Rajasthan Camel Fair Pushkar

Places one can visit : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days

The largest state in India, Rajasthan's climate can be divided into four seasons i.e. summer, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. Temperatures vary depending on the season and the region you plan to visit, but by and large you can visit the state any time of year and find something new to do each time.

Summers in Rajasthan last from April to June and are particularly harsh with temperatures rising up to 48°C during the day. That being said, if you do plan to visit Rajasthan in the summer, head to places like Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh or Ranakpur. The weather here is pleasant and the views offered are breathtaking. For other cities, the weather is optimal in the early evenings for roaming around outside in the early mornings and late evenings, and it is advisable to stay indoors otherwise.

Monsoon is a far more pleasant experience, the temperatures tend to drop across the state and the rain showers transform the arid landscape of Rajasthan. July to September is a particularly good time to visit if you wish to avoid the crowds you'd usually find during peak tourist season. Bundi, the lake city of Udaipur and the Keoladeo National Park are picturesque and are a must visit if you plan to travel to Rajasthan during the Monsoon.

The temperatures continue to drop once the monsoon has passed, and come October winter sets in that lasts till March. During December and January, there can be a severe variation in temperatures during the day and the night. In fact, temperatures are known to drop as low as 0°C and below. This is the best time to visit Rajasthan as the desert sun is not as intense and the days are pleasant. Most of the festivals held in winter are planned as tourist attractions, with visitors coming in from different parts of the world.

Rajasthan has a wide range of climatic variations with extremes of hot and cold in the desert areas, and relatively moderate climate in the hilly areas of the south. In Jaisalmer the summer temperatures could go up to 47° C and down to minus 1° C in winter! On an average day temperatures reach a high of 44°/46° C in the peak of summer, in May, June and July but fortunately the evenings are cooler and there is a palpable drop in night temperatures. Similarly, the winter temperatures can go lower than 0° C.

Day 1: Arrival at Delhi

Pick up at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and transfer to the hotel, where you will receive a warm traditional welcome complete with garlands and sweets. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi

Visit the treasures of Old Delhi after breakfast and booties of New Delhi after lunch on this day. Old Delhi offers you Red Fort, Jama Masjid, amazing experience of strolling down the streets of Chandani Chowk that has evolved more and more in the past and Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Lutyens designed New Delhi and its State buildings including Parliament of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan or President's Palace and Rajpath that leads down all the way to India Gate. Other gems worth a visit in New Delhi are Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and Iron Pillar of Mehrauli and the markets of Connaught Place. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Mandawa

In the early morning, drive to Mandawa, a city situated in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan known for its painted Havelis (mansions of rich merchants). The intricate carvings and ornate designs and the painted arch depicting Lord Krishna and his herd of cows that leads to the markets of Mandawa are worth a visit. You can buy some beautiful handicrafts here as souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Bikaner

n the morning, drive to Bikaner and you can see sand dunes and the sights of desert region on the way. You will be taken on a tour to the Camel Breeding Farm nearby, which is world-famous for breeding the best riding camels and even feed and ride the camels. Other highlights of the day are Junagarh Fort, Fort Museum and Lalgarh Palace. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: Bikaner Camel Festival

Witness the famous camel festival of Bikaner known for the various camel sports and performances including camel races and camel dances. You can also enjoy camel safari and folk dance and music performances by local artisans here. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Jaisalmer

Drive to Jaisalmer, while enjoying the real life scenes of Thar desert that mainly consists of vast expanse of sand dunes, thorny shrubs, Rajasthani women dressed in colorful skirts, veils and heavy silver jewelry with a number of pots well-balanced on their heads as they march in a group to the nearest water-head and men in various turban styles leading their camels. Check in the hotel and go on a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer City. The highlights are Forts such as Sonar ila that are lived-in, Gadisar Tank and ornate Havelis such as Patwon ki haveli, Salim Singh ki haveli and Nathmal ji ki Haveli. Explore the markets of Jaisalmer in the evening for handicrafts, tie and dye attires and camel leather jooties (footwear). Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7: Jaisalmer

Enjoy the trip to Sam sand dunes today. Note the changing colors of sand at different time of the day and experience the perfect adrenaline rush as you ride up and down the sand dunes at high speed! Interact with native Rajasthani villagers in the nearby typical Rajasthani Desert Village, many of whom have never visited the nearest city of the outside world. Their warm and friendly children are very hospitable and traditional Rajasthani cuisine accompanied by musical and dance performances by the folk artisans around the bonfire are just wonderful. You may also go out on a camel safari and get a taste of uneven gait of a moving camel. Overnight stay at the tents in the camp.

Day 8: Jodhpur

In the morning, drive to Jodhpur and check in the hotel. Enjoy the desert scenery along with the gems of the city's great heritage such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Mandore Gardens. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9: Udaipur

In the morning, drive to Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Go on a sightseeing tour of the city with City Palace Museum, Jagdish Temples and Sahelion Ki Bari as the highlights. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or go for shopping in the Bapu bazaars. In the evening, savor the grandeur and architectural splendor of the City Palace and have dinner in imperial style here. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 10: Udaipur

After breakfast, take a cruise on Lake Pichola in the motorboat and revel in the beauty of the placid blue lake. Visit the island palaces Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas and experience the romance of the historical and architectural splendor of the place and its well-maintained gardens. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11: Pushkar

Drive to Pushkar, visiting Ajmer enroute. Ajmer is known for the famous Dargah of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti that attracts thousands and lakhs of pilgrims and tourists every year. Check in and overnight stay at the hotel in Pushkar.

Day 12: Pushkar Fair

Pushkar is one of the holiest cities of Hindus and is the only place in the world, with a temple dedicated only to Lord Brahma. Take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake and visit the very famous Pushkar fair and all its activities such as camel ride, tug-of-war and witnessing the camel contests and cultural performances of the folk artists dressed in traditional attires. In the evening, ride the camel cart to the 52 Ghats of the lake. Overnight stay and dinner at the tented camps amidst the sand dunes and folk song, music and dance performances of Rajasthan.

Day 13: Jaipur

In the morning, drive to Jaipur and check in the hotel on arrival. Go on a guided sightseeing tour of India covering all the major sites such as Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar. After lunch, go on an excursion to Amber Fort with all its palaces and courtyards and enjoy a royal elephant ride to its gate from the foothills. In the evening, you can explore the bazaars of the city and enjoy typical Rajasthani cuisine at dinner that includes Dal Bati, Churma and Bajare Ki roti. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14: Agra

In the early morning, drive to Agra, visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute. The highlights of the day are Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwani-aam, Sheikh Salim Chisti's Tomb and Jodha Bai's. Check in at the hotel in Agra and spend the evening at your leisure or go for shopping in the markets of Agra. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15: Agra/Delhi

Go on a sightseeing tour of Agra in the morning including the world-famous Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah and Sikandra. In the evening, you will be driven back to Delhi, where you will be dropped at the airport so that you can catch your flight in time to your onward destination.