Pushkar Camel Fair & Rajasthan
Nothing can compare to the excitement of the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan! On the full moon of November of each year, thousands of villagers and pilgrims bathe in Pushkar’s sacred lake while countless more, decked in their colorful finery, buy and sell brilliantly decorated camels and livestock. Serious traders, fervent pilgrims, jugglers, magicians, soothsayers, storytellers, and handicraft vendors add to the excitement. Rajasthani folk music plays well into the night, and the air is aromatic with Indian food. Your film expectations will never be enough!
This photo expedition is specifically tailored for photo enthusiasts, and is led by a photo enthusiast with considerable first-hand experience in South Asia. It is also limited to 10 photographers on a “first registered first in” basis.
We will also experience an unforgettable adventure in the company of like-minded friends and share our collective knowledge of photography. Come join me on this incomparable photo Rajasthan Pushkar Tour!
Day 1 – Delhi
We are checked in the Hotel in Delhi. Depending on arrival times, an optional city tour can be arranged by Rajasthan Tours, to include Lutyen’s architectural creations, landmarks of the British Raj era and 16th century Mughal architectural monuments.
Day 2 – Delhi-Jaipur-Pushkar
Early morning departure transfer to airport in time to board our Jet Airways flight to Jaipur (0555 hrs/0655 hrs). Meeting and assistance on arrival in Jaipur, and transfer by bus to Pushkar (3.5 hours) We anticipate frequent photo opportunities on the road, as shepherd families with their camels and livestock will be walking to Pushkar from adjoining villages. Arrival in Pushkar and check into Royal Camp. Afternoon and evening photography of the fair activities.
Day 3 – Pushkar
We will awake before dawn, and spend the whole day photographing the various activities at the Camel Fair. There is a huge crowd at this fair (estimated at more than 200,000 people), but it retains a friendly and festive atmosphere, and the photo opportunities are limitless. There are jugglers and acrobats to entertain; camels, goats, and sheep entered into competitions; and spirited camel races wagered on by the locals. Adding to the atmosphere is the colorful Rajasthani attire, a riot of gaudy colors, tall turbans, baubles, bangles, and mirror-encrusted skirts that look even more vibrant in contrast with the tawny backdrop of the desert.
Day 4 – Pushkar-Jodhpur
We will awake at dawn, and spend the whole morning photographing the various activities at the Camel Fair. In the late afternoon, we will drive to Jodhpur. Arrive Jodhpur and check into Hotel. Subject to our time of arrival, we will tour the blue city of Jodhpur.
Day 5 – Jodhpur
We will awake early morning for Osiyan, the ancient Thar Desert town, mostly inhabited by Brahmins. The wealth of Osiyan’s medieval Jain inhabitants enabled them to build lavish and intricately-carved temples. We will also photograph in a Bishnoi village. The Bishnoi are the original ‘tree-huggers’ and are well known for their conservationist philosphies. Bishnoi women are beautiful and fine-featured, known for their gorgeous golden jewelry including necklaces, nose rings, and ankle bracelets, all set off beautifully against their traditional crimson-colored saris. In the afternoon, we will visit Meharangarh Fort.
Day 6 – Jodhpur-Udaipur
We will travel in the morning to Ranakpur, one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India. The mable temple complex has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two of which are alike. It lies in a remote valley about 40 miles from Udaipur. We will arrive Udaipur in the late afternoon, and check into Hotel. We plan an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at Kankarwa Haveli on the banks of the lake.
Day 7 – Udaipur
We plan to visit the City Palace, and see a Rajasthani art school with demonstrations of miniature paintings. We will photograph the markets of Udaipur in the immediate vicinity of the Palace.
Day 8 – Udaipur-Deogarh
This morning, we will drive to Deogarh ( 3 hrs). En route we will be visiting Nagda & Eklingji. Eklingji is an interesting little village with a number of ancient temples. Nagda also has ancient temples, including some that are nearly submerged in a nearby lake. We arrive Deogarh and check into Deogarh Mahal. The village of Deogarh (“castle of the gods”) is virtually unknown to tourists. We will also visit a small cave temple dedicated to Shiva.
Day 9 – Deogarh-Patchewar
This morning, we will drive drive to Patchewar ( 5 hrs). We arrive Pachewar and after checking into Pachewar Garh, we will visit the Village famous for indigo dyeing. Numerous photo opportunities will be made available to us using the dye workers. Patchewar is also a center for pottery making following ancient techniques. We will also visit and photograph the artisans at work.
Day 10 – Patchewar-Jaipur
We will leave early to drive to Jaipur ( 3 hrs). We will check into Hotel, and depart for a late morning tour of Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’. In the afternoon, we will visit nearby Amber, the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Depending on the time, we might visit Sanganer, a little town south of Jaipur renowned for its handmade paper and block-printing of textiles.
Day 11 – Jaipur-Delhi
We will leave at dawn to visit and photograph Balaji Temple (2.5 hrs drive one way), the site of exorcism. We return in time for our evening transfer to the Jaipur airport to board flight to Delhi. We will be met and assisted on our arrival and we will be transferred to the Hotel.
Day 12 – Delhi-Flights
Transfer to international airport to board onward flights.