PUSHKAR FESTIVAL - Rajasthan

The Pushkar "camel & cattle fair" - a festival of sound and colour - is held annually on the banks of Lake Pushkar. Traders and pilgrims flock to Pushkar for livestock trading, camel racing, and other festivities; and to the westerners, it is perhaps, one of India's most famous fairs. Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, this small place transforms itself from a peaceful, rural community, into a vast tented village with a lively, colourful and noisy market.

Festival dates
2008: 10th to 13th November

DESERT ADVENTURE - Land of the Kings

A journey across colourful Rajasthan, to a world of haughty camels, colourful people, palaces, busy bazaars, dazzling silks, wildlife and Shah Jahan's fabled TAJ MAHAL

Itinerary at Glance: Delhi - Agra - Bharatpur - Jaipur - Pushkar - Osiyan - Kheechan - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Delhi

Duration: 16 days
Best time: mid October to mid March
Highlights: Taj Mahal, camel safari, birds, local culture, forts, palaces & havelis
Physical challenge: moderate overall; some long drives

DAY 1, Departure from home country:
Board flight to India.

DAY 2, Arrive Delhi:
Arrive Delhi around midnight and transfer with assistance to pre-booked hotel; morning at leisure. There is no other city in the world so steeped in history and legend as Delhi, the Indian capital. Like a magnet it drew the Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and finally the British, to its shores; all of whom contributed to its glorious, but turbulent history. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. Old Delhi Tour (half day): Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjahanabad in 1648, now referred to as Old Delhi. The famous Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire; opposite the fort is Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Afternoon sightseeing to Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Humayun's tomb (in New Delhi). Breakfast & overnight in hotel.



DAY 3, Delhi - Agra (train; about 2hrs) - Bharatpur (drive about 50km/2hrs):
We leave early morning by Shatabdi Express to Agra [ETD: 0600Hrs]; on arrival [ETA: 0810Hrs] visit India's most celebrated monument - the Taj Mahal - built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memoriam of his deep love for his deceased queen Arjumand Bano (Mumtaz). The Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful from every angle: it was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 labourers and craftsmen, and displays superb craftsmanship. The close-up details of the Taj Mahal are as exquisite as the overall architectural design, with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns adorning the marble surface. Next we visit the Agra Fort; Emperor Akbar began its construction in 1565, with additions to the citadel being made through to the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. The fort has fine views of the Taj across Yamuna River; it also has a nice grape garden and beautiful fountain ways. Afternoon drive to Bharatpur National Park. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

DAY 4, Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur):
Punctuated by the incessant "chatter, whistle and cheep" of innumerable species of birds, the wetlands of Keoladeo present a scene of raucous calm. Once the hunting preserve of the Bharatpur royalty, this exceptional ecosystem is now one of the finest bird sanctuaries of our planet; the park has been declared a Ramsar Site, as well as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Keoladeo National Park was previously known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and lies 174km from Delhi and only 50km from Agra. If Taj Mahal is "rhapsody in marble" then definitely Keoladeo is a "ballad of birds". Located at the confluence of Gambhir and Banganga rivers and spread over 29 sq km of shallow lakes and woodlands, Keoladeo National Park provides shelter to over 300 avian species, particularly during winter when the resident numbers multiply as a result of migrants. The freshwater swamp with the picturesque Kadam trees, stands of Acacia and profuse aquatic vegetation, is a habitat of various living organisms, which serve as food for the different species of animals. Two-thirds of the birds listed in Keoladeo are land birds while one-third of the species are water birds. Pintails, teals, mallards, pochards, geese, coots, storks, curlews and sandpipers can be seen in the lake; the heronry at Keoladeo is one of the finest in the world with 14 species nesting and breeding in the Park. The woodlands and pastures are alive with the gambolling of bulbuls, babblers, sunbirds, sparrows, parakeets and orioles, while the skies are set afire by birds of prey like eagles, hawks, harriers, falcons, buzzards and vultures. However the rarest bird, which visits Keoladeo National Park from faraway Siberia is the globally threatened Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus); in fact these wetlands are the only wintering area of the western population of this beautiful, endangered bird. But not everything goes "tweet or tu-whit tu-whoo" in Keoladeo. Non-feathered members of this largely feathered fraternity are mammals such as the Wild Boar, Sambar, Nilgai, Chital, Mongoose, Otter, three species of wild cats, Civets, Jackals and also the gigantic Rock Pythons that live beyond the Temple of Keoladeo in the heart of the Park.

We have a full day to explore this heaven in cycle rickshaws / on foot / or on bicycles, with our resident naturalist. Breakfast & overnight in delightful heritage hotel.

DAY 5, Bharatpur - Jaipur (drive about 190km/4-5hrs):
Morning time to re-visit the sanctuary and after late breakfast drive to Jaipur; on arrival transfer to hotel. Built in 1727, Jaipur was the dream of the brilliant ruler Jai Singh. It has retained its reputation as one of the foremost cities in India, planned and executed in a manner that draws accolades from modern town planners. It is also known as the Pink City, because many buildings are washed pink, the traditional colour of welcome, which was originally introduced to honour the visit of Prince Albert in 1856. Evening free. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

DAY 6, Jaipur (sightseeing):
This morning we drive to nearby Amber, ascending the steep road to the 16th century hilltop fortress on elephant back to see the palace and its richly decorated apartments. The fortress of Amber, former capital of the Rajputs, was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to newly created Jaipur. We will visit the palace, and its many intricate chambers and hallways, which has breathtaking views of the Jal Mahal (Water Palace) below. In the afternoon we visit City Palace; still occupied by Jai Singh's descendants, it is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A city within a city, it includes the Govind Deo Temple, the Jantar Mantar (observatory) and the Maharaja's museum with his personal collection of weapons, miniature paintings, royal attire and jewellery. On the periphery of the palace stands Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds - an elaborate pink sandstone façade, behind which the ladies of the court sat and watched the daily goings-on in the street below. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

DAY 7, Jaipur - Pushkar (drive about 145km/4hrs)):
After breakfast we continue to Pushkar, located on a Lake. Pushkar lies in a narrow dry valley overshadowed by impressive rocky hills, which offer spectacular views of the desert at sunset. After lunch we shall visit the 'ghats' around the lake, and see some of the temples, especially the Brahma Temple - this is one of the only two known temples dedicated to 'Brahma, the God of Creation' in India. Watch the devotees offering prayers at sunset and taking a holy dip in the lake. All meals & overnight in deluxe tents.

DAY 8, Pushkar (explore):
The Pushkar "camel & cattle fair" - a festival of sound and colour - is held annually on the banks of Lake Pushkar. Traders and pilgrims flock to Pushkar for livestock trading, camel racing and other festivities; and to Westerners it is one of India's most famous fairs. Nestling at the edge of the desert, this small place transforms itself from a peaceful, rural community, into a vast tented village with a lively, colourful and noisy market. All meals & overnight in deluxe tents.

DAY 9, Pushkar - Osiyan (drive about 275km/6-7hrs):
After breakfast we drive to Osiyan through desert villages, and distant views of the arid Aravali hills. Arrive Osiyan and stay overnight in deluxe tents. Osiyan resembles Jaisalmer with its Stoic sandunes; this ancient desert town of Osiyan was a great trading centre between 8th and 12th centuries. It has some beautiful temples. Breakfast, dinner & overnight in deluxe tents with en-suite bathroom.

DAY 10, Osiyan - Bheekhamkhor (drive about 10km) - Samrau (camel safari about 18km/5-6hrs):
After early breakfast a short drive to Bheekhamkhor; from here we begin our 2 days camel trek across the desert - over sand dunes and past villages - to Kheechan with an overnight halt at Samrau. All meals & overnight in Alpine style tents.

DAY 11, Samrau - Kheechan (camel safari about 25-30km/7-8hrs):
After an early breakfast we continue our safari through the desert to Kheechan village. Kheechan has a remarkable feature; Demoiselle Cranes in thousands arrive here between September to March and some of the residents literally hand feed many of them. Our two nights stay will be in Lalgarh Niwas, a simple 10 room hotel with en suite facilities. All meals & overnight in simple guest house.

DAY 12, Kheechan - Jodhpur (drive about 150km/4hrs):
Very early morning visit to Kheechan village (about 5km from our hotel), to see the winter visitors to the desert, their breeding grounds stretching from southeast Europe to Mongolia. Demoiselle Crane is the smallest of the five crane species found in India, and is a dark grey with white ear tufts behind its bright crimson eyes.

In Kheechan, a 'chugga ghar' (fodder house) stores the grain used to feed the cranes. The high- pitched calls of the birds at first light are the signal for one of the village men to scatter grain all over the area. Soon the sky darkens as thousands of Demoiselle Cranes arrive to feast, often less then 5 metres from the village folk with whom they have established a bond of trust over decades. These cranes spend more than half the year around these sand dunes in the centre of Thar Desert. They are regularly fed by the people of the village nearby who consider them a symbol of good fortune. After spending all morning watching these magnificent birds, we drive to Jodhpur; arrive and stay overnight in hotel. Breakfast, lunch & overnight in hotel.

DAY 13, Jodhpur - Udaipur (drive about 6hrs):
After breakfast visit the massive Mehrangarh Fort, looming menacingly over the city. The red sandstone palaces within the fort form one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. Its museum contains sections which house armoury, palanquins, howdahs and headgear from all the communities of Rajasthan.

After a leisurely breakfast, we start our day with a short drive through the beautiful Aravali hills to the romantic lake city of Udaipur. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh desert conditions of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar state it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in face of Muslim invasion. From late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is in a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, which provided asylum to the rebel Mughal prince Shah Jahan, creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal. We arrive at our delightful heritage hotel, and have plenty of time to relax in the garden or take a dip in the swimming pool. Afternoon is free to visit the local bazaar or go boating on Lake Pichola. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

DAY 14, Udaipur (sightseeing):
After breakfast full day visit to City Palace - the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, comprising many buildings added at different times by various maharajas. Perhaps the most beautiful are the Moti Mahal, with its mirror inlay; and the Chini ka Chitra Mahal's iridescent tile work. At nearby Jagdish Temple, there is an impressively carved image of Lord Vishnu, to whom the temple is dedicated. A boat ride around Lake Pichola offers spectacular views of the city. The City Palace towers over the lake and we will also see the merchant's havelis, temples, the royal hunting lodge, and the exquisite Gul Mahal Pavilion on Jag Mandir Island. Having disembarked, we continue to the ornamental gardens of the Maids of Honour (Sahelion ki Bari). Evening free. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

DAY 15, Udaipur - Delhi (fly):
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight back to Delhi, Arrive Delhi and transfer to airport hotel where we will have access to day rooms (for wash and change). After dinner transfer to the airport.

DAY 16, Delhi - London:
Early morning flight to London.