Visit The Famous Pushkar Camel Fair Along With Taj Mahal Agra And Pink City Jaipur 2011

During the first full moon of November, India's Pushkar Fair, Asia's largest camel and livestock market springs to life in the sleepy, picturesque, lakeside town of Pushkar. An ancient religious town, in the Thar desert of Rajasthan, provides an almost surreal backdrop for this unique event. Photographing Pushkar Fair is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Few photo opportunities can match the volume or diversity of image possibilities, it's almost impossible to bring enough film or memory cards to capture it all. You'll feel as though you've stepped back in history as you walk among camel herders and their encampments among the rolling sand dunes.

The Pushkar Fair is, in itself, enough to justify an expedition, but on this trip we will also be visiting other fascinating destinations such as Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur. To top off our adventure we will also visit and photograph the Taj Mahal. We'll begin in Delhi, the heartbeat of Northern India, where we'll have time to explore ancient forts, wander the markets, and experience the history surrounding both the old and new sections of the city.

Jaisalmer, rising out of the heart of the Great Indian Desert is the quintessential India of your dreams. With the oldest living fort in the world, the city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. It's temple , fort , and palaces are all built of beautiful yellow stone. Exploring this fascinating city could be a photo destination in and of itself. Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink stone, painted in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples, and lush gardens.

Sitting at the edge of the Thar desert, Jodhpur is dominated by a massive fort, topping a sheer ridge right in the middle of town. Jodhpur is affectionately referred to as the "Blue City" because of the indigo-colored house lining the fascinating winding streets of the old town. These can be seen from the ramparts of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, which looms high above the buzzing city.

Destinations Covered: Delhi - Mandawa - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days

Undoubtedly, Pushkar stands among the five pilgrimages of high esteem in India. Reverred by the Hindus, there are other destinations such as Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram. As the legends say that the battle, which was supported by the Lord Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabh, so came the Pushkar in existence.

As the petals floated down to the earth, a lake sprang up. According to the legends, Pushkar Lake gives you picturesque scenes and breathtaking views. With nearly 500 temples and 52 palaces, the place is simply amazing.

Taj Mahal Pushkar Tour 2011

Day 01 Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to the the hotel for O/N stay.

Day 02 Delhi
After b/f full day sightseeing of Delhi. O/N at the hotel.

Day 03 Delhi - Mandawa
After b/fast, leave for the town of Mandawa located in the Shekawati region of North - West Rajasthan. Afternoon, visit Mandawa bazaar and havelis. O/N at the hotel.

Day 04 Mandawa
After b/fast, visit some of the havelis in the small town around Mandawa. O/N at the hotel.

Day 05 Mandawa - Pushkar
After breakfast, drive for Pushkar. On arrival transfer to Hotel. O/N at hotel / Tent.

Day 06: Pushkar
After breakfast, day at Pushkar Mela. Spend the day walking through the traditional decorated fair ground and view various activities, like - dance, camel races and many more. Overnight at Hotel / Tent.

Day 07: Pushkar
Early morning visit bathing ghats of Pushkar, where thousands of pilgrims take holy bath. Return back to Hotel / Tent for breakfast. Afterwards, Take a tour of Savitri temple, Man Mahal. Overnight at Hotel / Tent.

Day 08: Pushkar - Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur. On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon tour of Jaipur. Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan was given a colour coat of pink a century ago in honour of a visiting Prince. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 years old. Visit Maharaja's City Palace, the Observatory & Ram Niwas Gardens. Drive past Hawa Mahal & through the pink rose residential & business areas. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09 : Jaipur
Morning visit the Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the State. Visit the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors. Ascend the Fort on Elephant back. Afternoon at leisure / shopping. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10 : Jaipur / Agra, visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute
Morning drive to Agra, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is 40 kms from Agra and built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces. Evening visit to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 : Agra / Delhi
Early morning (Sunrise) visit to to the world famous Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the Pearl Mosque, the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Evening drive to Delhi. Transfer to airport for flight back to home.