Rajasthan Deserts, Forts And Palaces

Rajasthan Deserts, Forts And
Palaces
India’s fabled “Land of Kings”, Rajasthan is home to a spectacular Rajput legacy that includes some of the
country’s most impressive palaces and forts. Spread across a vast expanse of the Thar Desert, it can also
boast one of the oldest cultural pedigrees anywhere on the Indian subcontinent.
After a chance to explore some of the Mughal and colonial highlights of the Indian capital, this fascinating
journey then takes you on to the beautiful havelis of Mandawa, before continuing to Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
Lying in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer provides your gateway on to the Manvar Desert Camp and a
chance to ride camels amongst the desert dunes.
From here you’ll travel on to Jodphur and the spectacular fortress of Meherangarh, before continuing through
the Indian countryside to Rohet, Kumbhalgarh and the beautiful 15th century Jain temple at Ranakpur. The
journey finishes amongst the lakes and palaces of Udaipur, a city that was once dubbed the ‘Venice of the
East’ and today is home to some of the finest Rajput-era palaces in India.
Highlights
Tour Old Delhi and explore the colonial grandeur of the Rajpath
Visit the beautiful old havelis of Mandawa and the desert city of Jaisalmer
Camel rides and camping in the spectacular Thar Desert
Visit Jodhpur, Kumbhalgarh and the stunning Jain temple at Ranakpur
Udaipur, India’s stunning City of Lakes
Tour Includes:
2 nights four star hotel, 1 night desert camp, 8 nights traditional properties, 3 nights boutique property
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
Private driver and vehicle
Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees
Private transfers to and from all airports
Driver and guide's expenses
Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Arrive at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon we will give
you your first taste of the characterful Indian capital with a look around
the New Town, taking a trip down the Rajpath to Rajpati Bravhan and
India Gate, followed by a walk through Lodi Gardens.
Day 2: Delhi
This morning your guide will take you on a tour of Old Delhi, visiting the main cultural and historical sites of
this fascinating ancient metropolis. Highlights will include the spice market, Jama Majid Mosque and the 17th
Century Red Fort. You will stop for lunch at Connaught Place after which you can also visit the Mughal
Humayun Tomb and Qutub Minar - Delhi's famous tower. At the end of the tour you will return to the hotel. (B)
Day 3: Delhi - Mandawa
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to
Mandawa, a journey of approximately 8 hours. The traffic leaving Delhi
tends to be slow but after passing through the suburbs the journey
becomes more relaxing as you drive through towns and villages. On
arrival to Mandawa you have the evening to enjoy the town, made
famous for its beautifully designed, and painted, havelis - local
townhouses. (B)
Day 4: Mandawa - Bikaner
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to
Bikaner, which takes about 4 hours. After checking into your city centre
hotel, you'll be able to take a guided tour of the colourful vegetable
market. (B)
Day 5: Bikaner
Today you will visit the sights of Bikaner, including the impressive Junagarh Fort, which boasts a series of
impressive courtyards, balconies, towers and terraces, the Lallgarh Palace with its intricate latticework and its
museum. At the end of the tour you will visit the National Research Centre on Camels, where you will have
the opportunity to go for a ride. Return to the hotel. (B)
Day 6: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Morning transfer to Jaisalmer with your driver, stopping en route at the
town of Phalodi, where you will visit a group of impressive of local
temples. When you arrive in Jaisalmer you will have free time to enjoy
this amazing town at your own pace. (B)
Day 7: Jaisalmer
Today you will have a full day city tour of Jaisalmer and the surrounding area. The day will start with a visit to
Gadisar Lake with its old temples built between the 16th and 19th Centuries, you will then visit the magnificent
Jaisalmer Fort and the Delwara Jain temples within it. (B)
Day 8: Jaisalmer
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Sam Sand Dunes for a full day camel
riding excursion in the desert, visiting ethnic and Hindu villages during the day. You will enjoy sunset from Fort
Khabha, which was one of the ruined villages of the Cast Paliwal Brahmins. After sunset you will return to
your hotel. (B)
Day 9: Jaisalmer - Manwar
Today your driver will transfer you to Manvar Desert Camp, which takes approximately 3 hours. For those that
wish - and that are not too sore from the previous days endeavours - can ride to the camp on camels. (B, D)
Day 10: Manwar - Jodphur
This morning you will be picked up by jeep from the camp and driven
back to the road from where you will be transferred to your
accommodation in Jodhpur. Once you have settled into the hotel your
local guide will take you to visit the famous and towering Meherangarh
Fort, which sprawls over the 125m-high hill and has been added to over
the centuries by reigning Jodhpur Maharajas. Return to your hotel. (B)
Day 11: Jodhpur - Rohet
After a morning checking out the vegetable market and the famous clock
tower, you will be taken by private vehicle to the small village of Rohet the journey usually takes approximately 1 hour. On arrival you will be
taken to your beautiful rural hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Rohet - Kumbhalgarh & Ranakpur- Udaipur
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to
Udaipur, stopping at various sights of interest en route. You will visit the
stunning Kumbhalgarh 15th Century Fort in the Aravalli Hills. You will
then visit Ranakpur, home to a beautiful 15th Century Jain temple made
up of 29 halls and 1,444 intricately carved pillars, after which you will
carry on to your hotel in Udaipur. (B)
Day 13: Udaipur
Morning city tour of Udaipur, the Lake City; your local guide will collect you from your hotel and take you to
visit the highlights of this beautiful city. You will visit the City Palace, which was built in 1559 A.D and sits on
the edge of Lake Pichola, the Jagdish Temple, the Garden of the Maid's Honour; Sahelion Ki Bari, the
remarkable Eklingji Temple located about 22km from the city centre. This evening you will go on a boat ride on
Lake Pichola, passing by Jagniwas Island, which is home to the famous Lake Palace hotel and Jagmindir
Island built by Maharaja Jagat Singh. Return to your hotel. (B)
Day 14: Udaipur
Today you have free to enjoy Udaipur at your own pace. (B)
Day 15: Udaipur - Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. (B)
Accommodation
Delhi
The Claridges
Jodhpur
Ajit Bhawan
Rohet
Rohet Garh
Udaipur
Amet Haveli
Bikaner
Bhanwar Niwas Hotel
Manvar
Manvar Desert Camp
Jaisalmer
Killa Bhawan
Khandela
Castle Khandela