Essence of India - Pushkar Camel Fair - 21 October...

From the banks of the holy Ganges to the magnificence of the Mughal cities, we experience the land of the Kings, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, the sprawling, commercial capital of India. We will show you the well known and introduce you to some wonderful secrets. The massive forts of Rajasthan, the opulence and splendour of Maharajah’s palaces, markets and bazaars, holy cities, a town seemingly lost in time, a camel safari and a search for the elusive Bollywood star all make for a trip full of highlights and contrasts. We are also fortunate enough to be part of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, a feast for all your senses as tens of thousands of locals descend on this small town.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Delhi 
Arrival Day. After a group meeting at midday to discuss the trip, we spend the afternoon visiting New Delhi Rajpath and the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Humayans Tomb.

Day 2 Delhi
This morning we travel to Old Delhi visiting the Jama Masjid, (the largest Mosque in India), the old Delhi spice market and Chandni Chowk, the busiest marketplace in Asia.
There are many other options here in Delhi – including the Craft Museum, Red Fort, Purana Qila and the Lotus Temple.

Days 3-5 Varanasi
We have a morning flight to Varanasi. In the afternoon we take a walk along the ghats on the riverbank and explore the old city, enjoy an evening ceremonial 'aarti' on the riverbanks and take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges. We visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon and still have plenty of free time to explore the ghats and alleyways of ancient Varanasi. In the evening of day 5 we take an overnight train to Agra.

Day 6 Agra
An early morning arrival gives us plenty of time to explore the sights of Agra – including the magnificent Red Fort and ‘Baby Taj’.

Days 7-9 Jaipur
We have a dawn visit to the Taj before driving to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and capital of Rajasthan. Amber Fort is a splendid example of Rajput/Mughal architecture and was the old capital of Rajasthan prior to 1727. We take a wander through the markets and colourful bazaars of Jaipur and have the chance to see the splendid City Palace Museum and the wondrous Jantar Mantar. There is free time to explore some of Jaipurs many sights, or markets. We also experience a Bollywood extravaganza at the Raj Mandir cinema before taking an overnight train to Jaisalmer.

Days 10-12 Jaisalmer
Like something out of 1001 Arabian nights, Jaisalmer is both exotic and mysterious with a unique fort, which unlike all others in India is still lived in, and accommodates a quarter of the towns population. 
We wander the ancient streets of the fort and the town, visiting the intricately carved sandstone havelis (merchant’s mansions) and temples. Jaisalmer is famed for its handicrafts and there are many wonderful shops in the bazaar. 
On the afternoon of day 10 we head out to the desert on our camel safari. Camping out in the desert is an unforgettable experience, and is sure to be a highlight of your holiday.

Days 13-14 Jodphur
Travelling on to Jodphur we spend an afternoon wandering the palaces of the magnificent Meherangarh Fort before exploring the markets in the city below. Famous throughout the country for its special Makhani (butter) lassi’s, Jodphur is also where the pants come from. On day 14 we take a cycle tour around some traditional Rajasthani villages.

Days 15-16 Pushkar
The usually mellow and friendly Pushkar is a firm favourite with travellers and modern-day hippies. Picturesquely situated around a holy lake lined with whitewashed temples and ghats, Pushkar comes alive for a week every November with the annual Camel Fair when tens of thousands of people and camels descend on the small town.

Days 17-18 Bijaipur
We travel by train and then jeep to Castle Bijaipur where we get to spend the night living like Maharajahs (and Maharanis). The Castle is still run by the local rulers, who take us out on a village safari to experience tribal village life Rajasthani style.

Days 19-21 Udaipur
A short journey brings us to Udaipur. Often called the romantic city, Udaipur lives up to its name with its white washed havelis and palaces lining the banks of the charming lake Pichola. We visit the City Palace complex (the largest palace complex in India) and take in a classic Rajasthani Dance show. We wander the local markets and learn how to make a sensational Indian curry. Why not try your hand at a spot of miniature painting or discover the lake on an afternoon cruise. Udaipur is a friendly and charming city just made for exploring. 
On the evening of day 21 we fly to Mumbai.

Day 22 Mumbai
We have a full day in Mumbai, the exciting and frantic commercial capital of India, where we visit some of the sights including the Gateway of India, Dhobi (laundry) washers and Chowpatty beach.

Day 23 Departure Day
There are no organised activities today. You are free to depart at anytime.