Rajasthan Desert Tour
(18 Days)
New Delhi | Neemrana | Jaipur | Samode | Mandawa |
Bikaner | Jaisalmer | Khimsar | Jodhpur | Luni | Udaipur
Day 01 : Arrive New Delhi
Arrive
New Delhi airport & transfer to hotel. Delhi - An international
metropolis with excellent tourist spots, recreational facilities, and a
history that goes back to antiquity. It offers a multitude of interesting
places and attractions to the visitor. Later proceed on sightseeing tour of
Delhi. Visit Red Fort - The Red Fort with red sandstone walls, popularly
known as the Lal Qila extends for two kms and varies in height from 18
metres on the river side to 33 metres on the city side. India Gate - At the
center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe"
like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French
counterpart war memorial. Qutab Minar - Among all the monuments in Delhi,
perhaps this is the most famous. 15 kms south of Delhi, stands the soaring
tower of victory, the Qutab Minar. The buildings in this complex, date from
the onset of Muslim rule in India. Jama Masjid - Jama Masjid or the Jami
Masjid was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, between 1644 and 1658
and is the final architectural piece built by him. Situated in the ancient
town of Old Delhi, this pride of the Mughals was built by five thousand
artisans & Chandi Chowk. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi - Neemrana (170 kms)
After breakfast drive to Neemrana - A small beautiful village in Alwar, is
located about 122Km from Delhi. The village has its own historical
importance and is located about 75Km from the main Alwar city. Located
almost midway between Delhi and Jaipur, Neemrana belongs to 1464 A.D., when
it was built as a fortified palace. Since this town is situated in the
vicinity of both Alwar and Delhi, it is the perfect getaway for the people
residing in these cities. The Neemrana Fort and Palace is one of the most
important tourist destinations in Neemrana, Alwar, and Rajasthan. The fort
is located on a plateau that is concealed in a horseshoe pattern in the
Aravalli hills. Arrive & check in. Rest of the day is free to explore
the palace. Overnight stay at Neemrana.
Day 03 : Neemrana - Jaipur
Today
drive to Jaipur - The city of Jaipur is capital to the northern Indian state
of Rajasthan, famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes.
The city is mirror to every thing that Rajasthan signifies, be its culture,
tradition, society, and, most important, the people. The old city of Jaipur
has neat and broadly laid-out avenues, all painted pink, and that gives a
magical glow to the city, especially in the evenings. Arrive & check in.
Evening is free to explore the local bazaars. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 04 : City Tour
Today proceed for half day excursion to Amber Fort : 11 kms north of Jaipur
is the ancient capital. The fort is superb example of Rajput architecture,
stunningly situated on a hall side overlooking a lake. Here you have the
opportunity to ascend the fort on Elephant's back (depending on
availability) alternately by jeeps. Later proceed on city tour. Jaipur
offers a plethora of touristic attractions to the traveller visiting Hawa
Mahal (Palace of Winds) - Constructed in 1799 is one of the major landmarks
in Jaipur. This 5 storey building overlooking the main street is a stunning
example of Rajput artistry, with pink delicately honeycombed sandstone
windows. It was built to enable ladies of the royal house to watch the
everyday life & processions of the city. City Palace : In the heart of
the old city, it occupies divided into series of courtyards, gardens &
buildings. The Palace is a blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture.
Jantar Mantar : Next to the entrance to the City Palace. An observatory
begun by Jai Singh in 1728. His passion for astronomy was even notable than
his prowess as a warrior. Evening is free to relax / shopping. Overnight
stay at Jaipur.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Samode (46 kms)
After a relaxed breakfast drive to Samode - A small village near Jaipur.
Located close to the beautiful green Aravali Hills Samode is a best place
for picnic on weekends. Samode is at 46 km distance from Jaipur. It is
famous for its beautiful Samode Palace and Garden. The highlight of the
building is the exquisite Diwan-I-Khas, which is covered with original
paintings and mirror work. Arrive & check in. Rest of the day is free to
explore the Samode Palaces & Samode Bagh. Overnight stay in Samode.
Day 06 : Samode - Mandawa
Early
today drive to Mandawa - In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan
lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its
forts and havelis. The structures of this place reminds one of the cultural
and social hot spot this place used to be in the bygone era.
Day 07 : City Tour
After breakfast proceed on full day sightseeing tour of the Shekhawati
Region (Fatehpur & Nawalgarh) - known as 'the open- air art gallery'.
This region is famous for the exterior decoration of the Havelis depicting
an endless range of topics. Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 08 : Mandawa - Gajner (250 kms)
Early today drive to Gajner. Enroute visit the town of Bikaner - A dust
swirling desert town, Bikaner's finest sight is its fort, with dazzlingly
rich interiors. Visit the Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Camel breeding farm
& the famous Karni Mata Temple. Later continue your drive to Gajner.
Arrive & check in. Overnight in Gajner.
Day 09 : Drive Gajner - Jaisalmer (280 kms)
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer - The name evokes a vivid picture of
sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. The exotic, remote, and beautiful,
Jaisalmer is one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist destinations. Local
colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain,
imbuing the medieval town with a special magic. Arrive & check in.
Evening is free for leisure / shopping. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer
Day 10 : City Tour
After breakfast proceed on sightseeing tour, visit the Jaisalmer Fort, Old
city & Havelis - exquisitely carved in sandstone. This desert town is on
a former trade route between Persia and China. Late afternoon depart to the
Sand Dunes of Thar Desert and enjoy a spectacular sunset. Experience a camel
/ jeep ride on the sand dunes. Evening return to hotel. Overnight stay in
Jaisalmer.
Day 11 : Jaisalmer - Khimsar
Today drive to Khimsar, a fine tourist destination in Rajasthan, is located
on the route between Jodhpur and Bikaner at a distance of 92 kilometres from
Jodhpur. Exuding with rustic charm of Rajasthan, Khimsar is renowned for its
fort. The Khimsar Fort nestles on the edge of the great Thar Desert in the
heart of rural Rajasthan. The battle-scarred walls and turrets take one to
the glorious past of this place. The fort was originally built as protection
of the Royal family but later was used by the royal family as their
residence in the 18th century. Today, this fort ranks amongst the premier
classified Heritage Hotels of India. Arrive & check in. Evening is free
to explore Khimsar. Overnight in Khimsar
Day 12 : City Tour
After
breakfast proceed on sightseeing tour visiting the historic fort at Nagaur,
which encompasses the palace, the harbour & mosques. Evening return to
your hotel. Overnight stay in Khimsar.
Day 13 : Drive Khimsar - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur - This land of royalty is a glittering
jewel set in the golden sands of barren desert landscape. The light that
reflects of the golden sands engulf a land renowned for its vibrant colours,
people in the bright clothes and beautiful jewellery, living in city dotted
and dominated by towering fort and palaces that rise from sand like a
mirage. Late afternoon arrive & check in. Evening is free for leisure.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 14 : City Tour
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour, visit the Mehrangarh Fort -
Situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh Fort is spread
over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. Jaswant Thada - a white
marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes
that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the
Mughal king Jahangir. Umaid Bhawan Palace - Made of marble and pink
sandstone, the construction of the Umaid Bhawan started in 1929 and it took
16 years to complete it. It is believed that the palace was constructed to
give employment to the famine-struck population of Jodhpur. This majestic
building is presently the residence of the former rulers with a part of it
running as hotel and remaining part as a museum. Mandore Gardens, the
Government Museum and Zoo, Old Fort Museum and Balsamand Lake and Gardens
are other attractions. Evening is free to explore the bazaars. Overnight
stay in Jodhpur.
Day 15 : Drive Jodhpur - Luni
Today drive to Luni - Is a small village located 35 kms from Jodhpur. It is
called an artisan village & the people are still pursuing their
ancestral profession of fashioning metal. Since the city is located on the
bank of river Luni, it offers a good opportunity to you to avail the beauty
of nature amidst it. Arrive & check in. Later visit the Luni fort, an
exceptional example of Indian architecture. The fort has been converted into
a heritage hotel is an exceptional 'example of elegance and symmetry in
Indian architecture of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out
of the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice
work friezes and intricate Jharokas it exquisitely captures the romance and
grace of a bygone age. The Fort is composed of a lyrical complex of
courtyards, towers, water wheels, stables, passages and unexpected stairways
to secret pavillions and panoramic roof tops spanning the village below and
the Thar horizon beyond. Overnight stay in Luni.
Day 16 : Drive to Udaipur
Early
today drive Udaipur. Enroute visit the temple town of Ranakpur - The
exceptionally beautiful complex, is one of the largest & most important
Jain temples in India. It is located in remote valley of Aravali Ranges &
is certainly worth seeing. The Chaumukha Temple (Four Faced) was built in
1439 with 29 halls & 1444 pillars - no two crafted pillars are alike.
Later continue your drive to Udaipur. Arrive late afternoon & check in.
Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 17 : City Tour
Today after breakfast proceed for city tour of Udaipur - If Jaipur is a
city in pink, Udaipur is a study in white. The city is famous for its
palaces, lake, museums, temples, and gardens. The City Palace and Museum is
considered as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and its museum has
stunning collection of objects collected by different Maharanas of Udaipur
over the centuries. The Picholia Lake, Udai Sagar, and Pratap Sagar are some
of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Some other attractions in the city
are the Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jag Mandir, Pratap Memorial.
Evening is free for leisure / shopping. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 18 : Depart Udaipur
Today transfer to Udaipur airport for your flight to onward destination.
End of a memorable tour !!!
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