Luxury Desert Safari Tour
Duration: 17 Days
Destinations Covered:
Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Bundi - Kota - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
- Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
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the very latest prices of this tour, please contact us here
The Rajasthan Desert Safari
Tour is ironically one of the most splendid and scenic tourism
destinations in India. The majestic Amber Fort and the City Palace complex at Jaipur set the scene with their regal presence,
while one of the largest forts in India, known as Mehrangarh Fort, awes tourists at Jodphur.
These packages cover major highlights of Rajasthan tours. Udaipur is considered
the most romantic city of Rajasthan with the Lake Palace situated right between
its famous lakes. You can even dine at the Lake Palace, if you so desire. The
tours also cover Pushkar, a major pilgrimage center and venue for world's
largest camel fair; and Sariska, which is a paradise for bird watchers.
Daywise Itinerary:
Day 01: Delhi Arrival at
Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international
airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
Delhi, the
capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a
fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to
the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that
is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Start with the sightseeing of Old
Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial
to Mahatma Gandhi; enjoy the tour of Red
Fort which has been restored largely in the last few years. The
magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years
1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak.
Take the bicycle rickshaw
continuing to the Jama Masjid,
one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque
continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely
quiet.
Visit the Gandhi Samadhi where the great leader is remembered by his country.
Drive to New Delhi, which
reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old
Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals
respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the
division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be
able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New
Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century
standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub
Minar, the tallest stone tower in India and the Humayun’s Tomb which is one
of the great monuments of Delhi. There is a saying that this monument was the
inspiration for the Taj Mahal hence it is a must to see this place and enjoy
the architecture. Visit the LOTUS TEMPLE of the BAHAI sect which represents the
modern architecture of India.
The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the
Rastrapathi Bhawan,
the President’s residence.
End the tour and return to the hotel. Relax in the evening.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Agra
(Distance by Road: 201 km, Usual Time Taken: 4 hrs)
Proceed for Agra after breakfast. Reach Agra in the afternoon.
Agra: Two
great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of
Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name
Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in
a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow
galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city
of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still
reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow
bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of
Mughlai cuisine.
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
Taj Mahal - Little
needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul
raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj
is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument
took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect
Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj
is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens
and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Sikandra – This
beautifully maintained monument is where Emperor Akbar was buried. It is a very
low profile monument but it has one of the most awe – inspiring tombs. It is
surreal how one of the greatest emperors has been put to rest. The manicured
lawns has spotted and other varieties of deer roaming in them. Named after the
Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor
Akbar. The Emperor began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during
his lifetime. However, his son Jahangir completed the construction in 1613. An
impressive marble - inlaid gateway leads to the spacious four - tiered monument
that is crowned by a white marble cenotaph and screen. What is interesting is
that the structure imbibes the best of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist,
Jain motifs, signifying the new religion started by Akbar – the DEEN E ILAHI.
Agra Fort
–The red sandstone structure is surrounded by Chahar-Bagh, a foursquare formal
garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly
of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque,
which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna,
almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years
1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of
red sandstone and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit Baby
Taj or the Itmad-Ud-Daulah – The interiors of which are
considered better than the Taj. Nur Jahan, the Empress of Jehangir for her
father in 1628, built one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s
Tomb. The tomb is a resting place of the powerful personality in Mughal Court,
Itmad-Ud-Daulah, whose life is very interesting. Formerly a very poor Persian
merchant then named Mirza Ghiyas or Ghiyas Beg he became a minister and a
trusted treasure in Akbar's court. After Akbar's death in 1605, his son
Jahangir rose into power. Jahangir made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister and
honored him with the title of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the Pillar of State. Later,
Jahangir met a beautiful daughter of Ghiyas Beg named Mehr-Un-Nissa and married
her. Mehr-Un-Nissa soon played a significant role in the Jahangir's court and
was called Nur Mahal, the light pf the Place. Owing to her influence, her father
and brother were granted with privileges in the court. When Ghiyas beg
(Itmad-Ud-Daulah) dies in 1622, Nur Mahal decided to build a mausoleum for him.
Queen Mumtaz Mahal or the lady of the Taj was also from this prevailing family.
The mausoleum is entirely made of white marble and graced with intricate
decoration of inlay work, and marble-screen work belonging to the Islamic
style. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb
stands impressively elegant from a distance.
Spend night at Agra.
Day 04: Agra – Jaipur: (Distance
by Road: 221 km, Usual Time Taken: 4 hrs)
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City – Jaipur.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built
that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating
experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are
in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court
life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund
Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western
deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the
Kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made
fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and
authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central
power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and
also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated
founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal.
Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the
Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is
known as the Pink City
on account of the distinctive color of its buildings. This did not, however,
form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given
a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating
religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently
as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and
Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of
heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered
walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed
Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI
Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke
the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
Amber Fort Palace – Amber is
the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started
by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its
forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal
and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you
will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the
main gate, making your entrance in the time honored fashion. The Fort,
completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now,
although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the
Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
City Palace – A delightful
blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace
sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the
Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar – This is the
largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II
in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized
astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal – The ornamental
facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of
sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate
balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap
Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently.
Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver
jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and
carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 06: Jaipur - Pushkar: (Distance
by Road: 142 km, Usual Time Taken: 03 hrs)
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast.
Reach Pushkar by noon and relax.
Pushkar - Amongst the grandeur
of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the
world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual Vedic Yagna at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma
Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the
famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell
cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja
Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the
world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and
Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar
radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again
and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world
and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the
Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar,
enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of
healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras
with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of
the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain in
Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage
properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the
new and full moon days.
Visit the mausoleum, Anasagar and Akbar's Palace.
Overnight will be at Pushkar.
Day 07: Pushkar – Bundi: (Distance
by Road: 241 km, Usual Time Taken: 4 hrs)
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Visit the Brahma Temple. Offer prayers at the holy lake of Pushkar.
Proceed for Bundi.
36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi - One of the unexplored cities with a
rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans -
an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on
the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. In
1193 AD when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some
Chauhan Nobles sought shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while
other young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena
and Bhil tribals thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two
branches of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on
three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.
Visit the Taragarh or Star Fort. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a
marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir that once supplied water to the
palace. Built in 1354 AD the fort is one of the most impressive forts of
Rajasthan. This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture,
housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
Chatrasagar
is a fascinating pavilion of a gallery of miniature murals. Elaborate colorful
paintings on the walls depict scenes from the 'Ragamala' 'Raaslila' -- the
Radha-Krishna story.
Sukh Mahal is
a magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings
of a beautiful garden. An underground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh
Mahal to the old palace.
Spend night at Bundi.
Day 08: Bundi – Kota –
Udaipur (Distance by Road: 280 km, Usual Time Taken: 5 hrs)
Start for Kota after breakfast.
Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the banks of the river Chambal
is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a miniature school of art which
specialized in hunting scenes.
Visit the City Palace And
Fort - On the banks of the Chambal River close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace
complex, which houses the Rao
Madho Singh Museum containing the relics of the former rulers
of Kota.
Jagmandir -
in the island in Kishore Sagar Lake was built by one of the queens of Kota. You
will take a paddleboat and roam around the same for a spiritual experience.
Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of Chambal and Chatter Bilas.
Proceed for Udaipur. Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake,
hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in
romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound
and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and
writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor
and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an
enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar – a kingdom ruled
by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace.
City Palace:
Standing on the east bank of lake Pichola, is a massive series of palaces built
at different times from 1559 A.D. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic
views of "Jag Niwas" (the world wide famous Lake palace hotel), Jag
Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the
triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series
of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens - a
harmonic profusion hard to describe. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the
maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people
to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from
the vivid mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is
noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of KRISHNA are on display in Bhim
Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal,
Moti mahal and Krishna vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who
poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princess. Now
the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and
utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored
glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Saheliyon ki Bari: Maharana Sangram singh builds this in the mid 18th century.
The 'garden of the maidens' brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the
court. The delightful gardens appear discreet and in impeccable taste. There
are four pools with dainty kiosks, and all around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools
and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees. The Foundation of
the Sahelion ki bari functions solely by water pressure and no pumps are used.
The garden has a lotus pool, a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass
mosaics. The whole ambiences is flavored by the nostalgia of those beautiful
bells enjoying themselves in a lavish aura.
Bagore ki Haveli:
This is a very congenial old building built right on the waterfront of Lake
Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar built it
in the eighteenth century. The palace has over hundred rooms and some very
interesting display of costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror in the
interiors of the Haveli delicate work and well preserved too. It also preserves
a fine example of Mewar Painting on the walls of Queen's Chamber. The two
peacocks made from small pieces of colored glasses are fine examples of
glasswork. After the death Badwa the building became the property of Mewar
State. It came to be occupied by Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore who built the
palace of the three arches also in 1878 and it acquired its name of
Bagore-ki-haveli, the house of Bagore. After independence the structure lay in
neglect until 1986 when it housed the West Zone Cultural centre.
Jagdish Temple:
The temple is situated in the middle of the city. The temple of Jagannath Rai,
now called Jagdish-ji, is a major monument and should be seen carefully. Raised
on a tall terrace and completed in 1651, it is a tribute alike to the tenacity
of its builders and the resilence of the art tradition it represents. It
attaches a double storeyed Mandapa (hall) to a double - storied, saandhara
(that having a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another storey
tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bell - roof) while the hollow clustered
spire over the sanctum contains two more, non - functional stories. Lanes
taking off from many of the sheharpanah (city wall) converge on the Jagdish
Temple and walking leisurely through them brings you face with the many layers
of the cultural palimpsest that Udaipur is. It was built by Maharana Jagat
Singh Ist in 1651 A.D.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake
in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir - the other
island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 10: Udaipur - Jodhpur (Distance
by Road: 260 km, Usual Time Taken: 4 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th
century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple
abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain
temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Jodhpur.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the
emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded
in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be
descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century
AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky
hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall
-10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 11: Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (Distance
by Road: 330 km, Usual Time Taken: 6 hrs)
Breakfast will be at Hotel.
Proceed for the sightseeing tour - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the
Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built
on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long
sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers.
In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room.
After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial. Proceed to visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Drive to Jaisalmer.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow
sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord
Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of
the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was
fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a
Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 12: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden
City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its
temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of
intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies.
Visit the Jaisalmer Fort – The oldest
living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
The fort stands almost 30 metres over the city and houses an entire living area
within huge ramparts. Walking through the narrow lanes is an experience worth
savouring. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa
Pol. Also, within it are many beautiful havelies and a group of Jain temples
dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the
Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city,
nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Seen from outside, the sight must be
almost identical to what was seen by merchants on their overland camel caravans
to central Asia. Once this desert outpost was an important gate for the trade
route, and Jaisalmer grew wealthy on the proceeds. But the advent of commercial
shipping relegated the town to relative obscurity. Known as SONAR QUILA, rising
from the sand , the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert
ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy
tale look. Its simply a magic, the bastions envelops a whole townships that
consist of palace complex various security sources and the havelis of rich
merchants carved with an incredibly light touch, several temples and the
residential complexes of the armies and traders placed strategically on the
trade route, from where the ancient caravans passed.
Enjoy the sightseeing of the following places out of which the Jain Temples are
inside the fort.
Nathmal Ki Haveli: Two
architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one
concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is
a symphony epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings
in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved
out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli: This
haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh
was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and
his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the
form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once
it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the
maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.
Patwon Ji Ki Haveli: This is
one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a
narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided
into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by
families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of
paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.
Tazia Tower:
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace).
Rising in its five-tiered splendor, with each storey graced by a delicately
carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built
it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their royal patron
Godi Sagar Lake:
This tank, south of the city walls, once held the town water supply, and
befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this
arid city, it is surrounded by small temples and shrines. The beautiful yellow
sandstone gateway arching across the road down to the tank is the Tilon-ki-Pol,
and is said to have been built by a famous prostitute, Tilon. When she offered
to pay to have this gateway constructed, the Maharaja refused permission under
it to go down to the tank and he felt that this would be beneath his dignity.
While he was away, she built the gate , adding a Krishna temple on top so that
king could not tear it down.
Jain Temples:
These fine Jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century, within the
Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and dedicated to Rikhabdevji and
Sambhavnathji. The Gyan Bhandar, a library containing some extremely old
manuscripts, is within the temple complex.
In the late afternoon, proceed to the Sand Dunes for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View
the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for
dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
Day 13: Jaisalmer Camel Safari
Proceed on camel backs early in the morning into the desert and reach midway
between Khuri and Jaisalmer.
Overnight will be in the camp.
Day 14: Jaisalmer – Bikaner
(Distance by Road: 340 km, Usual Time Taken: 6 hrs)
Return to Jaisalmer after breakfast and proceed straight
to Bikaner. (The road is very good and the journey
will be comfortable and relaxing)
Reach Bikaner and check in at hotel.
The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the
Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that
pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best
riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of
life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells,
camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of
water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with
slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even
from a distance.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North
of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and
1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. The city
is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding farm -
the only one in Asia. Also visit Gajner Palace - the palace on the lake.
Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Day 15: Bikaner – Mandawa (Distance
by Road: 180 km, Usual Time Taken: 3 hrs)
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for Mandawa.
The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a
mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle
Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial
costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit
are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by
Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 room hotel has
no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings,
jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during
evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. A two
hundred and forty year old fortress that has been converted by the family into
a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business
families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers
are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia
Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika
Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Relax for the evening.
Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day 16: Mandawa - Delhi
Breakfast will be at hotel. Leave at leisure for Delhi.
Reach by afternoon and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 17: Delhi – Back Home
Today as per your flight timings you will be transferred to the airport for
flight back home with sweet memories of India.
The Tour Includes:
» Accommodation at mentioned hotels on twin sharing basis.
» Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
» All transfers from stations and airports.
» English speaking guide for all mentioned tours.
» Assistance at the airports on arrival / departure.
» Assistance at stations on departure and arrival.
» Daily breakfasts at hotels.
» All applicable taxes and service charges.
» All road taxes, government taxes and driver allowances.
» Elephant ride at amer fort - jaipur.
» Sound and light show at delhi.
» Air-conditioned first class train travel where applicable.
» All domestic air travel within India where applicable.
» Private boat ride at lake pichola in udaipur.
» Rikshaw ride at Chandnichowk in Delhi.