Colourful Rajasthan with Diwali & Pushkar Fair - 16 Nights / 17 Days

Transcription

1 Colourful Rajasthan with Diwali & Pushkar Fair - 16 Nights / 17 Days Day 01: 29 Oct 2016: Arrive Delhi (Flight: TBA) Arrive at Delhi International Airport. Please clear immigration and visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. A TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Executive will wait at the arrival with a placard in your name to greet you. There after you will be assisted with a transfer and check in at the hotel. Stay for two nights in Delhi. (No Meals) Day 02: 30 Oct 2016: Delhi After breakfast meet your tour manager at the hotel lobby for a short briefing, where he will share tips about your tour and answer any questions, followed by a guided sightseeing tour at Old & New Delhi. Begin in Old Delhi with a drive pass the renowned 17th-century landmark Lal Qila; the Red Fort Palace to reach Jama Masjid.Visit Jama Masjid; the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone with extensive use of marble, with relics of the Prophet and Holy Quran enshrined here. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most photogenic journey of the tour. Chandni Chowk was Shahjahanabad s Main Street in 1650, facing the majestic Red Fort, which originally had a central canal running down its full length, and when moonlight reflected off the water it got the name Chandni Chowk or Avenue of Moonlight. The canals have long since gone and it is now a chaotic bustling area, typical of real India, containing a mix of stalls, shops, food outlets and temples. The locals go shopping here like nowhere else. Next visit The Gandhi Memorial; the resting place of the father of the nation. In the afternoon we drive past New Delhi, built in a typically British colonial style and designed by Lutyens with tree-lined avenues, colonial bungalows. The drive will include photo opportunities at some of the following attractions - the exterior the Parliament House, the War Memorial Arch (India Gate) and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India in New Delhi. Continue your sightseeing with the visit to Humayun s Tomb; built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Conclude your day with a visit to Qutub Minar; built at a height of 72.5m, and is one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphically decorated interiors and also inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran. Later this evening we ll visit the local Bazaar, where you will find people busy with their last minute shopping. By the evening the whole city will get illuminated with Lamps & Candles and the sky will become the canvas and the colours from the fireworks display the masterpiece. In the evening we will take a stroll around the city before we join the local family for the grand celebration of Diwali to celebrate and understand the significance of the festival. For dinner we have mostly vegetarian dishes with Indian homemade sweets. We will conclude our celebration with sweets and the lighting of fire crackers. Stay overnight in Delhi. (B, D) DIWALI (DEEPAWALI): The time of Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. Diwali literally means a "Row of Lights." It is a time filled with light and love; a time when Indians all over the world rejoice. Diwali is celebrated on the thirteenth/fourteenth day in the dark half of Kartik (October - November); it is also known as Krishna Chaturdashi. It is the darkest night of the darkest period, yet it is a celebration of light! Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil.

2 Day 03: 31 Oct 2016: Delhi Jaipur (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) After breakfast we ll drive to Jaipur, the first planned city of India Jaipur is a treasure-trove of culture, art and history, famous for its colour, life style and Rajasthani cuisine. It is a city exuding royal heritage and extravagant richness. This historic city also has many temples and shrines. Upon arrival check in into your designated hotel and enjoy the hotel amenities to relax and rejuvenate. This evening you will be transferred to a local Rajput home to learn authentic Indian cooking with home cooked dinner. Have you ever wondered why cooking from recipes books does not taste the same? Chefs do not pass on their secrets. But, here in these cookery classes you get to learn the inner secrets of easy Indian dishes. The dishes you learn will be a mix of quick and easy dishes that can be enjoyed as a mid-week supper, slow cooked dishes and restaurant quality Indian favourites that you can impress friends and family with. You will learn how to mix Indian Spices and the 5 C's that are essential to Indian cuisine: Cloves, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Coriander and Cumin. We ll also have an interesting session of Heena Painting (a Tattooing art with green herbs over legs and palms) a must do activities for women. For over five thousand years, henna has served as a symbol of good luck, health and sensuality in the Indian sub-continent. The plant has been associated with positive vibes and provides a link to an ancient age full of good and bad spirits. Generations of women have used a paste made primarily of dried ground henna leaves to cover their hands and feet with designs ranging from simple blobs to intricate geometric patterns designed to ward off evil, promote fertility and attract good energy. Meanwhile while the women are busy with Henna, the men will learn the traditional Rajasthani Turban tying, there are many variations of the turbans in Rajasthan, and it is said that the style of the turban changes with every 15 km you travel. In some areas, especially in Rajasthan the turban's size may indicate the position of the person in society. 'Royalty' in different parts of India have distinctly different styles of turbans, as do the 'peasants', who often just wear a towel wound around the head. In fact there are about 1,000 different styles and types of turbans in Rajasthan, each denoting the class, caste and region of the wearer. Turbans come in all shapes, sizes and Colours; and there are specific turbans for specific occasions as well. After this incredible evening we drive back to our hotel in Jaipur. Stay for two nights in Jaipur. (B, D) Day 04: 01 Nov 2016: Jaipur This morning after an early breakfast proceed for a guided visit of Amber Fort, En-route we have a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace); built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh at a time when women of the royal family had to observe strict purdah, it is believed that this palace was built for them to take pleasure in the processions and various activities taking place in the streets below without showing themselves and thus enjoying a sense of freedom. Continue your morning with the Amber Fort excursion on the back of the decorated Elephants from the foot of the hill up to the gates of the fortress in the manner of former kings and queens; the ancient capital of Rajasthan and the majestic palace complex to witness a unique system of air-conditioning of 17 th century. A beautiful complex of Palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Mansingh, Mirza Raja Jaisingh and Sawai Jaisingh over a period of about two centuries, it still stands in a magnificent state. The red sandstone and white Marble palace has some very interesting apartments- Diwan-I-Am, Ganesh Pol, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir, Man Singh Palace and Shila Devi Temple. In the afternoon proceed for a guided tour of Jaipur city starting with City Palace Museum; which boasts to have some of the priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures of the ancient past, miniature delicate paintings, preserved painted ceilings and the elephant saddles (haudas), and is registered in the Guinness Book of Records to contain the biggest silver objects in the world. Conclude your day with a visit to Jantar Mantar; one of the famed observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh which is a

3 complex of astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone which provides fairly accurate information to this day. No trip to Jaipur is quite complete without a visit to the charming bazaars that line its streets. Buzzing with activity and teeming with people, these energetic colourful capsules of Rajasthani life are a sheer joy to be around. Watch a silversmith craft the chunky ethnic silver jewellery that the land is known for, be enthralled as a puppeteer sews the life into his puppets, be drawn into the clinks and colors of the bangle sellers wares, be captivated by the rows upon rows of shops and stalls displaying their rainbow-hued tied-n-dyed cottons and vibrant vegetable-dyed fabrics and peep into the myriad of tiny workshops with local craftsmen creatively at work on their specialties. Go happily around in circles as you soak in the sights and sounds of Johari Bazaar - the gems and jewellery haunt, to Badi Chaupar (Big Square) and Choti Chaupar (Small Square) - the places for hunting down local crafts, to Bapu Bazaar - which is lined with fabric, silver jewellery and bangles. Turn onto M.I. Road where you ll happen upon exquisite gold, silver and stone jewellery at the very same jewelers that catered to the British Raj and the maharajas. Stay overnight in Jaipur (B, D) Day 05: 02 Nov 2016: Jaipur Bikaner (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) After breakfast drive to Bikaner visiting Taal Chappar wildlife sanctuary on the way. Situated on the fringe of the Great Indian Desert. Tal Chhapar nestles a unique refuge of the most elegant Antelope encountered in India, the Black buck. Tal Chhaper sanctuary, with almost flat tract and interspersed shallow low lying areas, has open grassland with scattered Acacia and Prosopis trees which give it an appearance of a typical Savanna. The word Tal means plane land. The rain water flows through shallow low lying areas and collect in the small seasonal water ponds. Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is widely known for its enchanting natural beauty and unique and fragile ecosystem. Truly a bird lover's paradise, comes alive with the beautiful color of thousands of migratory birds, especially the harriers, including Montagur's Harriers, Marsh Harriers, Pale Harriers and Hen Harriers. Other birds commonly seen in the sanctuary include Imperial Eagles, Tawny Eagles, Short-toed Eagle, Sparrow Hawks, Skylarks, Crested Larks, Brown Doves, Green Bee-eaters, Black Ibis and Demoiselle Cranes, which will be here till March. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Stay overnight in Bikaner. (B, D) Day 06: 03 Nov 2016: Bikaner Jaisalmer (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) After having breakfast at the hotel, visit the old city of Bikaner, this abounds in beautiful havelis (mansions) belonging to the business houses of those times. The tour begins from Junagarh fort on Heritage Horse Carriage (Tonga) viewing intricately dexterous carved red sand stone Havelies, which is the hallmark of great craftsmanship. During the tour, we pass by undulating lanes, colorful & traditional bazaars, which are full of men and women with colorful dresses all around purchasing spices, suparis, wedding cloths, bhujia and namkeens, etc. We will also visit one of the most beautiful Haveli from inside named as Rampuria Haveli. Then we will also visit the Jain Temple, the 15 th century temple which is the oldest monument of Bikaner. The temple is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf painting. The unique thing, which makes it different from other temples, is that the foundation of the temple were laid with limestone powder and ghee. Later proceed on to a guided city tour and visit Junagarh Fort; built in by Raj Singh, it is made of red and pink sandstone, has 37 domes inside and is surrounded by high walls with a 30 feet trench around the fort and Lallgarh Palace; built in the memory of king Lal Singh, it is built of sandstone and is a fine blend of Western opulence and Eastern artistry, comprising of Belgium Chandeliers, exquisite engravings, a fine collection of paintings and a magnificent flower garden, making it spectacular. The city offers over 500 years of old culture and heritage, the very feel of Rajasthan. Later drive to the Golden City of Jaisalmer built in 1156 AD and named after its founder, Bhatti Rajput Rao Jaisal. Located deep in the heart of the Desert, this city is popular for its century s forts, palaces, havelis and amberhued houses. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand, epitomizing

4 the desolate, awesome charm of the desert. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in beautiful conditions. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Stay for two nights in Jaisalmer (B, D) Day 07: 04 Nov 2016: Jaisalmer After breakfast we enjoy a guided tour of Jaisalmer and visit Jaisalmer Fort, built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. It is the only Living Fort in India and within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces and beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD and of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels, visit magnificent Haveli of Patwon in the heart of the town. It was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa and his sons, whose business stretched between Afghanistan and China. Apart from that we also visit Haveli of Salim Singh and Haveli of Nathmalji which is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade and gold. Then visit Gadsisar Lake, this tank outside the city walls, once held the town s water supply, and, befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city, is surrounded by small temples and shrines. In the afternoon visit Kuldhara & Khaba medieval deserted villages of Paliwal Community. A total number of 84 villages were abandoned by Paliwal Brahmins overnight, out of which the two most prominent villages are Kuldhara and Khabha located about 18 and 30kms respectively south west of Jaisalmer on the same road. The ruins of Kuldhara and Khabha exhibit the architectural excellence of those times and are an attraction for peace-lovers, photographers and movie makers. Post visit we continue with a drive to Sam to enjoy a spectacular view of sunset over desert while enjoying a Camel ride on the Sand Dunes, later we visit the sand dunes and drive back to our hotel. Stay overnight in Jaisalmer (B, D) Day 08: 05 Nov 2016: Jaisalmer Jodhpur (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) Today drive to Jodhpur, the bustling desert city which is the second largest city in Rajasthan and has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge. Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 and it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar. Arrive Jodhpur and check in at the hotel followed by lunch served at hotel. Later enjoy a guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive and formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill and has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panel s latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur. Dinner will be served at hotel. Stay for two nights in Jodhpur. (B, D) Day 09: 06 Nov 2016: Jodhpur (Incredible Rural Experience) Today you have a very unique activity where you will enjoy an off-road soft adventure by 4X4 through the semi-arid desert of Jodhpur to witness distinctive local communities, culture and wildlife. You will be picked up from the hotel after breakfast around 9.00 am and before long, we will be hitting the rural and desert tracks through a dry river bed and witness camel, bullock and buffalo carts which are the local mode of transport for the communities. En-route you will get the opportunity to see wildlife that is abundant in this area. On arrival at the rural village we will visit their homes to witness a simple and colourful lifestyle of the local people. A delicious packed picnic lunch is served at scenic spot before visiting another village

5 where a senior member of the local community will invite you to take part in a ceremony of friendship and brotherhood. Later walk around the village to see craftsmen at work and get a glimpse into the village life of western Rajasthan. You will be transferred back to the hotel by sundown leaving you with memories of a rural visit completely off the beaten path and unlike anything else you will experience during your visit to Rajasthan; lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel. Stay overnight in Jodhpur. (B, L, D) Day 10: 07 Nov 2016: Jodhpur Ravla Khempur (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) After breakfast we depart for Khempur, where we will check into the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, AKA Ravla Khempur and don t worry although not super luxurious this charming converted palace hotel is a lot more comfortable than the film depicts. Once a famous stud, the palace is still home to some fine Marwari horses and the village and landscape around about offer India at its most sublime and colourful. The hotel consists of 10 comfortable rooms, each of which have an En-suite and carry an equine theme horse head coat hooks and the like it has a number of quiet nooks and crannies and a lovely rooftop terrace. Made famous by the British film, the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Rawla Khempur it has offered accommodation to such stars as Judy Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy. Arrive Khempur and check in at hotel. Enjoy time at leisure, later this evening we ll enjoy our special dinner organized at the rooftop of the hotel with fireworks. Stay overnight in Khempur. (B, D) Day 11: 08 Nov 2016: Ravla Khempur Pushkar (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) After breakfast take a walk out of Ravla Khempur and at once you'll witness the life most Indians lead, devotees worshipping at the local Krishna temple; indolent buffalo driving machines that squeeze juice from sugar cane; old men in colourful turbans taking that juice, boiling it up and making jaggery, a rich sugar syrup. You'll see women irrigating the fields while their husbands work the land. You'll see and smell smoke from the cooking fires. You'll see children pushing old wheel rims and dogs sleeping in the shade of trees. With most of the 'must-see' sites located in towns, much of India's tourism takes place in her urban centers. Rural India really seduces the modern tourist. This is Kipling's India, a land of bullock carts and bicycles, of elegant, sari-clad women carrying water urns from the wells, of turbaned men working in the fields - the India of our childhood imagination, not the superfast India of the 21st Century. Later we drive to Pushkar, the charming and usually peaceful Hindu pilgrimage centre and home of the only temple in India dedicated to the god of creation Lord Brahma. This year we will join the unique Camel Fair which is each November at the time of the Kartik Purnima full moon and is one of India s most highly-rated travel experiences. We spend the day taking in this extraordinary event and don t be shy to get involved! Stay two nights in Pushkar. (B, D) Day 12: 09 Nov 2016: Pushkar (Camel Fair) Day free at leisure in Pushkar to explore the Camel Fare. Stay Overnight in Pushkar. (B, L, D) PUSHKAR FAIR DATES 2015: NOV The Pushkar Cattle Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world. During the fair, Lakhs of people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with camel and cattle for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival. This small town, becomes a cultural phenomenon when colourfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, sadhus and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair. According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of Kartika (October or November) beginning on ashtmi 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon ( Poornima ). The camel and cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period. During the latter half, religious activities dominate the scenario. Devotees take dip in the holy "Sarovar" lake, as the sacred water is known to bestow salvation.

6 Day 13: 10 Nov 2016: Pushkar Ranthambhore (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) After breakfast we drive to Ranthambhore. This National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned National Parks in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of South-eastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Being considered one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambhore National Park terrain is a major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers to this destination. Arrive Ranthambhore and check in at hotel; dinner will be served at hotel. Stay two nights in Ranthambhore. (B, D) Day 14: 11 Nov 2016: Ranthambhore Enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive in the Ranthambhore National Park; The park is spread over an area of 1,334sq km and majorly famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat amongst many other reptiles, birds and wild animals. Stay overnight at the Tiger Reserve. (B, L, D) Day 15: 12 Nov 2016: Ranthambhore Agra (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) After breakfast we ll check out from our hotel and drive further to Agra. We will have our lunch Enroute at Bharatpur. Post lunch continue with our drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 1571 Akbar constructed Fatehpur (Victory) Sikri city exactly as we see it today, and was the new capital of the Mughal Empire, replacing the perfectly viable Agra, just 37 km away, which was left almost deserted. But after only fifteen years, Fatehpur itself was abandoned and left as an evocative ghost-town, because, they say, of a lack of water! The perfectly preserved red sandstone buildings consist of palaces, courtyards, a life-size chess board, tombs and mosques. We visit the Diwan-e-Khas (Private Audience Hall) with its remarkable central pillar. Also unmissable is Panch Mahal, the five storied structure, used as the viewing station for the hareem. Post visit continue with drive to Agra, arrive and check in at hotel. We visit Mehtab Bagh to have a different view across the Yamuna River and the place known to be chosen to build Black Taj Mahal. Stay overnight in Agra. (B, D) Day 16: 13 Nov 2016: Agra Delhi (Approx. Travel Time: 04hrs) Today we gather together to pay a morning visit to Taj Mahal - the epitome of love, stands on the banks of the river Yamuna built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. The Taj attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. To experience the beauty of this architectural marvel, it needs to be viewed at different times of the day and year. The white marble building changes its hue with the variations in the daylight. Made entirely of white marble and decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work, different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is built around a Charbagh or four garden plan, split by watercourses reflects the influence of Persian architectural style. return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast check out from our hotel and visit Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from the Akbar the great in 1565 AD, which is a master piece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite building including the Moti Masjid Jahangir s Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Seesh mahal,1 Diwan-E-Khas Musamman Burj, where emperor Shahjahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner. Later drive back to Delhi; upon arrival check in at hotel. Stay overnight in Delhi. (B, D) Day 17: 14 Nov 2016: Delhi Departure (Flight: TBA) Morning after breakfast checkout from the hotel. Our tour finishes with wonderful memories and direct transfer to Delhi International Airport to board onward flight. (B)