Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Delhi: optional afternoon tour of New Delhi
Beginning in Delhi we have an opportunity this afternoon to explore the rich architectural creations of Edward Lutyens and the British Raj of the 1930s. Travelling by metro and auto rickshaw, our optional tour of New Delhi takes in the broad expanse of the Rajpath (Kingsway) and the towering memorial arch of the India Gate. We also visit the magnificent buildings of the Indian Parliament and the towering Qutb Minar, a spectacular 13th century edifice of sandstone and marble that towers some 73 metres above the city.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
Optional morning tour of Old Delhi. Afternoon train to Jaipur
Following yesterday’s tour of New Delhi, this morning we have a chance to explore the old part of the city, the former capital of the 17th century Mughal emperor, Shan Jahan. Taking in the bustling markets of the Chandi Chowk Bazaar and the impressive Jami Masjid Mosque (the largest in India), we then have some free time in the old city before making our own way back to the hotel. This afternoon we catch the afternoon train to Jaipur, arriving in India’s fabulous ‘Pink City’ later this evening.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
In Jaipur. Overnight train to Jaisalmer
We have a free day in Jaipur, before we catch the overnight train on to Jaisalmer. Options for today include visits to the majestic ‘Hawa Mahal’ (the famous ‘ Palace of the Winds’) and the once mighty Rajput capital of Amber, with its magnificent fortress. This afternoon we can then join our leader on an orientation tour of the city, taking in the City Palace and the 18th century Observatory of Jantar Mantar, before catching the evening train across the great Thar Desert to Jaisalmer.
Overnight Train (U)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
Arrive Jaisalmer. Optional afternoon tour of the city
Arriving in Jaisalmer late this morning, we have a little time to relax and freshen up before perhaps joining an optional tour of the city this afternoon. Known as the ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer is home to an impressive 12th century sandstone fortress and a number of ornate Jain temples, many of which we have a chance to see this afternoon. The tour also takes in the city’s Folklore Museum and the magnificent Patwon-ki Haveli, the largest, and by far the most elaborate, of Jaislamer’s old merchant houses.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 5:
Camel trek to desert camp
The Thar Desert forms part of the great desert belt that extends from the North African Sahara, and across Arabia and Rajasthan to the sands of the Gobi in Central Asia. Following in the footsteps of the merchants caravans of old we head out into the desert on camels this morning, enjoying the views back towards Jaisalmer Fort as we pass remote temples en route to our desert camp. We cover some 18 kilometres in total today and many people find that they prefer to combine riding with periods of walking, so please ensure that you have appropriate footwear.
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Camel trek back to Jaisalmer. Evening train to Jodhpur
Breaking camp this morning we continue through the desert to Nara Ki Talai, where we stop for lunch. Arriving back in Jaisalmer this afternoon we say farewell to our camels and camp crew and then head to the station to catch the late afternoon train to Jodphur. Note: If you do not wish to take part in the camel trek you can elect to spend more time in Jaisalmer, but please advise your tour leader on arrival in Delhi.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7:
Optional morning visit to Jodhpur Fort. Free afternoon
The Majestic Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur is built across the top of a steep escarpment 125 metres above the plains below. This morning we have a chance to visit this magnificent citadel on an optional morning visit. The views from the top of the escarpment stretch out across Jodphur and the surrounding desert plains, whilst the buildings that lie within the fort’s protective embrace are typically Mughal - ornate and flamboyant, but always with defence in mind. Afterwards there will be some free time to explore more of Jodphur’s hidden charms and its bustling bazaar.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Public bus to Udaipur. Late afternoon free
Leaving Jodphur by public bus this morning we head next towards Udaipur, Rajasthan’s beautiful city of lakes. The 285 kilometre drive will take us a good portion of the day, but on arrival we should have some time to enjoy a first glimpse at a city that many consider to be one of Rajasthan’s most elegant and sublime settings. Founded in 1559, by Maharaja Udai Singh II, it is a city of temples, palaces and gardens, encompassing some of the finest architectural examples of Rajput design anywhere in India.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9:
Free in Udaipur
There is an opportunity this morning to join your leader on an orientation tour around the city, taking in the lakeside ghats, the dhobi wallahs and the intricate carvings of the Jagdish Temple. Other possibilities include a visit to the City Palace, one of Udaipur’s most iconic buildings, whose opulence and grandeur provide a fascinating insight into the rule of what is believed to be the oldest dynasty on the planet. There are also options to explore the surrounding countryside on bicycles and take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola (water levels permitting).
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10:
Tour ends Udaipur
Included meals: Breakfast
