Incredible Indian Tours launches Essence of India and Pushkar Camel Fair Package

Leading tour operator Incredible Indian Tours has launched its newest package Essence of India and Pushkar Camel Fair that promises to take travellers on the ultimate journey of India through the eyes of a local, unveil secrets of the real India and showcase the best of the exotic, intriguing country.

From just $2690 per person twin share, this 23 day package will take guests on a magical journey through 11 of India’s well known and hidden cities. Guests will explore the heart and soul of Indian by visiting incredible destinations such as:

* the old Delhi spice market and Chandni Chowk, the busiest marketplace in Asia
* the iconic and wondrous Taj before wandering through the small and friendly village of Madhogarh to meet a local cobbler, bangle maker, and dhurrie (rug) maker
* the Raj Mandir cinema that will showcase a Bollywood extravaganza before taking an overnight train to Jaisalmer
* Pushkar, the usually mellow and friendly town that will come alive as tens of thousands of people arrive for the annual camel fair
* the exciting and frantic commercial capital of India, Mumbai

The unique package includes all entrance fees, 18 nights in hotel accommodation, three evenings on an overnight train, one night camping in the desert, four dinners, 10 breakfasts and two lunches. The tour begins in Delhi on Thursday 15 October 2009 and finishes in Mumbai on Friday 6 November 2009.

Founder and Director of Incredible Indian Tours Debbie Kindness has over seven years experience leading tours through India and Nepal, and said that her relationships with the people of India allow her to provide a unique and personalised experience and offer a more local touch.

“I have developed a deep love and spiritual connection with India, and have made many wonderful friends and acquaintances during my years there; it is only natural that I would want to continue to build my relationships with locals and share such a magical journey with others,” said Ms Kindness.

“On the Essence of India Tour we won’t just travel from city to city; we will get off the beaten track, take an overnight train, jump on a local bus, trek through the mountains and take a walk through small village markets, meeting locals who may have never seen foreigners before,” Mr Kindness continued.

Incredible Indian Tours operate trips to India throughout the year and can also tailor a package to suit interest groups such as photography, yoga, ayurveda or wildlife safaris. Most tours have a maximum size of 10 people so bookings are advised without delay.

Essence of India and Pushkar Camel Fair Itinerary
15 October 2009 – 6 November 2009

Day 1 (Delhi)

* Arrive in Dehli and meet with tour group to discuss trip
* Spend afternoon sightseeing in Old Dehli
* Visit Jama Masjid, (the largest Mosque in India), the old Delhi spice market and Chandni Chowk, the busiest marketplace in Asia.

Day 2 (Delhi)

* Visit Humayans Tomb and New Delhi
* Explore other sights in Dehli such as the Craft Museum, Red Fort, Purana Qila and the Lotus Temple
* Take an overnight train to Varanasi

Days 3-5 (Varanasi)

* Walk along the ghats on the riverbank and enjoy an evening ceremonial "aarti" on the riverbanks
* Take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges
* Visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon
* Explore the alleyways of ancient Varanasi
* On the evening of day five, take on overnight train to Agra

Day 6 (Agra)

* Explore the sights on Agra including the magnificent Red Fort and Akbars Mausoleum

Day 7 (Madhogarh)

* Visit the Taj at dawn, before driving to Madhogarh to explore the village

Days 8-10 (Jaipur)

* Drive to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and capital of Rajasthan
* Explore the amazing Rajput/Mughal architecture of Amber Fort
* Wander through the markets and colourful bazaars of Jaipur
* Visit the splendid City Palace Museum and the wondrous Jantar Mantar
* Spend free time exploring the fabulous markets and incredible sights
* Enjoy the Bollywood extravaganza at the Raj Mandir cinema
* Take an overnight train to Jaisalmer

Days 11-13 (Jaisalmer)

* Wander the ancient streets of Jaisalmer and explore the fort and town
* Visit the intricately carved sandstone havelis (merchant’s mansions) and temples
* On day 12, head out to the desert on a camel safari
* Spend the night camping out in the desert

Days 14-15 (Jodphur)

* Travel to Jodphur and spend the afternoon wandering the palaces of the magnificent Meherangarh Fort before exploring the markets in the city below
* On day 15, take a cycle around some traditional Rajasthani villages

Days 16-17 (Pushkar)

* Explore Pushkar, the usually mellow and friendly destination, that is a firm favourite with travelers and modern-day hippies
* Witness Purskar come alive for the annual Camel Fair when tens of thousands of people and camels descend on the small town.
* Discover the holy lake lined with whitewashed temples and ghats

Day 18 (Bijaipur)

* travel by train and then jeep to Castle Bijaipur
* Spend the night living like Maharajahs (and Maharanis).
* Be taken on a village safari by local rulers that run the castle and experience tribal village life Rajasthani style

Days 19-21 (Udaipur)

* Journey to Udaipur, often called the romantic city, where you will explore its white washed havelis and palaces lining the banks of the charming lake Pichola
* Visit the City Palace complex (the largest palace complex in India) and take in a classic Rajasthani Dance show
* Wander through the local markets and learn how to make a sensational Indian curry

Day 22 (Mumbai)

* Take a flight to Mumbai, the exciting and frantic commercial capital of India
* Visit some of Mumbai’s incredible sights including the dhobi (laundry) washers and Chowpatty beach

Day 23 (Departure Day)

* Relax and depart at anytime