Rajasthan

Rajasthan day wise itinerary 5 Nights/6 days

DAY 01 JAISALMER -
Arrival at Jaisalmer Airport and transfer to Hotel: Jaisalmer - a fairy-tale town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Rawal Jaisal. Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading center because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The annual desert festival takes place in January and February each year and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, and blankets, antique, silver jewelry, and stonework and camel safaris.
After Lunch leave for the city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the famous Havelis (mansions) known for their frescoes. Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel terrain route brought it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their ever-growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow sandstone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. Five Jain brothers built the Haveli between 1800 and 1860. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are opened to visitors.
Next visit Jasal Fort Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisal, THE FORT here stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. 3 walls and 99 bastions surround the fort. Over the centuries, the golden sandstone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhatti Rajput’s, the Mughals, and the Rathors of Jodhpur. Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. This houses priceless ancient manuscripts and other exhibits like astrological charts, besides the Jain equivalent of the Christian Shroud of Turin.

The evening is free to walk around in the colourful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.

Overnight stay at your Hotel

DAY 02 JAISALMER
After breakfast leave for a day Excursion to Ghadishar Lake -The beautiful arched gateway across the road down to the tank A scenic rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings. Lodurva - Lodurva, the ancient capital of Bhatti’s is 16 kilometres from Jaisalmer. Mostly in ruins, it is visited for the great Jain temple, which contains the most exquisite jailwork screens, a grand ceiling, and a magnificent triumphal arch at the entrance. The original carriage for the deity, made in 1675, is still preserved. The most interesting object dart is Kalpataru, a mythical tree of wish fulfillment. Lodurva has a great number of peacocks, which hover around the temple walls lending spectacular colour to the dry and stony landscape. Here once flowed the river Kak. Along its banks had flourished the romance between Princess Momal, and prince Mathendru of Amarkot. Their tragic end is the theme of folk songs. When the lovers perished, the river Kak stopped flowing.

Visit the Amar Sagar- From Lodurva, the road to Jaisalmer passes through Amar Sagar, which has a grand artificial reservoir for water, a temple and a promenade on the bank. Bada Bagh, cenotaphs of the Jaisalmer Rawals, has some magnificent chhatris' (canopies) set amidst an oasis of greenery. It is indeed a great place for a stopover and photography. Another beautiful place is the Gadi Sagar Tank, the main source of the city's water supply. Kuldhara Village - One of the most interesting places is Kuldhara village. This is among the 84 villages inhabited by the rich, hard-working Paliwals. The Paliwals deserted their houses overnight with the curse that anyone who removed even a stone from the houses would come to grief and perish. Howling winds rush through empty streets and skeletons of houses now exposed to the elements remains of the village

In the evening, proceed for the Excursion to Sam Sand dunes. Located at a distance of 42 kilometers from Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Sand Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.

Overnight stay at your Camp.

DAY 03 JAISALMER – JODHPUR
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur – Arrival at Jodhpur and transfer to your hotel.
Jodhpur – The Blue City –An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing this colourful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty. Situated in Western Rajasthan, Jodhpur has long attracted both the domestic and outside tourist. It not only offers tangibles, in terms of what you can see and buy but also fills one with a sense of history and the splendors' of an era gone by. The hospitality of the locals, the demure women, and the colourful turbans -all set against the beloved desert (Marwar) is something to feel, not just see. Every pore of Jodhpur tells its own tales of heroic deeds that made legends out of kings and soldiers, romances that continue to warm the heart and a time when epics were lived out on the streets by everyday man.

After Lunch, take a sightseeing trip to Jodhpur, which is the second largest city in Rajasthan and called the ‘Sun City’.
Visit the Mehrangarh Fort. This spectacular fort made from red sandstone stands on a perpendicular cliff above the skyline of Jodhpur. The foundations of this fort were laid in 1459; today it houses a museum with a fine collection of arms, costumes, paintings, and even a collection of palanquins.
Also visit Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface.

Later, drive past the Mandora garden, which showcases cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers; instead of the usual umbrella-shaped cenotaphs, these are built along the lines of Hindu temples.
Also visit Sardar Bazaar and Clock Tower markets where you can see the vegetable, spice, Indian sweets, and textile and silver markets. These colourful markets with tiny shops dot the narrow lanes replete with woodcarvings, wrought iron, lacquer work, silver and ivory ornamentation, and leather handicrafts.

Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping.

Overnight stay at your Hotel

DAY 04 – JODHPUR- RANAKPUR- UDAIPUR

After breakfast drive to Udaipur en route visiting Ranakpur – which is the largest Jain temple complex in India and dates to the 15th century. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar. Intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns, and motifs on the walls, pillars and domes. There are 1444 ornately carved marble pillars in the complex and none of them are similar. The beautiful lace-like interiors of the domes are a superb example of Western Indian temple style. Surya temple and other Jain temples are side attractions. (Temples open only at 1200 Hrs. Leather belts, footwear, bare legs, and black clothing are not allowed)

After Lunch drive to Udaipur arrive in Udaipur and transfer to your hotel. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As the capital of the old Mewar State, it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. This fairy–tale city, with its marble palaces and lakes surrounded by a ring of hills, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559. The city is dominated by the massive City Palace, which overlooks Lake Pichola with its romantic island palaces. Picturesque havelis, ghats, and temples line the lakefront, with the lively bazaars of the old walled city stretching behind them.

The evening is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars for personal exploration or shopping. A Walk in The Old City To understand the intricacies of culture, heritage, and architecture of Udaipur, one must take a walk on the famous Palace Road which displays handmade fine art paintings, mojdis, handmade leather goods, beautiful pieces of silver, and stone jewelry. Also, see the 17th-century Jagdish temple, drive around the Fatehsagar Lake,

Overnight stay at your Hotel

DAY 05-UDAIPUR
After breakfast proceed for a full-day city tour of Udaipur – visiting the City Palace and Museum. The largest palace complex in India, it is a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences. -The most impressive attraction in Udaipur is the magnificent City Palace which is now a museum and houses fine artworks in glass mosaics, and miniature paintings, of which Udaipur is famous, depicting glories of an ancient past. The City Palace
Built by the Maharana Udai in 1559, The City Palace is located on the east bank of Lake Pichola. Fused with Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, the Palace is considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan. The Palace has various towers, domes, and arches which add to the flavor of the heritage site. It is a marvellous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens. Often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, this majestic piece of architecture is one of the most visited tourist attractions. Crystal Gallery -Situated at the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Crystal Gallery houses an extravagant collection of crystals. It is an unused collection that includes crystal chairs, sofas, tables, and even beds. Other precious items include crystal dressing tables, chairs, crockery, table fountains and even the regal beds. In 1877, Maharaja Sajjan Singh ordered this rare crystal from F&C Osler & Co in England but died before the package arrived. JAGDISH TEMPLE -The Jagdish Temple is a great focal point for the Hindu people of Udaipur. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, The Jagdish Mandir is an excellent example of Indo - Aryan architecture. One of the popular tourist attractions on the map of Rajasthan, the Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple located in the heart of Udaipur. It enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu, considered as ‘The Creator’ in Hindu mythology. Sahelian Ki Bari -Sahelian Ki Bari, also known as ‘Courtyard of the Maidens’ is a popular tourist attraction in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Set below the embankment of the Fatah Sagar Lake, the gardens are decorated with beautiful lotus pools, elephant-shaped fountains, paintings, glass mosaics, and marble pavilions. Legend says, the king himself designed this garden and presented it to the queen. Shilpgram -Shilpgram in Udaipur can be translated as the ‘Craftsmen's Village’. It depicts the lifestyle of the folk and tribal people of the West Zone.

Later in the Evening take a boat ride on the 4 km long and 3 km wide Lake Pichola, which is fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats, embankments, and temples and offers spectacular
Lake Pichola, the largest artificial freshwater lake in Udaipur, was built in the year of 1362 AD. Around 30 feet deep, this beautiful lake boasts four main islands - Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas. Jag Niwas is home to the beautiful Lake Palace, a well-known heritage hotel. Jag Mandir features the famous Lake Garden Palace. Mohan Mandir used to be where the King would witness the Gangaur celebrations while Arsi Vilas was built by the Maharanas to enjoy the beautiful views of the sunset. The best way to catch scintillating views of the lake is to take a boat ride, especially around sunset, and enjoy the tranquility.

Overnight stay at your Hotel

DAY 06 UDAIPUR – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, the day is free until transferred to Airport for your onward journey to the next destination