Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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Fascinating desert tribes, festooned camels, princely
fortresses, and airy palaces of marble and onyx are the
enchanting lure of Rajasthan. We bring you into this colorful
world with a camel ride and sunset dune walk amid
herders’ camps at the legendary Pushkar and Nagaur
Fairs, a rickshaw ride through the markets of elegant
Jaipur, an exquisite sunrise at the Taj Mahal, and game
viewing in Ranthambhore National Park, a former maharaja’s
hunting ground and a great place to search for elusive
Bengal tigers in the wild. From the hilltop forts and
timeless bazaars of Jaipur, where we
overnight at a maharajah’s palace, to
the tangled lanes of the blue-hued
medieval city of Jodhpur, this is an
unforgettable taste of India.
Days 1-4 Delhi / Agra / Fatehpur Sikri /
Ranthambhore From Delhi, we travel to
Agra and rise early to see the Taj Mahal
bathed in sunrise’s soft light. In evocative
and perfectly preserved Fatehpur Sikri,
we explore exquisite palaces and courtyards, then head to our
deluxe tented camp at Ranthambhore, where on game drives
we’ll search for tigers as well as other Asian wildlife, including
300 species of birds.
Days 5-6 Jaipur In Jaipur, an 18th century city of pink
sandstone, we’ll weave through the narrow lanes and lively
outdoor markets, and explore the splendid City Palace, with
its lavish, frescoed interiors. In a nearby valley, visit the
mighty Amber Fort, a Rajput hilltop stronghold fortified by
high ramparts. Our hotel, the Rambagh Palace, former home
of the Maharaja of Jaipur, gives you a flavor of royal life.
Days 7-8 Pushkar or Nagaur Fair Rajasthan’s flamboyant camel
and cattle fairs are a feast for the senses and a riot of color, song,
and dance. They are a great celebration, a coming together of
traditional peoples to reaffirm their identity and rejoice in the
richness of their culture. At this festive gathering, we enter by
camel and later enjoy a sunset walk through the dunes among the
traders and camel camps. Overnights at a superb tented camp.
Days 9-11 Jodhpur Explore mighty Mehrangarh Fort, perched
atop a steep rocky eminence rising over the desert valley, and
walk through Jodhpur’s spice and textile markets. Depart on
Day 11, or join our post-trip Villages of Rajasthan extension.
EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE
Enjoy a wonderful immersion into Rajasthan’s less-traveled
villages where traditional tribal cultures flourish, and
savor the allure of romantic Udaipur, with its white palaces,
blue lakes, and inviting gardens.
ANDY ROUSE
JOCHEN TACK
Brightly decorated camels are a highlight of the Pushkar and Nagaur Fairs. PHOTO: PETE OXFORD
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy songs, dances, and
colorful camel races at
the Nagaur or Pushkar
Camel and Cattle Fair
• Game viewing in
Ranthambhore National
Park
• Markets of Jaipur, sunrise
at the Taj Mahal
• Extend your adventure
to Rohet, Ranakpur, and
Udaipur for an in-depth
look at Rajasthan’s
culture
DETAILS
• 11-day trip begins and
ends in Delhi
• 2 nights maharajas’
palaces, 4 nights
first-class hotels,
2 nights tented camp,
2 nights deluxe tented
jungle camp
• All meals included except
4 dinners
DATES
Nov 4-14, 2016 Pushkar Fair
Jan 28-Feb 7, 2017
Nagaur Fair
Oct 25-Nov 4 Pushkar Fair
Feb 15-25, 2018 Nagaur Fair
TRIP COST
FALL 2016 / SPRING 2017
$6995 (13-16 members)
$7295 (10-12 members)
$7695 (7-9 members)
Single supplement: $3095
Internal airfare: $335
(subject to change)
Villages of Rajasthan
extension: from $3295
TRIP LEVEL
1+ 2 3 4 5 6 7
Overland travel with
walking tours, cultural
explorations