THE DESERTS OF RAJASTHAN

Departures

India has long fascinated world travellers for its immense diversity. All of the world’s religions – Hindu, Buddhist, Moslem and Christian - live in relative harmony. Untold wealth shares the land with abject poverty. Modern industry and commerce contrast with traditional lifestyles that are unchanged from centuries past and modern cars and trucks contrast with ox carts and camel trains. This very special journey has been designed to display this diversity, stretching as it does from the capital, Delhi, across the plains of Rajasthan to one of the world's most forbidding deserts.

This tour features one of India's most fascinating desert festivals, which is held in the historic walled city of Jaisalmer, set in the heart of the remote Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Each January, farmers and herders from the surrounding villages and countryside gather to meet their neighbours, join in the fun of traditional competitions and to trade their most valuable possessions. This is a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyles of rural India and to participate in a more traditional festival.

The journey is designed for adventurous travellers, who are looking to discover something new and different and who are willing to accept and to appreciate the cultural differences that they will encounter.

Our group size will be strictly limited to 26 persons so we urge you to enroll early!

Itinerary

January 20, Wednesday: Depart CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight flight to India.

January 21, Thursday: DELHI
Arriving in Delhi late this evening, we will be met and transferred directly to our hotel, located in the heart of New Delhi, close to Connaught Place. Lalit Hotel (2 nights)

January 22, Friday: OLD & NEW DELHI
Our morning will be spent exploring the sites of the planned capital. Highlights will include the Qutab Minar, a magnificent pillar of carved rock towering 240 feet over the remains of a mosque, and the restored Tomb of Humayun. In the afternoon we will visit the old city, including the mazes of Chandi Chowk market, a rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, views of the Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan. This evening we will gather for our "Welcome to India" dinner.
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January 23, Saturday: AGRA
This morning we drive to Agra, known as the city of love and home to the Taj Mahal, one of India's favourite cities in which to be married. En route we shall visit Sikandra, the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. This afternoon we shall visit to the Taj Mahal, built in 1630 by Emperor Shah Jahan and dedicated to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Then we will venture into the heart of the city to visit Agra Fort, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River within site of the Taj. ITC Mughal Hotel (1 night)
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January 24, Sunday: AGRA / JAIPUR
Our day begins with a visit to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1569 by the great Emperor Akbar as his capital and abandoned just two decades later for lack of water. Preserved by the dryness of the region, it has been carefully restored to its former glory. Later we continue to Jaipur, one of India’s true gems of a city. Sheraton Rajputana Hotel (2 Nights)
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January 25, Monday: JAIPUR
Step back in time as we ride gaily decorated elephants to the 17th century Amber Fort. Spend the morning exploring the various palaces, terraces, turrets and chambers of the hill top fortress. Of particular note are the exquisite Chamber of Mirrors and the forbidding Temple of Kali. In the afternoon we'll explore this pink city visiting the Maharaja's City Palace Museum and the Observatory and viewing the spectacular Palace of the Winds. Created from the local pink sandstone, it is a masterpiece of delicate carving.
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January 26, Tuesday: BIKANER
A morning drive will bring us to Bikaner, a true desert market town where, even today, the principal transport is provided by camels and where caravans rested on their journeys across the desert. Encircled by imposing battlements, the town is dominated by Junagarh Fort, known for its exquisite stone carvings. Within the fort there are several palaces. Prior to arrival we shall visit a camel breeding farm, quite possibly the only one in central Asia. Laxmi Niwas Palace Hotel (1 night)
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January 27, Wednesday: JAISALMER
Then sit back and relax, enjoying the panorama of life on the desert as we drive to Jaisalmer. Watch for nomadic tribes leading their sheep, goats and camels to pasture. Stop to view a traditional well and modern irrigation network. Our destination today is one of the most impressive castle cities in the world - massive ramparts and towers encircle the palaces of this ancient desert city (an image reminiscent of the Tales of the Arabian Nights). Fort Rajwada Hotel (3 nights)
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January 28, Thursday: JAISALMER
Jaisalmer Fort, dating from 1156 AD and built on the 80 metre high Trikuta Hill, retains the traditions of centuries past. We will stroll through the old city, admiring the intricate stone carving and visiting a couple of gleaming white Jain Temples plus the Gyan Bhandar, a library containing extremely old manuscripts. In the afternoon we'll venture out into the Thar Desert to experience its tranquillity and for an opportunity to ride on a camel. Later relax by the golden sand dunes while watching the sunset and enjoying traditional Rajasthani entertainment and a ride by camel into the desert.
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January 29, Friday: JAISALMER
This is the day that we have been anticipating, the first day of the Desert Festival. For the last few days people from the surrounding countryside have been gathering, and preparing for this mornings parade which visitors are welcome to join. Farmers and shepherds in traditional dress walk with town folk, local crafts are displayed and sold in bazaars, lively folk music and dancing can be seen. There are races, games and contests, involving camels and more. There is even a contest to find the longest moustache.
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January 30, Saturday: MANVAR
A short drive brings us to the heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert and a unique opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s desert life, culture, wildlife and beauty. During our stay we will do a jeep safari, visit a tribal village (Bishnoi), experience the desert’s wildlife, watch local craftsmen at work and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the desert. Our overnight will be at the Manvar Deluxe Desert Camp.
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January 31, Sunday: JODHPUR
A morning's drive brings us to the fortress city of Jodhpur, once the capital of the princely state of the same name. One of India's most dramatic cities, Jodhpur is dominated by a castle-topped hill surrounded by 9km of defensive walls and towers. In the heart of the city is magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, built on a hill and dominating the surrounding countryside. Inside we will discover a number of palaces and museums portraying life in Rajasthan through the ages. Later we'll have time to enjoy the old city whose dominant colour is the blue of the Brahmin caste. Later this afternoon we shall visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in memory of Maharaja Jawant Singh II. Ajit Bhawan Hotel .
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February 1, Monday: RANAKPUR / UDAIPUR
Travelling through the heart of Rajasthan, our first stop is in Ranakpur, set in a serene location in the beautiful Aravalli Valley. Built in 1432, this Adinath Jain Temple is one of the largest in India, containing 29 halls and 1,444 individually and intricately carved marble pillars. Later we continue to India’s most romantic city, Udaipur, known for its lakes, temples and palaces. Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa Udaipur (2 nights)
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February 2, Tuesday: UDAIPUR
This morning we explore the shores of the man-made Lake Fateh Sagar and visit the beautiful Nagari Jagdish Temple, the Garden of Maids of Honour, with its cool marble pools, the Maharaja's City Palace Museum and the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, a folk-art museum of exquisite crafts of Rajahstan. This afternoon, we will cruise on Lake Pichola, as did the Maharaja of old, visiting the island palace of Jag Niwas.
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February 3, Wednesday: MUMBAI
A morning flight will bring us to Mumbai, India’s largest and most diverse city. This afternoon we shall travel by private boat across the harbour to visit the Elephanta Caves temples which date back to the 6th Century AD. While many of the sculptures were destroyed the site’s historic significance is very obvious. Taj President Hotel (1 night)
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February 4, Thursday: MUMBAI
Following a free morning we will explore Mumbai, highlights of the tour will include views of the old colonial city centre, a visit to Mani Bhawan, the residence of Mahatama Ghandi, the Hanging Gardens and Dhobi Ghat where the laundry is done. This evening we will gather for our Farewell Dinner, before transferring to the airport to catch our overnight flights to Canada.
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February 5, Friday: MUMBAI / CANADA
We will arrive in Toronto in the early afternoon, allowing for connections to our homes across Canada.

EXPERIENCE NEPAL - Optional 4 night extension

° The balance of the group will depart for Canada this evening. Those travelling to Nepal will have an extra night at the Taj President Hotel.

° Transfer to the airport early this morning for the flights to Kathmandu via Delhi. On arrival in Kathmandu, we will obtain our Nepal visa and meet our local guide. Transfer to the Hotel L'Annapurna for a stay of three nights including taxes and breakfast daily. Balance of day at leisure. Our local guide will provide us with details of the arrangements in Kathmandu. He will also make available the option of a Mt. Everest flight, which we suggest you book early. B

° Highlights of today’s tour will include: PASHUPATINATH - situated 5 kilometres east of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple, built in pagoda style has a gild roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors can view the temple from the east bank of the Bagmati River, since entrance to the temple is strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of an annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in February/March. BOUDHNATH - this stupa, eight kilometres east of Kathmandu is one of the biggest in the world. Four pairs of eyes look out in the four cardinal directions, keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva on the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. Built on an octagonal base it is surrounded by prayer wheels, sacred to the local population. B

° Visits today will include: BHADGAON - also known as Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 km east of Kathmandu at a height of 4600 feet above sea level, this former capital was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. In Bhadgaon, you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of wooden temples, overlooked by the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The Nyatapola Temple also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of the Pagoda style and stands on five terraces, each displaying a different pair of figures - two strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses. Time permitting, we can add a visit to the Museum of Tanka Painting as well. PATAN - located just 5 km from Kathmandu, Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is the centre devoted to fine arts. Here we find 4 stupas reputedly built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. Along with opportunities to see and learn about the classical arts you will visit the Durbar Square, the Krishna Temple, built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, and Mahadouddha Temple. This excursion will also include a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Centre to see hand weaving of Tibetan carpets, painting of traditional art and mounding of metal statues. B

° Morning at leisure. Depending on weather conditions, an optional Mount Everest flight will hopefully be available – approximate cost – US$ 165pp)

All too soon, our magical excursion to Nepal comes to an end as we transfer to the airport to depart Kathmandu for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, we will transfer to the International Terminal to check in for the early morning flights back to Canada. B

° Depart Delhi very early this morning, arriving in Toronto around mid-day to connect to our homes across Canada.

° Flights and related taxes ; Mumbai via Delhi to Kathmandu, plus Kathmandu to Delhi
• Assistance on arrival and departure including all transfers
• Transportation throughout as per the itinerary
• Two days of tours in Kathmandu with English speaking guide including all entrance fees
• 5 nights first-class hotel accommodation as indicated (or similar) including breakfast daily
• Comprehensive insurance coverage for the extension

° Nepal Visa, issued on arrival in the Kathmandu airport (cost is US$30 pp – subject to change) • Optional Mount Everest flight • Meals and beverages not mentioned • Services not mentioned, items of personal nature

PACKAGE COST (based on a minimum of 2 passengers):

CAD $1,395 per person sharing twin

CAD $475 single supplement

Early booking of this extension is required! Note: Airfares plus taxes/fees (including fuel surcharges) are subject to change until time of ticketing. Itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions.

NATURALLY NEPAL, click here!

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Tour Costs (CDN$/person)

Prices from other cities are available upon request.

Prices are per person based on sharing a twin-bedded room with private facilities and are based on airfare and exchange rates in effect May 2009 and are subject to change.

NOTE: Members will require a Visa for India and assistance will be provided in arranging this (cost is not included as it must be obtained by the individual).

CT Rating – FOUR, a special note on travel to India:
While India is a destination that offers opportunities to experience different cultures, lifestyles and religions, it also requires a special understanding from those willing to experience these differences. This journey has been designed to take members to remote regions and everyone should appreciate that travel conditions will be more difficult than on most tours. Road conditions are relatively poor in some areas and touring coaches are built locally. Our accommodations will all be very comfortable but will vary from deluxe resorts to traditional Palace properties to rustic country hotels - all rooms will have private bathrooms. Due to the physical and cultural demands entailed by this itinerary, all members should be in good physical health, capable of handling themselves and their luggage, should situations warrant. Membership on this tour will be strictly limited.

Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($195 - 285 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to October 20, 2009 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on November 20, 2009.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $800 per person to Craig Travel's office.