Royal Rajasthan - Pushkar Fair

Princely fortresses rising out of golden desert sands are the lure of Rajasthan, an exotic land 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 journey features three nights aboard the Palace on Wheels, an elegant train that carries us back in time to the opulent world of the maharajas, and a special visit to an annual gathering of tribes in the desert outposts of Pushkar or Nagaur, complete with spectacular camel races! Each departure varies slightly but all include memorable overnights in splendid maharajas’ palaces and fascinating wildlife viewing, including the World Heritage Site of Keoladeo. We end our journey with a sunrise pilgrimage to the legendary Taj Mahal.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Delhi / Palace on Wheels (November 13-25, 2012, Departure)

We explore the fascinating sights of New Delhi, 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 and a superb testament to the craftsmanship of the old masters. 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 wonderful wildlife viewing.

Days 5-6
Udaipur

In Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in the world, we explore traditional havelis (mansions), fortresses, and temples, with overnights at the unforgettable Lake Palace, the marvelous 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 Camel Fair

Pushkar is famous for its enormously colorful annual gathering of India’s desert nomads. We enjoy two full days at the fair, which features exhilarating camel and horse races as well as traditional singers, musicians, and acrobats. Our deluxe tented camp provides superb comfort.

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 and one of India’s most renowned nature reserves.

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, “an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.” Continue to Delhi for flights home on Day 13.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is 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 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