinner, followed by a good night\'s sleep.
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Take a scenic drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan affectionately known as the "Pink City" for its fine architecture fashioned out of pink sandstone. In the 19th century, Maharajah Ram Singh had all non-pink buildings painted pink - the color of hospitality - to welcome Britain\'s Prince of Wales. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, your home for the next two nights. This afternoon, visit the old, colorful markets of Jaipur, where you can purchase anything from fine gems and woodcarvings to ornamental knives, beautiful Rajasthani textiles, and trinkets.
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Enjoy a half-day excursion to Amber Fort, stopping at the elaborate Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of the Winds," en route. Ride up to Amber Fort, arriving at the perched fort above the city for views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills. After lunch, explore Jaipur\'s City Palace, which occupies the center of Jaipur and houses the Royal residence and museums. Continue to Jantar Mantar, built from 1728 to 1734, where the stone and marble instruments accurately measure the harmony of the heavens.
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                    [Headline] => Journey to the Holy City of Pushkar
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Today begins with an optional visit to Ladli Vocational School which provides general education, training in traditional arts, and meals to area children. Meet with staff, engage with students, and help serve lunch, if you wish. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. Our destination today is Pushkar, a holy city said to be the seat of Brahma, set on the glassy shores of Lake Pushkar. Over the next two days, soak in the amazing annual spectacle of the Pushkar Fair and its thousands of camels, horses, and cattle brought in from miles around. Experience the festival\'s vibrant colors and energy as you observe bartering tribesmen, women wrapped in exquisite jewelry, and children dressed in their best traditional attire. It\'s a photographer\'s dream.
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The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the last great traditional melas in India, and you have the entire day to wander around. Your visit is timed to ensure that you witness the best camel-trading moments, and you\'ll see owners using all of their persuasive skills to sell their camels at the most competitive prices. Both amateur and professional photographers will delight in capturing these skilled tradespeople in action!
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Head to Jodhpur today, known as "the Gateway to the Thar Desert" and "the Blue City" for the color of the buildings that surround its historical fort. After arrival, embark on a city tour, visiting the three-mile-long Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of India\'s most impressive, formidable structures. Its magnificent palaces have marvelously carved panels and latticed windows. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (elephant saddles), costumes, and more. Later, walk through the "Blue City" of Jodhpur and see its medieval market.
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After breakfast, transfer to Jaisalmer, founded in 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as the Golden City, the commanding fort rises spectacularly from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The fort, etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendor. There is no place like Jaisalmer! After checking into your hotel, enjoy a late afternoon drive out to Bada Bagh, where the royal family members were cremated. Afterward watch the sun set on Jaisalmer Fort.
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Wander around the old town of Jaisalmer and Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156. Perched on a 250-foot hill, the golden-hued fort stands like a sentinel in the barren desert landscape. It is the only "living fort" in India and within its ramparts lies an enchanting maze of narrow lanes dotted with lovely havelis (mansions), palaces, and 12th-century Jain temples. Also see Patwon Ki Haveli, the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis, with unsurpassed stone carvings. The afternoon is free to wander around the city\'s lanes and alleys.
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After breakfast, drive to Gajner, stopping at Keechan village on the way. Keechan is home to migratory demoiselle cranes that feed on grains donated by the villagers. In the afternoon, check out the fort of Bikaner - which, unlike its counterparts in the region, does not sit on a hill. Check into your amazing lakeside hunting lodge owned by Maharaja of Bikaner.
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This morning take an early drive to watch ritual bathing at the ghats around Kolayat\'s lake. Kolayat is an important center of Hindu pilgrimage where thousands of holy people and local rural villagers gather to bathe. This day of the trip is the Day of Kartik Purnima, or the full moon - the holiest time for an auspicious dip in the water. In the afternoon, drive onward to Dechu in the Thar Desert. Situated on top of a sand dune, this is a great place to explore the desert life.
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Embark on a 4X4 jeep safari in the Thar Desert! Driving over rural camel cart tracks and sand dunes, visit the adobe houses of various tribes who live here and learn about how they\'ve adapted to harsh desert conditions. You\'ll also have a good chance of spotting Indian gazelle, Blue bull, and desert and Indian fox in the wilderness. In the afternoon, take a drive to Rohet and check into your palatial hotel.
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After breakfast, drive to Udaipur, leaving behind arid western Rajasthan and heading toward the hilly regions of the south. En route visit Ranakpur, home to Jain temples dating back to the 14th century and some of Rajasthan\'s best marble carvings. After lunch in a shady glen, drive onward to arrive in Udaipur. Known as the City of Lakes, the romantic city and its gardens, temples, palaces, and, aptly, lakes lie in the Girwa Valley amidst the Aravalli Hills of south Rajasthan.
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Udaipur\'s old city is a traditionally planned, fortified walled city with a maze of narrow winding lanes flanked by elaborately decorated doorways, stained-glass windows, and jali screens. Its massive havelis have large inner courtyards and shops. Visit the City Palace, built in 1570, including several palaces that blend Rajput and Mughal styles as well as temples and gardens. Half of it is still occupied by the royal family, and part has been converted into a museum. In the afternoon, enjoy a public boat ride on Pichola Lake.
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After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Delhi. This afternoon, meander through Old Delhi with its narrow dirt roads, myriad people, and colorful bazaars that keep Delhi\'s traditional workmanship alive. Visit Raj Ghat, the cremation grounds of Mahatma Gandhi, and then head to Red Fort. Here we trade our motor vehicles for bicycle rickshaws, which take you into the heart of Chandini Chowk, or "the Silver Square" - so named for its silver merchants. Negotiating alleyways, end up at Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim mosque in India. Tonight we enjoy a festive farewell dinner!
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In the early morning, bid farewell to the group as you transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound or onward flight.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => This trip is easy to moderate. You will be touring cities, vibrant markets, ancient palaces and the Pushkar Fair. As well as jeep safaris, you have the opportunity to ride an elephant.  While none of the activities are difficult, you will be on your feet for much of the day.  Daily drives range from 2 hours to 8 hours.
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Accommodations

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Relax in splendor at former maharaja palaces and five-star hotels, and enjoy desert camping at the luxurious Aagman Camp.

Aagman Camp-Pushkar, India

Luxury Hotel

Aagman Camp is a fusion of fantastic deluxe accommodation set in a rustic landscape. As well as great service and delicious food, its cozy, fully furnished tents come complete with electricity, en suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and clean, crisp linens. Enjoy an evening by the bonfire with traditional folk music before sleeping under the stars at this memorable camp.

Jai Mahal Palace-Jaipur, India

Luxury Hotel

Set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this incomparable palace dates back to 1745. Jai Mahal Palace is an opulent masterpiece in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, blending spotlight-grabbing opulence with tantalizing comforts that transport guests to a world of Rajasthan magnificence. It is located downtown, close to the main shopping center and historical monuments.

Rohet Garh-Rohet, India

Luxury Hotel

The Rohet Garh is a well-known heritage hotel offering comfortable accommodations in a serene lakeside setting. Its beautiful gardens, sprawling lawn, and variety of musical birdlife complement traditionally inspired, carefully furnished rooms. Guests can revel in the Tattva Spa's soothing treatments and therapies, and in the mastery of the Rohet Garh chefs, who enthusiastically serve the finest traditional regional cuisine.

Samsara Camp-Jodhpur, India

Luxury Hotel

Samsara Camp is a majestic oasis nestled in the Thar's endless dunes. The resort property is the perfect place to enjoy long evenings under the desert stars with entertainment including local bards and folk dancers. Samsara welcomes exploration-fatigued guests with delicious food, comfortable accommodations (including hot/cold running water in morning and evening, and electricity), and friendly service.

Taj Hari Mahal-Jodhpur, India

Luxury Hotel

Spread over six acres of lush, landscaped gardens, this palace of the 21st century offers luxurious refinement. With its Marwar-style architecture and Moghul-inspired domes, enameled murals, slender columns, and grand interiors, this is design that lives up to the fantasy. Located close to the city markets, nearby guests can find much to see and experience.

Taj Mahal Hotel – Delhi, India

Luxury Hotel

Dignitaries and heads of state visiting New Delhi prefer the Taj Mahal Hotel given its stateliness, its timeless hospitality and service, its original culinary innovations, and the quiet, restrained luxury that permeates every guest's stay. Central to the Taj Mahal Hotel's prominence is its old-world grace and charm, blended effortlessly with contemporary comforts and amenities.

Trident Hotel-Udaipur, India

Luxury Hotel

A handsome five-star hotel in a peaceful setting on Lake Pichola, the Trident Hotel inspires guests to lose themselves in its large grounds - which contain the Bada Mahal, a 150-year-old wildlife conservatory - a swimming pool, two high-end restaurants, bar, spa, and fitness center. Guest rooms exude a quiet, comforting elegance with touches of local flavor added to these modern accommodations.

Gajner Palace Gajner, India

Luxury Hotel

Lose yourself in the sprawling and majestic Gajner Palace, built by HH Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The hotel, known as a jewel of the Thar Desert, stretches over 6,000 acres and is revered for its panoramic landscape and architectural beauty, including distinctive terraces and balconies. Rooms at the Gajner Palace are sumptuous and thoughtfully fitted with modern conveniences.

The Gulaal-Jaisalmer, India

Luxury Hotel

East meets west at the luxurious Gulaal Hotel, built in Jaisalmer's traditional haveli architecture style. All rooms are elegantly decorated with rich, inviting wallpapers and beautiful rugs, and are replete with modern amenities. Relax in lavishly designed spaces, wander the balconies, or take in the terrific view of Jaisalmer Fort - all at this magical Thar Desert hotel.

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