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The Golden Triangle
Tour with Nagaur Festival
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(18
Days / 17 Nights)
(Delhi-Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur-Pushkar-Udaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner-Nagaur-Mandawa-Delhi)
(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click
here)
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Welcome |
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Nagaur Fair
Also called as the Cattle Fair, is the 2nd largest animal fair
of India. Thousands of animals are gathered at the cattle fair
for trading. Traders come to buy and sell cows, bullocks (Nagauri
breed is renowned), oxen and camels.
The Nagaur Festival is held every year in the period between
January-February in the quaint Rajput town of Nagaur. The
Nagaur festival is essentially a cattle fair and every year
close to 75,000 camels, bullocks and horses are traded. In
fact the sheer volume of trading is astonishing to the first
time visitors.
To add spice to the festivities, fun events like tug-of-war,
camel and bullock races and cockfights along with enchanting
folk music of Jodhpur add a surreal charm to the whole
festival.
One of the most amazing feature of Nagaur Festival is the
vibrant red-chilly market that is exclusively set up at the
festival premises. By all accounts this red-chilly market or
"mirchi bazaar" as it is popularly referred to in the local
parlance is the largest in Asia.
The Nagaur Festival is organised by the Department of Animal
Husbandry in co-operation with the Department of Tourism,
Government of Rajasthan. As per the latest statistical
records, approximately 80,000 cattle owners participate in
this festival with more than 2,10,000 cattles being traded.
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Activities
Various
games are organized during this four day festival. Tug-of-war,
camel races, cock fights etc. provide entertainment to the
tourists and visitors. As the sun goes down, a joyous
atmosphere is created by the folk music and dance, whose
voices echo far and wide across the tranquil desert sand.
History
It was bestowed upon Balban as his jagir in 1242. Sher Shah
captured Nagaur in 1542 A.D. Nagaur was a sarkar of Ajmer
subah during Sur empire and later in Mughal empire. Emperor
Akbar built the mosque here, and there is a shrine of the
disciple of Mu'inuddin Chishti of Ajmer.
Badal Mahal, Sheesh Mahal & Hadi Rani Mahal are worth seeing.
All three have exquisite 18th century frescos on the ceilings.
There is also fascinating medieval air cooling system and an
ornate old hammam, or bath.
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The
town of Nagaur has been the bastion of the Rajputs. Here you
can hear the jingle of bells as camels or sheep wend their
paths from village to village. And with them go the hardy
people of these parts. The men with their proud moustaches |
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and brightly colored
turbans. And the women, in their gaily printed skirts and heavy
silver jewelry. And centuries of tradition follow in their steps.
At the festival there is fierce bargaining as far as buying
and selling of cattle is concerned. The seller skillfully
enumerates the merits and intrinsic worth of the animal until
the buyer is fully convinced about these merits and strikes a
deal.
As dusk descends on Nagaur, the folk musicians come into their
elements. Their songs eulogizing the inherent Rajput heroism
and bravado as well as their tragedies and misfortunes
reverberates to the distant horizons. As the torrid heat of
the day gives way to the chilly wind of the night, one
snuggles closer to the warmth of the embers of the camp-fire
at the Nagaur Festival in Nagaur Rajasthan.
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Nagaur Festival
The Nagaur Fair -
26th
January
to
29th
January,
2015 |
Day 01. Flight
to India (Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in
Delhi.
The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for
travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and
transferred to the hotel.
Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in
Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the
Red Fort through the old city and famous
Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat"
, the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and
Jama Masjid,
the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous “Humayun
Tomb” which
is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and
“Qutub
Minar” which
is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to
the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the
India Gate,
Government Buildings and Embassies. |
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Day 03: New Delhi - Agra (about 200 km
/ 4 hours)
Today we drive to
Agra.
In the evening arrive in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.
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Day 04: Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the
Agra Fort,
built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this
massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the
time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial
quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the
most beautiful monument of India, the
Taj Mahal,
an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was
built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and
memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at
the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child.
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Day 05: Agra - Fatehpur
Sikri - Jaipur (about 260 km
/ 5-6 hours)
Today we leave Agra, drive to the Pink City
Jaipur. Enroute we make a stop and visit
Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial
capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century.
This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly
as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to
failing in the water supply. In the evening arrive in Jaipur. This city owes
its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and
astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan
and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. |
Day 06: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of
Amber, laying 11 km.
away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6
centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the
Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit
the
Hawa Mahal (Palace of
the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each
having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the
ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we
visit the City Palace that is still the formal residence of the royal
family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the
museum of the
City Palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We
continue to
Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five
remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveal us the secrets of
medieval Indian astronomy. Later we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar
of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being
done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city
of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white
marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony.
Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
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Day
7. Jaipur
- Pushkar (about 145 km / 3 hours)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to
Pushkar,
an ancient religious town. Pushkar is one of the most religious places for
Hindus. The only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an
important pilgrimage city for Hindus. Pushkar has become famous in the world
due to its Pushkar Festival which takes place in the month of November when
the whole of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground where
thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of Pushkar lake and the
biggest cattle and camel markets take place here. In Pushkar after having a
small break we visit the
God Brahma temple and the
Pushkar Lake.
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Day 08. Pushkar - Udaipur
(about 301 km /
6-7 hours)
After having breakfast drive to
Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. This city is
built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green
hills of the Aravali ranges. Arrive in Udaipur by the evening. Rest of the
day at leisure.
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Day 09. Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We start our
sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of
Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the
visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum has a
rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk
musical instruments and paintings on display. After a break we proceed to
City palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of
Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated
with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not
conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace includes the beautiful
peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. Today we
have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and see the
famous miniature paintings done. In the evening we have a Boat ride on the
lake Pichola. The famous
Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former rulers.
The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more known
in the west.
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Day 10. Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur (about 275
km
/ 5-6 hours)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive from Udaipur to
Jodhpur. In route
we will visit
Ranakpur. Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble
Jain Temples. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 sq.
feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The
total number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, no
two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th
century. We have a break in Ranakpur before proceeding further for Jodhpur. The city was once the capital of the princely state of Marwar
(Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is
also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are
painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which has
101 bastions and seven gates. Jodhpur lies on the once strategic
Delhi-Gujarat trading route and the Marwaris got benefit from the passing
traffic of opium, copper, silk which was traded to China. We will visit the
Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep
hill and is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in
residential apartments within. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal
cenotaph built in white marble. After the sightseeing we have a walk through
the Bazaars of Jodhpur.
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Day 11. Jodhpur - Osian -
Jaisalmer (about 290 km / 6-7 hours)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for
Jaisalmer via
Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest
Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. After visiting Osian, we proceed
further for Jaisalmer. In medieval times Jaisalmer prosperity was due to its
location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, |
Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and this city remains
one of the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan but in the whole of India.
We have the rest of the day at leisure and therefore enough time to relax.
Day 12. Jaisalmer
Sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated
golden sandstone walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved
buildings makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved
havellis (grand mansions). Some of the visitors called this city "a living
museum". We have a walk through the old city and visit the
Fort and the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around 40 km. away
from Jaisalmer to
Sam dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back to Jaisalmer.
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Day 13: Jaisalmer - Bikaner (about 330
km
/ 6-7
hours)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to
Bikaner. In the
evening we reach Bikaner. Rest of the day at leisure.
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Day 14 to Day 15 Nagaur Festival: Bikaner - Nagaur (about 105 km
/ 2 hours)
In the morning we visit the
Junagarh
Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble with kiosks
and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This imposing fort
and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us. After visiting the
fort we drive to Nagaur. Nagaur is a desert town of historical significance.
It was known as Ahichhatrapur I and was the capital of Jangaldesh. Nagaur
was granted to the famous warrior Amar Singh Rathore by emperor Shah Jahan.
The main attraction of Nagaur is the Nagaur Fort. In the evening we visit
the Nagaur Fort. The Nagaur Fort was considered to be the best example of
Land fort in Rajasthan. It is defended by strong gates and massive ramparts.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Rest of the day to explore the festival activities of the spectacular Naguar
Fair.
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Day 16:
Nagaur - Mandawa (about 190 km
/ 4 hours)
After having our breakfast we drive to
Mandawa in the
Shekhawati region. Arrival in Mandawa in the evening. Shekhawati lies in
the North east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The
marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups in
India. Later after having a small break we visit the grand havellis of the
Shekhawati area. The marwaris enjoyed protection by Maharajas and many of
them built grand havellis. The havellis are mansions, elaborately and
attractively decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often
covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu
Mythology.
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Day 17. Mandawa
- Delhi (about 250 km / 5-6 hours)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Mandawa (Shekhawati) area.
The marwaris enjoyed protection by Maharajas and many of them built grand
havellis. The havellis are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated
with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local
legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology. After the visit of
Shekhawati area we proceed to Delhi. The rest of the day at leisure.
(opportunity for the last shopping.)
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Day 18. Flight Back Home
Around midnight flight
back to home destination. |
Tour Reservation
To get more
information or to book this tour please submit the
Query Form or send us an
e-mail !
Your
booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from
your side.
About Hotels:
We
provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in
the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels
provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. Luxury hotels are
all five stars or of above standard. Deluxe would be a combination of
3 and 4 star Hotels and standard would be a combination of 2 and 3
star or similar hotels. The criteria
for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your money. We
also provide you wherever possible accommodation in heritage hotels.
Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas
which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are
decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and
present the flair of olden Maharaja days.
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Proposed
Hotels |
Nights |
Indo Vacations – Inclusions:
Accommodation in a double room with shower
/bath & WC in the hotels as indicated.
Half board (breakfast and dinner
in the booked Hotels).
Rickshaw ride in Delhi, Elephant ride in
Amber.
Boat ride in Udaipur.
Breakfast & Dinner in the Hotel during the
tour.
One Dinner will be with a presentation of
Indian music and dance.
An experienced English speaking Tour Guide /
Tour Escort for the local sightseeing throughout the whole tour (An Accompanying
Tour Escort will be provided on the group
strength above 10 traveler).
An air-conditioned vehicle, including
insurance, fuel etc. with chauffeur
(experienced, reliable and English speaking)
during the entire tour.
All entrance fees
of the mouments as per the tour itineray.
All
taxes.
Not included are:
Camera fees, gratitude, drinks and personal
expenses of any
nature!
Note:
We suggest that you book the international
flights in your country as this is mostly
cheaper.
Please note you will need a visitor visa for
India. We recommend to apply for the
same well in advance.
For individual travelers joining the group
will not be charged extra for both the
airport transfers (advance notice required)
If the desired travelers do not register for
the tour – An option will be available to
operate the group tour with less people
with some extra charges. These charges will be informed well in advance and till then there is no
obligation or no cancellation
charges of registration.
Registration for the group tour with Indo
Vacations is without any cost. Only at the time
of confirmation we will send you the travel
documents and ask for 25 % of the total amount
as advance payment. The due amount can be paid
after your arrival in India. (more information
is available on query).
Indo Vacations reserve the right of changes
which may be beyond our control.
Heritage Hotels:
Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand
mansions of Maharajas which have been later
renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are
decorated all individually. Rooms are
comfortable, romantic and present the flair of
olden Maharaja days.
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Hotel Madhuban by Peppermint, Delhi (Deluxe) |
Delhi
3 |
Hotel Howard Park Plaza (Four Star) |
Agra
2 |
Hotel Peppermint, Jaipur (4 Star) |
Jaipur
2 |
Hotel Master Paradise (3 Sterne Service) |
Pushkar
1 |
Hotel Ram Pratap Palace, Udaipur (Deluxe) |
Udaipur
2 |
Hotel Devi Bhawan, Jodhpur (Heritage) |
Jodhpur
1 |
Hotel Rang Mahal (Three Star) |
Jaisalmer
2 |
Hotel Gajner Palace, Bikaner
(Heritage) |
Bikaner
1 |
Hotel Khimsar Fort, Khimsar
(Heritage) |
Nagaur
2 |
Hotel Mandawa Haveli (Heritage) |
Mandawa
1
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Total
Nights |
17 |
Testimonials &
References from the customers who already
traveled with us!
Details for the vehicles used are available at
the below given links:
For 1 person – Tata Indigo - (4 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm
For 2 person – Tata Indigo - (4 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm
For 3 person – Tata Indigo - (4 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm
For 3 - 5 person – Tavera Chevrolet / Toyota
Innova - (6 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tavera.htm;
http://www.indovacations.net/english/ToyotaInnova.htm
For 6-9 person - Tempo Traveler - (10 seats)
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tempotraveler.htm;
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