ITINERARY – 11 Days

Nov 21 – Arrive Delhi
Welcome to India's capital city! Upon arrival you are treated to a traditional Indian greeting before being escorted to your hotel by air conditioned vehicle. THE ROYAL PLAZA.

Nov 22 – Delhi Sightseeing
Your morning starts off with a tour of Old Delhi with the Red Fort, Raj Ghat (a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi), Ashoka Pillar, and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. The afternoon will be spent exploring New Delhi with a drive along Rajpath where you can view the Parliament House, the President's House and India Gate. A visit to Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple is in store. In the evening, a traditional Indian dinner will be enjoyed with a local family. THE ROYAL PAZA (BD)

Nov 23 – Delhi / Agra
Visit Sikandra on the way to Agra. In Agra, visit the Agra Fort and watch the sunset over the spectacular Taj Mahal. THE GATEWAY. (B)

Nov 24 – Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur, on the way you will visit the city of Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the Mughal empire, but now abandoned. It is a masterpiece of Muslim and Hindu architecture. You will check into your hotel upon arrival in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. PARK PRIME. (B)

Nov 25 – Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing
Enjoy a morning ascent to the high mountain fortress of Amber before your tour of Jaipur City, the capital of Rajasthan. Sights today include Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds", City Palace and the ancient observatory. PARK PRIME. (B)

Nov 26 – Jaipur / Pushkar
Arrive in Pushkar, where the Kartik Purnima full moon dictates the date of the fair held every November. The Pushkar Fair is a colorful and spectacular festival in India, which celebrates culture, tradition, and the biggest day for camel trading. Many visitors also like to take a holy dip in the sacred waters of Pushkar Lake at the time of Kartik Purnima, while visiting the Camel Fair.

The Pushkar Fair is one of the largest cattle transactions in the country. Rajasthani villagers come from far and wide to buy and sell camels, also cows, sheep, and goats. Over 50,000 camels are brought from miles around to be traded and sold. Camels are cleaned, washed, and adorned with finery and jewelry of silver and beads. They are decorated with great care. Some are even adorned with silver bells and bangles around their ankles. Competitions are held and the best camels in all categories are awarded.

The fair lasts three days and is a time of relaxation and merriment for the village of Pushkar. It provides an amazing opportunity to see the lifestyle and culture of the Indian village play out around you during this time of festivity. The town comes alive with vibrant folk music and dances, magic shows, horse and camel races and various other traditional entertainment competitions. The marketplace is thriving as people come to sell bracelets, clothes, textiles, fabrics and more. TENTED CAMP. (BLD)

Nov 27 – Pushkar
Spend the day on the Pushkar fair grounds, exploring the village, cheering for the competitions, shopping in the marketplace, and watching the adorned camels exchange hands. There are many opportunities to join in on the festivities and enjoy the colorful fair. TENTED CAMP. (BLD)

Nov 28 – Pushkar / Jodhpur
This morning, depart for Jodhpur. In the afternoon, visit the invincible Mehrangarh Fort, followed by a visit to the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and cenotaphs of other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. THE GATEWAY. (B)

Nov 29 – Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur
Depart for Udaipur in the morning, stopping en route to admire the lovely Jain temples of Ranakpur and enjoy a lunch at the mango grove and private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. Arrive at your hotel in Udaipur. INDER RESIDENCY. (B)

Nov 30 – Udaipur Sightseeing
Tour Udaipur, also known as the "City of Lakes". Spend time exploring the attractive architecture of City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari Garden, and the folklore museum where you can watch an Udaipur folk string puppet show. INDER RESIDENCY. (B)

Dec 1 – Udaipur / Mumbai (Bombay)
Board a plane to India's cosmopolitan city- Mumbai (formerly Bombay), where you will enjoy a day tour of the city. Landmarks and attractions you will be enjoying are the British-built arch "Gateway of India", the Hanging Gardens and the affluent community of Malabar Hills, the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. A room will be provided at the hotel for your use until you wish India farewell and depart on your international flight home. LEELA KEMPINSKI. (B)