Staying in converted forts and palaces of the Maharajahs, we explore the bustling bazaars, desert cities and intricate marble temples of Rajasthan. We visit the famous painted houses of Mandawa and Nawalgarh and ride through the Thar Desert by camel. Along the way we visit Jodhpur Fort, the historic city Udaipur set beside Lake Pichola and the magnificent mountain fortress of Kumbalgarh.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Delhi
Arrive Delhi and check into hotel. This afternoon we go on a city tour and see the main sights of New Delhi, which include the President’s Palace, Lok Sabha (Parliament), India Gate, the Rajpath and Humayan’s Tomb, before driving to the hustle and bustle of the bazaars of Old Delhi where we’ll also visit the famous Jami Masjid Mosque. Please note: the Delhi section will be accompanied by a local guide who will take you to Jaipur where you will join your tour leader.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in The LaLit
The LaLit
Located close of the heart of Connaught Place and within walking distance of the market stalls at Janpath the Lalit is an ideal base for our time in Delhi. Rooms are spacious with a modern, relaxed feel. There are three restaurants plus a bar area and pastry shop in the lobby. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a spa facility.
2
Train and drive to Mandawa
Leaving the capital by train, we experience Indian railways at their best as we head west into Rajasthan (approximately 4 hours). Disembarking at Jaipur, we drive to the colourful former merchants' town of Mandawa (approximately 7 hours). The late afternoon will be free for you to explore Mandawa.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Hotel Castle Mandawa
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Castle Mandawa
A splendid and beautifully converted 240 year old fortress which towers above the town. The accommodation has maintained its old flavour using period furniture and local décor throughout, including old family portraits and antique armour. There is a real sense of discovery here – battlements that offer wonderful views across the town, antique murals in the Zenana (women’s quarters) and 7 foot thick walls forming part of the turret room. The facilities are excellent too. You may wish to enjoy a cool drink on the colonial verandah or relax in the comfort of the Diwan khana, the formal drawing room.
3
Drive to Gajner
A short drive takes us to Nawalgarh, where we tour the vividly painted houses impressive havelis (merchant’s houses) in the Shekhavati area of the town. The buildings are decorated with bold, highly coloured folk art depicting elephants, horsemen, parrots, peacocks, and festive scenes like weddings. We also visit the main bazaar before driving to Gajner, just west of the desert city of Bikaner (approximately 6 hours) which we will visit tomorrow. Situated directly on the ancient camel caravan routes that came from Africa and West Asia, Bikaner was once a great trading centre. Its colourful bazaars and buildings of reddish-pink sandstone still suggest its ancient wealth.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Gajner Palace
Included meals: Breakfast
Gajner Palace
We plan to stay in the Gajner Palace which stands like a jewel in the Thar Desert on the shores of Gajner Lake approximately 19kms from Bikaner. It was one of the former palaces of the Maharajas of Bikaner and was frequented by them to entertain royalty and dignitaries. Built of intricately carved red stone, this palace is surrounded by six thousand acres of preserved wild life sanctuary.
4
In Bikaner
This morning we take a tour to the Junagarh Fort built by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611) which is distinguished by its high defensive light red sandstone walls. The well preserved palaces within the fort area are noted for their fine stone carvings. Bikaner still remains a defensive town, and was the home of the famous Camel Corps. We will also take the opportunity to visit the Old town and Bhandasar Jain Temple. This afternoon, we may also visit the National Camel Research Centre and the Deshnoke (Rat) Temple before returning to the Gajner Palace.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Gajner Palace
Included meals: Breakfast
5
Drive Mirvand Desert Camp-Sodakore
This morning is left free for you to enjoy the grounds of the hotel and relax. Leaving late morning we drive via Pokaran to the desert camp in Mirvand. Tonight we plan to camp in the desert beneath a myriad of brightly glowing stars in a pre erected tented camp.
Overnight Comfortable Camping
in Mirvana Desert Camp
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mirvana Desert Camp
Set in the vast Thar Desert the Mirvana Desert Resort is located approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Jaisalmer. The campsite offers fixed tents crafted from local materials. All tents have fixed beds and attached bathrooms so whilst camping we still enjoy some home comforts. The is a large swimming pool and a relaxed seating area which in the evening offers the perfect place to enjoy the stars.
6
Camel safari
This morning we travel through the desert on a camel safari from Mirvana to Hamira. This safari will show you the desert landscape from a completely unique perspective. Our Camel Safari recaptures the traditional means of desert travel allowing us to experience something of the remote life of the tribesmen and their families. Our party consists of a group leader, local guides, a cook and several camel herdsmen. Riding camels can be quite relaxing and sitting high up enables us to appreciate the unique beauty of the desert. Many people find that they prefer to combine riding with periods of walking, so ensure that you have appropriate footwear. This evening we return to our tented camp in Mirvana.
Overnight Comfortable Camping
in Mirvana Desert Camp
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Drive to Jaisalmer
This morning we will leave the camp and visit some nearby villages before we drive to Jaisalmer. On arrival we will explore Jaisalmer on foot this morning visiting the Gadi Sagar Tank, Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. We will also visit the fort and some of the many elaborately carved Jain Temples and havelis including the Patwon-ki Haveli considered to be the finest in Jaisalmer. The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy this amazing city at your own pace.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Gorbandh Palace
Included meals: Breakfast
Gorbandh Palace
The time in Jaisalmer itself is spent in the Gorbandh Palace. Built in the style of Mughal architecture, this desert retreat lies 2 kilometres outside the walls of the main town en route to the sand dunes and offers contemporary facilities in peaceful surroundings. Again the hotel boasts a very pleasant pool, which is a welcome luxury after camel riding and walking in the desert.
8
In Jaisalmer
Here you have a free day in Jaisalmer.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Gorbandh Palace
Included meals: Breakfast
9
Drive to Jodhpur
This morning, making several stops, we drive to Jodhpur, where the impregnable fortress commands a superb panorama of the surrounding countryside (approximately 8 hours). The city itself has a unique atmosphere, with many fine old buildings and temples. Jodhpurs, those trousers-cum-riding breeches, are named after the horsemen of this city. Arriving mid afternoon, the rest of the day is free to wander the atmospheric streets of the Old City.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Balsamand Garden Retreat
Included meals: Breakfast
Balsamand Garden Retreat
Formerly an old Royal summer residence the Balsamand Garden retreat sits alongside the Balsamand Lake Palace. Set amongst beautiful gardens and scenic lakes the Retreat is a haven of tranquility. This superb hotel has all the modern comforts you could wish for including an Ayoma and Ayurvedic health spa.
10
In Jodhpur
The Majestic Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur is built across the top of a steep escarpment 125m above the plains below. It has a huge, sheer drop to the south where it overlooks the city. Our visit this morning affords wonderful views, not only across Jodhpur, but also way into the distance across the surrounding desert plains. The Rajput palace buildings within the fort are typically Mughal – very ornate and flamboyant, but also very practical and as always, built with defence in mind. This afternoon, there is the chance to make an optional visit to some nearby Bishnoi villages. The Bishnoi are renowned for their protection of wild animals and nonfelling of trees.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Balsamand Garden Retreat
Included meals: Breakfast
11
Drive to Kumbalgarh
Our morning’s drive takes us on to the temple town of Ranakpur, one of Rajasthan’s gems (approximately 3 hours). Little visited, it is home to some of the most beautifully sculpted Jain Temples in India. Situated in a wooded valley the temples date back to the 15th century with the carvings depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain Saints at that time. We visit the Adinath temple, which contains 1444 exquisitely carved pillar, with no two alike. Continuing we then head east through the Kumbalgarh Wildlife sanctuary to Kumbalgarh (approximately 1.5 hours).
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in The Aodhi Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
The Aodhi Hotel
The Aodhi hotel is sited on the side of a hill not far from the 15th century fort and Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Of new construction, it was designed sympathetically to blend in with the environment. Facilities include swimming pool and games room.
12
Drive to Udaipur
We begin the day with a walk up to and exploration of Kumbulgarh’s imposing 15th Century fort – one of the finest examples of defensive architecture in Rajasthan. Lying 1,100m above sea level, the fortified ramparts protected palaces, temples and even farms, ensuring that the complex was self contained and able to withstand a long siege. We then continue to the beautiful lakeside city of Udaipur, with its white palaces and translucent waters (approximately 3 hours). Note: at certain times of the year the level of the water may drop meaning very low waters or even after a poor monsoon, a dry lake bed.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel
The Laxmi Vilas Palace hotel in Udaipur is classified as ‘A Heritage Grand Hotel’ placing it amongst a select class of heritage properties. Built by Maharana Bhupal Singh as a royal guest house this hill-top retreat overlooks the serene Fateh sagar Lake. It is a superb hotel with excellent facilities (including a tennis courts), which recreates the courtly and graceful ambience of an earlier age.
13
In Udaipur
We have a full day to relax in Udaipur. The city is dominated by Lake Pichola, its island palace (now a hotel) and Jag Mandir island. Here the future Shah Jahan sought sanctuary from his father after he had been found guilty of plotting against him. A city sightseeing tour can be arranged to include the City Palace and Jagdish Mandir. Or you may wish to visit one of the nearby villages by bike or foot.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
in Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
14
Tour Ends
Our tour ends this morning after breakfast.
Included meals: Breakfast
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