ROYAL RAJASTHAN WITH PUSHKAR MELA
A cultural tour of India

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01 Depart Home city 02 Arrive Delhi 03 Delhi 04 Delhi 05 Delhi / Alsisar 06 Alsisar / Neshal Village (Volunteering) 07 Alsisar 08 Alsisar / Bikaner (Via Deshnok) 09 Bikaner / Jaisalmer 10 Jaisalmer 11 Jaisalmer / Manvar 12 Manvar / Jodhpur / Rohet Garh 13 Rohet Garh / Ranakpur / Udaipur 14 Udaipur / Pushkar 15 Pushkar 16 Pushkar / Jaipur 17 Jaipur 18 Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra	19 Agra 20 Agra / Delhi 21 Delhi / Home Incredible !ndia

Day 01 Friday, 16 Oct.2009, Depart home city for India

Day 02 Saturday, 17 Oct.2009, Arrive Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India! After completing immigration and custom formalities we will be taken through the city to our hotel.
Overnight: The Metropolitan Hotel in Delhi (3 Nights)

Day 03 Sunday, 18 Oct. 2009, Delhi.
Morning free to recover from long flight, in the afternoon we take short tour of India’s capital city, Delhi, home to over 14 million people, brings together the many historical faces of the sub continent. It has seen the rise and fall of many empires and today is a collision of ancient and modern India. Our exploration we commence our Indian adventure at the footsteps of India Gate, a memorial site for the many soldiers that died in the First World War and then drive by President Palace designed by Lutyens, is the official residence of the President of India. It is an imposing structure with 340 rooms, constructed high up on Raisina Hilla. On its either side, are the impressive office buildings - North Block and South Block. Our day continues with a visit to Shah Jehan’s Red Fort and Jama Masjid, both reflect an opulent expression of history and architectural skill. In the evening we enjoy welcome dinner at Indian Restaurant (B, D)

Day 04 Monday, 19 Oct. 2009, Delhi.
After breakfast we continue our tour of Delhi starting at the famous Qutab Minar, which stands at over 70 metres high with a base of 14.32 meters in diameter. Built in the 12th /13th C, the red sandstone tower is the one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Followed by visit to Lotus Temple, Humayun’s tomb and Raj Ghat the memorial to the father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. (B)

Day 05 Tuesday, 20 Oct. 2009, Delhi / Alsisar (Drive: 250 km)
An interesting day as we move into the rural – the real India. Driving westwards, make our way to Alsisar to get the feel of the authentic flavour of rural Rajasthan. Alsisar provides visitors with a true depiction of village life. The region is home to historical forts, castles and beautiful frescoes. Known as an “open air gallery”, Shekhawati has the highest concentration of frescoes in the world. We explore all this before retiring into our hotel, which will be our base for the next three days as we do voluntary work.
Overnight: Alsisar Mahal Hotel in Alsisar (3 Nights) (B, L, D)

Day 06 Wednesday, 21 Oct. 2009, Alsisar / Neshal Village (Volunteering)
The next two days is an immersion into rural Indian life, people and culture. We spend time to help the villagers by joining in painting the local school and village activities. At this point we get to develop friendship and help them converse in English and plant trees in the surrounding area, adding a sense of serenity to the environment allowing for an ideal for learning. We return to Alsisar for our overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 07 Thursday, 22 Oct. 2009, Alsisar
We spend our second day in Neshal completing our community services. As the time comes to bid farewell to the many friends, we are invited to a simple village goodbye ceremony joined by the local students, teachers and village elders. (B, L, D)

Day 08 Friday, 23 Oct. 2009, Alsisar / Bikaner (Via Deshnok) (Drive: 250 km)
We drive to Bikaner; the once busy trade stop for merchants traveling to Central Asia. We stop at Deshnok and visit the Karni Mata Temple. Famous for rats that run freely and fearlessly throughout the temple, pilgrims from far and wide come to offer sweets as a holy gesture. In the afternoon, we enjoy a tour of the city, visiting a fort and a camel-breeding farm.
Overnight: Lallgahh Palace hotel in Bikaner (1 night) (B)

Day 09 Saturday, 24 Oct. 2009, Bikaner / Jaisalmer (Drive: 330 km)
As we drive through Rajasthan’s colourful and rural roads, we find ourselves at Jaisalmer. Also known as the “Golden City”, Jaisalmer sits on bed of sandstone, crowned by a fort with several Jain temples. We stop for breakfast at the grand and opulent Gajner Palace, formerly a hunting lodge for the region’s royalty. At the heart of the Thar Desert, we experience for a few moments, the lifestyle of, the residents of Jaisalmer.
Overnight: The Gateway Hotel Rawal Kot in Jaisalmer (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 10 Sunday, 25 Oct. 2009, Jaisalmer
Almost 900 years old, Jaisalmer was a major post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert. With its golden crenellated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisite mansions, Jaisalmer’s private residences are decorated with beautifully carved facades and perforated screens. Our Jaisalmer experience starts with visits to some of the most colourful and striking havelis (private residences) followed by Gadi Sagar Tank, the fort and Jain Temples.
At midday we drive to the village of Kanoi and begin our camel safari. Riding through the sand dunes just as merchants did during the medieval times. As the sky darkens, we watch the sun slowly fall deeper into the horizon, as we enjoy traditional folk dance and a delicious meal! We leave a part of the desert behind and drive back to our hotel. (B, D)

Day 11 Monday, 26 Oct. 2009, Jaisalmer/ Manvar (Drive: 180 km)
Today, we drive to the Manwar Desert Camp. An ideal place to experience desert life, village people and the unique beauty that the glittering sun and golden sands offer. Hidden deep in the Thar Desert, this campsite was once the luxurious rest installed by the Mughal Emperor, Jahangir. Our day at Manvar includes a jeep safari through the Thar Desert. Once the sun has set, we sit around a campfire and enjoy the workings of local musicians and dancers.
Overnight: Manvar Desert Camp (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 12 Tuesday, 27 Oct. 2009, Manvar /Jodhpur / Rohet Garh (Drive: 160 km)
We continue our journey through Rajasthan to Jodhpur. Its desert sun reflects on the whitewashed homes that carry a deep and beautiful indigo tinge, resulting in the nickname the Blue City .We visit the Mehrangarh Fort which at a height of 400 feet is one of the largest in the nation. The fort encompasses a series of courtyards and palaces with deep terracotta latticed work. We travel some 40 km and arrive at Rohet to embark on a horse safari through the village. With some of the finest stables in the country, Rohet is home to sensitive and beautiful stallions that allow for an enjoyable ride.
Overnight: Rohet Garh Hotel (1 Night) (B)

Day 13 Wednesday, 28 Oct. 2009, Rohet Garh / Ranakpur / Udaipur (Drive: 280 km)
Our journey to the world-renowned city of Udaipur takes us through this culturally rich and diverse state as we drive near the Aravalli Mountain Range and stop to explore the historic city of Ranakpur. Rakakpur draws many locals and tourists to visit the well-known 15th C Jain Temple. Inside, you find 24-pillared halls and eighty domes supported by over 400 columns. We make our way to Udaipur where we visit the City Palace. A combination of European and Chinese architecture, the palace is a series of grand royal mansions with courtyards, gardens and glass mosaics, sitting on the edge of Pichola Lake. We continue our excursion with a visit to Saheliyon Ke Bari or the Garden of Maids and the folklore museum. We end our day with a boat ride as the moon’s image reflects on the beautiful lake.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel in Udaipur (1 Night) (B)

Day 14 Thursday, 29 Oct. 2009, Udaipur / Pushkar (Drive: 280 km)
Today is another highlight as we make our way to Pushkar. Situated on a beautiful lake, Pushkar is a holy and religious site for Hindus. Also famous for its annual fair, many residents of surrounding villages and towns make their way across the desert in hopes of turning camels into much needed cash. At night, the annual fair brings on a carnival flavour bringing together the city residents and the many visitors. As we walk by we see queues of shy Rajput women dressed in beautiful colourful saris, waiting their turn for a ride on the ferris wheel. As the sun sets, the campfire begins and the bright stars call for an evening meal. Enjoy a free day and take the opportunity to meet and interact with local Rajputs on this very special occasion.
Overnight: Royal Desert Camp Pushkar (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

Day 15 Friday, 30 Oct. 2009, Pushkar
Today we spend a full day at the Camel Fair. One of the nation’s biggest livestock fairs, the Camel Fair draws many from all over north-west India to participate in the buying, selling and negotiating of prized animals. With dancers in the street and skilled artisans selling their goods, the Camel Fair is a jamboree of colour and excitement. (B, L, D)

Day 16 Saturday, 31 Oct. 2009, Pushkar /Jaipur (Drive: 140 Km)
We bid Farwell to Pushkar and take a scenic drive to Rajasthan’s capital city of Jaipur. We are received warmly at our hotel and enjoy the balance of the day to loiter around the colourful bazaars. This is the famous Pink City.
Overnight: Country Inn Suite in Jaipur (2 Nights) (B)

Day 17 Sunday, 01 Nov.2009, Jaipur
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride up to the majestic Amber Palace, an ideal reflection of 17thC Rajput architecture. Built with white marble and red sandstone, the palace mirrors a beautiful image on the waters of Mahotha Lake. At the steps of a building is a true depiction of the local talent of brass inlay, l and stone setting, which is so evident in Jaipur’s historic buildings. The Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, stands tall as one of the most beautiful structures in Jaipur. As we walk through the palace, we travel back into time and picture the ladies of the royal harem staring into the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy shopping at the bazaars of Jaipur. (B)

Day 18 Monday, 02 Nov. 2009, Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Today we drive to the former great Mughal Capital and visit to the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Mughal King, Akbar the Great in 1640, the city is a superb example of Mughal architecture, as it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We continue the day with a look at the mausoleum of the Sufi mystic, Salim Chisty. Waving goodbye to this historically rich city and we anxiously drive to our next destination. Agra! On arrival we are taken to the world famous Taj Majal as we watch its towers glisten under Agra’s full moon! A day and night never to be forgotten.
Overnight:The Gateway Hotel in Agra (2 Nights) (B)

Day 19 Tuesday, 03 Nov. 2009, Agra
Our morning begins with a tour of India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal (WHS). Built by Shah Jehan, the Taj Mahal is a depiction of the king’s love for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Carved from white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, the Taj Mahal is also the site of Shah Jehan’s resting place. We continue our tour of Agra with a visit to the Agra Fort (WHS). Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, it is the site of Shah Jehan’s imprisonment by his son, Aurangzeb. In the evening we experience Agra’s rich cultural heritage as we watch the Mohabatten Taj, a Dance Drama Show at Kalakriti. (B)

Day 20 Wednesday, 04 Nov. 2009, Agra / Delhi (Drive: 220 km)
After check out at 12.pm we make our way back to Delhi. Reflecting on our beautiful journey from the nation’s capital to the physical depiction of its most cherished love story, we will remember India for the unique experience it had to offer.
In Delhi, after freshening up we have the final farewell dinner. After dinner we are transferred to airport to take early morning flight. (B, D)

Day 21 Thursday, 05 Nov. 2009, Delhi / Home.
We take the early morning flight home.

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Departure Dates
2009 English Speaking Departures Oct 16 (Group Departure)
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include International airfare from gateway cities. Departure/Airport Taxes (approx $280) Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected. Insurance & Visa fees Daily buffet breakfast, Lunch and dinner as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner) Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides All transfers and sightseeing in A/C vehicles Voluntary work fee $250 Services of Local English Speaking Guides   Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites   Deluxe tented accommodation at Pushkar   Elephant ride to Amber fort   Camel safari with dinner at Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer   Horseback riding at Rohet Fort   Boat ride on Lake Pichola
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2009 US$ 4950 4700* US$ 1475*
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is included in this tour
Canada	N/A	USA	N/A
Participants
This tour operates with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.