ROYAL RAJASTHAN PUSHKAR FAIR ADVENTURE October 25 November 10, 2011

Transcription

1 ROYAL RAJASTHAN PUSHKAR FAIR ADVENTURE October 25 November 10, 2011

2 Itinerary Overview On the edge of the Thar Desert, Pushkar hosts Rajasthan s most important agricultural fair, and is one of the five dhams or pilgrimages held in high esteem by Hindus. This once-a-year nature and culture adventure traverses north central India from the depths of tiger country in Bandavgarh National Park, to the sacred city of Varanasi on the Ganges, and across Rajasthan from Agra to Jaipur and to the Pushkar Fair. Every year fair dates vary and we strategically time our arrival for the best photography before the main event starts when locals are setting up and there are more camels, more cattle and more decorative animals to photograph. We are there for the start of the main event and then depart before the tourist hoards arrive. Bandavgarh National Park is one of the best places to see tiger in India which adds to the photographic excitement of this itinerary. *See note at end: How to best experience the Pushkar Fair. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS TUES, OCT 25 WED, OCT 26 THURS, OCT 27 FRI, OCT 28 SAT, OCT 29 SUN, OCT 30 MON, OCT 31 TUE, NOV 1 WED, NOV 2 THURS, NOV 3 FRI, NOV 4 SAT, NOV 5 SUN, NOV 6 MON, NOV 7 TUES, NOV 8 WED, NOV 9 THURS, NOV 10 DELHI Marina Hotel DELHI Marina Hotel BL VARANASI Gateway Ganges B VARANASI Gateway Ganges BD BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge BD BLD BLD KHAJURAHO Jass Radisson B AGRA AGRA ITC Mughal- Luxury ITC Mughal- Luxury BL BD JAIPUR Samode Haveli B JAIPUR Samode Haveli B PUSHKAR PUSHKAR PUSHKAR Deluxe Swiss Fixed Camp Deluxe Swiss Fixed Camp Deluxe Swiss Fixed Camp BD BLD BLD DELHI Marina Hotel BLD DEPARTURE BD Meet and arrival transfer to hotel Full day Old & New Delhi tour Fly to Varanasi, Sarnath and evening aarti ceremony Dawn boat ride on the Ganges, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Ramnagar Fort Fly to Khajuraho and drive to Bandhavgarh National Park Tiger safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park Tiger safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park Return to Khajuraho and visit temples Visit Orchha on the way to Jhansi, train to Agra Sunrise viewing of the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, dinner with a local family. Drive to Jaipur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri along the way Morning visit to the Amber Fort, afternoon visit to the City Palace Drive to Pushkar, afternoon free to explore Explore the Pushkar fair, including the camel races Pushkar Fair Last visit to the fair, train to Delhi Free morning, afternoon visit to local artisans, evening departure

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI Arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi where you ll be met and transferred to our hotel. Once the capital of the Moghul Empire, today Delhi is a sprawling metropolis - a fascinating blend of past and the present- which is an apt introduction to the composite culture of the entire sub-continent. Overnight the Marina Hotel. DAY 2: EXPLORE OLD AND NEW DELHI Our expert guide weaves us in and out of Old and New Delhi. We catch a rickshaw into the old walled city and walk through the bustling and crowded market of Chadni Chowk. Nearby we walk to the Friday Mosque, Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, and then on to the Red Fort - once the most opulent fortified palace of the Moghul Empire. We drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, and to see the famous Tomb of Humayun, the second Moghul Emperor. The evening is free to walk around the bustling shops and restaurants of Connaught Place near our hotel. Overnight at the Marina Hotel. [BL] DAY 3: VARANASI We transfer to the airport this morning for our flight to Varanasi. The city of Varanasi is known to devout Hindus as Kashi, said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe at the beginning of time. One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is also one of the most important pilgrimage destinations today. Located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, a goddess herself, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. Today we visit Sarnath site of Buddha s 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 (Varanasi) in the 5 th C. ACE. The city was then known as Deer Park, after the Buddha's famous first sermon, The Sermon in the Deer Park. Deer still come very close and can be fed by buying a few packets of seed. This evening at Dashaswamedh Ghat, we maintain a respectful distance from the shore in our boat on the Ganges and experience the cremation Ghats, a living tradition of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. We watch a glittering Aarti ceremony: huge lamps are set ablaze as the multitude chants hymns. Overnight Gateway Ganges Hotel [BL] DAY 4: VARANASI Today we wake very early and transfer to the ghats to take a Dawn Boat Trip on the Ganges during which we watch the sun rise and view the morning Puja (prayer) at the various ghats. There is little one can say to adequately describe the place where every Hindu wants to die and have their cremated ashes drift down the mighty Goddess Ganga to the sea, and thence directly to Nirvana. A pilgrimage site second only to the Kabal in Mecca, pilgrims in their millions flood to Varanasi each year, and the city is one of the most exciting and lively places in the world. In the afternoon we make an excursion to Ramnagar Fort, situated on the opposite bank of river Ganga. Built in the eighteenth century of red sandstone, the Ramnagar Fort has a temple and a museum within the grounds dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Overnight Gateway Ganges Hotel [BD] DAY 5: FLY TO KHAJURAHO AND DRIVE TO BANDHAVGARH After a leisurely morning fly from Varanasi to Khajuraho, arriving in the early afternoon. Our 5 hour, 260km drive to Bandhavgarh National Park takes through one of the many productive agricultural regions of India, with neat farms lining the roadside. Set in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, the mixed habitat of bamboo, grassland, and a complex of deciduous forests make Bandhavgarh National Park one of the best places to see tiger in India. In addition there are at least 150 species of birds in the park, along with other mammals such as sloth bear, langur monkeys, wild boar, wild dogs, mongoose and the species of deer - chital, sambar and barking. Once a hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa, Bandhavgarh was declared a park in 1968, and it was in Badhavgarh that the famous White Tigers of

4 Rewa were discovered. Upon arrival at Bandhavgarh we check in to our lodge. Dinner and overnight at Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge. [BD] DAYS 6-7: BANDHAVGARH JEEP AND ELEPHANT SAFARIS During our visit in Bandhavgarh we have the opportunity to go on three jeep safaris and one possible elephant safari. After an early morning wake-up call followed by tea and coffee, dawn breaks and we depart the lodge in 4x4 open jeeps accompanied by a resident naturalist and community forest park guide acting as our scout. In the winter months morning safaris require insulating clothes, woolen caps, and gloves to protect us from the wind in our open jeep. We take a field breakfast with hot tea/coffee or depending on sightings we take breakfast on our return at the lodge. During our visit we have a chance to look for a Royal Bengal tiger and get an up close view from elephant back (subject to availability). Because tigers have little fear of elephants, this is yet another way to experience tigers in the wild tromping through the bush on an elephant to areas inaccessble by road. (See details below.)* After lunch at the lodge we take our afternoon safari by 4x4 open jeep. In the evening back at the lodge chat with your naturalist about the game sightings of the day. During one evening you can join a lecture about wildlife of India, focusing especially on the tiger and its natural history, threats of extinction, and conservation initiatives of the Sankhala family who have dedicated their lives to tiger conservation and ecotourism. Dinner and overnight Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge [BLD] Note on elephant safari: Every day a limited number of elephant safari permits are issued for park visitors. Each morning park authorities send elephants with their mahouts into the jungle in search of tiger. When a tiger is spotted a message is passed on to park rangers via radio who then release visitors one vehicle at a time to the location where you mount an elephant which ambles off into the bush to see the tiger from close range. Availability of elephant rides is subject to the park authority and tiger sighting, usually one permit per visitor at each park. DAY 8: KHAJURAHO Return drive to Khajuraho for an expert guided walking tour of the magnificent Jain and Hindu temples and intricate stone sculptures. Known as the erotic temples, the craftsmanship exhibits images of gods and goddesses, celestial maidens and dancers, animals and musicians, all frozen in stone, many in the act of courtship. Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve this collective glorification of life, love, and joy, and reflect the spirit of creativity and human relationships of the Chandela period (9 th & 10 th century CE). Overnight at the Jass Radisson [B] DAY 9: ORCHHA AND TRAIN TO AGRA Morning drive from Khajuraho to Jhansi Railway Station visiting Orchha en route. Orchha was the capital of the Bundela rulers in the 16 th and 17 th centuries. Today the palaces and temples retain much of their pristine glory. Jahangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful domed pavilions, called chhatris, has a spectacular view of the soaring temple spires and nearby cenotaphs. cenotaphs. This evening we ll take a train from Jhanisi to Agra (Shatabdi Express train, departing at 5:55pm, arriving at 8:25pm), where we ll be met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight at the ICT Mughal. [BL] DAY 10: TAJ MAJAL RED FORT Early this morning we visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise. The Taj is probably the most famous building on earth and unquestionably the most beautiful. It is an architectural wonder inspired by love - a white marble memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, wife of the great Shah Jahan, fifth Moghul Emperor and architect extraordinaire. Designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa, it took 22 years to complete and features stunning balance and symmetry, elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever produced. We return to our hotel for breakfast followed by an afternoon excursion to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with massive 70-foot high walls 1.5-mile long, encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (who built the Taj). Overnight at the ICT Mughal. [BD]

5 DAY 11: DRIVE TO JAIPUR VIA FATIPUR SIKRI Depart this morning for Jaipur (260k/5 hrs) en-route visiting the ancient site of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was built by Emperor Akbar the Great, Shah Jehan s grandfather, the consolidator of the Moghul Empire and most farseeing and tolerant of all the Mughuls. The entire city was deserted a few years after construction due to a dearth of water posterity s gain, as the entire city has thus been preserved. We continue our drive to the pink city of Jaipur where we check in to our boutique accommodation of Samode Havelli. Built over 175 years ago within the city of Jaipur by Rawal Sheo Singhji as the manor house for the royal family, Samode Havelli reflects the style and elegance of the family and the art and architecture of the times and culture, all of which have been impressively restored today. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening free in the pool, rest in the luxurious environs of the samode, or ride a rickshaw in the old city to explore and shop: Jaipur is famous for fabric, gems, jewelry and handicrafts. Overnight Samode Havelli. [BL] DAY 12: AMBER FORT JAIPUR CITY Amber Fort is the classic image of the romantic Rajasthani palace. We arrive in the morning light for the best photography of its forbidding exterior that belies a beautiful inner fusion of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles with exquisite filigree and lattice carving. We drive into Jaipur, the famed Pink City, painted pink to honor a British Viceregal visit in the late 19 th century CE. The city palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture which sprawls over one-seventh of the walled city s area. We visit the museum, wander the palace to view the famed Peacock Gate, visit the Jantar Mantar - the largest and the best preserved of the five outdoor astronomy observatories built by Jai Singh II still as accurate as a Swiss watch today. We leave the palace to view the Hawa Mahal - the "Palace of Winds", an ornamental five-storey sandstone façade of fine trelliswork, with 953 niches, windows and elaborate balconies. Overnight Samode Havelli [B] Note: Ask about option dinner add-on at 1135AD restaurant inside the Amber Fort. DAY 13: PUSHKAR FAIR Drive from Jaipur to Pushkar (140 km/3 hrs). Pushkar Fair falls a week after the festival of Diwali and lasts for seven days, ending on the Kartik Poornima or full moon. People from virtually all of India but especially from Rajasthan and neighboring states come here with their livestock to trade. The fair is predominantly agricultural, with a gathering of camels, horses and cattle in their thousands. It is one of India s most colorful and exciting experiences. It is also of great religious significance. Lord Brahma - Legend has it 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 and landed in Rajasthan. Each formed a holy lake. The largest fell at Pushkar, which was once surrounded by 500 temples and 52 palaces. 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. Overnight at Swiss Fixed Camp [BD] DAY 14: PUSHKAR FAIR Our guide will accompany us to experience Rajasthan s 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 formal and informal marriage vows, and to go on a pilgrimage to the temples atop several distinctive hillocks which rise into the sky. There are tradesmen selling every kind of goods, from clothing and jewelry to horse shoes and medicine. There are camel races and competitions, auctions and private deals. It is the most important agricultural and social gathering in the region. During the festival this otherwise quiet country town caters for up to 250,000 visitors and 50,000 camels. Overnight Swiss Fixed Camp. [BLD]

6 DAY 15: PUSHKAR FAIR The whole day is free to explore the various activities of the fair. Shedules of events are available at the information booth at our accommodation. The fair is also a religious and auspicious 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. 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 immemorial. Overnight Swiss Fixed Camp. [BLD] DAY 16: RETURN TO DELHI Say a fond farwell to Pushkar this morning before driving to the Ajmer Railway Station for our train to Delhi (Shatabdi Express departing at 3:50pm, arriving at 10:40pm). Upon arrival we ll be met and transferred to the Marina Hotel. [B] DAY 17: FREE DAY IN DELHI EVENING DEPARTURE Your morning is at leisure, and this afternoon we have the option to visit Dilli Haat, a shopping complex reminiscent of a weekly market, or Haat. Artisans from around the country sell their wares at the Haat and shops are organized by region of the country. Enjoy dinner at a Connaught Place restaurant before transferring to the international airport for your flight home. [BD] Please note that checkout time is noon, dayroom available at additional cost. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING GROUP SIZE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Per Person $5795 $5395 $4995 $1675 Domestic Flights $295 $295 $295 INCLUDED SERVICES Accommodations as noted A/C Tata Indigo, Toyota Innova or spacious van/minibus depending on group English speaking escort from Delhi to Delhi, local guides and naturalist guides where applicable. Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees Airport-hotel transfers, land, boat, jeep, elephant and rickshaw transportation Complimentary water during all transfers, drives and sightseeing Assistance at airports/railway station/hotels at the time of check in and check out at all major cities Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services First class A/C trains Jhansi-Agra, and Ajmer-Delhi Meals as indicated [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International or domestic airfare (listed seperately) India Visa (US citizens must obtain an India visa in advance) Airport taxes Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above

7 Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Camera or video fees Any other items not mentioned above NOTE: HOW TO BEST EXPERIENCE AND PHOTOGRAPH THE PUSHKAR FAIR The Royal Rajasthan Pushkar Fair Adventure is a once-a-year modified version of our Royal Rajasthan Adventure. Each year the dates vary and we carefully strategize to maximize your photographic and cultural experience in order to see the best of the events while avoiding the worst of the hordes of tourists that flock here. For 2011 we recommend to check into Pushkar by Nov 6th and leave on the 9th. It is important for photographers to be there before the main event starts as pilgrims are arriving, settling in and greeting each other. Once it officially starts on the 8th the religious aspects start, and the livestock begin to leave. It is important to see one day of the official main event and then we depart before the entire crowd becomes more chaotic. While we will miss out on some of the religious aspects of the festival (although we experience similar religious events in Varanasi), there will be more camels, more cattle and more decorative animals to photograph before the religious events. Although the main holy bath happens on the 10 th, on Nov 6th there is a mini bath which we can observe and photograph under less crowded conditions.

8 Accommodations THE MARINA HOTEL, DELHI Conveniently located on the bustling Connaught Place in Delhi s business district, the Radisson Marina Hotel is a luxury hotel featuring rich wood flooring, marble bathrooms, air conditioning and modern amenities such as wireless internet, flat screen tvs, and in-room coffee and tea maker. Enjoy a meal at one of the four hotel restaurants or explore the Connaught Place shopping center. GATEWAY GANGES HOTEL, VARANASI Set amidst 40 acres of lush gardens, the Taj Ganges is a haven of peace and tranquility in the ancient temple city of Varanasi. Stay in an Executive room featuring central air conditioning, high speed Wi-Fi, and beautiful teak floors. Enjoy a swim in the pool or walk the beautiful gardens. On-site dining includes the modern coffee shop and bar Gad, as well as the Varuna, a fine dining Indian restaurant. BANDHAVGARH JUNGLE LODGE Located within walking distance of Bandhavgarh National Park's main gate, the jungle lodge has been developed on the theme of an Indian village, with thirteen thatched twin-bedded cottages around an inner courtyard. A spacious thatched dining room which serves home cooked Indian food and Continental cuisines, becomes the centre point of activities like campfire performances, lectures and star gazing. In the morning wake up to a symphony of bird songs, while at night you can often hear the alarm calls of deer, which alerts you to a tiger on the prowl. JASS RADISSON, KHAJURAHO Located just 4km from the Khajuraho temples, the Jass Radisson encompasses lush gardens, a beautiful outdoor pool and welness center with tradritional Indian massage. Each of the deluxe rooms features an ensuite bathroom and includes a balcony that looks out to the garden or the pool. The Radisson features a multicuisine restaurant which opens out onto the pool.

9 ICT MUGHAL, AGRA Set in 35 acres of gardens near the Taj Mahal, the ICT Mughal Sheraton has been award the Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. Rooms are complete with modern amenities including air conditioning, plasma tvs, and wireless Internet access, each with a view of the gardens or the heated outdoor pool. Make a visit to the Kaya Kalp The Royal Spa, India s largest at over 99,000 square feet. In addition to spa services the spa encompasses a yoga garden, relaxation garden, orchard walkway, and a butterfly park. THE SAMODE HAVELI, JAIPUR Located near Gangapole Gate in the pink walls of India s Maharaja capital city Jaipur, Heritage Samode Haveli is an intimate hotel of 16 double and 2 single rooms offering personalized service, and the atmosphere one might expect of a residence steeped in Jaipur s history. Meticulously restored, hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, an open air swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a wading pool for children, a spa, pool-side bar, laundry, gift shop, in-room safes, currency exchange, room service, Doctor on call and Rajasthani folk dances. All rooms are unique, and have air conditioning and private en suite bathrooms.

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