Rajasthan With Pushkar Festival & Cruise
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Duration25 Days
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Region
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Category
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Best Time
- November
Introduction
India is a country with a sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture and landscapes. Far Horizon takes you on a special journey where you will explore the treasures of India, a phenomenal cultural mix along with the intricate architectural wonders and a deep sense of spirituality. From the historical city of Delhi to the royalty of Rajasthan along with the sacred and soulful Varanasi, not to miss the monumental city of Agra, the majesty of Taj, this special journey comes to a close at the cosmopolitan city of Kolkata from where MV Mahabaahu will take you cruising onto the waters of the mighty Brahmaputra river, a unique experience filled with an extensive wildlife coverage of the Kaziranga National Park along with exploring the living cultures of various towns, villages and islands of Assam.
Destinations Covered
Delhi
The City of GloryDelhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Jerusalem and Varanasi. It is the Capital Territory of India and a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments.
History and Culture
Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. The oldest alleged incarnation of the city shows up in the Indian mythological epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha.
Udaipur
Venice of the EastUdaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. This 'Venice of the East' has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India.
Sardargarh
The Impeccable FortressLocated at a distance of 94 km from Udaipur, Sardargarh fort is one of the best heritage hotels of Rajasthan, boasting of a magnificent structure. The fort hotel is placed amid thick forests and the hills of Chuppun.
The fort was built by one of the most powerful Dhodhia rulers, Sardar Singh, between 1738 and 1743. It has tales of valor, mystery, romance and royalty to recite. You can see the ramparts of the Sardargarh like a great ship anchored at outer sea, much before you get close to the gigantic walls soaring high above the village of Lawah.
Jodhpur
A Rhapsody in BlueLocated on the foothills of a sandstone hillock, the city of Jodhpur seems like an oasis in the vast desert. The city is known by three names as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the "Blue City" due to the vivid blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.
Pushkar
The Town of Fairs and FestivitiesPushkar is a town bordering the Thar Desert, in the northeastern Indian state of Rajasthan. It's set on Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu site with 52 ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims bathe. The town has hundreds of temples, including 14th-century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, dedicated to the god of creation, which has a distinctive red spire and walls inlaid with pilgrims’ silver coins.
Jaipur
The Pink CityJaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the eighteenth century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction amongst Indian as well as international travellers. Jaipur is often called the Pink City in reference to its distinctly colored buildings, which were originally painted this color to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red color originates from repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.
Varanasi
Sacred, Soulful and SpectacularVaranasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi is the India of your imagination. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in Hinduism.
Agra
The Majesty of the TajAgra is the city of the Taj Mahal, in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort in the city and Fatehpur Sikri on the outskirts of Agra. There are also many other buildings and tombs from Agra's days of glory as the capital of the Mughal Empire.
Kolkata
The City of JoyKolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal and the second largest city in India (after Mumbai). This city is a daily festival of human existence, simultaneously noble and squalid, cultured decidedly futuristic.
History and Culture
The history of Kolkata is intimately related with its invention during the British rule dating back 300 years ago. Earlier known as Calcutta, it originated as a capital of British India in 1960 when East India Company dominated the country.
Jorhat
Tea Capital of IndiaJorhat is the cultural capital of Assam; home to the largest Tea research station, there are as many as 135 tea gardens in Jorhat.
Sivasagar
Imprints of Ahom DynastySivasagar, previously spelled Sibsagar, is a city in the Sivasagar District of Assam, about 360 kilometres northeast of Guwahati. It is the headquarters of the Sivasagar district. This city is surrounded by the Dehing rainforest, where the Dihing and Lohit rivers meet.
Majuli
World's Largest Fresh Water IslandMājuli or Majoli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam and in 2016 it became the first island to be made a district in India. It had an area of 880 square kilometres (340 sq mi) at the beginning of the 20th century, but having lost significantly to erosion it covers 352 square kilometres (136 sq mi) as at 2014. Majuli has shrunk as the river surrounding it has grown. Majuli is currently listed as the world's largest river island in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Kaziranga National Park
The haven of one-horned rhinosA UNESCO World Heritage site, Kaziranga is famous as the abode of the one-horned rhinoceros. Made unique with a vibrant, well preserved and sustained ecology this park has a very versatile bio diversity which makes Kaziranga National Park a very important and popular tourist destination.
Guwahati
The Gateway to the North-EastGuwahati is the largest city in Assam and Northeast India. The slow, meandering Brahmaputra River is a focal point of the downtown while the lush hills of the Shillong Plateau provide a verdant backdrop for the suburbs.
History and Culture
There is a magical aura that still lingers over the ever-expanding city. The demon king Narkasura is said to have built this ancient city. Another reason for Guwahati's charm is its being the ancient 'Kamrup', the birthplace of Kamdeva, the God of Love.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Thursday: Arrive Delhi
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Day 2
Friday: Delhi
Delhi
This morning after breakfast, drive past the Red Fort followed by a Rickshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk and a visit to the Jama Masjid. The main street of 'Old' Delhi is a magnificent bazaar and as fine a monument to congestion, colour and chaos as you'll find in India today. In Shah Jahan's day, it was endowed with fine mansions, had a tree-lined canal flowing down its centre and was renowned throughout Asia; today it's jam-packed with artisans, traders and auto & cycle rickshaws and comprises a fantastic cocktail of human movement, shopping and street food.
We will then visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century Indian ruler. It is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The premises house a sacred pond in which devotees bathe. They believe that this would wash off their misdeeds and thus allow them to attain peace of mind. The 'Langars' or the community kitchen proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs. Anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal irrespective of caste, color or class.
Drive past the President’s House, Parliament House and takes a photo stop at the India Gate, the war ach memorial. Return back to the hotel after sightseeing.
Conclude the day with a visit to the Qutub Minar. Delhi's most striking monument, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Built in red sandstone and marble, it has a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft) and contains 379 stairs. A Soaring conical tower, it is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and is the tallest minaret in India.
Lunch and Dinner on own. Overnight at hotel (B)
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Day 3
Saturday: Delhi - Udaipur
Udaipur
After relaxed breakfast, check out from the Hotel and drive towards Delhi Airport to board your flight to Udaipur.
You will be met on arrival & transferred to your Hotel in Udaipur. On arrival check in to the hotel, afternoon will be at leisure.
This evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, watching the sunset on the magical Lake and scenic beauty of Udaipur.
Lunch and Dinner on own.
Overnight at hotel (B)
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Day 4
Sunday: Udaipur
Udaipur
Today visit the Jagdish Temple, the largest and most venerated temple in Udaipur. Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharaja Jagat Singh, the temple is decorated with friezes and enshrines a black stone image of Vishnu. Walk about the Garden of Maidens (Sahelion Ki Bari), which consists of an ornamental lotus pool with delicately carved cenotaphs of black and white marble and soapstone. You can explore the Maharajah’s City Palace, an imposing edifice of granite and marble, standing atop a ridge overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola and the exquisite Lake Palace.
Return to the Hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Lunch and Dinner on own.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Garden of Maidens
Saheliyon Ki Bari - Day 5 Monday: Udaipur - Sardargarh
- Day 6 Tuesday: Sardargarh - Jodhpur
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Day 7
Wednesday: Jodhpur
Jodhpur
Today you will explore the city’s beautiful palace Mehrangarh Fort has been in existence since 1459 and is one of the most astounding constructions and architectural marvels. The towering building has extremely high walls and gates, and the closer it is explored, the smaller you begin to feel! Inside the fort is a network of courtyards and palaces, (including a museum that houses a splendid collection of items from the Maharajas), salvaged to display their long history of warding off attackers.
The Jaswant Thada is an absolutely calming and soothing building to lay your eyes upon. Constructed entirely of a milky-white marble, the whimsical essence of this memorial can be felt by all. The sheets of marble used to create this astounding marvel were all hand carved into fabulous walls and domes. A warm glow surrounds the polished rock, emitting a sunny and pleasant atmosphere.
Return to the hotel. Evening will be free at leisure.
Lunch and Dinner on own.
Overnight at hotel (B)
- Day 8 Thursday: Jodhpur - Pushkar
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Day 9
Friday: Pushkar
Pushkar
After breakfast, proceed to explore the fair. Despite being the busiest time of year for local villagers, the Pushkar festival, one of the worlds largest such fairs, symbolizes a period of joy and respite from everyday life. It is during this time, Hindus believe, that each of the gods visits Pushkar in order to bless the devout. We see signs of this belief today as we embark on a morning tour of Pushkar village. Men and women dress in their finest and most colorful clothing to worship, celebrate, and attend the fair; and thousands of devotees experience a religious resurgence by swimming in the sacred waters of Pushkar Lake. Booths line roadsides as local families and merchants sell items of all sorts, from intricate embroidery, ethnic jewellery, and saddles to puppets, pottery, and items of leather and brass.
In the evening enjoy a camel cart ride at the Pushkar fair.
Return to the Hotel.
Lunch and Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar Camel Fair Festival - Day 10 Saturday: Pushkar - Jaipur
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Day 11
Sunday: Jaipur
Jaipur
After breakfast, embark on an excursion trip which will lead you to Amber Fort, the capital of Rajasthan for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century Fort and Palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. It is one of the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area, located high on a hill. En route make a photo stop at the palace of winds, the Hawa Mahal. Also visit the City Palace which now houses the Royal residence and museums with a fine collection of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings followed by a stopover at Jantar Mantar has been built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate.
Lunch and Dinner on own.
Overnight at hotel (B)
- Day 12 Monday: Jaipur - Varanasi
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Day 13
Tuesday: Varanasi
Varanasi
Rise early this morning and take a boat ride on the Ganga past the Ghats. Here, pilgrims gather on the steps that lead down to the river to bathe in the waters of the sacred river, as the city begins to come alive, in the magical misty light of dawn. Walk through the streets and visit some of Varanasi’s many temples.
Return to Hotel & relax.
Lunch and Dinner on own.
Overnight at hotel (B)
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Day 14
Wednesday: Varanasi - Agra
Agra
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and take a drive towards airport to board your flight to Agra.
You will be met at the Agra airport & will be transferred to the hotel. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Later, proceed to visit the “Mehtab Bagh” situated north of the Taj Mahal complex on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the flood plains. The garden complex, square in shape, is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. The most important attraction of Mehtab Bagh is the Taj Mahal itself. This is a unique spot as you can get a picturesque view of The Taj from here.
Lunch and Dinner on own.
Overnight at hotel (B)
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Day 15
Thursday: Agra
Agra
Early this morning, you savour a travel highlight as we embark on a tour of the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb of white marble built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who had implored her husband to build a monument symbolizing their undying love for each other. Some 20,000 labourers and artisans from around the world spent 22 years constructing what became Mumtaz’s mausoleum, which was begun in 1632. Along with its exquisite symmetry, the Taj features striking examples of pietra dura; a decorative art in which craftsmen embed precisely cut semi-precious stones in marble to form dazzling patterns.
Return to hotel & have breakfast.
Later, in the afternoon visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort), comprising fairy tale palaces, two beautiful mosques, audience halls, pavilions, courtyards, and gardens all surrounded by a massive wall, a moat, and yet another wall. A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In a cruel twist, Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and whose grandfather built the original Fort and who also assumed the throne himself, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son – in a room looking out on the Taj Mahal across the river.
Return to the hotel. Evening will be at leisure.
Lunch and Dinner on own.
Overnight at hotel (B)
- Day 16 Friday: Agra - Delhi - Kolkata
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Day 17
Saturday: Kolkata
Kolkata
After breakfast, visit the Howrah Bridge, this amazing feat of engineering is similar in size to Australia’s Sydney Harbour bridge. It is considered the busiest bridge in the world and everything from pedestrians to bullock carts to push carts to automobiles to bicycles cross every day and the eastern India’s largest flower market with hundreds of stalls and vendors sitting on the ground. Approximately 2000 flower growers from the surrounding areas come daily to sell their flowers and during the wedding season and festivals, that number probably doubles.
Post lunch, visit the Victoria Memorial. This marble-white monument is one of the most fascinating landmarks of Kolkata. Here, we will come face to face with miniature paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria. Of special importance are the Queen's dresses, the famous Rosewood piano, the Whispering Gallery in the dome and numerous artillery weapons used in the Battle of Plassey.
Thereafter we will visit College Street Coffee House. It is located opposite the Presidency College in College Street, the most famous of Indian Coffee House branches in Kolkata. It has been for a long time a regular hang out and a renowned meeting place for intellectuals and students of the Presidency College, University of Calcutta, and other institutions in College Street. It has played an important part in Calcutta’s cultural history and known as the hub of intellectual debates.
Return to hotel. Lunch and Dinner on own.
Overnight at hotel (B)
- Day 18 Sunday: Kolkata – Jorhat
- Day 19 Monday: Sibsagar
- Day 20 Tuesday: Majuli
- Day 21 Wednesday: Boat Safari
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Day 22
Thursday: Bishwanath Ghat
Kaziranga National Park
After Yoga/walk on the deserted island and breakfast on MV Mahabaahu, we enjoy an interesting talk on ‘Kaziranga and the wild life in India’. Then we step into our excursion boats to go to the shores of Bishwanath Ghat.
We walk through the village and are struck by the simplicity of life while the weaver women surround us with their silk and cotton weaves. We enjoy some happy interaction with them.
We sail on for the next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch and reach Silghat. Then we take a short drive to the Kaliabore tea estate, which is a vast undulating expanse of land with tea bushes. We proceed to the tea factory to see the processing of the Assam Tea and getting an insight into all that goes into preparing a cup-of-tea.
(The tea factory is not operational from mid-December to mid-February as it is time for pruning the tea bushes)
We return to the place where the ship is anchored. Close by a co-operative Jute Mill is an interesting place to understand how the Jute fibre takes the form of very eco-friendly gunny bags.
At sunset, we enjoy a cultural evening on the ship followed by an early dinner.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D
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Day 23
Friday: Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park
Early morning wakeup call and after a hot cup of tea/coffee, we drive out towards the Kaziranga National Park.
The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, but the Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer, Asiatic wild buffalo and a rich variety of birds. We reach the Kohora Mihimukh range of the National Park and are ready to start our morning adventure; once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer and hog deer and more and a large number of very interesting birds. The park never ceases to surprise its visitors.
After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, we drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into the open jeeps for some more wild life adventure and an extensive coverage of this magnificent park.
We return to MV Mahabaahu for a leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon. In the evening, we proceed for a traditional Assamese Theme dinner.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)
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Day 24
Saturday: Peacock Island
Guwahati
We catch up on Yoga on an island or on the deck for an hour and move on to breakfast while MV Mahabaahu lifts anchor and heads on towards an island that is occupied predominantly by a ‘Bangla’ speaking Muslim community who are involved in the extensive farming.
After lunch, we enjoy a talk on ‘Kamakhya and the Occult and Peacock Island’. After a visit to this village, we return to the ship for lunch and sail towards the Peacock Island - famous for the highly endangered Golden Langur. It would be a good idea to have one’s binoculars and cameras at hand.
We later sail towards Pandu Port. Later in the evening, we get ready for the Farewell Dinner ‘Alvida Bhoj’ and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)
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Day 25
Sunday: Guwahati
Guwahati
We have a relaxed breakfast. Luggage down, as per the flight schedule. With packed lunch, we drive to the Kamakhya Temple (flight time permitting). This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine the Kama Khya, goddess of desire.
After bidding farewell to the land of Kamakhya you will be transferred to the Guwahati airport to board your onward flight to Kolkata from where you will connect with your international flight.
(B, Packed Lunch)
