Trip program –

D1: Meet in New Delhi, hotel.

D2: Morning free. In the afternoon we visit Old and New Delhi.

D3: Early morning train to Agra, the capital of India in the 16^th and 17^th centuries and visit the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort; hotel.

D4: Bus drive to the desert town of Fatehpur Sikri, built in the 16^th century and abandoned 16 years later due to the drying up of its source of water. We continue to Bharatpur and visit its interesting wildlife park, famous for its 360 bird species. Overnight in lodge.

D5: Early morning wildlife watching then drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajhastan founded in 1727 and known as the Pink City.

D6: We visit the Amer palace (16^th century) with its magnificent rooms, the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar astronomy observatory (18^th century).

D7: Drive to Pushkar (2h), visit the lake and its various shrines. In November we will enjoy the great camel fair that is a great annual event in the region.

D8: Bus to Ajmer (11km) and visit the Dargah shrine (12^th century) and Akbar's palace (16^th century). Continue to Udaipur.

D9: Located in the Girwa valley, among the Aravallis mountains, Udaipur, The City of Dawn, is considered one of the most romantic in India. We will visit the Maiden of Honour Garden, the City Palace and the Old Town quarters surrounded by stone walls and five iron gates.

D10: Bus drive to Jodhpur (3h); hotel.

D11: Jodhpur is the second most important city in Rajhastan. Its Meherengarh fort (15^th century) marks the boundaries of the Indian desert. Visit to the Umaid Bhavan palace, nowadays the royal residence. By mid afternoon we board our bus to Jaisalmer through the Thar desert (5h30) and where we will camp.

D12: Camel safari across the desert along the old spice and precious stone caravan routes of the 16^th century; tented camp.

D13: End camel safari and return to Jaisalmer. The remainder of the day is free to explore the old quarter.

D14: We drive to Bikaner for a visit of its old quarter and various havelis. In the evening we board the train to Delhi.

D15: Arrive New Delhi, shower at hotel, end of program.

Difficulty: Easy.

Price: from USD 1,656. per person.

Single room supplement: USD 264. (for Nov 14, Pushkar fair USD 300.)

Dates: Apr 2-15, Oct 15-29, Nov 14-28, Dec 27-Jan 10; 2005: Jan 29-Feb 12, Mar 11-25.

Note: The November departure is planned so that we may attend the famous cattle market, one of the largest Indian annual events that attracts pilgrims, merchants, nomads and tourists. Several festivities take place and we will camp near the locals, surrounded by hundreds of fires. Supplement for Pushkar fair of USD 76.

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Booking Conditions -

Price - Valid in 2004.

Includes: hotels in double room with breakfast, all meals during the safari, all domestic transport, Indian guide speaking English.

Does not include: airport tax (USD 12), visa, personal equipment, all meals except during the safari (about USD 3. per meal), transfers to and from the airport at Delhi, visits on free days, single supplement, tips, travel insurance.

Group: min 4 persons, max 16.

Program: Depending on weather conditions, the groups’ condition or other justifiable, the guide may alter the program.

Vaccines: None mandatory.

Equipment: Trekking boots, sleeping bag (3-4 seasons), waterproof gear, etc.

After your booking you will receive a Trip Information sheet which includes a detailed recommended equipment list.

Documentation: valid passport, please check with your local Indian consulate or embassy for entry requirements.
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