INCREDIBLE INDIA TOUR WITH DIWALI FESTIVAL AND PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR 2024: 16 Days @ $960
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambhore - Jaipur – Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Ajmer - Delhi
TRAVELASTU SPECIAL PRIVILEGES INCLUDED:
| TRAVEL ASTU EXPERIENCE INCLUDES | SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION AT MENTIONED HOTELS, | DIWALI CELEBRATIONS WITH HINDU LOCAL FAMILY |
| SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY, | VILLAGE VISITS & CULTURAL INTERACTIONS, |
| PRIVATE AIR-CONDITIONED VEHICLE WITH DRIVER AT DISPOSAL, | RICKSHAW RIDE IN OLD DELHI, |
| ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS, | OLD CITY WALKING TOUR IN DELHI, |
| ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS/STATIONS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE, | SPECIAL TOUR OF BISNOI VILLAGE, |
| ALL EXCURSIONS AS MENTIONED, | MORNING TAJ MAHAL EXPERIENCE, |
| COMPLEMENTRY WI-FI IN HOTELS, | TIGER SHARED SAFARIS IN RANTHAMBHORE, |
| EVENING AARTI EXPERIENCE IN BIRLA TEMPLE JAIPUR, | ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMBER FORT IN JAIPUR, |
| TRAIN TICKET IN CHAIR CAR AC AJMER TO DELHI, | PUSHKAR FAIR EXPERIENCE, |
| ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCE CHARGES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES, | UNLIMITED MINERAL WATER AND TISSUES DURING DRIVES AND |
| ALL APPLICABLE TAXES, ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXE AND SERVICE CHARGES, AND | DEDICATED 24/7 TOUR MANAGER / COORDINATOR FOR TOUR. |
Day 01::
Delhi: Arrival at Delhi:
As per you flight time Travel Astu Representative will be there on Delhi International airport to receive you with driver. We will receive you in traditional Indian style and transfer you to hotel.
Delhi is a city built and re-built seven times over several centuries. The capital city today marries the quaint and unique elements of different historical eras with the pace of the bustling, growing economy. At every turn of the road, the past and the present coexist.
If we will be time, later proceed for city Tour of NEW DELHI - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyen's, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace (Rastrapati Bhawan).
Then, make your way to Raj Ghat, a memorial built to commemorate the site of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation. Raj Ghat is a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also famously known as the “father of the nation”.
Overnight at Hotel.
Elisabet and Maria from Spain in India Gate, Delhi with TravelAstu
Day 02::
Delhi Full Day Guided Tour:
After breakfast full day Delhi Tour.
We will proceed to Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws ride, one of Asia's largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandani Chowk.
Then we will visit Qutub Minar.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first floor, to which were added three more floors by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first floor.
After then visit to Lotus Temple is one of the remarkable landmarks of Delhi. The notable lotus shaped temple was built in the year 1986 and is dedicated to Bahai faith. The motive of Bahai faith is to unite all races and people of every religion and spreading peace and harmony. The marble structure has twenty seven petals that captivate the attention of every visitor and spectator.
The architect of this Bahai Temple, Furiburz Sabha selected lotus as a common symbol to Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Islam. Therefore, people of all religion are allowed to visit the place and spend time in silence. The temple is surrounded by well-maintained garden and nine pools of clean water.
If time will permit, we will visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in the evening. The main Gurudwara for the many Sikhs of Delhi, (Here we’ll need to cover our heads (scarves provided for free) and we’ll stash our shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers). Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, India and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar."
At Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, an historic Sikh shrine in central Delhi, everybody is welcome to a meal, and nearly everybody comes. Fascinated by stories of the extremely busy ‘langar’ (free kitchen) housed within the golden-domed complex, I set off one afternoon to visit the shrine and meet the people who prepare and eat the 10,000 meals served here every day.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Qutub Minar, Delhi
Day 03::
Delhi – Agra: By road:
Diwali Celebration experience in Agra
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Drive to Agra. Arrive at Agra and transfer to the hotel.
Check – in and relax.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Today we will celebrate Diwali in TRADITIONAL INDIAN STYLE with HINDU FAMILY.
Full dress-up yourself in Hindu style. We will help you to dress up. Male should be in Kurta & Payjama and female should be in Sari or Salwar. Both are the traditional dress of India.
Later we will visit a Hindu family to participate celebrations of festival.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Reason for Celebrate Diwali Festival
Day 04::
Agra Full Day Guided Tour:
Wake-up early morning and proceed to Taj Mahal.
Enjoy sunrise sightseeing of TAJ MAHAL.
TAJ MAHAL – Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Return to hotel for breakfast and then start sightseeing tour of Agra city.
AGRA FORT – The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ or the ITMAD-UD-ULLAH – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Nur Jahan, the Empress of Jehangir for her father in 1628, built one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb. The tomb is a resting place of the powerful personality in Mughal Court, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, whose life is very interesting. Formerly a very poor Persian merchant then named Mirza Ghiyas or Ghiyas Beg he became a minister and a trusted treasure in Akbar's court. After Akbar's death in 1605, his son Jahangir rose into power. Jahangir made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister and honored him with the title of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the Pillar of State. Later, Jahangir met a beautiful daughter of Ghiyas Beg named Mehr-Un-Nissa and married her. Mehr-Un-Nissa soon played a significant role in the Jahangir's court and was called Nur Mahal, the light pf the Place. Owing to her influence, her father and brother were granted with privileges in the court. When Ghiyas beg (Itmad-Un-Daulah) dies in 1622, Nur Mahal decided to build a mausoleum for him. Queen Mumtaz Mahal or the lady of the Taj was also from this prevailing family. The mausoleum is entirely made of white marble and graced with intricate decoration of inlay work, and marble-screen work belonging to the Islamic style. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb stands impressively elegant from a distance.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Travel Astu group from Mexico in Taj Mahal
Day 05::
Agra to Ranthambhore by road:
After breakfast, proceed for Ranthambore. Reach and check into the resort.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger Den being the closest.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.
Evening would be free.
Overnight will be in Ranthambore.
Ranthambore Tiger
Day 06:
Tiger Safaris at Ranthambhore National Park:
Wake up early morning and leave for your morning safari into the Ranthambore National Park. Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning.
Return to the resort / lodge by 10 AM in the morning and have breakfast.
Freshen up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could also go for a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.
In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari. The safari will be till evening 1700 – 1800 hr and then return to the resort / lodge.
Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night.
Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Ranthambhore tiger safari in jeep
Day 07:
Ranthambhore to Jaipur by road:
Post breakfast drive to Jaipur. Reach and check into the hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity.
Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Birla Temple
Day 08:
Jaipur Guided Tour:
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be taken to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
AMBER FORT PALACE – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur continue...
CITY PALACE – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL – The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This evening is free for you to relax shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Later proceed to enjoy the traditional Rajasthani dinner.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Travel Astu guest Juan in Amber fort Jaipur
Day 09:
Jaipur to Jodhpur by road:
After breakfast proceed to Jodhpur.
Reach Jodhpur. Check-in hotel.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains.
Evening will be free for to visit the markets.
Overnight will be in Jodhpur.
Jodhpur: The Blue City
Day 10:
Jodhpur Guided Tour:
After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort: Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.
Jaswant Thada: Close to the fort complex lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: The romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace.Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies.
Drive to the BISHNOI VILLAGES for a short jeep safari.
Visit the BISHNOI VILLAGES and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. This village is inhabited by the Bishnoi community. They are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Villages are marked by Khejri trees and deer which thrive. Memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur
Day 11:
Jodhpur to Udaipur by road:
After breakfast proceed to Udaipur en-route visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls.
The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Udaipur and check – in at hotel. Relax.
Udaipur - The city of Dawn is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the SISODIA dynasty for 1200 Years.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Travel Astu group in City Palace and Lake Pichola Udaipur
Day 12:
Udaipur Guided Tour:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace.
City Palace: Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola, is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559 A.D. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of "Jag Niwas" (the world wide famous Lake palace hotel), Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens - a harmonic profusion hard to describe. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the vivid mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of KRISHNA are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna Vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princess. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Saheliyon ki Bari: Maharana Sangram Singh builds this in the mid 18th century. The 'garden of the maidens' brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens appear discreet and in impeccable taste. There are four pools with dainty kiosks, and all around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees. The Foundation of the Sahelion ki bari functions solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool, a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics. The whole ambience is flavored by the nostalgia of those beautiful bells enjoying themselves in a lavish aura.
Jagdish Temple: The temple is situated in the middle of the city. The temple of Jagannath Rai, now called Jagdish-ji, is a major monument and should be seen carefully. Raised on a tall terrace and completed in 1651, it is a tribute alike to the tenacity of its builders and the resilence of the art tradition it represents. It attaches a double storeyed Mandapa (hall) to a double - storied, saandhara (that having a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bell - roof) while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more, non - functional stories. Lanes taking off from many of the sheharpanah (city wall) converge on the Jagdish Temple and walking leisurely through them brings you face with the many layers of the cultural palimpsest that Udaipur is. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Courtyard of City Palace Udaipur
Day 13:
Udaipur to Pushkar by road:
After breakfast in Udaipur hotel, proceed to Pushkar. Reach and check into the hotel.
Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus situated 11 kms off Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement is the lake, which has natural water supply. This lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle. The great Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata make references to this religious place while evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. Enjoy India's and perhaps the world's most colorful folk festival – the Pushkar Fair. Observe, explore and photograph the colors of this amazing fair. Enjoy a camel ride, the festivities and many interesting events or visit the many temples along the Pushkar Lake including the grand Brahma temple.
Evening would be free for visiting the the local market.
Overnight will be in deluxe tent.
Decorated Camel in Pushkar, Rajasthan
Day 14 & 15:
Pushkar Camel Fair Tour 2024:
Enjoy breakfast at the camp.
Today you will enjoy World's biggest camel fair.
Enjoy the festival atmosphere at the colorful Pushkar fair; very few fairs in the World can match the liveliness of Pushkar. While most people associate the Pushkar fair with the world's largest camel fair, it is much more than that. It is an occasion for villagers from far and near to gather together and enjoy a welcome break from their harsh life of the arid desert. And enjoy they do – in dazzling style and colors.
It is an occasion for Hindu pilgrims to converge for a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake to "wash away the sins of a lifetime" and pay obeisance at the only Brahma temple in the world. It is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience to capture the vibrancy of the entire state of Rajasthan in one place.
You can experience below mentioned activities at fair ground.
• Camel milking competition
• Wresting competition
• Safari on camel and camel carts
• Horses, camels and Nagauri bull competition
• Matka Race (where rural Rajasthani women race while balancing earthen pots on their heads)
• “Shilp Gram” or arts & crafts fair
• Matka phod competition (Local v/s Visitors)
• Village market place
• “Desert Symphony” or best of Rajasthan cultural program
• Gir and cross breed cattle competition
• Musical chair
• Inter Panchayat samiti rural sports competition i.e. competition amongst various village bodies
• Champion Cattle Competition
• Cultural performances by Kuchamani (local Rajasthani artists)
Overnight will be in deluxe tent.
Travel Astu group enjoying Pushkar
Day 16:
Pushkar – Ajmer - Delhi :
After breakfast drive to Ajmer to board the train to Delhi.
Flight back home and take along with yourself loads of unforgettable memories of Incredible India Tour with Diwali Festival and Pushkar Fair.
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON:
| OCCUPANCY | TOTAL PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| PRICE IN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY | USD 960 |
NOTE: Please note that lunches and dinners are not included (if not mentioned in the inclusions) along with movie camera fees at the monuments, tips and personal expenses. All hotels / trains mentioned are guaranteed at the time of quotation. Indian Visa along with international return airfare is not part of the tour package. 5 Star hotel option also available on special request. You can custamized your 5 Star hotel according your choice. Tour price will be different for 5 star hotel option.
Your most welcome to India during Diwali Festival and Pushkar Camel Fair 2024.
Namaste!!
