The Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Constructed between 1632 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal entrances visitors. Our special sunrise visit reveals dawn’s light falling across ethereal pavilions of the Taj Mahal.

Photo by Blaine Harrington III

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Royal Rajasthan - Nagaur Fair

Explore India’s Princely Cities from the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Royal Rajasthan - Nagaur Fair route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $8395   see pricing
Length: 14 days
Arrive: Delhi, India
Depart: Delhi, India
Lodging: 7 nights in luxury hotels, 4 nights of luxury rail travel, 2 nights in deluxe tented camp at Nagaur describe
Meals: All meals included
Activity: Walking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: Overland travel with walking tours
2 explain

Highlights

  • Witness the Nagaur fair, exuberant celebrations of nomadic life
  • Legendary Taj Mahal, wildlife at Keoladeo
  • Unique 4-day journey aboard Royal Rajasthan on Wheels luxury train in elegant staterooms
  • Jaipur’s architectural wonders, Jodhpur’s majestic fort, romantic Udaipur, temple-filled Khajuraho, the holy city of Varanasi


I can’t imagine a more successful trip than the one we just had. It was truly perfect in every way.Jackie F.—Charleston, SC

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Princely fortresses rising out of golden desert sands are the legacy of Rajasthan, an exotic land best described by its colors—the brilliant reds and bold yellows of tribal costumes, the soft pinks of ancient palaces, the tawny browns of the desert. Traditional culture is one of Rajasthan's enchantments, and our journey includes an annual fair, a spectacular gathering of desert people in all their finery. A unique 4-day rail journey aboard the opulent Royal Rajasthan on Wheels carries us to the romantic walled cities of Rajasthan, with their airy palaces of marble and onyx. Sunrise at the Taj and an overnight in a maharaja’s palace add to our royal pleasures in this fascinating land.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Itinerary below is for the February 2011 Nagaur Fair Departure. We also offer a Royal Rajasthan Pushkar Fair itinerary, call for more details.


Days 1-2
Delhi

The sites and scenes of Old and New Delhi include Mughal tombs, majestic British-era buildings, and lively markets.

Days 3-4
Nagaur Fair

Nagaur is a picturesque Rajput township that comes alive during the annual Nagaur Fair as thousands of young bulls are brought in for trade and sale (the Nagauri breed is renowned), along with oxen, horses, and a few camels. We enjoy the festivities, with overnights at Royal Camp in tents with private bathrooms.

Days 5-7
Jodhpur / Udaipur

In Jodhpur, we explore the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort, straddling a steep rocky eminence that rises sheer over the desert valley. We then continue to Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in the world, an oasis of palaces, mansions, parks, fortresses, and temples. Our overnights in Udaipur are at the Lake Palace Hotel, the former summer palace of the Maharaja of Udaipur.

Days 8-9
Jaipur / Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

We board the luxurious Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, which carries us to Ranthambore National Park, haunt of tiger, crocodile, and sloth bear. The next day we arrive in magnificent Jaipur, the quintessential Rajasthani city, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Our Jaipur explorations include the mysterious Palace of the Winds, where the royal women once watched the street scene from behind ornate windows, and the massive Amber Fort, a castle overlooking the desert plains. Accommodations are in air-conditioned staterooms with private bathrooms aboard our “royal” train.

Days 10-11
Khajuraho / Varanasi / Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels brings us to Khajuraho, where we explore its famous temples carved with graceful depictions of deities, heavenly nymphs, mythical beasts, and sensuous erotic art. The next day we visit Varanasi, the “timeless soul of India,” with its ancient alleys, golden temples, ashrams, and riverside ghats. Here we take a memorable sunrise cruise on the Ganges in the hope of seeing pilgrims making their devotions against the backdrop of centuries-old temples—one of the most famous sights in India.

Days 12-14
Fatehpur Sikri / Bharatpur / Keoladeo National Park / Agra / Delhi

Bidding farewell to the staff of the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, we drive to Bharatpur via the haunting desert ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Later, we explore Keoladeo National Park, India’s most renowned nature reserve and a World Heritage Site. Our grand finale is at Agra, capital of the Mughal Empire from the 16th to the early 18th centuries, where our explorations include sunset and sunrise pilgrimages to the ethereal Taj Mahal, an exquisite white marble palace set on the banks of the Yamuna River. Depart on Day 14 via Delhi.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2, easy to moderate. It is a comfortable, vehicle-based sightseeing trip. Accommodations include comfortable, modern hotels reflecting the traditional architecture of Rajasthan as well as former royal residences that have been converted into luxurious heritage hotels. At the Nagaur Fair we sleep in colorful, Rajasthani-style 2-person tents with cots. The tents offer basic but comfortable accommodations. The accommodations aboard the deluxe Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train are in air-conditioned double staterooms with en suite facilities (toilet and shower).

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures & Leaders

Feb 8-21, 2011  Devendra Basnet
Jan 22-Feb 4, 2012

Tour Costs

Prices valid through Spring 2011
$8395 (11-16 members)
$8895 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $2490
Internal airfare: $345 (subject to change)

more on pricing

Tour Cost Includes:

  • expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • accommodations
  • welcome and farewell dinners, plus all meals as indicated in the Full Trip Brochure
  • ground transportation
  • airport transfers for passengers arriving on the evening of Day 1, departing evening of the last day of the trip or early morning (before 4am) the following day

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, internal airfare, meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, hotels en route to or on return from Delhi or additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, visa fees, cost of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: $500
150 days prior to departure: 50% of tour cost
90 days prior to departure: Balance

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Cancellation Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $250
61-120 days prior to departure: 50% of tour cost
60 days or less: 100% of tour cost

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Taj Palace Hotel

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Delhi, India

The prestigious Taj Palace Hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a long flight or a day’s exploration of Delhi. We appreciate it for its ...
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Royal Camp

Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Nagaur, India

Set in the Thar Desert near Nagaur, where one of India’s captivating traditional livestock fairs takes place each year, Royal Camp offers ...
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Taj Hari Mahal

Day 5 (1 night), Jodhpur, India

A 21st century palace set in six acres of lush gardens in the heart of Jodhpur, the Taj Hari Mahal has Mughal-inspired architecture of domes, ...
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Taj Lake Palace

Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Udaipur, India

It’s not a stretch to say that the Lake Palace, the 250-year-old former summer palace of the Maharaja of Udaipur, is one of the world’s ...
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Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Days 8 to 11 (4 nights), India

In years past, the rulers of Rajasthan’s princely states designed their own royal coaches to serve as “palaces on wheels” and ...
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The Bagh Resort

Day 12 (1 night), Bharatpur, India

This country estate offers a serene setting and a historic ambience in its 21 rooms, located in five separate compounds. Gulmohar, the main ...
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ITC Mughal Agra

Day 13 (1 night), Agra, India

A traveler goes to Agra for one main reason: to see the ethereal Taj Mahal. That’s why we secure the sought-after Taj-view rooms for our stay ...
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Radisson Airport Hotel (Day Room)

Day 14, Delhi, India

Most trip members only use this stylish business hotel as a day room before they depart on a late evening flight for home. It’s just a few ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Devendra Basnet

Devendra Basnet was born in Darjeeling, India, in the foothills of the Himalayas, and makes his home in Kathmandu, Nepal. He studied Zoology in college in India and began his guiding career as a naturalist guide in Nepal's Royal Chitwan National Park. Devendra is one of our veteran Trip Leaders in Asia, versatile enough to guide for us throughout the Himalayas as well as in Rajasthan, southern India, Central Asia, and China's Silk Road. He has an extensive knowledge of both Western and Eastern cultures. "I love working with people and I also love working in beautiful surroundings, so guiding is a natural for me. I especially love being in the high Himalayas, from Tibet to Bhutan to India. I want my trip members to appreciate how fast everything is changing (for better or worse) in these regions, and help them take back wonderful memories of the wild places and rich cultures we visit." Devendra speaks English, Nepali, Hindi, as well as some Tibetan and Bengali and is learning Chinese.

Upcoming Trips:

Himalayan Mountain Kingdoms, September 9-22, 2010
Annapurna Sanctuary, October 3-18, 2010
Royal Rajasthan - Nagaur Fair, February 8-21, 2011

Client Testimonials:


Devendra did a terrific job well beyond what I was expecting and in many ways throughout the trip. Nancy D., Ultimate Everest D.B. is one of the best trip leaders we’ve ever had with WT. Bill M., Magical Tibet D.B. is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable, but more importantly, in his continual care and concern for the group’s health and safety. Ann C., Magical Tibet Extremely well organized, thoughtful, and detail oriented. We all learned to trust his judgement and were never disappointed. Andrea Novicki, Magical Tibet
D.B. did a wonderful job, very attentive to the needs of individuals. He’s good humored, even tempered and very competent. Terry W., Magical Tibet Devendra Basnet is a joy to travel with. He’s thoughtful, humorous, very knowledgeable about the history, sites, and wildlife. He takes time out to let you meet the people and interact so that you have an appreciation of local life. Peter W., Cincinnati, OH Devendra Basnet was marvelous and he has a fabulous sense of humor. Carolyn M., Portland OR
Royal Rajasthan
Devendra knows the territory and the profession. He kept a close eye on us all, in a quiet way, and his ‘lecture’ on Buddhism one day on the bus demonstrated his teaching skills. Tom M., Hanover NH
Royal Rajasthan

Client Comments

I can’t imagine a more successful trip than the one we just had. It was truly perfect in every way. Jackie F., Charleston, SC
Our Trip Leader shared his enthusiasm for the history and beauty, was sensitive to the needs of each individual, and had an unfailing sense of humor along with tremendous knowledge. It was a splendid experience all around. I did not want to come home! Elizabeth P., Santa Fe, NM