Rajasthan Desert Tour

1. Day 01 - Arrival - New Delhi

   Welcome to India!!
   
   You will be received by one of the representatives of “Times India Travels” or your driver at the international airport and you will be assisted to your hotel. In the Hotel, the representative/ driver will provide your documents regarding the tour.
   
   Overnight in Hotel.
   

2. Day 02 – New Delhi - Overnight Train to Jodhpur

   After breakfast, we will proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi. We will visit sights such as Humayun's Tomb 1586, the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. Afternoon, cross over to the Old Delhi. It was the capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries and is somewhat different compared to New Delhi. It passes through congested streets and streets, interesting mosques, monuments and forts that relate to its checkered history. Our tour includes a visit to the Jamma Mosque 1650 and drives through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi, Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
   
   The highlight of this tour will be a bicycle rickshaw ride. Now, these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the rear. The rickshawala-rickshaw driver sits on a small cushion in the back and two passengers in the back seat. It is a remarkable way to explore the hustle and bustle as well as the colors of narrow winding streets and bursting with people and sidewalk shops and selling goods of all descriptions - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride will be accompanied by a heap of laughter from the passengers as well as spectators. Evening we transfer to the station and catch the overnight train to Jodhpur.

3. Day 03 - Jodhpur

   We arrive at Jodhpur in the morning and transfer to our hotel where we have some time in the morning to relax or have a wander in the surrounding area. In the afternoon we will do some sightseeing. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the State of Marwar. The city is surrounded by an immense wall almost ten kilometers in circumference and is dominated by the massive fort that stands on a rocky hill commanding the surrounding desert. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort from where we have a great view of the blue houses, painted to distinguish them as those of Brahmins. Overnight at Jodhpur hotel.
   

4. Day 04 - Jodhpur - Osian

   We start our day with a transfer through desert scenery towards Osian, A place where you will get the opportunity to meet the local villagers - still living in the era of 16th century, sit with them on Cow Dung plastered hut, and be a part of traditional opium ceremony. You will also see the world-famous Bishnoi villagers Dhani - unit of huts, known for their love for nature from ages. Overnight stay at the hotel with a cultural program.
   

5. Day 05 - Osian - Jaisalmer

   Morning Breakfast and Checkout from hotel, Drives to Jaisalmer, enjoy the enroute sightseeing of rustic landscape. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Enjoy the evening walk in the Golden shopping streets of Jaisalmer, maybe you can encounter the local turban wearer man do not get afraid to have Indian Masala Chai with him and test the thunder. Overnight at Jaisalmer hotel.
   

6. Day 06 - Jaisalmer

   Morning Breakfast and proceed for sightseeing of Jaisalmer. Much has been written about this city, but nothing can prepare a visitor for the immense magic and vibrancy of this Desert City. In 1156 AD in Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the city. The Jaisalmer Fort stands in the city at a distance of about 100 meters with its 99 strongholds, numerous entrances, a cluster of 12th to 15th century Jain temples. The other places of interest include Tazia Tower with its five-tiered splendor, each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony for its intricately latticed and conspicuous facades. Overnight at Jaisalmer hotel.
   

7. Day 07 - Bikaner

   After breakfast drive to Bikaner. This day you will be heading directly to the west through arid wastelands, approaching the Great Thar Desert which constitutes much of Rajasthan. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West /Central Asia made it a prime trade center in the times of yore. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven-kilometer long embattled wall with five gates. Overnight at Bikaner hotel.
   

8. Day 08 - Mandawa (Shekhawati)

   After breakfast take a city tour, and proceed to Mandawa, On arrival check-in into the hotel, visit the Havelis, mesmerized yourself with old wall paintings and frescoes, in the evening visit the local bazaar, and enjoy the rural life of India. Overnight at Mandawa hotel.
   

9. Day 09 - Nawalgarh - Jaipur

   After breakfast drive to Jaipur, Enjoy the enroute sightseeing, arrive at Jaipur, check into the hotel. In the Evening enjoy a city tour of the pink city, you will hear the voice of bells from temples and azan from the mosque at the same time. Visit the market and explore it. Overnight at Jaipur hotel.
   

10. Day 10 - Jaipur

    After breakfast take a City tour of Jaipur - The Pink City is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include Amber Fort and City Palace, still the Maharaja's house, although many rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are kept here, including a collection of weapons. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal of the Winds, and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the huge astronomical instruments. Enjoy a walk in the colorful market.
    
    Overnight at Jaipur hotel.
    

11. Day 11 – Agra (Taj Mahal closed is every friday)

    After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - Impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri. That fort was built in the 16th century and left for only a few years, the buildings were abandoned in almost perfect conditions. Continue drive till Agra. Overnight at Agra hotel.
    

12. Day 12 – Agra - New Delhi Departure

    After an early breakfast starts a tour of Red Fort and the famous Taj Mahal. The Red Fort is situated at the turn of the Yamuna River, which is in the center of the city. It was built by Akbar in 1563–73 years as his stronghold in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
    
    The Taj Mahal is a Mughal monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extraordinary monument ever built for love, the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died during the birth of their 14th child, 17 years after their wedding. The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. You cannot visit Taj Mahal on Friday as it is closed on that day. In the afternoon, we will drive to Delhi. Arrives at Delhi and transfer to the international airport and fly back to home sweet home.
    

Every Itinerary is just given for an idea; it can be customized as per your wish and convenience!!