Expeditions to India

Welcome to our Traditional Rajasthan itinerary. Contrary to most other tour companies, our India expeditions do not include time in visiting big cities such as Delhi, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) or Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), or staying in 4- and 5-star deluxe hotels. What interests us is to show you the traditional India and to facilitate contact with the local people in the countryside. And given the great hospitality of the people of India, it often happens that we are spontaneously invited to share a meal or a cup of tea with the villagers or our chauffeur's family and, because of our very small group (limited to 6 participants), we can and do accept these invitations. This close contact is a wonderful opportunity for you to experience the lives of our hosts and capture intimate portraits, something that may not be available on other tours. Up close and personal, that's the particularity of our expeditions!

HIGHLIGHTS of this tour:

- View the Taj Mahal at sunset and sunrise
- Experience the Pushkar Camel Fair with a local camel trader
- Witness colorful Hindu rituals
- Have a taste of the Maharajas' lifestyle with overnights in impressive forts
- Go on a 2-day camel safari in the Thar Desert (optional)

"Carole is a talented photographer, and that combines with decades on the ground in exotic locales makes her an ideal choice for guide. I've shot with her on several occasions and plan on using her again. Stellar guidance and stellar results... in short, an outstanding choice!" Tim T. (TN - India participant)

RAJASTHAN AND PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR - Discover the rich and colorful culture of this princely state and go on a camel safari in the Thar Desert

DATES: November 16 - December 2, 2015 17 days/16 nights
PRICE: $5,775 (land arrangements and domestic flights/train, based on double occupancy, p.p.). If you wish single accommodations or cannot be paired with anyone for a double room, your cost is $6,275
ARRIVAL: November 17, 2015 in Delhi. You need to leave the USA on November 15, 2015 to arrive Delhi two days later.
DEPARTURE: December 2, 2015 from Delhi if your flight leaves shortly before midnight; December 3rd if your flight leaves after midnight. (Flights leave Delhi in the middle of the night). You will arrive in the USA on December 3rd. Please check with us before you book your flight, to avoid any error!
GROUP SIZE: 2 to 8.

This expedition is also a great trip for non-photographers and anyone interested in world cultures.

NOTE: DEADLINE TO REGISTER: JUNE 30, 2015!!!
Please email us after that date to check availability.

After our detour to Uttar Pradesh state to visit the inescapable Taj Mahal, we'll explore the princely Rajput state of Rajasthan, known for its valiance and chivalry, in the comfort of our own private air-conditioned chauffeured vehicle, making impromptu stops along the road to photograph, and we'll marvel also at the diversity of animals that linger or walk nonchalently by the busy roadways: camels, cows, donkeys, dogs, sheep, goats, elephants, monkeys, peacocks - you name it, it is there.
We'll admire the many sandstone castles, forts and palaces, step back in time to the Maharajas' era and stay in restored forts and havelis, the magnificently decorated merchants mansions, now converted in heritage hotels.
The richness of Rajasthan's cultural heritage with its vibrant colors, costumes, music, arts and crafts, cuisine, people and customs will come alive as we witness colorful Hindu rituals and experience the camel fair at the contact of a native cameleer.
And going on a 2-day camel safari (optional) will complete a fabulous experience of Rajasthan.
Embark with us for the trip of a lifetime!

Monday, November 16: Delhi - 1 night
Arrival of participants in Delhi, probably during the night of 16th to 17th. Transfer by prepaid taxi from airport to hotel and check-in.

Tuesday, November 17: Agra - 1 night
After breakfast we go to train station to catch our train for Agra in Uttar Pradesh state, a ride of about 3 hours. We check into our hotel upon arrival and have lunch.
Afternoon at the Taj Mahal, the most famous building in the world. The Taj is a mausoleum built by ruler Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Finished in marble, it is perhaps India's most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewellers to build and is set amidst landscaped gardens. Fantastic inlay works using semi-precious stones decorate the interiors.

Wednesday, November 18: Jaipur - 1 night
Rising before dawn, we drive to the Yamuna River to have a different view of the Taj Mahal from across the river as it is slowly lit up by sunrise. After breakfast and check-out, we drive to Jaipur, stopping on the way at the traditional village of Abhaneri to see the spectacular 9th century step well, one of India's deepest and largest step wells, a marvel of architecture and still out of tourist maps.
Check into heritage hotel at Jaipur.


Thursday, November 19: Pushkar Camel Fair - 2 nights
Drive to Pushkar in the morning (2.5 hours). Check into hotel.
Stroll to the fair then through the town and watch sun setting over the lake and hundred temples, from Sunset Point.
Pushkar is a lovely little town nestled around a lake and surrounded by hills. It is also an entirely vegetarian city where no alcohol is served because it is dedicated to Brahma, the Creator and first God of the Hindu trinity.

Friday, November 20: Pushkar
We spend the day at the camel fair, a fifteen-minute walk from our hotel (with lunch in town). For over 600 years, cattle fairs in Rajasthan have been a colorful and rich tradition. They are unique in style, full of vibrant colors, music and festivities. The biggest camel fair in India takes place in Pushkar, with some 20,000 camels being sold and traded. We'll witness the arrival of the turbaned desert people in their colorful garb with their carts, camels and oxen, their setting camp on the sandy grounds, their home for the next few days, and their trading customs. Sunset on the fair grounds. Possibility of dinner (brought along with us) with a cameleer we know, at his camp site to experience an evening at the camel grounds around camp fires.

Saturday, November 21: Roopangarh - 2 nights
Morning at the camel fair. Drive after lunch to Roopangarh and check into the 17th century Roopangarh Fort. With its ancient passageways, jails, battlements, granaries, armories and foundries, the fort converted into a heritage hotel in 1997 is very enticing. Constructed in 1648 by Maharaja Roop Singhji, the Roopangarh Fort was the first war fort that was built in this part of Rajasthan. We'll stay in the royal quarters.
Visit of the village in the afternoon.

Sunday, November 22: Roopangarh
Morning excursion to Sambhar Salt Lake. Sambhar is India's largest saline lake, 190 sq km in extent at full capacity. The eastern section contains the reservoirs for salt extraction, canals and saltpans. What also draws one to Sambhar is the lure of flamingos. These tall, dainty birds are attracted here in thousands by the delicious spirulina algae that flourish when the water reaches a medium degree of salinity.
Afternoon at leisure.

Monday, November 23: Jodhpur - 2 nights
We continue our journey to the ancient city of Jodhpur, established by the Rathore Dynasty in l459. The city strategic location on the trade routes between Europe and Asia gave it great importance in the past centuries. This was the time when merchants made their wealth with the commerce of silk, spices, indigo, opium and built their impressively decorated mansions called havelis.
Check into heritage hotel.
At leisure in Jodhpur. Visit to a famous spice shop.

Tuesday, November 24 : Jodhpur
Morning stroll in the Brahmins' section of Jodhpur where flat-roof top houses are painted a striking blue.
Afternoon visit of the 17th century Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest forts, overlooking the city.
Option: Having visited the fort, we'll now take a thrilling ride on the ziplines for a different perspective of the fort and spend two magical hours filled with exhilarating fun.
See what others have to say at Flying Fox Zipline

Wednesday, November 25: Pokaran -1 night
After breakfast we take the road to Jaisalmer, with an overnight in Pokaran Fort.
The 14th century citadel, whose name means "The place of five mirages", stands as a paragon amidst the Thar Desert.

Thursday, November 26: Jaisalmer - 3 nights
We drive to Jaisalmer, one hour away. The rich architecture of Jaisalmer's Fort rising from the desert is a surprising sight to behold.
Check into heritage hotel.
Afternoon visit of the fort in which people still live.
Night shoot of illuminated Jaisalmer Fort.

Friday, November 27: Jaisalmer
Two options are offered:
Option 1: Rest and leisure in Jaisalmer for the next two days. Light sightseeing (famous old havelis, lake) with our chauffeur.
Option 2: Two days/1 night camel safari.
We depart at 6:00 am by jeep to campsite 60kms away. Breakfast is served at sunrise at the camp.
Morning camel ride, visiting Unda village (traditional Rajput village) then Bheelo Ki Dhani village (tribal people).
Lunch and rest near the oasis.
Late afternoon camel trek from Koda village. Native wildlife and villages to isolated sand dunes (Khayala).
We continue across the desert, stopping for sunset before reaching our campsite. Camp fire and dinner. Sleep under the stars (mattresses provided).

Saturday, November 28:
Our camel safari continues after breakfast to experience villages and sand dunes.
Morning camel ride, desert experience and visit of two more villages.
Lunch and rest under the trees near an oasis.
Enjoy camel riding and galloping along the way to reach our campsite.
Drive back to Jaisalmer by jeep.
6:30pm - End of camel safari option.
Dinner in Jaisalmer.

Sunday, November 29: Jaipur - 3 nights
If time allows, our safari goers may wish to visit the famous old havelis in the early morning. The facades of these wealthy merchants mansions, several stories high, are an intricate display of balconies, awnings, balustrades and windows in finely chiseled sandstone.
Drive to Jodhpur to catch our evening train to Jaipur.
Hotel check in.

Monday, November 30: Jaipur
Morning at leisure.
Lunch in Jaipur.
Afternoon excursion to Galta Ji. Galta Ji is a vast complex with several temples and water tanks. The Temple of Galtaji is famous for its natural water springs. Of all other temples, the Hanuman temple stands out, surrounded by hundreds of monkeys fed by the pilgrims. It is considered auspicious to take a bath in the holy waters of Galta Ji and it is a very beautiful scene to see the women in their colorful saris bathe in the holy tanks .

Tuesday, December 01: Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort (you may want to take an optional elephant ride to go up the ramp to the palace.
Lunch in Jaipur.
Afternoon sightseeing.
Farewell dinner.

Wednesday, December 02:Delhi
We fly back to Delhi.
Rest of day at leisure (we'll have a taxi for shopping errands and a hotel room for R&R before your night travel).
Transfer to airport for return flight home.

NOTE: This itinerary is subject to slight changes as necessary and flexibility is appreciated from all participants. There is no pressure on anyone to visit all the sites mentioned, and participants who wish to take time off or rest may do so whenever we stop at a destination. However no refund will be given on excursions or services not taken.
Our meals will be taken either at our hotels restaurants, at local restaurants or at roadside restaurant stops when en route.

Expedition Cost: $5,775 (land arrangements only, based on double occupancy, per person). If you wish a single room or cannot be paired up in a double room, your cost is $6,275.
Reservations: A $1,000 per person deposit is required to secure a place on this expedition which can be paid via Paypal (with 3% fees) or by certified check. The balance is due 120 days prior to departure date.
Group Size: minimum 2, maximum 6.
Under 4 sign-ups, a small-group supplement of $400 p.p. will be requested.

Expedition Cost includes:
Hotel accommodations: hotels selected are a diverse mix of Heritage 3-4-star havelis and forts, to give participants a feel for Indian culture and traditions. All accommodations are with attached cold and hot water bathrooms (except on camel safari).
Chauffeured transportation by Indigo or Innova car (2 or 3 participants) or Tempo Traveler van (for bigger group - with a window for each passenger); transfers from and to Delhi airport; rail transportation from Jodhpur to Jaipur, and economy air from Jaipur to Delhi; all breakfasts and meals from breakfast on 11/17 to lunch on 12/02 (beverages not included); occasional chai (Indian tea) at roadside stops; entrance fees at Taj Mahal, Amber Palace and Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur; camel safari in Thar Desert; tips to hotel porters (maximum 2 bags per person); services of chauffeur and expedition leader.

Cost does NOT include:
Airfare to/from your home city and Delhi, taxis or public transportation taken on your own, meal beverages and water bottles, meals taken on your own (no refund given on meals included in itinerary and not taken), snacks at road stops, room service, items of personal nature and incidentals, telephone charges, entrance fees not mentioned above, camera and videocamera fees, audioguide fees (if extra), SilverFox zipline, tips to local guides if you wish to hire one at monuments, mandatory travel insurance, passport and Indian visa fees, gratuities to chauffeur/accompanying guide and expedition leader.

NOTE1: A tourist visa is needed to enter India. The Indian Government has recently activated a website for the citizens of 43 countries (USA is included) to apply for tourist visas on their official website through their Visa on Arrival programme. You will need to apply online 4 to 30 days before your India arrival date. Go to Indian Visa Online for complete details.

Once you are registered, we will send you additional information necessary for your visa application and for your trip.
Please let us know if you have questions.

NOTE2: Please try and book a flight departing Delhi in the evening or night. It's advisable to check with us before booking your flights as errors can be costly.

For complete details, see our General Information page.

To register for this expedition go to the Registration page.