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Desert Experience 12 Nights/13 Days
Rajasthan India Tours include a two week odyssey into the heart of Rajasthan - the desert state! Visit Jaisalmer (a great place for Forts and Palaces Tour in India), often called the “final frontier” of the Thar Desert, with its endless sweeping sand dunes. Head out on a camel safari in Osian and experience regal living at Khimsar Fort. This comprehensive journey through Rajasthan also includes the highlights of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.Destinations covered: - Delhi - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Osian - Khimsar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
On arrival at International airport, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India is one of India's fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects shades of Mughal Emperor whereas New Delhi shows the legacy of what British left behind.
The streets of Old Delhi are narrow and bustling. The beauty and serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), and is tree-lined and spacious.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast proceed for day sightseeing of Delhi covering the following areas of New Delhi and Old Delhi
Rajghat - A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu (Father of Nation)
Red Fort (Lal quila) - Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1636 and 1658, when the mougal empire was on its peak. Jama Masjid (Mosque) - Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India.
Qutub Minar - is the tallest stone tower in India. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer
Indian Gate - Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms
Overnight in Delhi - we will be happy to recommend places for an evening stroll or a restaurant for dinner tonight.
Day 03: Train Delhi to Jodhpur (620 Kms)
A day for shopping and exploring Delhi and in the evening transfer to Delhi Railway Station for the 9pm train to Jodhpur, Overnight at Train
Day 04: Arrive Jodhpur
Arrive Jodhpur at 8am and transferred to your chosen hotel. Jodhpur is set at the edge of the Thar Desert. This imperial city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. In the past, it was the capital of the Marwar state, founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city. It was once a major trade center. Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.
After breakfast start for Jodhpur tourist spots stand as a living proof of the splendor, traditions and culture of the Jodhpur. The glorious past of Jodhpur is personified through the various forts, palaces and other monuments of Jodhpur. The main places to see in Jodhpur Rajasthan are:
Mehrangarh Fort - The most magnificent fort in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, constructed it in 1459. There are a number of attractions within the fort like several palaces, galleries, a museum, temples and so on.
Umaid Bhavan Palace - One of the fascinating palaces of Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhavan palace. Maharaja Umaid Singh constructed it in 20th century. A part of the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a museum.
Jaswant Thada - Jaswant Thada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.
Overnight at Jodhpur
Day 05: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (290 kms 05 hrs drive by Road)
Drive to Jaisalmer, another princely state of Rajasthan is a paradise of the desert kingdom. Summarizing the allure of the desert, the splendid Jaisalmer nestles in the foothills of Trikuta. Jaisalmer is a desert city and instantly invokes number of images in the mind of travellers. The word itself provokes an image of deserted land with camel swiftly moving on the golden sands. The city is almost enticing and for domestic travellers as it is to foreign tourists. Standing in pride with its colossal forts, palaces and havelis, Jaisalmer showcases the artistic sense of the Rajput kings.
You will be delivered to your chosen hotel and the afternoon is free for wandering or relaxing.
Day 06: Jaisalmer
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of JaisalmerJaisalmer Fort - Rising like a sunbeam from the golden sands of the desert, Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan. A sight to behold, this living fort is one of the marvels of Rajasthani Architecture, especially of the stone carver's art.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli - Patwon - Ki - Haveli is another dimension to the Jaisalmer havelis. It is a five storey edifice which was constructed in 1800 AD and 1860 AD. This is the largest of its kind and is one of the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer
Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli - Unusual and mystic! It is a Salim Singh Ki Haveli. The top most stories of this haveli are destroyed yet the surviving structure has peerless grandeur. You indeed would be enticed with the intricate workmanship and designed Jharokhas.
Gadissar Lake - The origin of this artificial water tank dates back to 1156 AD. Surrounded by small temples and shrines, it also gives a view of the exquisite archway, Teelon Ki Pol - one of the main entrances to the lake and the city.In the evening head out to Sam sand dunes and take a short camel ride to witness the incredible sunset over vast stretches of sand. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 07: Jaisalmer-Osian (295 kms 6 hrs drive by road) This morning you drive to Osian Village - offering even single travellers the chance to experience life in a desert camp! The first of its kind in India, this permanent camp offers accommodation in spacious tents, furnished with carpets, comfortable beds and with en suite bathrooms. All are insect/mosquito and waterproof and all are decorated with Indian motives and style. In the afternoon set out on a short camel safari to the nearby oasis, en-route you will see blue bulls, gazelles, foxes and also make a short stop at a Bishnoi Village to visit the local weavers. Return to the camp on a four-wheel drive jeep and later and in the evening enjoy the folk entertainment followed by a sit down dinner. You may at this time like to retire to your tent or sit by the fire and sip a cognac or smoke a cigar.
Day 08: Osian - Khimsar (45 kms 01 hr drive by road)
Drive to Khimsar to stay at Khimsar Fort, perched high on the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Reflecting rural India, this unique fort offers a wide range of experiences; the late afternoon Black buck safari followed by picnic tea on the nearby Sand Dunes is always a favourite. Overnight at Khimsar Fort
Day 09: Khimsar - Jaipur (300 kms 06 hrs drive by road)
Drive to Jaipur - the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. However, Jaipur has joined the parade of metropolitan cities; still there are some traditions and customs in the city, which you will find quite surprising. 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.
On arrival, check in at your chosen Jaipur hotel for your 2 night stay. Rest of the day at leisure for own activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: In Jaipur
After breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. 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 honoured 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 Mughal 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.
Evening leisure for shopping or one can visit Birla temple to explore the religious side of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Jaipur - Agra (250 kms 05 hrs drive by road)
Early morning drive to Agra, via Emperor Akbar's deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, an almost perfectly preserved 400 year-old Mughal capital. Upon arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for own activities.Agra- Heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century.
Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Agra to Delhi (220 kms 4.5 hrs drive by road)
The day starts early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. The Taj Mahal in Agra India is considered one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in India. The history of the Taj Mahal is one of the great love stories of the world. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658 and was married to Arjumand Bano Begum in 1612 A.D. He called his wife Mumtaz Mahal or Crown of the Palace. Her dying wish to Shah Jahan was that he should "build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before." The history of the Taj Mahal begins with Mumtaz Mahal's tragic end.
Continue sightseeing.
Later visit the Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls, and the Itmad-ud-Daulah - the exquisite tomb of a Persian adventurer who became chief minister at the Emperor Jahangir's court. His grand-daughter Mumtaz married Shah Jahan and her tomb is, of course, the Taj Mahal.
Later in the day drive to Delhi where you will be delivered to your chosen hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 13: Depart Delhi
You will be transferred to International airport in time to board your flight home.