Classic India & the Pushkar Camel Fair
After riding rickshaws through Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk and marvelling at the impressive Rajput, Mughal & British architecture of New Delhi you will be driven to Agra to visit the famous Taj Mahal. Nothing can prepare you for this incredible monument to love and you will enjoy watching its colour change at both sunset and sunrise. Travelling south your journey continues to Jaipur where you will spend your days exploring the architectural highlights and bustling bazaars before moving into the Thar Desert to attend the Pushkar Camel Fair.
Held each November, at the time of the Kartik Purnima full moon, Pushkar Camel Fair is one of India’s most highly-rated travel experiences – a grand ‘mela’ attracting thousands of camels, horses and cattle traders along with local villagers. Over numerous days there are races, traditional rural sports, fabulous turban tying and moustache twirling competitions and concerts each evening. It is also a sea of colour with street vendors and stalls selling everything from tea to textiles. An utterly chaotic, colourful and culturally enriching experience!
After the hustle and bustle of the Fair staying on the edge of Udaipur’s tranquil Lake Pichola will be a wonderful way to end your journey. Udaipur is a fantastic mix of natural beauty and polished panache. Its regal heritage is spectacularly represented by the City Palace – the largest palace complex in all of Rajasthan and it also offers a wonderful array of shopping opportunities before you return home.
Note: The Pushkar Camel Festival occurs over specific dates in November each year. If travel in November is not an option for you we can let you know what alternate festivals may be taking place at the time that is ideal for you, weaving in a host of invredible experiences to suit your style, pace & price. Please get in touch!
You will love
- Five iconic destinations in ten days!
- The pomp & ceremony of Pushkar
- Boat cruise on Lake Pichola
- Sunrise and sunset at the Taj Mahal
- Dazzling array of architecture
10 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | DELHI | 2 NIGHTS
Spend your first evening in Delhi at leisure – an opportunity to adapt to the time change and prepare for the exciting 10 days ahead.
DAY 2 | DELHI
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi exploring the sights and sounds of India’s vibrant capital city taking in the highlights of the magnificent Mughal architecture as well as the exotic atmosphere of the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi.
DAY 3 | AGRA | 1 NIGHT
This morning road transfter to Agra (approx 4 hours) arriving in time to spend a relaxed afternoon visiting the Mehtab Bagh Gardens, on the banks of the Yamuna River opposite the Taj Mahal – the perfect place to watch the sunset.
DAY 4 | JAIPUR | 2 NIGHTS
Start your day early with a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal at sunrise. Later visit Agra Fort and The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula – known as the ‘baby Taj’ – before driving to the fabled Pink City of Jaipur (approx 5 hours)
DAY 5 | JAIPUR
Enjoy a morning heritage walking tour of Jaipur – start by driving to the Amber Fort, then passing by the Hawa Mahal, visit the City Palace and Museum, finishing with a walk around the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jantar Mantar.
DAY 6 | PUSHKAR | 2 NIGHTS
Transfer by road from Jaipur to Pushkar today (approx 2.5 hours) Pushkar is home to the only temple of the deity, Brahma, in the country, which makes it an important pilgrimage site. Visit the Pushkar Lake to observe worshippers take a holy dip and offer a prayer before making your first foray into the Pushkar Camel Fair festivities!
DAY 7 | PUSHKAR
Today the full day is set aside to enjoy the Pushkar Camel Fair. The main attractions are the camels. Decorated with bells & swathed in colour they are paraded in beauty pageants, intricately shaved for photoshoots & exhibited for the trade. The auctioning of these magnificent animals is enthralling and there are endless bazaars to wander, other livestock to view & traditional performances to watch.
DAY 8 | UDAIPUR | 2 NIGHTS
Road transfer from Puskhar to the Lake City of Udaipur (approx 4.5 hours). Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Lake Pichola this afternoon with the opportunity to alight on Jagmandir Island for lovely views across the lake, to wander the gardens & explore the Gol Mahal – an ornate 17th-century tower that houses a small exhibit on Jagmandir’s history. Return by boat to the lake shore.
DAY 9 | UDAIPUR
This morning enjoy an Old City Cycling tour – discovering the Lake City of Udaipur on a bicycle (or on foot or by vehicle if you prefer). Later visit the City Palace followed by the Jagdish Temple as well as Saheliyon ki Bari, or the garden of the Maids of Honour, and marvel at the flora & fountains.
DAY 10 | END OF ITINERARY
Your Indian adventure ends today with a transfer to the airport to begin your return home, or to start your next adventure!
PLEASE NOTE:
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular opportunity to participate in one of India’s most renowned festivals, however it can be designed to suit your preferred pace, price and pursuits. Contact us for a tailormade journey.
ACCOMMODATION
A sample of just some of the accommodation on offer
ITC Mughal – Agra, Northern India
ITC Mughal, a luxury hotel in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. The only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. It comprises of 233 opulent rooms and suites, recreating a paradise for the contemporary Mogul. Read More
Samode Haveli – Jaipur, India
Unexpected and charming, Samode haveli is a 200-year old intimate townhouse, belonging to the royal family of Samode, hidden deep in the folds of the busy streets of old Jaipur. With its mix of history, simple style, and interesting features, Samode Haveli is the reigning hip heritage hotel in Jaipur and a popular first choice for anyone on bespoke luxury India tours. Read More
Fateh Garh Palace Hotel – Udaipur
Fateh Garh Palace Hotel is a Heritage Renaissance Resort where luxury living and environmental friendliness go hand-in-hand. The property incorporates local stone and antique architectural elements and is home to two fabulous infinity pools, an indulgent spa and an impressive collection of vintage cars! Read More
NEED TO KNOW
10 days of epic touring that at can be shortened or extended to suit
10 days of epic touring that at can be shortened or extended to suit
Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences
Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences
START: Delhi, India | Finish: Udaipur, India
This itinerary provides the perfect inspiration for a spectacular journey & can be tailored to suit your style, pace, preferences and budget. Elements of this trip may vary based on your chosen season & dates of travel which may also present the opportunity to see & do even more!
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth MackintoshJulia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford familyWe are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad BalanceThe trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree familyClassic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain JonesWe loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi CunninghamAn amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert TaylorThank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul CozziVery knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert HappellEverything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim BradleyYou can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham FamilyThe trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma JeffcoatAbsolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie AdamsClassic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros WheelerTheir experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip StevensIf you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph HarrisonClassic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison GuthrieClassic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley YatesThe Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette WhileyIt certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean MifsudWould do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan TribeAn absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williamsbegin your journey now
Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience