Classic INDIA: The Pushkar Fair 2014 Customized for Callisto Tours October 24 November 5, 2014

Transcription

1 Classic INDIA: The Pushkar Fair 2014 Customized for Callisto Tours October 24 November 5, 2014

2 ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, visit the spice market Sunrise visit of incredible Taj Mahal Game drives in Ranthambore national park to see the elusive tiger and other wildlife Indian cooking with an expert Chef in Ranthambore Elephant safari in Jaipur and a champagne lunch Visit the colorful Pushkar fair also enjoy a camel rides Yoga with a Master in Pushkar Sunset Boat cruise in Udaipur MAP OF INDIA

3 Friday, 24 October 2014 New Delhi Welcome to Delhi! A s you exit the arrival hall of New Delhi s international airport, you will be met by an Akorn representative who will guide you to your car and driver for the transfer to your hotel. An Indian traditional welcome will be accorded on arrival at the hotel. Most flights from the US arrive late so, for your comfort, rooms will be pre-assigned and ready for immediate occupancy. Spend 3 nights in a Luxury Room at the Taj Palace in Delhi Meals: None Saturday, 25 October 2014 New Delhi AM: Leisure time in the morning to relax and recover from your jet lag. PM : Begin your day with an exploration of Old Delhi - Visit the Jama Masjid, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone and white marble. The main prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers. In the old city of Delhi, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi. Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan designed this commercial place in Your ride takes you through the by-lanes of the spice market, the wedding street and the jeweler s lane to savor the 350 years old culture up-close. There will be great photo opportunities here. Drive past Red fort, built in red sand stone by Shah Jahan in 1648, this magnificent monument is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon You will be returned to your hotel following the day s touring to prepare for tonight s welcome dinner at Bukhara, an authentic, award winning restaurant that recreates the charm of the traditional clay oven or tandoor in a variety of menu selections.

4 Spend tonight in a Luxury Romm at the Taj Palace in Delhi Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Sunday, 26 October 2014 New Delhi AM : Visit Qutab Minar, a soaring tower of victory, 72.5meter high with five distinct stories. The construction of this minaret commenced in 1193 and was completed in Built on the foundation of a Hindu temple, many elements of the construction reflect their Hindu and Jain origins. Within the complex, there are myriad monuments that combine both Islamic calligraphy and Hindu motifs. Continue to Humayun s Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Later visit Bangla Sahib, a Sikh Temple. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15 th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent by Guru Nanak and continued to progress through the ten successive Sikh gurus (the eleventh and last guru being the holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of the Sikh Gurus writings that was compiled by the 5th Sikh Guru). It is the fifthlargest organized religion in the world, with approximately 30 million adherents. Gurudwara is the house of worship for the Sikh community where the followers congregate to worship, read and listen to the teachings as laid in their holy scripture. Two of the prominent founding principles of Sikhism are voluntary service to community and to share all you can. Both these principles are prominently displayed specially in the organization of the Langar or the Community Kitchen at the Gurudwara. For Sikhs to serve in the Community Kitchen cooking, cleaning, distributing, or donating is to fulfill their religious obligation. Sikhs believe in existence of "One Supreme Being" for the whole universe and also that all humans are children of the same One Supreme Being, which is formless, not subject to life and death, Omnipresent. Thus serving all humans without any inhibition on account of cast, colour, religious or financial status is compliance of Sikh religious code. At the end of the touring you are returned to your hotel. Evening is on your own. Spend tonight in a Luxury Room at the Taj Palace in Delhi Meals: Breakfast

5 Monday, 27 October 2014 New Delhi - Agra This morning drive to Agra covering a distance of 200kms in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. Agra: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire. Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow lanes and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. Post lunch visit Agra Fort, an imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost two miles long containing palaces, audience halls and mosques. The fort presents a good sampling of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. It was built by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Subsequent additions were made to the fort by his son Jahangir and grandson Shahjahan. Spend tonight in a Royal Mughal Suite at the ITC Mughal in Agra Meals: Breakfast Tuesday, 28 October 2014 Agra Ranthambore national park A highlight of the journey is the early morning visit Taj Mahal.

6 The 17th century Taj Mahal is often called a poem in stone. If so, the mausoleum is a love poem - created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by a Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj Mahal is also noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens, and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Return to hotel for breakfast and to finish packing and checking out. On the drive to Bharatpur railway station, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and Palace in the late 16th century. It is a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the former days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, which is the largest gateway in the world. After a lunch of traditional Rajasthani dishes at Laxmi Niwas Palace, we transfer to Bharatpur railway station to board the train to Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore National Park). Leave Bharatpur: at 15:50 by Jan Shatabdi Express Arrive Sawai Madhopur: at 18:00 (Chair Car) Ranthambore, dominated by a vast 11th-century fortress of the same name, is a 400sq-km park situated in an area of rocky hill country, clothed in dry, deciduous forest, grassland, and scrub, and dotted with several small lakes that can be alive with birds. Some years ago, the tigers of Ranthambore were decimated by an outbreak of poaching; fortunately the situation is improving and we once again have a good chance of encountering the largest and most powerful of the world's big cats. Besides tigers, the park is home to Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai (one of the largest Asian antelopes), Dorcas Gazelle (Chinkara), the ubiquitous Northern Palm Squirrel, Hanuman Langur, Small Indian and Ruddy mongooses, Wild Boar, and Indian Flying Fox. Ranthambore also boasts an exciting array of birds. Spend 2 nights in a luxurious tent at Khem Villas in Ranthambore Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Wednesday, 29 October 2014 Ranthambore national park Go in search of the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife starting with game viewing in the morning and afternoon accompanied by expert naturalists in our own large safari vehicle.

7 In the afternoon, take a break from safari to join an expert Chef s cooking demonstration. You will be encouraged to don an apron and try your hand at perfecting an Indian dish. Spend the night in a luxurious tent at Khem Villas in Ranthambore Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Thursday, 30 October 2014 Ranthambore national park - Jaipur This morning is your last chance to spot the elusive tiger and other wildlife - enjoy a final game drive in the company of your expert Naturalists before returning for breakfast. Later drive to Jaipur covering a distance of 180kms in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes drive. Jaipur: The city was first intended to be called Sawai Jaipur, named after the boy Prince who commissioned it - Maharaja Jai Singh II - a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned over the Mughals from 1699 to Today's Jaipur is pink, visually described as the city shaded with the autumn colors of sunset. Although originally the walls were render set and pigmented the color of red sandstone, Jaipur's universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name the Pink City. Post lunch, drive to the old city. Visit the palace museum that has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, armory of Mughal and Rajput weaponry. The museum also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works that were acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II in order to fulfill his passion for astronomy. Culminate the tour with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as the Palace of the Wind. This beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved. Spend 2 nights in a Fairmont Gold room at the Fairmont, Jaipur Meals: Breakfast

8 Friday, 31 October 2014 Jaipur This morning visit the magnificent Amber Fort. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Niwas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. Pierced screen windows offer views from different vantage points & shimmering mirrors encrust walls of Sheesh Mahal. Later drive to a beautiful countryside location to experience an elephant safari. Culminate the safari at a farm where Champagne lunch will be prepared alfresco. Afternoon is reserved for shopping and time at leisure. Spend the night in Jaipur in a Fairmont Gold room at the Fairmont, Jaipur Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

9 Saturday, 01 November 2014 Jaipur - Pushkar This morning after breakfast drive to Pushkar covering a distance of 140kms in approximately 3 hours. Pushkar is one of the sacred places like Varanasi for the Hindus. The temple town is home to an 8th century Brahma Temple dedicated to Lord Brahma - the creator of the universe. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair. A quiet, secluded desert town for 51 weeks a year becomes an absolutely incredible and authentic extravaganza for just a few days during the annual Pushkar Fair. Drawing people from all around the globe, it is also quite possibly the largest camel and cattle-trading fair in the world.

10 During the days of the fair, the otherwise tranquil lake is engulfed with religious fervor. Thousands of devotees collect to take a dip and pray for salvation to the sound of verses from the Holy Scriptures which fill the air. On arrival check-in at hotel. Spend 2 nights in Pushkar in a Royal Villa at the Bhanwar Singh Palace Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Sunday, 02 November 2014 Pushkar Pushkar offers an unforgettable spectacle of people in all their spontaneous joy and color. Camels are painted, beautified and raced to attract the best buyers. Turbaned heads of men, and colorful veils and skirts of the women, bring alive the arid desert scape. Everything from gaudy camel tassels to ancient woven gypsy dowry bags is for sale. Today you have an entire day to enjoy the wonder, absurdity, chaos and incredible photographic opportunities at this fascinating fair. Your guide arranges a visit by camel cart so you can cover a great part of the fairgrounds in relative comfort. Spend the night in a Royal Villa at the Bhanwar Singh Palace, Pushkar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Monday, 03 November 2014 Pushkar Udaipur After breakfast you will drive to Udaipur covering a distance of 310 kilometers, approximately 07 hours stopping for lunch enroute. On the way to Udaipur, stop at Ranakpur, for a visit to the Jain temple of Ranakpur. Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple. The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rise majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. Udaipur, the city combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. On little islands in the lake, from the water's edge, rising marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge along the shore

11 of the lake is the palace of the Maharana. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur and is replete with fantastic hill top fortresses, exotic fairy tale palaces and gripping legends of medieval chivalry and heroism. Spend 2 nights in Udaipur in a Luxury Lake View room at the Taj Lake Palace Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Tuesday, 04 November 2014 Udaipur AM : visit City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas. The palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The entrance is through Hathi Pol (elephant gate) along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish Temple. The paintings, mosaics, intricately carved chhatries and of course the architecturally brilliant façade all contribute in making a visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience. Also visit Crystal Gallery located at the City Palace. It has a rare collection of Osler's crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in Continue to Eklingji temple dedicated to Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. The temple was built in 734 A.D. and since that time, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of the Mewar rulers of Udaipur. The magnificent architecture of Eklingji temple is remarkable and the complex has a total of 108 temples!! Later this evening enjoy an exclusive motorboat cruise on the placid, mystical waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the midst of the enigmatic deserts of Rajasthan. Gather later to celebrate the end of an unparalleled adventure in Rajasthan with a gala Farewell Dinner. Spend the night in Udaipur in a Luxury Lake View room at the Taj Lake Palace Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

12 Wednesday, 05 November 2014 Udaipur The morning is at leisure to enjoy the hotel. In the afternoon transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi Leave Udaipur: at 16:05 by Air India AI 472 Arrive New Delhi: at 17:25 Day rooms will be reserved for freshening up and preparing for departure until 22:00 hrs. Transfer to the international airport for your homebound flight. An Akorn representative will assist you with your departure formalities. Day Room, Superior Room at the Lemon Tree Aerocity Meals: Breakfast You ve traveled a long way and if you can take a few more days, consider an exceptional post-excursion: 05 NOV Fly from Udaipur to Mumbai and check in at the Taj Mahal Palace. 06 NOV Tour Mumbai with our expert local guides 07 NOV Fly to Aurangabad and check in at the Taj Residency. 08 NOV Tour the Ajanta Caves 09 NOV Tour Ellora Caves then return to Mumbai in time for your homebound flight. Ask for the full details.

13 While I am thrilled to be making my third trip to India and eager to offer an incredible experience to everyone, this Pushkar group is limited to a maximum of 9 guests. Please deposit soon while space is available. India is an experience like no other and is better appreciated in the comfort of a small group with experienced and attentive guides and drivers throughout. And I will be sharing every step of the adventure with you. I look forward to having you join us. Pamela Abraham TOTAL COST CLASSIC INDIA: THE PUSHKAR FAIR 2014 PER PERSON COST IN USD $ 7495 Per person based on double occupancy accommodations Internal Airfare: Udaipur Delhi $ 201 (Airfare subject to change until ticketed) Single supplement $ 2989 This custom 12 night itinerary requires a minimum of 6 to operate and, due to few available accommodations during Pushkar, the group size is strictly limited to a maximum of 9 guests. A REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT of $1,500 is due immediately to secure hotel accommodations and domestic flights; the deposit less a $250 service fee will be returned if the reservation is cancelled prior to July 1, BALANCE including any applicable single supplement is due no later than July 25, Cancellation terms apply. See below. Insurance is strongly recommended. CLASSIC INDIA: THE PUSHKAR FAIR PROGRAM COST INCLUDES: 12 nights hotel accommodation in specially selected deluxe and 5 star properties, plus 1 day use hotel room, all on a double occupancy basis or single occupancy with single supplement. Meals included are breakfast daily, 6 lunches and dinners including Welcome & Final Celebrations. Train travel between Baharatpur to Sawai Madhopur on the way to Ranthambore National Park in an airconditioned chair car. Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, sightseeing & excursions as mentioned in the program. Accompanying English speaking escort throughout the itinerary from arrival until departure. Entrance fees at all monuments. Cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi. Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Entrance fees, guides and drivers on 3 game drives in Ranthambore National Park. Indian cooking demonstration with an expert chef in Ranthambore. Elephant safari in Jaipur. Exclusive boat cruise on Lake Pichola in Udaipur. Elephant or jeep ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur. Bottled mineral water during sightseeing and long drives. Tips to guide/escort, restaurants (during lunch & dinner), driver, and handyman. Basic porterage at hotels & airports. Personalized meet & greet on airport arrival/departure. All presently applicable taxes. PROGRAM COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Expenses of personal nature such as personal gratuities, telephone charges, laundry, spa activities, drinks, etc. Water / Beverages during meals. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary. International/domestic airfare, India visa and fees, airport tax and any kind of insurance. Any Camera / Video Fees at the monuments Anything not mentioned in the list of included items above.

14 Every effort has been made to provide this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors as well as make changes to the itinerary due to changing circumstances. NOTE: All U.S. citizens need a valid passport and valid Indian visa to enter and exit India for any purpose. Apply for visas at an Indian Embassy or Consulate abroad before entering the country. Visas are not available upon arrival for U.S. citizens. Please check India visa requirements with the US State Department at Travel.State.Gov. We are available to help expedite the visa application process. TRAVEL INSURANCE is strongly recommended. An attractive group insurance policy is available to participants; please inquire for rates. CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received between July 1, 2014 and 90 days prior to departure will result in loss of the total deposit. Cancellations received days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of the tour price. Cancellations received days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 75%of the tour price. Cancellations received 28 - days or less prior to departure will be subject to a forfeiture of the entire tour price.