Indian Festivals

HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the “real” Pushkar Camel Fair, before the staged tourist event
Connect with tribal peoples in Pushkar and Nimaj
Explore the exotic cities of Rajasthan
Venture off the usual tourist path to enchanting Narlai, a former royal hunting retreat
Visit the exquisite Ranakpur Jain Temples and the magnificent Taj Mahal

The Pushkar Camel Fair, with all its color and excitement, is a magnificent immersion into the lifestyle of the nomadic tribal herders, farmers and villagers from all over Rajasthan. We will have opportunities for authentic interaction as the tribesmen decorate, parade and race their camels, hoping for the best price. The fair is also a spiritual time when Hindu pilgrims pay homage at the temple dedicated to Lord Brahma and bathe in the holy Pushkar Lake under the full moon. On this tour we explore Rajasthan in-depth, visiting magical desert cities like Jodhpur and Jaislemer, two tribal villages, and one of the most colorful Indian festivals.

Sunset camel ride in Thar Desert outside Jaisalmer

ITINERARY

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Day 1-2: Meet in Delhi
Sightseeing of Old & New Delhi.

Day 3-4: Udaipur - Ranakpur
Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Udaipur. Visit City Palace, attend puja at Jagdish temple. Sunset private boat ride on Lake Pichola. Visit the extraordinary Ranakpur Jain Temples, built in 1439, surrounded by tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyards.

Day 5-6: Narlai-Nimaj
Enjoy stays at two enchanting Rajasthani villages.

Day 7: Pushkar
Enjoy a lovely stay at our deluxe camp located near the fair and the nomadic camel herders’ camp, where we can see their lifestyles closeup and interact.

Day 8-11: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Visit the historic forts, museums, magnificent havelis, bustling bazaars. Sunset camel ride in the sand dunes.

Day 12-13: Bikaner - Mandawa
See superb red sandstone havelis belonging to the Oswal Jains. Walking tour of the villages. Our accommodation is an authentic 16th century castle, run today by the grandson of the former maharaja.

Day 14-15: Jaipur-Samode Village
Enjoy the vibrant pink city with its elaborate palaces, fantastic bazaars. Visit Amber Fort and Samode.

Day 16-17: Agra - Delhi
Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Fort, Sikandra. Return to Delhi.