DESTINATIONS:
Delhi – Agra - Jaipur – Ajmer –
Pushkar – Ajmer – Delhi
HIGHTLIGHTS: 
Pushkar
Fair About 14 Kms drive from Ajmer, famous for a Hindu temple
dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator, here, every year, on the full
moon of November, thousands of pilgrims gather to bathe in the sacred
lake. This Occasion is also well – known for one of the largest
cattle fair in Rajasthan – a riot of color, tradition, dance and
costumes unparallel any where in India. People all over Rajasthan
camp here with their cattle, mostly camels, horses for selling
purpose, thus adding beauty to the fair, in addition to the many
cultural shows and games held.
Day 01
Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi,
meet upon arrival and Transfer to pre booked hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 02 Delhi
Morning leave
for the sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Delhi
– Ajmer – Pushkar
Morning
transfer to railway station for train to Ajmer, upon arrival, drive to
Pushkar, check in at tented camp. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 & 05
Pushkar
Day free to
attend the Pushkar fair. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 06
Pushkar - Jaipur
Morning free,
afternoon drive to Jaipur. Check in at hotel upon arrival.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07
Jaipur
Morning
excursion to Amer fort. Afternoon city tour.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08
Jaipur - Agra
Morning drive
to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri enroute, the deserted sandstone city.
Continue drive to towards Agra. Check in at hotel.
Day 09 Agra
Day for the
tour of Agra city, visit Taj Mahal, the impressive Agra fort and Local
Bazaar. Overnight at hotel
Day 10,
Agra – Delhi
Morning drive
to Delhi, visit Mathura the birth place of Lord Krishna enroute.
Check in at hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11
Departure
Transfer to
international airport for flight to onward destination
Pushkar along the bank of the
picturesque Pushkar Lake, which is an important pilgrimage for the
Hindus
One of the most
sacred lakers in india is that of pushkar, which is only rivalled by
the lake of Mansourwar, in Tibet. It is situated in a narrow valley
surrounded by immense mounds of shifting sand; and a few isolated
peaks stand out on its borders with great effect. Its form is nearly a
perfect oval, and at its southern extremity it empties itself by a
narrow canal into an immense marsh. The origin of this lake is
attributed to Lord Brahma.
The story goes
that the god, wishing to celebrate sacrifice of Yug, stopped for that
purpose in the valley, having first placed genii at the entrance of
all passes to keep off the evil spirits. Just as he was going to
perform the cermony, he perceived that his wife Saraswati had not
accompanied him; and, as the presence of a woman is necessary, he
employed one of the Apsaras. Saraswati was so grieved at this
infidelity that she hid herself in the mountains to weep, and was
transformed into a fountain. Several centuries after, one of the
Purihara Kings of Mundore lost his way while hunting, and, feeling
healed of a disease previously incurable, and recognised the
miraculous property of the spring. Shortly afterwards he returned, and
had a basin dug out to receive the waters, which now from the lake of
pushkar.
This lake soon become a favourite resort of pilgrims, and during the
midlle Ages temples and cenotaphs. Gradually quite a town of relegious
buildings sprang up, peopled by Brahmins. The wealthy pilgrims from
all parts of India brought untold riches to Pushkar, and the princes
spared no expense to enrich the holy inhabitations of the sacred
town.
People consider the water of the Pushkar lake to be very sacred and
the ritual of taking dips in the holy water is believed to bestow
salvation. The holy dip is most auspicious on Kartik purnima. Even
before sunrise, people descend the ghats, aided by the pandas [Brahmin
priests] to take the sacred bath. Offerings of coconut, flowers, and
cash are made to the lake and the priests.
Padma Purana,
elaborately describes the origin and importance of this lake. It says
that Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, was once contemplating to
locate a suitable spot on earth to perform a 'Yajna' (sacrificial
ritual), the lotus fell from his hand and rebounding, struck the earth
at three places within a circuit of kms. Water issued forth, from all
the three places and the Creator called all the three as Pushkar
(lotus) distinguishing them as 'Jyeshtha' (elder), 'Madhya' (central)
and 'Kanishtha' (younger).
Camel Fair
Tours
The world-famous
Fair is held in the sacred and peaceful town of Pushkar, 11 kms.
north-west of Ajmer. It transforms into a spectacular fair ground
for twelve days during the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov).
 The
Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from all over
the globe to the ancient and secluded environment of Pushkar town.
Pushkar Fair is perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world.
Rajasthan which is enriched by cattle wealth is the home to many
recognized breeds of cattle.
A large number
of cattle converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair is
predominantly a rural gathering and is overwhelming in its
magnitude and visual impact. Vendors peddle their dazzling range
of wares at hundreds of roadside stalls.
Evenings at the
fair have their own charm. Folk Dramas, Music and Dances are
organized for the entertainment of the tourists. The camels, horse
and donkey races are great crowd pullers and enthrall the tourists
A unique blend of
color, rhythm and melody. The Camel Festival begins with a colourful
procession of bedecked camels, Ships-Of-The-Desert, in the red
sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort.
The festivity
advances to the open sandspreads of the Polo Grounds, followed by
camel races, camel milking, fur cutting design, the best breed
competition, camel acrobatics, camel bands and watching all this, are
the gaping spectators. The camel display amazing foot-work, dancing
gracefully to the slightest direction of their riders.
Colourful bridles,
bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel shadows on
dusky sands, cast a magic spell. The jubilant, skirt-swirling Gair
dancers, the awe inspiring Fire dance, and dazzling fire-works light
up the fortified desert city of Bikaner.
According to mythology, he performed the 'Yajna' at Jyeshtha Pushkar
from Kartik Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima. Lakhs of devotees assemble and
bathe in the holy waters during this period of the year; but bathing
on the last day which is the full moon (Purnima) day, confers special
blessings. 
One of the major attractions in Pushkar is the Pushkar Fair the
cattle fair is held here on this occasion, where other animals like
camels and horses are also bought and sold. It is attended by people
from far and wide.
In recent years, an exclusive accommodation-Tourist Village, has also
been erected for foreign tourists. Competitions are organized for them
and cultural programmes are held acquainting them with the Rajasthani
way of life and culture.
Pushkar has 52 bathing ghats and many temples, big and small; the most
celebrated one being that of Brahma, the Creator of the Universe.
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