Royal Rajasthan - Nagaur Fair

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

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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