Pushkar Mela : the Camel Fair in Rajasthan

(13 Days / 12 Nights)

DELHI / MANDAWA / BIKANER / DECHU / JODHPUR / LUNI / RANAKPUR / UDAIPUR / PUSHKAR / JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA

PRICE 1764 $ (Based on 2 people)

  • Step into Rajasthan, the majestic realm of Maharajas (Emperors).
  • Vibrant cities pulsate with life, giving way to sprawling national parks, a seamless blend of culture and nature.
  • Discover Pushkar Mela, the festival of Dromedareset let yourself be carried away by a magical, unique and lively universe.
  • From opulent temples and grand palaces to thrilling safaris and the iconic Taj Mahal, a treasure trove of experiences awaits.
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Day 1 : Thursday, 12 Nov. 2026 - Delhi 

You will be met at Delhi Airport by a representative from our local agency or by your French-speaking guide to welcome you to India. They will accompany you to the hotel, where we have booked a two-night stay for you.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2 : Friday, 13 Nov. 2026 - Delhi

After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring Delhi.

Bathed by the holy waters of the Yamuna, Delhi served as an imperial capital twice: first under the Mughals, and later, in 1911, under the British. The city is divided into two contrasting areas: New Delhi—a Victorian-style city featuring broad avenues, a business district, and the Parliament clustered around Connaught Place—and Old Delhi, the historic heart and former capital of Muslim India, characterized by narrow lanes lined with bustling bazaars. The Old City is home to the Red Fort, a testament to the power of the Mughal emperors, as well as the country’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid.

You will explore Old Delhi on foot, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat, the mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, you will visit the Qutub Minar, the country's tallest tower, rising to a height of 72.5 meters.

After lunch, you will discover New Delhi, traveling along Rajpath—the "King's Way"—before admiring the India Gate, the Parliament House, and the Presidential Palace.

In the evening, you will share a moment of spiritual devotion with the Sikh community at the Bangla Sahib Temple.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 3 : Saturday, 14 Nov. 2026 - Delhi / Mandawa (250km / 5h)

 

After breakfast, you depart for Mandawa, a region of Rajasthan known as the "open-air art gallery of Rajasthan." It is in these towns, surrounded by sand dunes, that you find *havelis*—the homes of wealthy merchants who once made their fortunes in the camel trade between India and Pakistan.

Lunch en route.

Upon arrival in Mandawa, you check into your hotel before setting out to explore the historic mansions of this small village—a true gem teeming with *havelis* and temples. You will also gain insight into the villagers' daily lives: women in colorful attire busy with their chores, children on their way to school, and artisans at work.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 4 : Sunday, 15 Nov. 2026 - Mandawa / Bikaner (190km / 3h)

 

After breakfast, you set off across the Thar Desert for Bikaner, a former princely capital dating back to the 15th century.

Upon arrival in Bikaner, you check into your hotel.

After lunch, you tour Junagarh Fort, a vast citadel housing various palaces and temples. A labyrinth of corridors, staircases, and courtyards awaits you.

As you wander through the corridors, you will discover the coronation hall, the Hall of Mirrors, the Maharaja’s bedchamber, and an arms museum—which also houses elephant howdahs—as well as the "conference hall" featuring a silver throne and the fakirs' original beds of nails.

After a short tuk-tuk ride through the town's picturesque bazaar, you explore the old quarters on foot, wandering through the typical narrow alleyways.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 5 : Monday, 16 Nov. 2026 - Bikaner / Dechu (200km / 4h)

After breakfast, you set off for Dechu.

Nestled amidst the deserts of Rajasthan lies a majestic oasis—the Thar Oasis Resort—a true gem.

A visit to Dechu is the perfect way to understand the culture and beauty of desert life.

Upon arrival, you check into the hotel and have lunch, followed by some free time to enjoy the swimming pool.

In the late afternoon, you head out by jeep to explore fields of mustard and red chili peppers. This excursion offers a chance to connect with the abundant wildlife—including Indian gazelles (chinkara) and nilgai—and to admire the stunning beauty of the Thar Desert’s pristine sand dunes.

After a short camel ride across the dunes, the evening unfolds with a barbecue accompanied by a performance of Langana music and dance.

Dinner and overnight stay in a tent.

 

Day 6 : Tuesday, 17 Nov. 2026 - Dechu / Jodhpur / Chandelao (160km / 3h)

After breakfast, you set off for Chandelao. En route, you will visit Jodhpur, the "Blue City." The city is dominated by Mehrangarh Fort, featuring its harem, a sumptuous reception hall, the cradle room, a small Hall of Mirrors, and the royal palanquin chamber—home to a chased silver *howdah*.

Next, enjoy a stroll through the city bazaars surrounding the Clock Tower—a well-known tourist landmark visible from afar—where artisans and merchants of all kinds ply their trades. The stalls here overflow with sari fabrics, spices, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

You then continue your journey to Chandelao. Upon arrival, you will check into the Chandelao Garh hotel; an architectural gem, the fort stands proudly in this remote region of Rajasthan. Chandelao Garh is a heritage hotel offering a regal atmosphere in which to rest and rejuvenate. You can visit the village of Chandelao, observe the local way of life, and enjoy the hospitality of the warm-hearted villagers and hotel staff.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 7 : Wednesday, 18 Nov. 2026 - Chandelao / Ranakpur / Udaipur (275km / 5h)

After breakfast, you set off for Udaipur. En route, you make a delightful stop to visit the Jain temples of Ranakpur.

Nestled at the foot of a wooded slope of the Aravalli Hills, Ranakpur is one of the most remarkable Jain sites, distinguished by the quality of its intricate carvings, the architectural complexity of its temples, and the charm of a setting imbued with deep religious devotion.

The site’s crowning achievement is the Adinath Temple, built in the 15th century.

After lunch, you continue along a scenic route through the rolling landscape of the Aravalli range to Udaipur—the "Pearl of Rajasthan"—where you check into your hotel upon arrival.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 8 : Thursday, 19 Nov. 2026 - Udaipur

After breakfast, you will visit the "White City"—founded by Udai Singh in the 16th century and one of India's most romantic cities. It is graced by three sparkling lakes, including Lake Pichola with its two island palaces (Jag Niwas and Jagmandir), as well as the massive lakeside City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

In the morning, depending on water levels, you will be transferred to the Lake Pichola jetty to admire the magnificent façade of the Udaipur palace and stop at Jagmandir Island.

After visiting the palace, you will take a leisurely stroll through the streets of the Old City and visit the Jagdish Mandir, a sanctuary dedicated to Vishnu.

After lunch, you will visit Sahelion-ki-Bari—known as the "Garden of the Maidens"—built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies to enjoy. You will explore this stunning park, featuring pools with intricate water features, marble elephants, and numerous pavilions.

Next, you will visit a silk painting center specializing in miniatures.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 9 : Friday, 20 Nov. 2026 - Udaipur / Pushkar (280km / 5h)

After breakfast, you depart for Pushkar—one of Hinduism's most important cities.

Upon arrival, you check into your hotel.

After lunch, you set out to explore Pushkar and its 400 places of worship—including the only temple dedicated to Brahma—as well as the 52 *ghats* that provide pilgrims access to the sacred waters for ritual purification.

In the evening, you will discover the Pushkar Mela (Pushkar Camel Fair). You will witness various key attractions and activities, such as camel and livestock trading and diverse performances, alongside contests like the "Longest Moustache" competition, the "Bride Contest," and many others.

You can browse the numerous stalls offering traditional handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and local culinary delights, and participate in rituals at the Brahma Temple and the sacred lake—particularly during Kartik Purnima, when a holy dip is customary.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 10 : Saturday, 21 Nov. 2026 - Pushkar / Jaipur (140km / 3h)

After breakfast, you depart for Jaipur, one of India’s most pleasant and vibrant cities.

The capital of Rajasthan is also known as the "Pink City," named for the color of the buildings in the old city, which is encircled by barren hills topped with fortresses and crenellated ramparts. Sacred cows, camels, elephants, and rickshaws all share the streets. Built in 1727, Jaipur is one of the most colorful and picturesque cities in all of India.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, you check into your hotel.

After lunch, you will visit the "Jantar Mantar," an astonishing observatory built by a prince with a passion for astronomy.

You will take a rickshaw ride through the bazaars of the old city to observe artisans in their workshops (potters, dyers, and jewelers), street vendors, and vegetable sellers.

In the evening, you visit the Birla Mandir temple to witness a religious ceremony (Aarti).

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 11 : Sunday, 22 Nov. 2026 - Jaipur

After breakfast, you set off for an excursion to Amber Fort. This majestic structure is located 9 km north of Jaipur, in the former capital of the Rajput Empire. En route, you will stop to see the Hawa Mahal (or Palace of Winds)—a slender structure featuring over 900 windows and balconies—offering a chance to capture an extraordinary moment in the morning light.

After lunch, you will visit the Monkey Temple (Galta Ji); the afternoon is then left free for strolling through the bazaars, shopping, and/or relaxing at the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 12 : Monday, 23 Nov. 2026 - Jaipur / Abhaneri / Agra (240km / 4h30) 

After breakfast, en route to Agra, you will visit Abhaneri—a historic village famous for the magnificent Chand Baori. This is one of India’s largest and deepest stepwells, renowned for its impressive geometric architecture and more than 3,500 narrow steps. After visiting this remarkable site, you will continue on to Agra.

Upon arrival in Agra, you will check into your hotel.

You will then set out to explore the Taj Mahal. Here, you will discover a masterpiece of Mughal art and architecture: a radiant white marble mausoleum inlaid with semi-precious stones. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is considered the third wonder of the world.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 13 : Tuesday, 24 Nov. 2026 - Agra / Delhi / Return Flight

After breakfast, you will visit the Agra Fort, whose towering red sandstone walls overlook the Yamuna River. It marks the birth of the Mughal imperial style and offers a final glimpse of the Taj Mahal.

In the late morning, you will travel to Delhi; upon arrival and after lunch, you will visit the Qutub Minar, the country's tallest tower, standing 72.5 meters high.

In the evening, a room will be available for you to freshen up before the farewell dinner.

You will then be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your return flight.

OUR PRICES INCLUDE :

Accommodation (Heritage Hotels or 4*) in double rooms, with breakfasts and dinners included.

Air-conditioned car with parking fees, fuel, road taxes, and tolls.

Experienced English-speaking driver (his accommodations, meals).

English-speaking guide for the entire tour.

Rickshaw ride in Jaipur.

Entrance fees to temples, museums, monuments.

Boat ride in Udaipur.

Trek in Dhar village, Udaipur.

Camel ride and 4x4 tour in Dechu.

Tuk-tuk ride in Bikaner.

24/7 assistance from the Passion !ndia team

 

OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE :

🗶 International flights (round trip).

🗶 Visa, travel insurance, and repatriation.

🗶 Lunches.

🗶 Personal expenses.

🗶 Drinks/camera and video fees.

🗶 Tips.