Rajasthan Desert Tour - North India

Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days
Destination : Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Osian - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Delhi

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be meet & greet by our representative after which proceed to Hotel for check-in.

India's capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region's ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for a full day city tour of Old & New Delhi.

You will first visit Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and Shanti Vana, a memorial for Jawahar Lal Nehru; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid through Chandni Chowk. Jama Masjid one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.

People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi through Lakshmi Narayan Temple. New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun's tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi - Shekhawati
After morning breakfast you will drive to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, India (approx 270 kms / 7 hrs).
Shekhawati is world renowned for its painted havelis and paintings, noted for their frescos depicting mythological and historical themes. Wherever you sight, frescoes smile back. Its floral representation on painted forts, chhatris (cenotaphs), temples and havelis (mansions), add everlasting charm to visit this region again and again.
Upon arrival, check into a hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 04 : Shekhawati - Bikaner
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning you will be visiting some of the exquisite havelis that adorn the Shekhawati region. All these exquisite havelis were built by the wealthy traders who called Shekhawati their home. Decorated with elaborate frescoes and murals, these havelis are a treat to the eyes. Scenes from Hindu mythology, dancing fairies and other such portrayals adorn the walls of these havelis that are by far the most important attraction of the region.

Later, you will proceed towards Bikaner by surface ( approx 190 Kms / 4 hrs). Upon arrival check in at a hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay.

Day 05 : Bikaner
After the breakfast, you will drive to the famous Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD). With its red sandstone façade, the fort is decorated with numerous kiosks and balconies that have been carved in the most exquisite manner. The fort also houses a number of beautiful palaces and monuments.

After this trip, you will embark on a tour around the nearby villages. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Bikaner.

Day 06 : Bikaner - Osian - Jaisalmer
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning you will driven to the desert city of Jaisalmer via Osian ( approx 330 kms / 8hrs). Osian is an important pilgrimage center for Hindu and Jains. The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. One can often see antelopes grazing by the road during the drive. Blackbucks and Chinkaras are the most common among them. You will stop enroute at a village to gain an insight into the traditional life of the villages in Rajasthan. Upon arrival at Jaisalmer, check in at the Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast you will be taken on a detailed sightseeing trip around the desert city of Jaisalmer. With its grand havelis (mansions) and the impressive Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer truly lives up to its reputation as a "living museum". The Jain Temple is another important attraction you will visit during your sightseeing trip around Jaisalmer.

In the afternoon you will drive around 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam dunes where you will be treated to some spectacular views of the sunset before driving back to Jaisalmer.
Overnight stay at Jaisalmer hotel.

Day 08 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (290 Kms / 5hrs). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel following which morning is at leisure

Jodhpur looks out over the desert to the West and the massive fort, topping a sheer rocky hill, which rises right in the middle of the town, totally dominates the city.The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10km long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It's one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this locale.

In the afternoon visit the Mehrangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. North of Meherangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thanda is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close by his memorial; those who preceded him are remembered by chhatris at Mandor. This south-facing spot is also the best place from which to photograph the fort, looming above the sheer rocky Meherangarh plateau.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 09 : Jodhpur - Delhi
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning free. Afternoon intime transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi.
Upon arrival at Delhi airport you will be meet by our representative, thereafter transferred to hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel.

Day 10 : Delhi - Onward Destination
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free for independent activities / shopping. Evening in time transfer to international airport to board flight for onward destination.