PUSHKAR FAIR AND DEV DIWALI IN VARANASI
Our Divine Diwali small group journey combines Pushkar Fair with one of India's most moving and mystical experiences; watch from a riverboat as the ancient ghats of Varanasi are lit for the Dev Deepavali festival and countless earthen lamps are floated on the holy Ganges.
Along the way are opportunities to meet local people and pilgrims, discover India's vibrant street culture as well as our more spiritual side, try regional food and participate in celebrations and worship.
You will visit local temples, explore the temples and pilgrimage traditions linked to Pushkar Fair, join Kartik Purnima devotions, and witness an unforgettable expression of Diwali and Varanasi's deep connection with the divine.
Our flexible small group journeys are designed to offer you an experience more like private touring. Whilst sharing transport and some experiences with other guests, you are still free to vary activities and follow your own interests. Travel is relaxed, in comfortable vehicles and our expert guides bring destinations alive.
Prices are based on a group of eight people with two people sharing a room; if you are travelling on your own and would like help finding someone to share with, please enquire.
DATES
2019: Sunday 3 November to Wednesday 13 November 2019 Available
TOUR ITINERARY
Divine Diwali |
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PUSHKAR FAIR AND VARANASI’S DEV DIWALI 2019 | |
TOUR PRICE from $3500* based on two sharing. What's included> | |
TOUR EXTENSIONS You may extend to include any other destinations in India on request. See details > | |
DAY 1: Sunday DELHI We meet your flight and transfer you to the Oberoi hotel in Delhi for an overnight stay. | |
DAY 2: Monday DELHI Modes of transport from cycle rickshaws to Delhi's modern metro take you on a sightseeing tour to discover the life and history of India's most complex city, from the Mughal majesty of Humayun's tomb and the Qutb Minar to the bazaars of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk, the colonial grandeur of Lutyens' New Delhi, and Gandhi Smriti. |
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DAY 3: Tuesday AGRA
After breakfast, drive to Agra and check in at the Trident hotel. Later, take a guided tour around Agra Fort and visit the incomparable Taj Mahal at a quieter time to see the monuments in late afternoon light. |
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DAY 4: Wednesday JAIPUR
In the early morning, visit fields across the river to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, sublime architecture revealed in dawn light. After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, visiting the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, designed as Akbar's new capital but abandoned after only 14 years, and Abheneri's beautiful stepwell. After reaching Jaipur and checking in at Dera Mandawa, a charming heritage hotel, your evening is free to relax or visit the temples and bazaars of the Pink City. |
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DAY 5: Thursday JAIPUR
After breakfast take a daylong sightseeing trip with our expert guide, exploring the city through history, myths and anecdotes. Ride an elephant up to the majestic hill fort of Amber to see the audience halls and beautiful mirror palace. Visit the City Palace with collections of rare manuscripts and paintings, the Hawa Mahal and the Jantar Mantar observatory, and Govind Dev Ji temple, where townsfolk worship daily; the attire of the deities varies according to the seasons, festivals, time of day and even the weather! |
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DAY 6: Friday PUSHKAR |
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DAY 7: Saturday PUSHKAR You may climb up to one of the hilltop temples for early morning views over the fair, or take a walk around the ghats and sacred lake. Pushkar is the holiest city of Rajasthan, a temple town of priests and pilgrims, myths and legends, sacred springs and pilgrimage sites, and the renowned Brahma temple. | |
DAY 8: Sunday VARANASI In the morning, drive to Jaipur airport for a flight to Varanasi, a city older than time, one of the most ancient cities in the world, the city of light, a city of death rituals yet radiant with life. |
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DAY 9: Monday VARANASI The day begins on the holy Ganges, taking a boat on the river to witness the early morning ritual baths and prayers on the ghats, a spiritual experience. After breakfast, a guided sightseeing tour takes you to visit the city, including a trip to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. |
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DAY 10: Tuesday VARANASI The day is free to explore the lanes and vibrant cultural and spiritual life of this age-old city and stroll on the ghats. In the evening, we again take a riverboat for an extraordinary experience of Varanasi's Dev Deepawali festival, on the full moon night of Kartik, when the ghats are illuminated with diyas and firebowls, innumerable ‘Diya’ earthen lamps lit by devotees float down the river and spectacular firework displays light up the sky in a mystical and moving panorama of sights you will never forget. |
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DAY 11: Wednesday DELHI Transfer to Varanasi airport to board a flight back to Delhi or your next destination. | |
PROPOSED HOTELS Delhi Oberoi Agra Trident Jaipur Khaas Bagh Pushkar Camp Bliss luxury tents Varanasi Guleria Kothi |
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WHAT'S INCLUDED Prices from $3500* per person are based on two people sharing (single room occupancy at additional cost) and a group size of eight people. If you are travelling on your own and would like help finding someone to share with, please contact us. | |
Tour cost includes: Stay at proposed hotels in double/twin occupancy room • Breakfast during the entire tour; breakfast, lunch and dinner during the stay at Camp Bliss at Pushkar Camel Fair • Transportation in AC Toyota Innova or similar vehicle • Domestic air fares in Economy Class as detailed above • Elephant ride in Jaipur • Boat rides in Varanasi • All luxury and state taxes, government service tax and fuel and transport taxes. • Guide services as detailed • Assistance at all arrival and departure points.Tour cost excludes: Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, telephone bills, beverages, mineral water during hotel stays, etc • Entrance and camera fees (still or video) at monuments • Extra meals • International air fare • Any optional, suggested and unspecified activities • Visa fees or arrival/departure tax if applicable • Insurance and Mediclaim. |
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*Prices are based on a group of eight travelling and are subject to change. Air fares are based on check fares and may increase prior to ticket purchase. Prices are only guaranteed once the booking is confirmed and the deposit payment is received. Prices do not include international air fares or suggested or optional activities. |
TOUR EXTENSIONS
Our small group journeys and tailor-made itineraries offer you a warm welcome and insightful travel, with the emphasis on the quality of your experience.
Tours can be extended on request to take in any other destinations in India. For details, please enquire.