Desert Festival

Once a year in winters and on the middle of the continually rising and falling stark yellow sands of the great Thar Desert, the empty sands around Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colour, music and laughter of the Desert Festival. The festival is organised by the tourist authorities as tourist entertainment around January-February. The very rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture is on show here for a few days. Rajasthani men and tall beautiful women dressed in their brightly costumes dance and sing lingering ballads of valour, romance and tragedy. Traditional musicians attempt to outdo each other in their musical superiority.

The high points of the festival are - snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats, folk performers do rapid trade. Camels, the lifeline of the desert, play a foremost role. Proud mustached villagers, dressed in their ethnic best come astride their picturesquely caparisoned camels to join in the camel dances and competitions of camel acrobatics, camel races and décor, camel polo, tug of war and the like. The tourist dances, turban tying competitions and tug of war are big draws and laughter. The Mr Desert competitions, which are focused around the length of moustaches by and large, attract many hopefuls

Iterneries

Days 01 :Arrival Delhi: 21/01/2007
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to our hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (B).

Days 02 : Delhi:-22/01/2007
After breakfast proceed for a Full-day tour of Old & New Delhi. As India's capital, Delhi is a political and business hub, as well as one of the country's major travel gateways. It also has a throng of semi permanent foreigners who work as news correspondents, at embassies (we can identify a diplomat's car by it's blue number plate), or at other organizations that have foreign associations. Spacious and planned, New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British while Old Delhi was the capital of the Muslim India between the 17th and the 19th centuries - there is a rich legacy of mosques, and monuments and forts that testifies to this. Delhi hasn't always been India's capital, but it has played a paramount role in Indian history. Many have invaded Delhi through the ages, including the Persian emperor, Nadir Shah, who sacked the city in 1739 and carted the Kohinoor Diamond (now part of the British royal family's crown jewels) and the famous Peacock Thrown off to Iran. The British Captured Delhi in 1803, but during the Indian Uprising of 1857 it was centre of resistance against them. The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutub Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Moghul India, Hindu India, and British India and certainly of modern independent India. Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Moghul Empire. Next we visit another Moghul majesty, the Jama Masjid that is India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chowk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. Also visit a Kashmiri handicraft emporium where skillful craftsmen from Kashmir will show you how "The World famous Persian carpets" are weaved. These craftsmen have resettled down in Delhi after the uprising in Kashmir and are trying to earn their livelihood.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (B).

Days 03 : Delhi /Agra (Drive 221 km/05 hrs):-23/01/2007
After breakfast we proceed to Agra enjoy a city tour covering Taj Mahal; best described as 'poetry in marble' because of its beauty, grace and exquisite workmanship, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1630 as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Surely it is the greatest monument of love, and truly one of the wonders of the world. We also visit Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, standing opposite the Taj on the banks of the Yamuna River, which contains a wealth of palaces and monuments that recall the days of Mughal splendors Red Fort.
Overnight: Hotel in Agra (B).

Days 04 : Agra/Jaipur (Drive 232 Km/ 5 Hrs):24/01/2007
After breakfast we leave for Jaipur. Jaipur is filled with frenetic crowds; Rajasthan's chaotic, dusky - pink capital is a place of wild contrasts, bombarding the senses at every turn. Jaipur old city, it's rich color deepening and fading according to the light, is lined with long, twinkling bazaars. Like Wacky Races on acid, vegetable - laden camel carts thread their way through streets jam-packed with cars, cows, rickshaws & bicycles. The city owes its name, foundation and careful planning to the great warrior - -astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693 - 1743). On arrival in Jaipur we check in out hotel, rest of the day is free to relax and to visit the local bazaars of Jaipur if time permits.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaipur (B).

Days 05 : Jaipur: -25/01/2006
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city, Jai Singh. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, and the colorful bazaar. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy both shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur. As Jaipur is famous for its jewels (gems cutting and polishing), we will take you to a Gems cutting and polishing center - which has won several awards by Japanese Government & Govt. of India.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaipur (B).

Days 06 : Jaipur/Udaipur (Drive 405 Km/10 Hrs): -26/01/2007
After Breakfast we leave for Udaipur If Jaipur is a city in pink then Udaipur is a vision in white. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. On arrival in Udaipur we check in our hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax and to explore the city of Udaipur on your own.
Overnight: Hotel (B).

Days 07 :Udaipur:-27/01/2007
Today we tour Udaipur, Our visit includes the City Palace, Within the City Palace are several architectural and artistic highlights such as the Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim Vilas Palace with its series of lovely wall paintings. Saheliyon Ke Bari or the Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppet show typical to this area. In the evening we take a boat cruise at lake Pichola. We also visit Jag Mandir, the other island palace with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a refuge for the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jehangir.
Overnight: Hotel (B).

Days 08 : Udaipur/Ranakpur/Jodhpur: - 28/01/2007
After breakfast we proceed to Jodhpur en-route visiting Ranakpur temples. Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. These temples were constructed in the AD 1439. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 Kilograms whose sound echoes in the entire complex. On arrival in Ranakpur we check in our hotel Fateh Bagh Palace - A Heritage hotel. Later in the noon we visit the famous Jain temples in the lovely Aravalli range northwest of Udaipur. It has a serene location, grand structure and beautiful sculptures. The intricate carvings on its 200 marble pillars are wonders of art and craftsmanship and no two pillars are alike. We continue our drive to Jodhpur.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Days 09 : Jodhpur:-29/01/2007
Today we tour Jodhpur.The blue city, a crazed mass of indigo angles, spreads, along the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Jodhpur's fort, Mehrangarh, towers over the city, perched on a sheer rocky ridge from where the view over the sea of blue buildings in mesmerizing. Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but these days, non-Brahmins have taken on the practice too. The old city of Jodhpur is a tangle of winding, glittering streets, scented by incense, roses and sewers, with shops selling everything from trumpets to temple decorations, from snuff to saris. It's surrounded by 10 km long wall (built about a century after the city was founded) with eight gates. Jodhpur was founded bin 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores. On a vital trade route, the city was built on the profits of opium, sandalwood, dates and copper. Our experience of Jodhpur starts with a visit to Mehrangarh fort, built in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, rises steeply from a rocky scrap winds Upto the massive gateway with immense portals and enter through the Gate of victory - Jai Pole and Loha Pole Marked with palm prints of 'Sati' (Rajput Ladies immolated themselves on funeral fire of their Husband). Inside the fort there is a series of courtyards and palaces, a deep -terracotta latticed network. They house a museum, with a splendid collection of the trappings of Indian royalty, including some amazing elephants howdahs (essential for glittering processions), miniature paintings and the inevitable Rajput armory and ephemera from ivory inlaid ladies dumbbells to camel bone carpet weights. Later we visit Jaswant Thada This milky - white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a peaceful array of whimsical domes, about 1 km from the fort. The royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby followed the Cenotaph, built in 1899. Next we visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace from Outside, as this was a part of Heritage Hotel but now closed for Renovation. We will also visit the beautifully landscaped Mandore Gardens.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Days 10 : Jodhpur/Jaislmer:(Drive 298 Km/8 Hrs): -30/01/2007
After breakfast we leave for Jaisalmer .Day is free at leisure

Days 11 : Jaislmer: -31/01/2007
The Desert Festival is a 3-day extravaganza of colour, music and festivity, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and Fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban tying competition and a Mr. Desert Contest are a part of the fun and frolic. The grand finale is a trip to the Sam Dunes where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and even watch the folk dancers and musicians perform. In Morning We visit Gadisar Lake –A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. After then we visit Sonar Fort- The fort build on the highest point of Tricutta hill is entered through the Suraj Pol or Sun Gate.Then We participate in Inaugural Procession (Shobha Yatra) of Desert Festival.

1st Day Attractions:-

Inaugural Procession (Shobha Yatra):-It exhibits the life and culture of the Desert. Stunning Rajasthani women dressed in traditional costumes. Balancing a pile of decorated earthen pots grace the occasion. The procession led by the proud riders of the BSF atop camel will start from the Sonar Fort And will march towards the Poonam Singh Stadium for the final inaugural ceremony

Turban Tying Competition :- The turban tying competition is such a contest where one can experience the same royal fervor. Foreigners who want to participate can give their entries at the venue.

Mr. Desert Competition :- In the Desert Festival, Traditions and culture are blended with modern age pageant. Despite the arid and averse condition, the inclination of the inhibitants ob the desert is visible to achieve this motive. “Mr.Desert” competition reflects the attractive personality, colourful costumes and pride of the Golden Desert via its contenders.

Miss. Moomal Competition :-“Miss Moomal” is the women pageant contest. Different from usual beauty contests ,it is unique in highlighting the beauty of desert women. Young girls in colourful costumes and dazzling ornaments participate in this event.

Mr. Mustache Competition :- Mustache are generic to Rajasthan, the pride of its men. And it is generally in rural Rajasthan that you find the men adoring long, busy moustaches with a twirl.

Mumal & Mahendra Competition :- To proliferate love to its madeness, Romeo and Juliet have lived in this part of the world too as “Moomal and Mahendra”

Cultural Evening : - The glistening sands and contoured bleakness of the Thar Desert has cradled the folk tradition of the people of Rajasthan from centuries. The cultural Evening witnesses the vibrant and graceful dances of Rajasthan. The evening adorns not only with the celestial light but also with sound and movements. It turns in a place where music, moonlight and feeling are one. Day 12:Jaislmer: -01/02/2007: -

2nd Day Attractions :-

Camel Show :- “Camel Show” an important event of the Desert Festival pays a tribute to the desert hero. The residents of Jaisalmer decorate their camels in all possible ways with Gorband, Oukab, Muari, Gaasiya etc.

Camel Polo :- In Rajasthan –The traditional polo games is played on horses.elephant and even camels. And camel polo is played only in jaisalmer.

Tug Of War :- An exciting tussle game where the east meets the west .It is indeed fun watching foreigners taking the Indian in the test of strength.

Tatto Show:- A breathtaking show is performed by BSF jawans sitting on camel backs.

Fireworks :- The mirth of any celebration remains incomplete without sparking firework.

Day 13 : Jaislmer: -02/02/2007
Today After breakfast we leave for city tour of Jaisalmer visiting the Patwon ki Haweli,Salim singh ki Haweli, Nathmalji ki Haweli, . 3rd Day Attraction :-

Laggan Match :-It is live …the cricket match of Oscar nominated film “Lagan” on Jaisalmer sands. The Indians are playing against the foreign tourists.
Para Dropping:-Performed by paratroopers of the Indian Air Force , this is a maverick show of courage,determination and perfection.
Camel Race:- The Camel –the ship of the desert or call what you may, is the real Hero of the landscape. It is an exclusive experience to witness a camel race on the undulating sands of the Desert.
Desert Symphony( Cultural Evening) :- Rhythem and resonance of the desert fills the air with mirth, The Sarangi,Algoza, Matka< Khartal, coupled with the captivating folksongs by Langas And Manganiyars mesmerizes every present soul.

Day 14 : Jaisalmer/ Bikaner (Drive 330 km/5 hr): -03/02/2007
After breakfast we proceed to Bikaner. Bikaner city is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and a mosque & Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aries windows of varying designs. An enormous arched doorway leads to the Jaramal Temple. The royal chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings and births were once celebrated. On arrival in Bikaner we check in into hotel. We also visit Junagadh fort, constructed between 1588to 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. Fort has a 986 metre long wall with 37 bastion & two entrances. Later we visit Bhand Sagar Temple& also visit Jain Temple and camel Breeding farm. Evening is free for personal activities.
Overnight: Hotel in Bikaner (B).

Day 15 : Bikaner/Mandawa:(Drive 164km/4Hrs):-04/02/2007
After breakfast we proceed to Mandawa, ideal location to revisit Rajasthan's rich heritage and culture. Mandawa is an excellent base for exploring the region. It was settled in the 18th century and fulfilled by the dominant merchant families. On arrival in Mandawa we check in into Castle Mandawa. Rest of the day is free to explore the Shekhawati region.Overnight: Hotel in Castle Mandawa (B).

Day 16 : Mandawa/Delhi/Out:(Drive-242km/6Hrs):-05/02/2007
After breakfast we come back to Delhi. Evening is free for shopping & Personal activities. In the late evening we are transferred to international airport for onward journey.

Cost- Valid October 2006 to April 15, 2007

Price Per Person in USD*

Hotel Category	1 Person	2 Pax (Twin Sharing)	3 Pax (Twin Sharing)	4-5 Pax (Twin Sharing)
Budget	2300	1353	1225	1127
Standard	3163	1741	1615	1515
First Class	4315	2351	2223	2125

SIngle Room Supplement in USD (TWIN SHARING)

Budget	Standard	First Class
429	903	1143

*All prices shown are subject to change without prior notice till the tour is booked.

Hotels Suggested

City	Budget	Standard	First Class
Delhi	Hotel City Park	Maidens Hotel	Radisson Hotel
Agra	Howard park plaza	Holiday Inn	Jaypee Palace Hotel
Jaipur	Alsisar Haveli	Park Plaza	Country Inn Suites
Udaipur	Hilltop Palace	Fateh Prakash Palace	Shiv Niwas Palace
Jodhpur	Ranbanka Hotel	Park Plaza Jodhpur	Taj Hari Mahal
Jaisalmer	Heritage Inn	Rang Mahal Jaisalmer	Gorbandh Palace
Bikaner	Heritage Resort	Lallgarh Palace	Gajner Palace
Mandawa	Castle Mandawa	Castle Mandawa	Castle Mandawa

Standard Inclusions :
- Accommodation on twin?share basis in the mentioned hotels
- Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary.
- Transport in air?conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary.
- Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport and railway station only
- Services of local English speaking guide for the sight?seeing as per the itinerary at each city.
- Entrances to the monuments of visit as per the itinerary.
- All currently applicable taxes, including service tax @ 4.896%

Price Do not include :
- International / Domestic air fare, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover.
- Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.
- Any other meals than those mentioned in the itinerary.
- Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in schedule / cancellation of flights / trains / political disturbances, natural phenomenon etc.
- Any other item not specifically mentioned above as 'INCLUDED'

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Desert Festival

Iterneries

Cost- Valid October 2006 to April 15, 2007

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