Grand Tour of India: Pushkar Camel Fair special departure

This has to be the ultimate Indian touring experience. First visit the three great cities of the north, including Agra and the magnificent Taj Mahal, then travel south to experience the traditions and way of life in beautiful Kerala and Karnataka.

Cochin and the famous backwaters are pure enchantment. The Maharaja’s Palace at Mysore is extraordinary. What’s more, we include a stay at the famous Ranthambore Game Reserve, home of ‘Project Tiger’. All sightseeing and many meals are included.

This special departure also takes you to Pushkar to enjoy the sights and sounds of the annual Camel Fair.

The town of Pushkar, around 90 miles from Jaipur, is famed for its sacred lake and annual camel fair, which takes place in November. Pushkar itself is a very important religious city and a pilgrimage destination for many Hindus and this, coupled with the excitement of the camel fair make this a truly unforgettable experience. The whole event is an explosion of colour and activity as the locals come to trade livestock and set up colourful stalls. Some will have travelled for days or even weeks to reach the fair and then set up camp on the outskirts of Pushkar. Over the couple of days you’re there, more and more people and their livestock will emerge from the desert to take part in the event. It really is like taking a step back in time, as you see people travelling on foot and by cart dressed in traditional clothing, with their livestock in tow and handicrafts to sell.

Billed as the greatest tribal gathering in India, the camel fair is an experience of a lifetime that you’ll never forget. Watch as camels, cattle and even horses are paraded around and hear the sound of pounding hoofs on the dusty ground as camels take part in races, encouraged by their enthusiastic owners. See the ornately decorated saddles and equally ornate clothing and jewellery and then take time to explore the bazaars that are bursting with colourful wares and displays. Every year this spectacular, traditional event attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world and you’ll be glad you were one of them.

Included excursions

Also included