Rajasthan Desert Safari Package
Places to See :
Delhi - Jaipur - Pushkar - Bundi - Kota - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer -
Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Duration: 15
Nights / 16 Days
Day 1: Arrival at Delhi
Company
representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in
Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling
metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a
perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window
to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight at Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi Breakfast at hotel.
First half of
the day relax at hotel. Proceed for a half day tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail
visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated;
Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most
opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Cycle rickshaw ride
from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An
extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the
Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue -
Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's
Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight at Delhi.
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Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur Drive to Jaipur Continue your drive to
Jaipur and on arrival check-in Hotel.
JAIPUR - The
origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth
century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in
1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing
into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - A
beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the
Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink
plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of
Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent
palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4: Jaipur Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for
excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to
the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic
romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I
in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. It's forbidding
exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and
Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
Proceed for
sightseeing of the city.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend
of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls
over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra
Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR
MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of
Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of
sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate
balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap
Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Visit a rug
factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see
the gem cutting and polishing process.
Overnight at Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur - Pushkar Proceed for Pushkar after
breakfast. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in at
PUSHKAR PALACE.
PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a
unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for
his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual
VEDIC YAGNA at
Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed
with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with
people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from
across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at
Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from
time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of
timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and
spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is
amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities
in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52
bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake.
Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this
city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied
architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the
famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied
terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of
heritage properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals -
especially on the new and full moon days.
Visit the mausoleum,
Anasagar and Akbar's Palace.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
6: Pushkar - Bundi Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Brahma
Temple. (The one and only in the world). Offer Pujas at the holy lake of
Pushkar.
Proceed for Bundi. The town's medieval character,
Taragarh Fort and the palace below are captivating. The Chitrashala in the
palace has rooms covered with miniature paintings depicting scenes from the
life of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. Stay at an old hunting Haveli -
ROYAL RETREAT - IN THE TARAGARH FORT COMPOUND for a beautiful
experience. The hotel is of no star category but the experience will be
better as this is the only hotel in the Fort Complex.
In the
evening enjoy a "Mashaal Dinner" - The place is lit up with
burning torches and traditional dinner prepared of game is served. Truly
unforgettable experience.
Overnight at Bundi.
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Day 7: Bundi - Kota - Udaipur
Start for
KOTA after
Breakfast.
Rajasthan's largest industrial town situated on the
banks of the river Chambal is well known for its Kota sarees and also for a
miniature school of art which specialized in hunting scenes.
Visit the
CITY PALACE AND FORT - On the banks of the Chambal river
close to the Kota Barrage is the fort and the city palace complex, which
houses the
RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM containing the relics of the
former rulers of Kota.
JAGMANDIR - in the island in
Kishore Sagar Lake was built by one of the queens of Kota. You will take a
paddleboat and roam around the same for a spiritual experience.
Also visit the Govt. Museum and the famous gardens of
Chambal and
Chatter Bilas.
Proceed for Udaipur.
Reach and
check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land
around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A
vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating
blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination
of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale
palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry
the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their
reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty
for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 8: Udaipur Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for
sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will
marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows
and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit
the lovely
Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local
folk Museum. Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the
placid waters of Lake Pichola. From he boat you will be able to view the
city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the
Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace
in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 9: Udaipur - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.

En-route, visit the
RANAKPUR TEMPLES,dating back to the 15th century.
200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds
with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples
and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Jodhpur.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial
city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the
desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by
Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants
of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD
Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the
plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and
innumerable bastions.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur -
gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the
Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit,
overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a
number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see
different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit
Jaswant Thada Memorial. Proceed to visit the UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Relax in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight at
Jodhpur.
Book This Rajasthan Desert Safari Day 10: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer Morning go for
a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture
and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of
the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the
countryside.
Proceed for Jaisalmer.
Rising from the
heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A
commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome
splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an
interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the
head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the
Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was
fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a
Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital
-Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at
hotel.
Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 11: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The
Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its
temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass
of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the
JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight
of the tour)

See the
Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank.
Also visit
Barabagh Hill.
In the afternoon, visit the
Khuri Sand Dunes and the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Take a
camel ride to view the sunset from the dunes, (Same camels to be used for
Safari - getting to know the camels) as the sky is set on fire. It can be an
unforgettable experience.
Return to the village for dinner amidst
Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Overnight at
Village.
Day 12: Jaisalmer Camel Safari Proceed on
camel backs early in the morning into the desert and reach midway between
Khuri and Jaisalmer.
Camp for overnight stay.
Day
13: Jaisalmer - Bikaner Continue your camel safari for the first
half of the day and reach closer to Jaisalmer in the afternoon. Due to
weather conditions in August - one and half day should be enough.
Return to Jaisalmer and proceed straight to Bikaner. (The road is very good
and the journey will be comfortable and relaxing)
Reach Bikaner
and check in at hotel.
The royal fortified city with a timeless
appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many
sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's
lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is
renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is
an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting
grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of
Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city.
These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the
Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Relax in
the evening. Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 14: Bikaner
Breakfast at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant
of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North
of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and
1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. The
city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the camel-breeding
farm - the only one in Asia. Also visit Gajner Palace - the palace on the
lake.
Overnight at Bikaner.
Day 15: Bikaner -
Mandawa Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for Mandawa. The
medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A
breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle
Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional
ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies
worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. Built in
1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the
city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 rooms hotel has no two rooms alike.
It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and
antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with
candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. A two hundred and
forty year old fortess, that has been converted by the family into a fine
example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading
business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local
caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab
Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and
Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day
looking into frescoes.
Relax for the evening. Overnight at
Mandawa.
Day 16: Mandawa - Delhi Breakfast at
hotel. Leave at leisure for Delhi.
Reach by afternoon and after
Farewell Dinner and freshening up - proceed straight to the airport for
flight back home with sweet memories of India.
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Guest
Comments -----Original
Message----- From: Nick Arena
To:
compassindia@now-india.net.in
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2003 12:38 PM
Tour: Architectures & Museum Tour of India
Hello Durjay,
How are you? Well it has been nearly six months since Ellie and
I holidayed in India. I just wanted to contact you again to again thank you
for a wonderful trip. Not many days go by when we dont think about our
fantastic experience. As you are aware, I had taken many photos whilst in
rajasthan, a few which I have attached with this note.I had also filmed over
an hour and a half of digital video which I have ( after five months of
work) edited into a 30 minute video with narration and music of our holday
and adventures in Rajasthan.Everything from the painted havellis in Mandawa,
the fort in Jaislmer, camel riding in the sand dunes,elephant
riding,snakecharmers,village craftsmen in Luni,the beutiful lake in
Udaipur,the mystical Pushkar,and of course the Taj mahal. Iwish you could
see it.
Click
here for more....