Daywise Itinerary
Arrival in Udaipur
Arrive at the beautiful city of Udaipur and check in to your hotel. The 'City of Lakes' presents a seriously contradictory picture of what arid Rajasthan is presumed to be. Udaipur, with its contiguous artificial lakes, small islands and numerous palaces is a rarity in everything it signifies here in the desert. Have the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, you can head out to experience the city.
City Tour of Udaipur
After breakfast, get the balls rolling with a City tour. Udaipur is a Pandora's Box filled with culture and royalty against a backdrop of spectacular lakes. The tour begins with a drive to City Palace with its spectacular architecture buildings and towers that make a palace complex constructed over 400 years. Our local guide will take you around Fateh Prakash Palace and the renowned Crystal Gallery with collections dating back to 1877 from dinner sets and perfume bottles to decanters and washing bowls. City Palace also has a vintage car museum, Diwan-I-Aam (hall of public audience), Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) and BhaggiKhana which is also worth a visit for palanquins and old carriages on display. Look out for lovely views of Lake Pichola and Lake Palace here as well. Head over to Jagdish temple in the vicinity with its double-storey Mandapa (hall). Winding alleys take you to ghantaghar (clock tower) that was made back in 1876. Move on to Sahelionki Bari with lush green lawns and fountains, originally made for the 48 maidens who accompanied the princess of Udaipur as part of her dowry. Later visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir or the Folk Art Museum.
Explore Udaipur on Boat
One of the best ways to explore Udaipur is by boat. Take sunset cruises on Lake Pichola and take a trip to Jagmandir, the island palace. The world's second longest fortified wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an 86-kilometre drive away from Udaipur. Clearly not Chinese, The Kumbhalgarh fort and its walls make a good 38-kilometre long trek through undulating terrain. Set off with our local guide early morning on a hike through the forest. Keep your eyes open, you just might get lucky enough to cross a leopard dozing on a tree (optional).
Drive to Jodhpur visiting Ranakpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur visiting Ranakpur enroute. Ranakpur in the Aravali ranges is home to an exceptionally beautiful Jain temple complex. The intricate and superb architectural styled Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. This temple is wholly constructed in light coloured marble and comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet. There are more than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars that support the temple. In the complex, there are several temples including Chaumukha temple, Parsavanath temple, Amba Mata Temple and Surya Temple.
Arrival in Jodhpur
Later continue to drive to Jodhpur - Arrive to the Blue City - Jodhpur and transfer to your hotel.
Situated on the boundary of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. From blue houses and towering forts to reflective lakes, Jodhpur offers delightful scenic vistas all around. Jodhpur is also famous for its magnificent historical monuments, temples and palaces. Some of the major attractions around Jodhpur are Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan, Museum and Zoo. Sadar Bazaar, the bustling local market near the clock tower, is filled with little shops of traditional jewellery, bright clothes and innumerable eateries. Get to see the authentic Rajasthani village experience by taking an optional visit to the Bishnoi village and partake in various activities like Pot making, weaving, block painting, and Bishnoi family visit.
City Tour of Jodhpur
Post breakfast, head for a half day tour of the city. This 'Sun city' stuns you with its architectural marvels and this half-day tour begins with a drive to Mehrangarh Fort. Founded by RaoJodha, back in 1459, Jodhpur was the capital of the Marwar region, thanks to its strategic position, elevation and rocky ridges. Legend has it that the construction of the Fort led to Jodhpur being plagued by drought after a hermit who lived here cursed it. Visit the museum inside for its historical artefacts. The beautiful white-marble Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph, burial ground for the rulers of this region. Walk to the tiered gardens and small lake before driving down to the historic Ghanta Ghar (clock tower). Visit the museum and have a look at the antiques before the drive back to your hotel.
Drive to Jaisalmer
Check out from your hotel and drive to Jaisalmer. Around 286 kilometres for Jodhpur, the route is pretty scenic and boasts of some beautiful landscapes of the Thar Desert. An epitome of everything Rajasthani, from every postcard you've probably ever seen, the spectacular sandstone royal desert town of Jaisalmer is charming and mysterious all at the same time. Self-explanatory as a 'golden city', Jaisalmer's Fort is perched on a yellow sandstone ridge, keeping a watchful eye over the ever-spreading town beyond its walls. Check in to your hotel, relax for a bit and head out for a lovely evening stroll.
City Tour of Jaisalmer
A new day dawns and it's time to explore the city of Jaisalmer. Drive down to Jaisalmer Fort after breakfast. The thriving township that occupies every nook and corner of this fort is a sight for sore eyes. Havelis, Jain temples, shops, hotels and restaurants can be found in abundance. Cobbled, narrow alleys give you glimpses into life inside this living fort. The fort has numerous temples, and most of them are predictably Hindu temples. However, the most beautiful temples here are the Jain Temples, especially the Parshwanath temple. Gyan Bhandar a part of the Jain temples in the Jaisalmer Fort comprises of Library. The library contains some of the oldest manuscripts of India. Our local guide will tell you more on the history of these temples and havelis. Visit the temples dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdevji. A mere kilometre away is Patwon ki Haveli, the oldest haveli in Jaisalmer, a cluster of 5 smaller havelis. Maintained by the government, this haveli has beautifully designed gateways and arches, paintings and mirror work on its walls. Move on to Nathmahal Ji ki Haveli, originally meant as the erstwhile Prime Minister's residence. Two life-size sandstone elephants stand guard at the entrance of the haveli. A little down the road is the 17th century Salim Ji ki Haveli, with a roof that resembles a peacock. Take a look out of one of the 38 balconies, each of which has been designed in a different way. Jaisalmer is filled with cultural values and rich heritage has no dearth of musical arts. You see many street musicians play Ravanahatha, a primitive string instrument, made up of locally available materials like bamboo, metal pipes and strings, coconut shell, leather, and horse's hair. An oasis experience is Sodakore is all about, at 65 kms short of Jaisalmer. Sodakore is a standalone desert getaway and is a great luncheon stopover. Camping in the tented tours on a full moon night is truly magical; seem to be extracted from a painting. Pitched tent under the star speckled sky, coupled with great authentic Rajasthani cuisine and engaging music. You can also enjoy Camel safaris through the dunes, as well as an opportunity to meet and interact with the vibrant village community. (Optional)
Head back to Jodhpur and Enjoy a day at Leisure
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Afternoon is free at leisure. Tinged with indigo, the city of Jodhpur abounds with forts, palaces, temples, havelis and houses built in vivid shades of blue. There is much more to Jodhpur; get an exciting and eco-friendly tour around the streets of Jodhpur on a cycle. Ride around the alleys and the fort wall and get to know the different communities and its history. Apart from this, what is also special about Jodhpur is its puppet show .Practised by the local agrarian communities, with wooden dummy dolls, colourful attires; the puppet show is an amazing way to enjoy an evening in Jodhpur. Another feature and a must thing to do that help complete Jodhpur travel guide is savouring the Rajasthani cuisine which is served widely in the city.
Who can no to the shopping treats while vacationing in this heritage city? Explore its bustling flashy bazaars to catch the best of true Rajasthani fabrics, chic mojaris, authentic antiques, classic handicrafts, and traditional jewellery. Nai Sarak, Sojati Gate Market, Mochi Bazaar, Umaid Bhawan Palace Market, and Kapraa Bazaar are some of the best bazaars around.
The beautiful blue of the city, the brown desert and the enormity of Mehrangarh Fort is best witnessed from above. What better adventure than to paraglide over Jodhpur. Drive down to the paragliding site for a brief on before the instructor straps you into the safety harness. Make that run and soar in tandem with your instructor for a bird?s eye view of the 'sun city' in all its glory (Optional).
Visit MountAbu
Set on a high rocky plateau in the Aravalli Range and surrounded by forest, Mount Abu offers a relatively cool climate and views over the arid plains below. According to legends, Mount Abu derives its name from Mount Arbud when the youngest son of Himalaya and serpant descended and Arbud flooded the gorge to rescue Shiva's bull, Nandi. The only hill station in Rajasthan, it is located 1,722 metres above sea level and amidst the lush green hills. Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat, It's stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back 11th- 13th centuries. The Dilwara Jain Temples has the finest Jain temple known for its marvellous marble stone carvings and intricate architecture. The minutely carved ceilings and the pillars are just amazing. Guru Shikar is the highest peak of the Aravalli range, located at about15 km northeast of Mount Abu.
Mount Abu is a place to admire great Rajasthani handicrafts. Mount Abu hosts a three-day summer festival of classical music and folk dance performances. Surrounded by hills, the quaint and serene Nakki Lake is place to unwind yourself. Relax and rejuvenated your mind and soul Walk around the lake or enjoy a boat ride. Visit Khadi Bazaar to get your hands on traditional Rajasthani clothes such as ghagra and choli, and some amazing textiles with khadi work.
Departure
After breakfast drive to catch your flight / train back home.