Rajasthan Heritage Palaces Tour with Pushkar Fair

This fascinating tour of northern India starts in New Delhi, the capital of British colonial India, designed by the architects Edwin Lutyens and James Baker. You will be amazed at the sight of the world famous Taj Mahal by sunrise. The ancient traditions and customs evolved over centuries under the reign of the Hindu Maharajas have survived to modern day in the state of Rajasthan. Each stop in this state is unique. Enjoy an elephant ride at Amber Fort and a camel ride on sand dunes at sunset near Jaisalmer. Relish this fascinating journey in the comfort of 5-star and heritage palace hotels. Samode Palace is considered one of the world’s most romantic hotels. Pushkar Pilgrimage Fair attracts over 300,000 people from all over Rajasthan with thousands of camels, horses, cattle, sheep and goats among many other items.

Monday, October 19, 2009, US International Airport:
Departure

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, DELHI:
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, welcome and transfer to the Lalit (formerly Grand Intercontinental) Hotel for overnight.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009, DELHI / AGRA:
After breakfast drive to Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of River Yamuna, drive past Red Fort with stop for photography, to the Jama Masjid built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. On the way back stop near Chandni Chawk Bazaar for photography and Rickshaw ride. After lunch in a city restaurant start the New Delhi sightseeing including Qutub Minar, Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, a brief stop at Bahai Lotus Temple for photography and drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the mansion of the President, the office of Prime Minister, Parliament House and India Gate in the part of New Delhi planned by the British architect, Edwin Lutyens and James Baker. Leave Delhi around 4 PM to reach Agra at about 9 PM with stop on the way for dinner and transfer to the hotel for overnight in Taj Gateway Hotel.

Thursday, October 22, 2009, AGRA:
Pre-sunrise walk a short distance to the world famous Taj Mahal to view it by Sunrise. After breakfast visit Agra Fort with red sandstone palaces of Emperor Akbar and white marble palaces of Emperor Shahjahan. A stop at the workshop of the traditional marble inlay artisans (Pietra Dure) will be organized to witness this most unique art form. Overnight in Taj Gateway Hotel.

Friday, October 23, 2009, AGRA / FATEHPUR SIKRI / JAIPUR:
After breakfast drive to the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri. After sightseeing of the red sandstone palaces of Emperor Akbar and the white marble tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chistie in this fascinating deserted city drive about 4 hours to Jaipur. In the afternoon relax in the hotel or go for shopping. Overnight in Narain Niwas Palace Hotel.

Saturday, October 24, 2009, JAIPUR:
After breakfast drive to Amber Fort for elephant ride to the hilltop palaces. In the afternoon visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and the Astronomical Observatory. Overnight in Narain Niwas Palace Hotel.

Sunday, October 25, 2009, JAIPUR / JODHPUR:
After breakfast drive about 330 kilometers or 205 miles to Jodhpur. Stop for lunch at Neemaj Castle. Sightseeing of Mehrengarh Fort. Overnight in Ranbanka Hotel.

Monday, October 26, 2009, JODHPUR / JAISALMER:
After breakfast visit the hilltop Mehrengarh Fort. Drive further about 302 kilometers or 188 miles to Jaisalmer in about 6 hours. On arrival check-in hotel and take a short drive to Sam village to enjoy a dinner on the sand dunes at sunset.. Overnight in Heritage Inn.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009, JAISALMER:
After breakfast visit the Jaisalmer Fort, the famous Havelis of Patwon, Salim Singh and Nathmal, as well as the Gaddi Sagar Lake and Royal Chattariyan cenotaphs. Overnight in Heritage Inn.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009, JAISALMER / ROHETGARH:
After breakfast drive about 290 kilometers or 180 miles to Rohetgarh Fort in about 6 hours. On arrival relax & explore the heritage fort hotel or walk in the village. Overnight in Rohetgarh Fort.

Thursday, October 29, 2009, ROHETGARH / RANAKPUR / UDAIPUR:
After breakfast drive for lunch at Maharani Bagh Hotel in Ranakpur and sightseeing of the famous Chaturmukh Jain Temple and the smaller Jain and Hindu temples in the same complex. Later drive 90 kilometers or 56 miles to Udaipur, the city of Lakes and Palaces. Overnight Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel.

Friday, October 30, 2009, UDAIPUR:
After breakfast visit the imposing City Palace of the Sisodia Dynasty Maharanas and the Jagdish Temple that is just outside its main gate. In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola to visit the Jag Mandir Island Palace. Overnight in Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel.

Saturday, October 31, 2009, UDAIPUR / PUSHKAR:
After breakfast drive about 250 kilometers or 155 miles in about 5 hours to the most colorful folk fair of the world at the pilgrimage town of Pushkar. Overnight in Pushkar Palace Hotel.

Sunday, November 1, 2009, PUSHKAR:
Full day to explore the vast tribal fair grounds and the Hindu temple along the Pushkar Lake. Overnight in Pushkar Palace Hotel.  

Monday, November 2, 2009, PUSHKAR / SAMODE:
After breakfast drive about 170 kilometers or 106 miles in about 4 hours to Samode Palace, relax in the afternoon or explore the fresco paintings of the palace or walk in the village. Overnight in Samode Palace.  

Tuesday, November 3, SAMODE / DELHI / USA:
In the morning relax in hotel and after lunch drive about 242 kilometers or 150 miles in about 5 hours to Radisson Hotel for farewell dinner and later transfer to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi to board the flight back to USA.

Price from New York is US$ 2,350 per person, single room supplement is US$ 890.

Price from Los Angeles or San Francisco is US$ 2,490 per person, single room supplement is US$ 890.

Please call us for price from other US airports.

The above mentioned Price includes:

·          Round trip international airfare from New York or Los Angeles or San Francisco as mentioned above.

·          Accommodation for 14 nights in hotels with breakfast based on double or twin room occupancy.

·          For 2 person AC car, for 3-4 persons AC SUV/Van and for more than 5 persons AC coach.

·          Local English speaking guides in each city for all sightseeing tours, tour escort for groups

·          Entrances at the monuments & tourist sights.

·          Boat ride in Udaipur.

·          Elephant ride at Amber.

·          Camel ride on sand dunes at Jaisalmer

·          Demonstration of Pietra Dure- Inlay art with semi-precious stones in marble.

·          Demonstration of Gem cutting and polishing in Jaipur.

·          Demonstration of wooden block textile printing and woolen carpet weaving in Jaipur.

·          All applicable state, transport & luxury taxes.

·          Farewell dinner at Radisson Hotel in New Delhi.

Tour cost does not include:

·          Cost of international flight’s airport taxes and surcharges.

·          Cost of lunches and dinners except farewell dinner at The Radisson Hotel in New Delhi.

·          Cost of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

·          Cost of Travel Guard International Insurance, it is highly recommended.

·          Expenses of personal nature like tips to hotel baggage handlers, guides and drivers; telephone calls, laundry, and room service in hotels.

PAYMENTS:

Please fill out the registration form, sign it and mail it with an advance payment by personal check of $ 350.00. The balance amount is payable on August 12, 2009. On receipt of the registration form I will be glad to inform you the travel insurance premium amount. There is an extra charge of 2.75% for payment with Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards because credit card commissions and fees are not included in the price. Please call or email us for credit card payments.