This tour follows the desert trail taken by the warriors Rajputs where
pages of history were written in valor and blood down the centuries. The
tour starts from Mandawa on to Bikaner the city on the edge of the desert on
to Jaisalmer a sheer magic city in the desert onward to the blue city of
Jodhpur which was founded in 1459 by the Rathore chief Rao Jodha to Jaipur
Agra and Delhi.
Day 1 -- Delhi
Arrival Delhi in the morning. "Namaste" a warm welcome to India,
a sincere greeting with a bow and folded hands. Transfer to a 5-star hotel
in New Delhi. After a short break we embark on our first journey to discover
India. Our introduction to India will be by a " Rickshaw" ride a
mode of transport used in small towns and in Old Delhi.
We head for a guided city tour to the most interesting sights of the city
that is the Red Fort a fort made of red sand stone which once housed the
world famous PEACOCK throne and the Jama Masjid mosque. Welcome Dinner at
the old Hauz Khas village complex overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 -- Mandawa
Today
we leave for our camp in the desert at Mandawa the centre of Shekhawati
culture. The Shekhawati region's famous for its wall frescos the world over.
Afternoon at Leisure to explore Mandawa and its Havelies ( Mansions of
mercchants ). In the evening we leave for the castle for a traditional
Dinner served in the manner which was done for the visiting Maharajas of
past. Overnight at the camp.
Day 3 -- Mandawa
After breakfast we take a camel safari into the desert. Lunch on the sand
dunes in the evening return to the camp. Dinner at the camp. Overnight at
the camp.
Day 4 -- Bikaner
Early morning drive to Bikaner the founding city of the famous Camel Corps.
Evening we take a tour of the city.
Day 5 -- Jaisalmer
We follow the sun into the Thar desert to arrive at Jaisalmer this most
perfect of desert walled cities. Here is a fort that seems to rise out of
desert haze.
Day 6 -- Jaisalmer
In the morning you walk to the hilltop fort like so many Rajput warriors of
old, on to the 12th century Jain temples. In the afternoon a camel safari
into the desert and surrounding villages. Evening we have a nomad dance
troupe perform for you on the sand dunes a most exhilirating experience.
Day 7 -- Jaisalmer
A jeep safari to the villages around Jaisalmer and a visit to the fossil
park at Akal where 180 million years ago stood a forest. Evening explore the
bazar of Jaisalmer which looks like something out of the Arabian nights.
Day 8 -- Thar Desert
We drive south of the Thar desert to arrive at Jodhpur in the evening check
in to the hotel.
Day 9 -- Mehrangarh
We visit the ancient fort of Mehrangarh spread over 5km on a hill. Explore
the blue city, Jaswant thada, the Sardar market and Mandore the ancient
capital.
Day 10 -- Osian
We take a trip to Osian an oasis in the desert and the carpet village of
Salawas.
Day 11 -- Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur the pink city late evening check in to the hotel.
Day 12 -- Amber
A tour of the city palace, the palace of winds and then proceed to Amber
fort the ancient capital of Jaipur built in the 16th century by Raja Man
Singh in red sandstone and marble. It has some very intersting apartments
like the Sheesh Mahal the glass canopy apartments and Jai Mandir, Sukh Niwas
Baodi etc. The highlight of this trip is the elephant ride up the ramparts
of the fort just like the maharajas did. After this we visit the Jaigarh
fort the armoury of the erstwhile state which houses the biggest cannon on
wheels in the world. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 -- Agra
We take an early morning drive to the city of Taj Agra. Enroute we visit
the ancient city of Fathepur Sikri built by Emperor Akbar as thanks giving
for the saint who blessed him with a son. In the afternoon check in to the
hotel after a short break leave for the Agra Fort the fort where Emperor
Shajahan the builder of Taj was held captive by his son Emperor Aurangzeb
who usurped the throne. One can see the magnificant Taj from the quarters in
which the emperor was jailed. Before sunset visit the Taj a monument of Love
and romance.
Day 14 -- Delhi
Drive back to Delhi evening free.
Day 15
Fly back home.
