ludes the pushkar estival - two's a crowd€¦ · pushkar estival. our 14 day solos tour...

Includes visit to the Pushkar Festival

Our 14 day solos tour offers a unique and inspiring introduction to this fascinating country. With visits to Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Joghpur, Udaipur, Pushkar and Jaipur, ending in the awe inspiring home of the Taj Mahal, Agra.Take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Delhi; enjoy a jeep safari through the traditional villages of Jodhpur, and a boat trip on the stunning Lake Pichola.Visit the Red Fort, the havelis of Mandawa, Junagarh Fort and the beautifully sculptured Jain temples of Udaipur.Take part in the ‘Pushkar Festival’, which only occurs every three years and enjoy a Bollywood Movie show at the beautiful ‘Raj Mandir’ theatre.There’s so much to see and do, you’ll want to come back again and again! That’s 14 days in a colourful, vibrant and spiritual land on an adventure you won’t forget.

Will you join us?

Don’t forget, if you fancy even more adventure, our India and Sri Lanka Tours can be booked as ‘back to back’ tours!

Day 1 - 29 October 2019 Arrive at Delhi Welcome to Delhi! This mesmerising city bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires, built, destroyed and rebuilt many times. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your Tour Guide and transferred to your hotel. Your Two’s a Crowd Tour Host will meet you at the hotel to assist with check-in, answer any questions you may have and confirm the time for our welcome meeting. Once checked in, there’ll be plenty of free time to explore your new surroundings and settle in.

§ Accommodation: Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka

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Day 2 - 30 October 2019 Delhi (B,D) After breakfast it’s time to start exploring! We start at The Red Fort, Shah Jahan’s elegant citadel, built in red sandstone on the western bank of the river Yamuna. Shahjahan, started the construction of this massive fort in 1638, when he shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort rise 33-m above the clamor of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughals. Inside is a veritable treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public and Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color. (It remains closed on Mondays).Next we head to the Jama Masjid mosque of Old Delhi. It’s the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The interior of the prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of marble inlay panels.No trip to Delhi is complete without a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi. The humble cycle rickshaw is not only the common man’s beast of burden, but it also serves to generate considerable employment. Enjoy a trip round Jama Masjid.New Delhi houses several government buildings and official residences reminiscent of the British colonial architecture. Today we will drive past a few of them, like The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m

in diameter, the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles.At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an “Arc-de-Triumph” like archway in the middle of a crossroad and it’s pur next stop. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.Humayun’s Tomb is probably one of the most innovative and experimental monuments of its time, incorporating within it Indo-Islamic architectural styles. This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (Charbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.Optional Activity: Cooking Class in Delhi followed by Lunch: Enjoy lunch with a local Indian family, learn more about Indian herbs and take a cooking class, learning the traditional Indian cooking methods and enjoy the rewards over lunch.

§ Accommodation: Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka

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14 DAY SOLOS TOUR – OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019HIGHLIGHTS OF INDIA

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Day 3 - 31 October 2019 Delhi / Mandawa (B,D)After breakfast we drive to Mandawa, a small town located in the Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan. This region derives its name from MahaRao Shekha, its former ruler. Shekhawati is also known as the “Open art gallery of Rajasthan”, the region is famous for its amazing havelis and forts richly painted and decorated. The havelis of Shekhawati were built by the erstwhile rulers and wealthy merchants of the past. They served as a measure of prosperity and success of the merchants. The grander the haveli, the more prosperous the merchant was believed to be. The Havelis are full of beautiful fresco paintings. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century.The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region’s havelis. The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli has some curious paintings on its outer eastern wall-a boy using a telephone, and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur.

§ Accommodation: The Desert Resort

Day 4 - 1 November 2019 Mandawa / Bikaner (B,D) Today we head to Bikaner, the city which gets its name from Rao Bika, a Rajput of the Rathor clan, who founded it in 1488 AD. From its small origins, today it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city’s lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world.After checking in at the hotel we set off to Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around it. The main entrance is Karan Pol (the East Gate) and next to it is the Suraj Pol (the Sun Gate). The fort features some magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or ‘palace of pleasure’.Optional Activity: Enjoy a short camel ride in Bikaner.Optional Activity: Enjoy a fabulous ‘Sand Dunes’ dinner accompanied by the Rajasthani Folk dances in Bikaner.

§ Accommodation: Heritage Resort

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Day 5 - 2 November 2019 Bikaner / Jodhpur (B,D)After breakfast we drive to Jodhpur with a visit on the way to Deshnok and the Karni Mata Temple. Deshnok is a small village situated 32 kms south of Bikaner city along the Jodhpur Road. It is a pilgrim centre of Karni Mata – said to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga-who lived here in the 14th century and performed many miracles. The temple here is famous for the approximately 20,000 Black Rats that live, and are revered in, the temple. Out of all of the thousands of rats in the temple, there are a few white rats, which are considered to be especially holy. Sighting them is a special blessing and visitors put in extensive efforts to bring them forth, offering them ‘prasad’, a sweet holy food. Next we head to Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City’, founded on the edges of Thar Desert in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, and is encircled by a high 10 km long wall. The historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend an aura of romance to the city. Flanked on its western side by the Meharangarh Fort, and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan; the monuments, temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur. The beauty and the imagination that have gone into the making of this monumental city proclaim the life-springs of creative genius that appear incongruent with the harshness of this land and its climate.

§ Accommodation: Park Plaza

Day 6 - 3 November 2019 Jodhpur (B,D)Today we explore Jodhpur starting with a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, about 5km from Jodhpur Town, guarding the city below and founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD. It overlooks the rugged and rocky terrain and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red sandstone. The apartments within, have their own magic -the Moti mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Daulat Khana with a rich varied collection of palanquins, howdas, royal cradles, miniature paintings of various schools etc. Located adjacent to Mehrangarh Fort is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singh built this monument known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singh II of Jodhpur. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone. A visit to this structure is via the rocky hills giving it a secluded and mystic aura. In the afternoon we enjoy a Bishnoi Jeep Safari. The Bishnoi’s are a community of Rajasthan who are famous for their rich cultural Rajasthani Life and their love of nature and animals. Our memorable jeep outing will take us through various traditional villages, witnessing local handicrafts such as shoe makers, pottery, hand weaving; men in their traditional attire and women clad with ancestral silver jewellery.

§ Accommodation: Park Plaza


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Day 7 - 4 November 2019 Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur (B,D) After breakfast we set off to Udaipur via Ranakpur, reknown for its beautifully sculptured Jain temples. Enclosed within a wall, they are considered as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, created in the 15th century during the reign of Rana Kumbha. The central Chaumukha [four faced temple] is dedicated to Adinathji and is an astounding creation of architectural splendor with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly carved, no two pillars being alike.Next we head to Udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes’ and founded in 1559 AD as the capital town of the former Mewar state by Maharana Udai Singh on the eastern banks of the Lake Pichola. The town is famous for its rich cultural, social and natural heritage, aesthetic beauty and ecological richness. The lakes, serene hills of the Aravalis and lush green vegetation all meet in a crescendo of scenic beauty.

§ Accommodation: The Amargarh



Day 8 - 5 November 2019 Udaipur (B,D)Today is our chance to explore Udaipur with visits to a number of the city’s highlights. The City Palace towers over Pichola Lake. Maharana Udai Singh initiated the construction of the palace and successive Maharanas added several palaces and structures but the complex managed to retained the uniformity of its design. The entry to the Palace is from the Hathi Pol, the Elephant Gate. The Bari Pol or the Big Gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate. It was a custom to weigh the Maharaja under this gate in gold and silver, which was distributed to the populace. The balconies, cupolas and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the lake.Maharana Sangram Singh built the ‘Sahelion ki bari’ in the mid-18th century. The ‘garden of the maidens’ brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens reflect their discreet and impeccable taste. There are four pools with dainty kiosks. All around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees. The fountains of the ‘Sahelion ki bari’ function solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaic.Enjoy a visit to ‘Apna Jatan’, a local NGO, which strives to empower the youth by giving them a platform where they can freely express their concerns. Jatan also provides them with information that would enable them to seek social and scientific solutions thereby helping them become agents of change in their communities. We’ll visit a ‘Non-Formal Education Center’ for students, the main aim of which is to cater to the educational needs of non-school going children aged 6-14 years and to provide educational support to school going children who are weaker at their studies. A highlight of the day is a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Fringed with hills, gardens, havelis, ghats and temples, Lake Pichola is the scenic centre of Udaipur. The picturesque boat ride not only provides the best scenic view of the lake and the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake.

§ Accommodation: The Amargarh



Day 9 - 6 November 2019 Udaipur / Pushkar (B,L,D) Today we head to Pushkar, a small and beautiful town of surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other. Pushkar is a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair (in Nov), which is famous around the world. No pilgrimage is considered complete without a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and 52 Ghats and the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Brahma is to be found here.Our tour of Pushkar includes a visit to the Lord Brahma Temple, the only existing temple dedicated to lord Brahma. Constructed in the 14th century it stands on a high plinth with marble steps leading up to it. A beautiful carved silver turtle sits on the floor facing the sanctum or Garbha Griha. The marble floor around the silver turtle is embedded with hundreds of silver coins, with donors’ names engraved on them. Brahma, according to Hindu mythology is considered to be the Creator of the Universe, and it is believed he began creation from Pushkar. We’ll walk along the banks of Pushkar Lake, believed to have been created by the falling of a lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma. It is said to be as old as creation itself. The lake is considered a sacred spot and devotees believe that one dip in the waters of the lake on Kartika Poornima is equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years.Tonight we stay in a Royal Tent.

§ Accommodation: Royal Tents (Jodhana)

Day 10 - 7 November 2019 Pushkar(B,L,D)After breakfast we visit the well-known ‘Pushkar Festival’, the largest of all the festivals of Rajasthan, which only occurs every three years! Pushkar is an important pilgrimage for many people as well as being the venue of the mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are the highlights of this event. Dance music and colourful shops light up this wonderful fair.

§ Accommodation: Royal Tents (Jodhana)

Day 11 - 8 November 2019 Pushkar/ Jaipur (B,D)On Day 11 we visit the fascinating capital of the marvellous state of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Jaipur is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, thanks to the colour of its buildings. It was built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. This diverse land of rich cultural heritage is a royal treat for tourists all over the world.In the evening we’ll enjoy a Bollywood Movie show at the beautiful theatre ‘Raj Mandir’, a cinema fit for royalty and one of the most popular tourists spots in Jaipur.

§ Accommodation: Sarovar Premiere



Day 12 - 9 November 2019 Jaipur (B,D) Today we explore Jaipur even more! There’s a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal Palace, known as the ‘palace of winds’ and built by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh. This is easily the most well-known landmark of Jaipur and is also its icon. The five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture and artistry with its delicately honeycombed 953 pink sandstone windows known as ‘jharokhas’. It was originally built for the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life and processions in the city from their veiled comfort.Next we’ll enjoy a jeep ride up to the Amber Fort. Set in picturesque and rugged hills, the fort is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The interior wall of the palace depicts scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirrors. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734. It is modeled after the one that he had built for him at Delhi and is described on the World Heritage List as ‘an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period’.

§ Accommodation: Sarovar Premiere



Day 13 - 10 November 2019 Jaipur / Agra (B,D)Today we head to Agra with a stop en route at the Abhaneri Step well. The Abhaneri is a step well which is regarded as a unique invention of the people of Abhaneri, created for rainwater harvesting. Located in the front of the Harshat Mata temple, this colossal step well has a depth of 20 meters, with 13 levels. Chand Baori is regarded as one of deepest and largest step wells in India. Despite being so huge, the well still has delicate and intricate carvings which are a visual treat. Various structures are also built around it.Next we head to Agra, the home of the inimitable ‘Taj Mahal’. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.

§ Accommodation: Ramada Plaza

Day 14 - 11 November 2019 Agra / Delhi (B) Our last day on tour ends with one of its grandest highlights - a trip to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal or ‘Crown of Palaces’ is a white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, the Taj Mahal looks the same from all the four sides and is widely recognized as the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world. The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not only in its beauty but also in the planning and design that went into its making. This enchanting mausoleum started in 1631 and it took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20000 workers.We’ll also visit Agra Fort, commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1666, A.D. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir’s Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. The massive Agra fort is 2.5 km long and is considered as the predecessor to the Delhi Red fort.Our tour ends as we head back to Delhi to transfer to the Airport for your flight home or onwards to Sri Lanka if you’re joining us for this back to back tour!



The Royal Tents of Pushkar


During our visit to Pushkar we spend two nights in ‘The Royal Tents’. The traditional ‘shikar’ style camp consists of elegant and luxurious twin bedded tents with verandahs with deck-chairs in front and attached bathrooms with running hot water at the back. There’s a spacious ‘Mughal design’ Dining Tent; a charming Recreation Tent which serves as a lounge; and a huge bonfire every evening. The camp is located in large private grounds, flanked by rolling mustard fields and hills.

§ Running Hot & Cold Water

§ Attached Bathroom

§ Bath Towels

§ Blankets

§ Plug to Charge Batteries

§ Mineral Water (2 bottles a day)

§ Aaram(Rest) Chair

§ Room Service

§ Complimentary Buffet Breakfast

AMENITIES

NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT THE TEAM: (Phone: 1300 55 45 01 (AUS) or 0800 895 145 (NZ) Email: [email protected]

ABOUT TWO’S A CROWD: We are an award winning tour company exclusively dedicated to the needs of solo travellers. At Two’s a Crowd, single and solo travellers have access to fantastic itineraries at great prices without ever feeling like a third wheel to someone else’s

private getaway. Our travellers enjoy the best of both worlds: private time, personalised attention, low single supplements, as well as thecamaraderie of like-minded travellers. For your peace of mind we are ATAS accredited (No A13850).

Our commitment is to make solo travel more enjoyable and affordable.Terms & Conditions: • Prices are per person and based on sole use rooms throughout • Pricing correct at July 2018 and is subject to change until paid in full. • Refer to our website www.twosacrowd.com.au for full terms and conditions. ©2018 Travel Passion Pty Ltd | ABN 32 140 754 856 trading as Two’s a Crowd.

Two’s a Crowd and the disk logo are registered trademarks of Travel Passion Pty Ltd.Issued: 16/7/2018

Tour Inclusions: § Two’s a Crowd tour host from Australia.

§ English speaking tour leader throughout.

§ All ground transportation, as detailed in the itinerary using air conditioned Indian Made Coach.

§ 13 nights hotel accommodation in your own room — always!

§ Meals as per itinerary: 11 breakfasts, 10 dinners.

§ Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi

§ Bishnoi Jeep Safari in Jodhpur

§ Public Boat Ride in Udaipur

§ Enjoy Pushkar Festival in Pushkar

§ Elephant / Jeep ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur

§ Group Picture at Taj Mahal

§ 1 Mineral Water per person per day

§ Monument entrance fee.

§ Currently applicable taxes

§ Standard CHI Travel Insurance Policy. Additional premium may be payable if over 69 years, have an existing medial condition or wish to extend your travelling dates (underwritten by Allianz).

Tour Exclusions: § All international airfares.

§ Any airport taxes.

§ Any new tax imposed by the Govt.

§ Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.

§ Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone charges etc.

§ Optional activities.

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TOUR PRICE A$4253 PLUS INTERNATIONAL AIRFARESTOUR DATES: 29 OCTOBER - 11 NOVEMBER 2019


ludes the pushkar estival - two's a crowd€¦ · pushkar estival. our 14 day solos tour...

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