Embark on a mesmerizing journey through India’s vibrant cultural tapestry with our Camel Fair and Sacred Sites Tour.
Tour Overview
Begin your adventure with a warm welcome to Delhi, where you’ll settle into your hotel and enjoy leisure time. The following day, immerse yourself in the captivating history of Old and New Delhi, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Raj Ghat. The tour then takes an exhilarating turn as you board the Ajmer Shatabadi Express to Ajmer, a journey that offers glimpses of India’s diverse landscapes.
Arriving at Ajmer, you’ll find yourself amidst the bustling spectacle of the Pushkar Camel Fair. Witness the spectacle of camel trading, traditional competitions, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and festivities. Your experience continues as you observe the Kartik Poornima celebration, a sacred bathing ritual at Pushkar Lake, a truly mesmerizing and spiritual experience. Your journey also includes a visit to Ajmer Sharif, a significant Sufi shrine, and an exploration of its intricately designed interiors.
Concluding your adventure, you’ll return to Delhi, where you’ll depart with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of India’s rich heritage.
Destinations Covered
Delhi: India’s capital welcomes you with its rich history and bustling energy. Explore the contrasting facets of Old and New Delhi, from the majestic Red Fort to the serene Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Engage in the vibrant markets and immerse yourself in the city’s diverse culture.
Ajmer: A historic city renowned for the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a Sufi shrine that draws devotees from across the world. The intricate silver doors and spiritual aura make this an enlightening experience.
Pushkar Camel Fair: Step into a whirlwind of colors, cultures, and traditions at the Pushkar Camel Fair. Witness the spectacle of livestock trading, camel races, and cultural performances against the backdrop of the golden desert landscape.
Pushkar Lake: Experience the spiritual fervor of Kartik Poornima, a holy day marked by pilgrims taking a cleansing dip in Pushkar Lake’s sacred waters. Explore the numerous ghats and ornate temples surrounding the lake, witnessing a vibrant tapestry of rituals.
Your tour weaves together the fabric of India’s cultural diversity, from spiritual rituals to lively fairs, leaving you with lasting memories of this enchanting land.
Detailed Tour Plan
Day 1: Welcome to Delhi
Welcome to India and the start of your holiday!We will pick you from the Airport and take you to a pre booked hotel. After checkin, relax for a few hours.
In the afternoon we will take you on sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Explore the colourful sights of Delhi. Opt to visit the imposing Red Fort, Jama Masjid – India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat – the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. Overnight – Delhi
Day 2: Delhi – Ajmer – Pushkar Camel Fair
This morning is an early start as we board the Ajmer Shatabadi express bound for Ajmer. Seated in the air conditioned chair class carriage and leaving the city behind we look out upon a landscape of golden desert studded with green fields of agriculture and peaceful villages. Upon arrival to Ajmer a short drive leads us to our accommodation, a kilometer from the uproarious gathering of the Pushkar Camel Fair.
For the next few nights we bed down in our comfortable Swiss style permanent tented camp. Each high roofed tent with solid flooring, proper beds and linen offers the facilities of air conditioning, en suite with a bath and hot and cold running water.
After lunch and time to freshen up we head over to the frenzy of activity and riot of colour that is associated Pushkar – possibly the world’s largest camel fair. Attracting some 300 000 visitors, 40 000 camel, cattle and horses the fair draws sightseers, pilgrims, nomads, breeders, herdsmen, farmers and traders with their accompanying family, livestock and wares from all over the state of Rajasthan. Pushkar is an authentic cultural spectacle that’s totally unique and promises to be good fun. Overnight – Pushkar
Day 3: Camel judging, cricket, music & magicians
Today offers a glimpse at the serious business of livestock trading and the judging of the best bovine and came lids in each category. There are also more light hearted activities on offer such as the camel running races, tug of war, awards for the best dressed camel and a beauty pageant. Take a look in at the longest moustache competition or keep score at the cricket match between the local Pushkar club and a random assortment of tourists.
There are also vibrant folk music and dances, magic shows and various other traditional entertainment and competitions as well as hundreds of authentic stalls to explore, packed with jewelry and textiles from the surrounding areas.
This evening can be spent watching the various entertainments offered at our camp, outdoors and under a blanket of stars. Overnight – Pushkar
Day 4: Pushkar – bathing at the ghats
Today marks the start of the Kartik Poornima, a Hindu holy day celebrated on the full moon or the fifteenth lunar day in the month of Kartik. According to the Hindu scriptures the lake relates to Brahma, the god of all creation and is one of the five most holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in India.
Pushkar Lake Video
Pushkar Market Video
Savitri Mata Temple Pushkar
The Brahma temple here is the most important temple in Pushkar, and is in fact the only Brahma temple in the whole of the country.
On this day of celebration countless pilgrims swathed in colourful fabric converge for a holy dip in the sacred lake before the morning sun has cast its first rays on the earth. Surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake), throngs of devotees line the water’s edge praying to the deities before washing away the sins of a lifetime.
After all sin has been absolved, the atmosphere is electric and the carnival, music, dancers, magicians, acrobats, snake charming, horse and camel racing continues. If all the excitement becomes to much and you’re in need a breath of fresh air remember you can always take stroll and explore any one of the 500 Hindu temples surrounding the lake and the local area.
This fascinating spectacle of cattle trading, religious worship, celebration and festivity at Pushkar during this time of year is globally famous. Your baggage allowance may not allow you to take home a camel, but you’re sure to find something truly unique and authentic here at the annual fair. Overnight – Pushkar
Day 5: Ajmer Sherif and onward to Delhi
Pushkar – Delhi. This morning offers free time before visiting the town of Ajmer Sherif. The most notable site is the resting place of the Sufi seer, Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti who died here in 1236 after six days of fasting and praying. Possibly the most important Muslim shrine in India fervent pilgrims patronize the shrine as did many of the Mughal rulers including that of Emperor Akbar.
Leading off the Dargah Bazaar we enter the shrine via a gateway of immensely beautifully intricately carved silver doors. In the courtyard stands two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 litres! That’s a lot of chicken soup!
Onward to the station we board our train to Delhi arriving at 22:45 in the evening and transfer to the airport for your onward international flight.
End of Tour
FAQs about the Tour
Q: What is the main highlight of the Pushkar Camel Fair?
A: The Pushkar Camel Fair is a vibrant and colorful event that showcases camel trading, cultural performances, competitions, and festivities against the backdrop of the golden desert landscape.
Q: What is Kartik Poornima, and why is it significant in Pushkar?
A: Kartik Poornima is a Hindu holy day celebrated on the full moon in the month of Kartik. In Pushkar, it marks a day of spiritual significance, with countless pilgrims taking a holy dip in Pushkar Lake to cleanse themselves of sins and participate in celebratory activities.
Q: What can I expect to see at Ajmer Sharif Dargah?
A: Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a Sufi shrine and the resting place of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti. The shrine’s intricate silver doors and the spiritual ambiance make it a significant site for Muslim devotees and a place of reverence.
Q: How does the tour involve both spiritual and cultural experiences?
A: The tour combines visits to revered spiritual sites like Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Pushkar Lake with cultural immersion at the Pushkar Camel Fair, where you’ll witness camel races, folk music, dances, and other traditional activities.
Q: What is the significance of the Ajmer to Delhi train journey?
A: The train journey from Ajmer to Delhi offers a scenic and comfortable way to travel between destinations, allowing you to relax and enjoy the changing landscapes of India.
Q: Can you describe the activities at the Pushkar Camel Fair?
A: The Pushkar Camel Fair features camel and livestock trading, camel races, cricket matches, beauty pageants for camels, traditional folk music and dances, magic shows, and vibrant stalls selling jewelry and textiles.
Q: What is the importance of Pushkar Lake during Kartik Poornima?
A: Pushkar Lake holds immense spiritual significance during Kartik Poornima. Devotees gather to take a holy dip in the lake’s waters, believing it will cleanse them of their sins. The atmosphere is festive, with celebrations, rituals, and cultural performances.
Q: How does the tour provide insight into local traditions?
A: The tour allows you to observe local customs, rituals, and festivities at the Pushkar Camel Fair and Ajmer Sharif Dargah, providing a deeper understanding of Indian culture and spirituality.
Q: What is the historical importance of Ajmer?
A: Ajmer is historically significant for its Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a Sufi shrine, and its association with Mughal rulers. It’s a place of pilgrimage and reflects the rich religious diversity of India.
Q: How does the tour end, and what are the departure logistics?
A: The tour concludes with a transfer to Delhi, where you can further explore the city or proceed to the airport for your onward international flight. The journey leaves you with a blend of spiritual experiences and cultural insights from this enchanting part of India.
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