FESTIVAL TOUR SUGGESTION #  3

Best during Period : February

Duration : 19 nights / 20 days

Cities covered : Delhi - Pathankot - Dharamsala - Palampur - Delhi - Jodhpur - Nagaur - Bikaner - Khimsar - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Delhi.

Colorful festivals covered :
- Tibetan New Year Celebration at Dharamsala (1st Jan.'08)
- Surajkund Crafts Mela near New Delhi (1st - 15th Feb.'08)
- Nagaur Cattle Fair at Nagaur (13th - 16th Feb.'08)
- Desert Festival at Jaisalmer (19th - 21st Feb.'08)

Highlights : A purely North Indian itinerary taking you from one most exciting festival to another. Participate in the breath-taking Tibetan New Year celebrations at Namgyal Monastery. Descend to the plains of North India and visit Rajasthan for the spectacle of the desert: forts, camels, folk dances..
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[These Festival Tour Programs are best run with minimum 6 travelers to a group & more]

Day 1 - ARRIVE DELHI
The romance and colour of India greets you as you disembark from your Jet in Delhi - India’s splendid capital. Founded on the sight of several cities it has been the seat of power for centuries. Today Old and New city combine to present a harmonious whole offering the traveler elegant shops, broad laburnum lines avenues, sun-warmed elegant forts and mosques that were once stronghold of Mughal powers and colorful bazaars. Our representative escorts you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 - DELHI / PATHANKOT
Morning free. Late afternoon transfer to Old Delhi Railway Station to board train for Pathankot. Overnight on board train.

Day 3 - PATHANKOT / DHARAMSALA
On arrival our representative escorts you to Dharamsala - The hill resort, once very popular with the British, is today the residence and headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who set up his government in exile at Mcleodgunj. This town rises in levels up the hill from 1250 m to 2000 m with the dramatic peaks of the Dauladhar rising above. Arrive and check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Namgyal Monastery for ceremony. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 - DHARAMSALA
Morning visit Tibetan library and museum, Tibetan Astro-Medical Institute and Nechung Monastery. Afternoon you visit the Tsechokling monastery, Gaden Choeling Nunnery and Tibetan handicraft centre. Return to Namgyal monastery to view the burning of the Demons Ceremony. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 – DHARAMSALA / PALAMPUR
This morning depart for Palampur.
Arrive and check in at HOTEL TARAGARH PALACE- it is situated on a 15 acre forested estate surrounded by tea gardens in the Kangra valley, one of the most scenic and unexplored areas of Himachal Pradesh. Located at a height of 1000 metres.

Taragarh Palace is at the foot of the Dauladhar mountains with a magnificent view of snow capped peaks. Formerly known as Alhilal (land of the crescent moon), the palace was built in the early 1930s as a summer resort. It was brought by the royal family of Jammu & Kashmir in 1951 for the dowager Maharani who lived there for several years. This property is now run as a hotel by the present royal family.

Afternoon visit Sobha Singh Art Gallery-Sobha Singh a Sikh artist lived here in the 1950s and 60s and later became known for his paintings of the romantic legends of Sohni Mahiwal and Hir Ranja and other religious paintings. Most of his original work is still displayed in this art gallery.

Later visit Tashijong Monastery - This monastery is one of the several built after the Dalamai Lama settled here. Tashijong also promotes arts like carpet weaving, Tankha paintings and block printing and runs a school for young Tibetan children. You will also visit the Tea gardens - for the nature lovers there are interesting walks through the tea gardens on the slopes of the surrounding hills where one can see the cheerful hill people at work. Overnight at Taragarh Palace.

Day 6 – PALAMPUR / DHARAMSALA
This morning you will visit Bir and Tibetan village.
Later depart for Dharamsala. Enroute visit Norbullingka Institute.

Arrive and check in at HOTEL CHONOR HOUSE - established as a branch of the Norbulingka Institute, was inaugurated in March 1993. Chonor House is a handsome three storey stone and brick building standing among pines on hill behind the thicken Choeling temple in upper Dharamsala. Designed by the British architect, David porter, it has a solid and functional structure, containing twelve guest rooms, a large living room, dining room and reception area.

Five of the guest rooms and the dining room are decorated with murals depicting scenes from Tibetan life, famous monuments, wildlife, mythical creatures, trees, flowers and characters from the Lhamo the traditional Tibetan opera. These were painted by three young Tibetan artists in a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, which reflect their dynamic aspirations. The interior design was carefully planned to incorporate the comfort of modern facilities with a unique Tibetan appeal.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 - DHARAMSALA
This morning visit the Namgyal monastery for the public audience of DALAI LAMA (subject to confirmation).
Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 – DHARAMSALA / DELHI
Morning visit Namgyal monastery to view the Incense burning ceremony and prayer flag ceremony. Afternoon depart for Pathankot to board train for Delhi.
Overnight on board train.

Day 9 - DELHI
Arrive Delhi and our representative escorts you to hotel.
This afternoon you will start a combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. An aura of history is everywhere in Old Delhi. Red Fort with its majestic ramparts and Jama Masjid one of the Asia’s Largest mosques from the hub. You will also make stop at Rajghat - Mahatma Gandhi’s final resting place. Emperor Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar complex, dating back to the 12th century.

New Delhi is well planned with wide tree lined avenues, fountains and parks. Colonial architecture dominates this part of the city, you will drive along the ceremonial avenues of Rajpath and view the splendid Presidential Palace, the circular Parliament House and impressive diplomatic enclave. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 - DELHI
This morning depart for Surajkund by coach to witness SURAJKUND CRAFTS MELA.

Handicrafts had been a muted presence in Indian life for centuries, adding colour, beauty and utility to all homes alike. Now, for the fifth time an effort is made to capture the dynamics of this great tradition through professionally organized crafts fairs.

About 8 km South of Delhi, in the sun drenched panoramic plains of Haryana, there lies the serene arc of a lake. Legend say, Raja Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty built the Lake and a Sun Temple on its shore some 900 years ago. Today the temple is in ruins, but the lovely wooded landscape worships a different power the craftsmanship of Indian artisans.

Master-craftsmen from all over the country come to display their skill and sell their exquisite products. Major crafts here on display are Kalamkari, glass, scroll, Madhubani and phad painting, block tie and die printing; handloom textiles, embroidery; sandalwood, rosewood carving; various kinds of terracotta and pottery; brass copper and iron metal crafts; stone carvings and sculptures; cane and grass crafts; paiper mache and lacquer work, etc - a shopping bonanza by any standard.

The Surajkund Crafts Mela is unique inane more aspect : It comes as an opportune event to witness some of the most fascinating aspect of Folk Theatare. All through the mela period, the day performers entertain the crows with the Mela Grounds. Kutchi Ghori, puppet shows, magicians, natts, shenai players, Kala Jadu performers and Mehndiwali come to delight visitors.

Within the mela area, provision for food stalls is also made. Popular South Indian Food, Punjabi Food, Chinese and Puri Bhaji are available. Regional Foods of the Theme state are also introduced to visitors. Return to Delhi for overnight stay at hotel.

Day 11 - DELHI / JODHPUR
Morning visit Surajkund crafts Mela.
Afternoon return to Delhi to take a short flight for Jodhpur - a city founded in the 15th century by a chieftain of Rajputs, natives of Rajasthan, this city stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. Our representative escorts you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 - JODHPUR / NAGPUR
This morning you visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and explore its many palaces where royal apartments had such evocative names as the Pearl Palace and the Pleasure Palace. Royal trappings adorn rooms painted and carved in intricate patterns.
Late afternoon depart for Nagaur. Arrive and check in at Royal Camp
Overnight at camp.

Day 13 - NAGAUR
Full day visit Nagaur Fair. Explore the colorful activities, an opportunity to buy handicraft items. Once the job of buying and selling is over, the assembled folk settle down for serious business of enjoying themselves. The Rajasthani dance and music, Camel race are the special features of this fair.
Overnight at camp.

Day 14 - NAGAUR / BIKANER
Morning visit to Nagaur festival to participate in the colorful activities of fair.
Also visit the spice market one of the unique site, trading is done of various spices of many varieties. Later in the afternoon depart for Bikaner by coach.

Arrive and check in at LALGARH PALACE - built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. Dexterous carving in red sandstone specially intricate filigree work is the chief attraction here. It is today the residence of Her Highness Rajmata Sushila Kumari. Overnight at Palace.

Day 15 - BIKANER
This morning your day starts with the sightseeing tour visiting the 16 th century fort housing old palace, Jai Temple and mosque. The Fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs.
Overnight at Palace.

Day 16 - BIKANER / KHIMSAR
Morning depart for Khimsar by coach.
Arrive and check in at FORT KHIMSAR - this fort architecture offers great heterogeneity. Originally, the fort walls, turrets and stables were built solely for war, and were constructed around the beginning of the 16th century. Today, this fort ranks amongst the premier classified Heritage Hotels of India.

Afternoon take a jeep Safari to photograph the herds of the famous Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) and the highly protected rare Black Buck leaping into the thin desert air. The Neelgai or Blue Bull can be sighted in abundance. Followed by Picnic tea a top the famous sand - dunes of panchla. As you sip tea, watch evening sunset behind the dunes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17 - KHIMSAR / JAISALMER
Morning depart for Jaisalmer by coach.  Arrive and check in at hotel. Later in the afternoon, on Camel back explore Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmalji Ki Haveli and Salim Ki Haveli, some of the beautiful mansions. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18 - JAISALMER
Full day visit the DESERT FESTIVAL, which takes place once in a year. The empty sands around Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colors, music and laughter of the festival. The very rich colorful Rajasthani folk culture is on show here.

Handsome Rajasthani men and tall beautiful women dressed in their costumes dance and sing haunting ballads of velour, romance and tragedy. The attractions are :-
Snake Charmers, Puppeteers, Acrobats, Folk dance performers, Camels, the lifeline of desert, Camel races, Camel acrobats, Camel polo etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19 - JAISALMER
Full day visit the DESERT FESTIVAL

See the pulsating drama in the dazzling sands, the myriad-hued ghagharas swirling with the rhythm of twinkling pajebs. The smiling faces framed in jewels and veils. The blazing turbans reflecting a passion for colors. The proud mustaches reminding of the velour and romance of a chequered history.

The sound bells and bangles mingling with the ecstatic uproar. The incredible feats of the acrobats. The charging camels and an oblivious crowd in the magic circle of golden dust. The magical spell makes the fantasies real, experience in yourself.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 20 - JAISALMER / JODHPUR / DELHI
Morning depart for Jodhpur. On arrival transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi.
Our representative escorts you to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 21 - DEPART DELHI
Your India experience comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport to board your homeward bound flight.