Royal Rajasthan - Pushkar Fair

Rajasthan is best described by its colors—the brilliant reds and bold yellows of tribal dress, the soft pinks of airy marble palaces, the tawny tones of the desert. Our adventure in this vibrant land features rail travel on the Palace on Wheels and a visit to Pushkar, an amazing place to be in November during the annual Pushkar Fair, a flamboyant gathering of desert tribes, camel traders, camels—and a riot of color, song, and dance. As we travel, we enjoy overnights in some of the most sought-after hotels in the world—including Udaipur’s Lake Palace and Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace, two extraordinary maharajas’ residences where we sample the royal life. The famed hilltop fortress at Amber, the evocative lost city of Fatehpur Sikri, and a sunrise pilgrimage to the Taj Mahal add to this unforgettable taste of India.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Delhi / Palace on Wheels

We explore New Delhi’s monuments, including the exquisitely detailed Humayan’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon of Day 2, we board the Palace on Wheels and settle into our en suite air-conditioned staterooms.

Days 3-4
Jaipur / Ranthambore / Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels brings us to the “pink city” of Jaipur, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. After we explore Jaipur’s remarkable fortresses of pink sandstone, the train carries us to Ranthambore National Park, haunt of tiger, leopard, and sloth bear, for wildlife viewing.

Days 5-6
Udaipur

In Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in the world, we explore its oasis of palaces, temples, parks, and royal courtyards, with overnights at the Lake Palace, the 250-year-old former summer palace of the Maharaja of Udaipur, a grand vision set in the middle of Lake Pichola.

Days 7-8
Pushkar Fair

At this festive gathering of nomads, we mingle among traditional singers, musicians, and acrobats and explore the lively Pushkar bazaar, with overnights at a superb tented camp.

Days 9-10
Jaipur / Bharatpur

After a magnificent overnight at Jaipur’s resplendent Rambagh Palace, former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, we continue to Bharatpur and Keoladeo National Park, a birder’s paradise.

Days 11-13
Fatehpur Sikri / Taj Mahal

We visit the ancient Mughal site of Fatehpur Sikri, then head to Agra for sunrise and sunset visits to the ethereal Taj Mahal. Continue to Delhi for flights home on Day 13.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 1+, Easy. It is a comfortable, vehicle-based sightseeing trip. Accommodations include comfortable, modern hotels reflecting the traditional architecture of Rajasthan as well as former palaces and royal residences that have been converted into luxurious heritage hotels. At our tented camp at the Pushkar Fair, we sleep in Rajasthani-style air-conditioned tents furnished with cots and en suite facilities. Accommodations aboard the Palace on Wheels train are in air-conditioned twin staterooms with en suite facilities (toilet and shower).  There are some long days of driving on rough, bumpy roads.

An optional early morning camel ride is offered at the Pushkar fair for an interesting “above the crowd” view of the activities as the day begins. Anyone participating in this optional activity must acknowledge the inherent dangers in riding and agree to accept any and all risks.

Please remember that travel in India is an intense experience. The essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.

Explanation of Trip Levels