Land of the Maharajahs – Pushkar Camel Fair

Day 1 - Nov 15: Welcome to Delhi!
Check in to the stylish and luxurious Le Meridien Hotel, ideally situated near Connaught Place in the bustling center of New Delhi.

Day 2 - Nov 16: Full day sightseeing in New and Old Delhi
Expertly guided sightseeing features Raj Ghat, the evocative memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the colorful Chandni Chowk market, a rickshaw ride past the imposing Red Fort, a powerful symbol of the Mughal Empire, #WHS#and a visit to Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India. Then join city residents aboard the efficient Metro for a quick ride to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920’s with palatial-sized buildings set on broad tree-lined streets. Drive along the famous Rajghat, see the India Gate and Parliament House, and visit Qutab Minar #WHS#and Humayun’s Tomb #WHS#. Meals B

Day 3 - Nov 17: Onward to Agra
Travel through the colorful countryside to Agra this morning and check in to the ITC Mughal Luxury Collection Hotel. Later in the afternoon, join your experience guide once again to visit the one-and-only Taj Mahal #WHS#, built by the grief-stricken Emperor Shah Jahan as al everlasting tribute to his beloved wife. Then tour the Agra Fort#WHS#, a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards and fountains. Meals B

Day 4 - Nov 18: By rail to Ranthambore National Park
This morning you’ll visit the spectacular red sandstone ghost town” of Fatehpur Sikri . Once a mighty Mughal capital of the 16th century, this deserted citadel has taken on a Sleeping Beauty quality, lying quietly but beautifully preserved. Continue to the Bharatpur Rail Station and board the early afternoon Shatabdi Express Train for your scenic journey to Ranthambore. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the Vivanta by Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge. Meals B,D

Day 5 - Nov 19: In search of the Bengal tiger in Ranthambore
Most travelers visit the tiger reserve in a traditional Indian canter, an open-air bus that seats 25 people. But our exclusive safari drives find you in special open-air jeeps that seat only 4 to 6 guests. There’s an expert naturalist guide in each jeep and these vehicles are faster and more maneuverable than the canter! They can even go off-road for more up-close wildlife encounters. You’ll embark on early morning and late afternoon safari excursions when the animals are most active. With luck, you might even encounter the elusive Bengal tiger. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - Nov 20: From Ranthambore to Jaipur
Enjoy another thrilling safari drive in the Tiger Reserve early this morning and then return to your Lodge for breakfast. Later, journey through the colorful Rajasthani countryside to Jaipur. Check in to the Sheraton Rajputana Hotel and enjoy the balance of your afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals B,L

Day 7 - Nov 21: Sightseeing in Jaipur
Ascend to the Amber Palace atop an elephant and tour this grand monument, an impressive legacy of the never-conquered Rajput Kingdom. Admire its lavish courtyards, beautifully decorated halls and the lovely Chamber of Mirrors. In the afternoon, visit the Palace Museum to see its extensive display of miniature paintings, weapons and traditional Rajasthani royal costumes. Then marvel at the lovely Palace of the Winds, built at the end of the 18th century so that women of royal families could conceal themselves behind its latticed façade as they watched the hustle and bustle of the street activity below. You’ll also visit Jantar Mantar#WHS#, an observatory built in 1726. You’re sure to be astounded by these architectural stone instruments - ingeniously designed and meticulously constructed to measure time, predict eclipses and track the movements of the stars and planets. The largest instrument stands 90 feet tall and all are amazingly accurate! Meals B

Day 8 - Nov 22: Drive to Pushkar
After breakfast, travel through the Thar Desert on a scenic drive. Around midday, you’ll arrive in the charming town of Pushkar, set on the edge of a small and picturesque Lake. Upon arrival, check in to your tented camp and relax before setting out on a camel cart ride to visit the Fair grounds. You’ll also explore this small town, home to the only temple dedicated to the Hindu God of Creation, Brahma.

Your stay here in Pushkar during the once-in-a-lifetime Camel Fair has been purposely planned with flexibility. With thousands of nomads, merchants, camel traders, artists and musicians from across Rajasthan, there is always so much to see and do. You’ll have unforgettable up-close encounters and enthralling experiences with animal traders, camel races, competitions and cultural shows - all taking place amidst colorfully canopied booths selling everything from snacks and sweets to jewelry, textiles and camel saddles.

Your Trip Leader will guide you around the area and will ensure that you have plenty of opportunity to experience the many sights, sounds and activities of this annual festival. Meals B,L,D During your stay in Pushkar, you’ll enjoy a delightful variety of vegetarian meals freshly prepared at our tented encampment.

Day 9 - Nov 23: The Pushkar Camel Fair
After breakfast, you have the full day in Pushkar to visit the fair grounds and temples, and to experience all of the local festivities. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show and bonfire back at Camp. Meals B,L,D

Day 10 - Nov 24: Journey to Jodhpur
Travel the scenic roads to historic Jodhpur and check in to the Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal Hotel. Meals B

Day 11 - Nov 25: Explore Jodhpur
Once the capital of the state of Marwar, Jodhpur is home to impressive monuments. Your expertly guided morning sightseeing tour begins at the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, which stands atop a 400-foot hill overlooking the city. Behind these massive walls which soar up to 120 feet is an extraordinary complex of ornate places decorated with carved panels, delicate lattice windows and beautiful stained glass. Fist established in 1459, many of the fort’s current structures were built in the 17th century and today Mehrangarh is one of the largest forts in all of India. You’ll also see the immense Umaid Bhawan Palace, built between 1928 and 1943, and Jaswant Thada – an imposing, beautifully carved white marble cenotaph which seems to glow in the bright Rajasthani sun. Then walk through the bustling Clock Tower Bazaar before returning to your hotel. Meals B

Day 12 - Nov 26: Through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur
Visit Ranakpur Temple, one of the biggest and most important Jain temples in India, set in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravalli Hills. Founded in the 15th century, this immense and breathtaking complex covers more than 45,000 square feet. Within, there are 4 shrines and 24 pillared halls of exquisitely carved sandstone columns and domes. Each of the 1,444 columns is unique, with intricate designs and ornamentation – no two are exactly alike! Continue on to romantic Udaipur and check in to the Trident Hotel, an inviting 5-star resort surrounded by park-like grounds on the tranquil shores of Lake Pichola. Meals B,L

Day 13 - Nov 27: The City of Dreams
Udaipur has been called India’s “City of Dreams” and you’ll see why as you explore the immense City Palace with its courtyards and grand halls, all wonderfully ornamented with pillars, balconies, towers and cupolas. At the City Palace Museum, you’ll find a superb collection of Mogul paintings and carvings. Then visit Jagdish Temple. Built in 1651 and decorated with towering tiers of bas relief carvings, this temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle, a mighty bird called Garuda. Then join your Trip Leader to wander in the enchanting garden of Sahelion Ki Bari, a tranquil refuge with beautiful pools and fountains graced by pavilions and surrounded by carefully landscaped flower gardens and shade trees. Later, relax on a romantic cruise across the placid waters of Lake Pichola. Meals B

Day 14 - Nov 28: Return flight to Delhi
Fly to Delhi and transfer to the Le Meridien Hotel. Meals B

Day 15 - Nov 29: Depart Delhi
Your program with us finishes this morning. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11/15/2012 - 11/30/2012	$4,499
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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