Camel safari tour in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan is a great way to see the desert, which is a unique way to explore the desert in Rajasthan. Riding a camel is not as easy as people consider. It is a great experience to explore The Thar desert - a vibrantly living desert, very colorful and hospitable.
Duration : 18 Night / 19 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Bharatpur - Fatehpursikiri - Agra - Delhi
DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arrival at International Airport, you are met and transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, you are welcome with a traditional welcome of TIKKA and ARTI. Rest of the day free.
DAY 02 : DELHI
This morning we visit Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah Jehan the Magnificent (who also built the Taj Mahal). First, we will be visiting the famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes and two minarets, and then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red Fort.
Afternoon we'll visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a Spectacular structure that's just 60 years old, and then proceed via India Gate and the Governmental building to Qutab Minar, the 240-foot tower built-in 1190 to commemorate the arrival of Islam in India, the Bahai Temple with its nine pools on an elevated platform, and the Crafts Museum, which replicates and Indian street with over 50 artists and craftspeople at work. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03 : DELHI - MANDAWA (BY ROAD) 260 KMS 6 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast, we continue our drive towards Mandawa the heart of the Thar Desert which used to be a medieval Indian trade city and still has beautifully preserved houses of medieval Indian traders in typical Rajput style - wooden doors, bamboo thatched roofs, mud-plastered walls and floor and ethnic decor, etc. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 04 : MANDAWA - BIKANER (BY ROAD) 200 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast continues our drive towards Bikaner. The drive is through desert country, with scanty vegetation. Upon arrival check-in to the Hotel. The endless monotony of the desert is broken by the fort and palaces of Bikaner. The city's deity is Karni Mata. The temple dedicated to her provides sanctuary to mice in the belief that those who serve the goddess are reborn as mice. Other places of interest are the Junagarh Fort and the Lalgarh Palace and evening visit Local markets etc. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 05 : BIKANER - JAISALMER (BY ROAD) 330 KMS 7 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast today drive towards Jaisalmer. a fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in some splendor, dominating the amber-hued city. A visit to Jaisalmer is a must for any traveler to Rajasthan. Here, on the edge of the desert, is a bustling center from where one can trek across the beautiful stretches of sand on camels or, paradoxically, enjoy the nearby lakes and reservoirs. Few places in India could rival the medieval charm and magnificence of Jaisalmer. The rich and beautiful palaces and Havelis of Jaisalmer shimmer against the relentless monotony of the Thar Desert. Its rulers were known for their valor and their beautiful Havelis and temples have assumed the air of virtual museum. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 06 : JAISALMER - 01 NIGHT/ 02 DAYS CAMEL SAFARI IN SAND DUNES
DAY 07 : JAISALMER
Today visit awesome Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within its ramparts. Lovely havelis dot the enchanting network of narrow lanes. Among the sights you'll visit: Nathmalji - Ki - Haveli and Patwaon ki Haveli, three beautifully sculptured Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th Centuries; and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways - Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, and Hawa Pol. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 08 : JAISALMER - JODHPUR (BY ROAD) 325 KMS 8 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast drive towards Jodhpur - including visits to interesting Hindu and Jain Temples at Osiyan. Jodhpur the gateway to the Thar desert, the city is known for its striking forts, stately palaces, and gracious building. Arrive Jodhpur, The second largest city in Rajasthan, standing on the edge of the Thar Desert. The old city was founded by Rao Jodha, its walls with seven gates, and countless bastions and towers were built by Rao Maldeo in the 16th Century when Jodhpur was a booming trading town. Jodhpur is called the " Blue City " for the characteristic plea indigo color of its traditional homes. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 09 : JODHPUR
There are many great fortresses throughout Rajasthan, but none compare with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, built atop a 400 ft. promontory. Within this invisible citadel are magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows, and evocative names. These palaces house a fabulous collection of possessions of Indian royalty, including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes, and furniture. Below the fort, visit the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built 1899 for Mahrajaha Jaswant Singh II, and monuments to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. Proceed into the heart of the bazaars for a view of local artisans at work as well as locals shopping for their wares. Later part of the day we set out on a fascinating drive to Rohetgarh, a neighboring royal village. Overnight at the hotel
DAY 10 : JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - KUMBHALGARH (BY ROAD) 210 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast leave for Kumbhalgarh en route we visit Ranakpur which is situated between Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Udaipur. Here we visit the famous Ranakpur Temple Complex, one of the biggest and most important clusters of Jain Temple in India. Nestled in the Aravalli Range. The Chaumukha Temple or Four Faced Temple is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century. Built-in marble, the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two of which are alike. After visiting the Ranakpur we continue our drive to Kumbhalgarh. Rana Kumbha, the legendary Mewari Hero, an astute and a great builder constructed 32 of the 84 fortresses in Mewar. Of these, the most imposing one is Kumbhalgarh - set amidst 36 Kms of the twenty feet thick ramparts and 365 temples. It is a place for serenity and calm of the countryside away from the madding crowd. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 11 : KUMBHALGARH - UDAIPUR (BY ROAD) 80 KMS 2 HOURS DRIVE
Early breakfast and then we enjoy the exciting visit to the adjoining wildlife sanctuary which boasts of panthers, wild - boars, antelope, deer, etc. and meet the local tribals BHIL & GRACIAS. After visiting we continue our drive to Udaipur and upon arrival check into a hotel. Evening we take a boat ride on the Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 12 : UDAIPUR
Built along three lakes and ringed by green hills, Udaipur (pop, 366.000) is known as the ' Venice of the East' The City's palaces, gardens, ghats, temples and painted houses match the beauty of the setting.
This morning we'll visit the towering City Palace, the largest in Rajasthan, and the Saheliyon ki Bari ( Garden of the Maidens.) Once forbidden to all but he queen and her ladies. From here we visit the e superb Jagdish Temple noted for its elephant - motif carvings The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 13 : UDAIPUR - PUSHKAR (BY ROAD) 280 KMS 6 HOURS DRIVE
After an early breakfast, we continue our drive to Pushkar - a quiet little town, on the edge of a small and beautiful lake in eastern Rajasthan. A city of 500 temples and 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar prides itself on being the site of the only temple of the Hindu God of Creation, BRAHMA, and is therefore believed to be the center of the creation of the world. The afternoon is spent visiting the ghats and the temples. Overnight at the Hotel .
DAY 14 : PUSHKAR - JAIPUR (BY ROAD) 120 KMS 2 HOURS DRIVE
After Breakfast Today we drive towards Jaipur popularly known as the Pink City, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Designed by Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture - Jaipur follows a grid system. Upon arrival check-in your Hotel. Afternoon - a tour of City Palace and Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The Palace of winds - a five-storied structure of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life.
DAY 15 : JAIPUR
The capital of Rajasthan is the most colorful city in India. Today morning we visit the Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills, which is a superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style architecture. A slow elephant ride takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings.
The afternoon is spent visiting the local bazaar. In the evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani where an ethnic village atmosphere is recreated each evening with thousands of oil lamps, folk dancers, acrobats, snake charmers, puppeteers, etc. Overnight at the hotel
DAY 16 : JAIPUR - BHARATPUR (BY ROAD) 180 KMS 4 HOURS DRIVE
morning travel to Bharatpur for a tour of the world-famous bird sanctuary here. The reserve boasts of river 300 species of resident and migratory birds. Afternoon Park Ride by Rickshaw Ride .overnight at Hotel .
DAY 17 : BHARATPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA (BY ROAD) 60 KMS 1 HOURS DRIVE
Continue to drive towards Agra en-route Fatehpur Sikri (The ghost city) for a tour of magnificent and world heritage buildings still in a state of perfect preservation. Later continue the journey for Agra and upon arrival check into hotel.
DAY 18 : AGRA - DELHI (BY ROAD) 210 KMS 4 HOURS DRIVE
Agra was the capital of India under the Moghuls in the 16th and 17th centuries. This morning we see the exquisite tomb of the emperor Jehangir's chief minister and father - in - law often called the 'BABY TAJ' because its design foreshadows the Taj Mahal. Then we tour Agra 's Red Fort, built over three generations by the Mughal emperors. Following an afternoon free, we go at sunset to see the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Building's stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering reflection in the water channel are truly breathtaking. After visiting Agra city we leave for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we go for a farewell Dinner at Good Restaurant and then check into our Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 19 : DELHI
To airport in time to catch the flight to Onward destination.
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