Rajasthan Desert Tour

OVERVIEW

Golden Triangle:

Well known Golden Triangle of India covers three most beautiful and captivating cities of the country Delhi (the capital of India), Agra (the city of Taj) and Jaipur (the land of Rajput kings). It is a kaleidoscope that presents the Indian pageantry in its most colorful forms and offers you a dazzling vista of stately and grandiose architectural buildings, forts and palaces with a legendary heritage and a fertile and affluent tradition of art and culture. These cities are undoubtedly, the epitomes of Indian cultural, historical and architectural heritage and have all been the capitals of the princely states at least in the past. The blessed experience of viewing the world-famous monument of Shahjahan’s love – Taj Mahal, the imperial, elegant and imposing buildings of Lutyan’s’ New Delhi and the regal splendor of the desert city of Jaipur, will certainly leave an indelible expression in the deepest recesses of your heart.

Each city has its own unique identity made up of a combination of different sights, sounds and experiences. Delhi is as modern as any big cosmopolitan city with a degree of sophistication that comes from being the ruling capital of a nation and modernity that comes from being frequented people of all nationalities and cultures. Agra showcases the opulence of the Mughal Empire while a royal elephant ride and warm welcome in the city of Jaipur reminiscent of to the city’s medieval Rajput culture. This Golden Triangle is one of the hot-picks and has beckoned tourists for long and no city is more than 250 km away from another of the triangle and is connected well by roads.

Rajasthan: Rajasthan is the land of Rajput Kings, a group of worrier clans, who have controlled this part of India for 1000 years. It is a colorful state with stunning and elegant Palaces, Forts, Lakes, Sand dunes, Wild Life Sanctuaries and Beautiful Temples. The state is diagonally divided as the hilly and rugged south-east region and dry and barren north-east Thar Desert. Rajasthan also have many festival and fairs. Some of the popular fairs are Pushkar Camel and Cattle fair held annually in November, Camel Festival Bikaner held annually in January, Desert Festival Jaisalmer held annually between end January to mid February etc. The exact dates of the fair are determined by the Indian Lunar Calendar.

Bottled Water and Drinks: Every day 1000 ml of bottled water is provided by your Odyssey Manager throughout your stay. We request all our guests to use bottled water especially when brushing teeth to make sure they stay healthy during their stay in India. Beside bottled water all other drinks provided includes all the drinks provided during breakfast at your hotel. Extra soft or hard drinks, bottled water ordered in Restaurants or at your hotel are not included in the cost and need to be paid by the guest.

Tipping/Rewarding: We believe tipping is rewarding the service staff and it is part of the culture in India. Everyone in service industry expects to be rewarded. We encourage rewards for good services by guest. We believe fixed tips become the part of wages and even those who do not perform receives the same reward. Guest needs to be ready to pay petty rewards to hotel staff and city guides and finally be ready to reward your long term service provider like driver and Odyssey Manager and their assistant in case of big group. All rewards need to hand over directly either by the foreign tour leader or by one of the guest on behalf of the group based on performance and courteous services. You can always check with your Odyssey Manager about the tipping or discuss with your agent before flying to India.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival Delhi Proceed to Agra

On arrival met by our representative and transfer to the land transport and continue drive 200kms/4 hours to Agra. Stop on the way for lunch and continue driving to Agra. In the 16th and 17th century Agra was the capital of India. Most of its monuments and forts are constructed in that era. Agra is known for handicrafts products such as Inlay work on Marvel, Leather work, Footwear, Brass wear, Carpets, Jewellery, Zari and Embroidery work. On arrival transfer to Hotel.

Day 02: Agra

After breakfast visit Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful masterpieces of architecture in the world. Built entirely by white marble, Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. Some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed visit Itmad-Ud-Daullah, known as the “Baby Taj”, it is the first tomb in India built entirely in white marble. It was built in 1628 by Noorjahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, an Imperial Officer who had received the title of Itmad-Ud-Daullah (Pillar of Government). The mausoleum rests in a walled garden close to the Yamuna River, approximately one and a half kilometers upstream of the Taj Mahal. Itmad-ud-Daullah tomb is a highly ornate edifice, which is looked upon as an imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built before its construction. Free time for shopping and own activities at Agra.

Day 03: Agra – Jaipur

After breakfast drive 237 Km/over 5 hours’ drive to Jaipur visiting ruined city Fatehpur Sikri on the way. The attractions in Fatehpur Sikri are Jama Masjid – a beautiful building containing elements of persian and Hindu Design, The main entrance is through the 54 m high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, constructed to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat. Birbal Bhavan, built either by or for Raja Birbal, Akbar’s favorite courtier, this small palace is extremely elegant in its design and execution. Hiran Minar (Deer Minaret) is said to have been erected over the grave of Akbar’s favorite elephant. Panch Mahal – This amusing little five-storey palace was probably once used by the ladies of the Court and originally had stone screens on the sides. The lower floor has 56 columns, no two of which are exactly alike. On arrival check in to the Hotel. Rest of the evening to shop or walk around the bazaars of Jaipur city.

Day 04: Jaipur

After breakfast excursion to Amber Fort. Amber Fort with Jeep ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period.

After lunch city tour of Jaipur. Visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armory Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Day 05: Jaipur – Pushkar

After an easy morning, enjoy your breakfast and start your journey to the next destination of Pushkar. The journey today will be less than 3 hours in making of 150 km travel. On arrival check in to your hotel and proceed with the sightseeing and exploration of Pushkar Town. A Hindu town strictly following the mythology and the town enshrine only one temple of Lord Brahma on this earth. Evening at leisure and to explore the little town of Pushkar. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 06: Pushkar – Bikaner

After breakfast drive 6 hours to the princely state of Bikaner, founded by Rao Bikaji (1465-1504 AD) in the year 1488 AD. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Bikaner was once on the ancient trading route of caravans and has many forts, palaces and temples all created with unusual delicacy in red sandstone and a bustling bazaar.

Day 07: Bikaner

Bikaner was once on the ancient trading route of caravans and has many forts, palaces and temples all created with unusual delicacy in red sandstone and a bustling bazaar where you can even buy a pair of “racing” camels. After breakfast, we drive to visit the Jain temple and Junagarh Fort. After lunch, we drive to Deshnok to visit the well known Karni Mata Temple, or commonly known as the “rat temple”. Considerably the eighth wonder, where thousands of rats remained healthy and unaffected during the plague outbreak in India. On completion optional visit to camel breeding farm, showcasing the life of three different species of camels found in India.

Day 08: Bikaner – Jaisalmer

After breakfast drive 333km, 7 hours to Jaisalmer declared as a UNESCO world heritage site. We will stop enroute for lunch, the best option is to stop over at Pokhran 120 km before Jaisalmer. Further continue driving and witnessing the arid landscape with colorfully dressed local women working in the field or grazing flocks of sheep, goats. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Centuries ago, Jaisalmer was on the camel trading route between India and Central Asia. It is a city that rises from the desert like a golden mirage. Dominating the view is the awesome citadel on the hill-a fort built with the golden yellow stone of the area. Jaisalmer is a visual delight. Wander through its lanes and discover the ‘Havelis’ with delicately carved stone facades. Free afternoon to walk around the town.

Day 09: Jaisalmer

After breakfast, we walk around Jaisalmer Fort, the monolith of stone, built in 1156 atop the 80m high Trikuta Hill. We will meander through alley ways lined with Havelis sporting great intricate hand-carved sand stone latticed balconies and archways. Afternoon drive 50 km out of the town towards western border to Rajasthan, Sam sand dunes to enjoy a small camel ride on the sand dunes and witness the magnificent sun set among the local musicians and bunch of tourists. Due to security reasons it is not allowed to drive in further towards the border, on completion drive back to Jaisalmer.

Day 10: Jaisalmer – Manavar

Drive about 3 hours to Manvar Camp (Deluxe tent), located in the middle of the Thar Desert. On arrival check in luxury tent decorated with attached bathrooms providing running hot cold water. The tent is located right in front of a sand dune and offers breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset. In the afternoon enjoy a camel safari visiting the tribal villages and see desert wild life. At night, enjoy a unique dinner in the dunes with light entertainment by local Rajasthani folk singers under the starlit sky!

Day 11: Manavar – Jodhpur

Enjoy a relaxing morning in the desert before we drive for about 2 hours to arrive at Jodhpur, also referred to the as “The Blue City”. Jodhpur – the erstwhile Marwar capital with its impressive Mehrangarh fort overlooking the Blue city of Rajasthan and the Jaswant Thada Cenotaphs. Among Rajasthan’s many princely settlements, Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive. This five hundred year old settlement was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajput’s celebrated for their tales of daring. This princely state is also referred as “The Blue city”. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort overlooking the city and adjacent Jaswant Thada, the royal cremation centre.

Day 12: Jodhpur – Udaipur

Morning after breakfast check out of your hotel and set for another interesting journey of your trip to Udaipur. Today’s drive is about 266 Km around 7 hours but you will be stopping enroute for lunch and to visit some interesting places. Stop over at Ranakpur for lunch and on completion visit the famous Jain Temple of Ranakpur with its magnificent architecture including the 1444 stone carved pillars. Take your time to explore the architecture, known for its intricate friezes and sculptures, dating back to the 15th century and on completion proceed with the drive to Udaipur. The drive onwards is in to a small reserved sanctuary and curving switch back will bring you higher in altitude as well as the landscape. Arrive at enchanting and medieval city of Udaipur and check into your hotel.

Day 13: Udaipur

Morning excursion to the famous temple complex of Eklingji & Nagda, which enshrines the deity of the Mahranas of Mewar. Spend the rest of the day exploring this charming lake city by car. Wander through the opulent City Palace grounds and Jagdish temple on the shores of Lake Pichola, with its breathtaking beauty truly make Udaipur an oasis in the desert. One can opt to have a boat ride encircling the majestic Lake Palace, once a king’s palace now a star hotel. Some prefer to enjoy a lavish dinner at Lake Palace with very high prices.

Day 14: Udaipur – Delhi – Fly Home

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi and in time transfer to International airport to board on your scheduled flight Home.

Include/ Exclude

INCLUSIONS

Airport transfers at Delhi on arrival and departure in chartered transport.
5 passengers per MPV from Chandigarh train station to Amritsar train station.
Seats in air conditioned chair car class from Delhi to Chandigarh and Amritsar to Delhi.
Hotels as indicated or similar in the itinerary with dinner and breakfast.

EXCLUSIONS

All expenses of personal nature like drinks, tips, telephone calls etc.
And any other expenses paid due to any change in dates and itinerary.
Travel, medical & evacuation insurance or any expenses associated with medical and evacuation expenses if any.