Daywise Itinerary
Arrival in Jaipur
Arrive in Jaipur and check in to your hotel. India's official 'pink city', there's much more to Rajasthan's capital than its pink-red tinged buildings and historic splendour. Look out for the odd camel strolling through Jaipur's busy streets as you make your way past hawkers and cycle rickshaws against a backdrop of its vibrant terracotta edifices. This majestic home to erstwhile royals is complete with old-world charm surrounded by colourful markets and chaotic streets. The grand palaces and havelis surrounded by mighty fortresses make Jaipur a dazzling place. Head out in the evening to catch a glimpse of the city's enchanting night scenes.
Amer Fort Excursion
After breakfast, proceed for a city tour. Amer Fort, 11 kms away, is a nice little hike through ancient cobbled pathways towards the fascinating serpentine stairs that lead up to the fort. It is built on separate levels; step out onto each courtyard for amazing views of the Aravallis beyond. The main palace and public halls are well maintained and one can still feel the grandeur of the world. The Amber Fort gets reflected on the surface of Maota Lake's water, creating a mesmerizing scene. Drive back towards downtown Jaipur past the gorgeous Jal Mahal literally built on the man-made lake.
City Tour of Jaipur
Jaipur's Hawa Mahal, built specifically for royal household to enjoy the events and festivals in the street has got an unique architectural Style; a blend of Hindu Rajput and the Islamic Mughal architecture. Jantar Mantar- an astronomical complex, home to the world's largest stone sundial, dates back to the 18th century and measures time still accurate to 2 seconds. The City Palace is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The Palace Museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings.
The vivid street markets are one of the best street shopping experiences you can have here. Jaipur's old markets, including the Baapu Bazaar, have the best of Rajasthani handicrafts, camel-leather products, open-toed shoes, paintings, khadi kurtas, the list is endless.
Drive to Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park was a proclaimed royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The Park is a treat for every wildlife and nature lover; a place to spot the endangered Bengal tigers. Spread over more than 392 sq km, the reserve is also home to leopards, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears, black bucks, and hyenas. There are morning and evening game drive to the National Park. Spend the day watching tigers roaming around, verdant greenery, and a gamut of other species of chirpy birds. Opposite the entrance gate, is the imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort. It is also the entrance to a safari zone, famous for housing two of the large watering holes of the park, Padma Talao and Rajbagh, where the animals gather. Believed to be an impregnable defence structure in its time, Ranthambore Fort is set dramatically on a sheer cliff on Thambhore Hill, and it is surrounded by a verdant forest dotted with hunting pavilions, timeworn chattris, forgotten temples and crocodile lakes.
Set for an evening game drive in an open jeep (optional) through the open grasslands, forested areas and bushes for an engaging wildlife viewing opportunity. A glimpse of a magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger is a sight that cannot be forgotten.
Morning Safari in Ranthambore
Get going for an amazing wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park. The Park is amongst the largest national parks of North India, sprawling over 392 km sq of area. The Park has great wealth in terms of flora, fauna and avifauna. Get to see the Royal Bengal Tiger and varities of wild animals like nilgai, leopard, sloth bear, chital, wild boar, sambar etc.
Drive to Udaipur visiting Chittorgarh
Later drive to Udaipur; enroute make a stop at Chittorgarh. The Chittorgarh city lies on the banks of Rivers Berach and Gambini. One of the significant landmarks in the city is the Chittorgarh fort, an epitome of Rajputa bravery. It still stands graciously atop a 180 metre high hill, looking down protectively over the city. The Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha Palace, Meera mandir and other structures are also found inside the imposing fort. The 15th-century, 9-story Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) is built from red sandstone and white marble. It offers city views from the top, and it is lit up at night. Nearby is the Rajput-style Fateh Prakash Palace. Rani Padmini's story is etched in golden letters in Rajput history. The Palace structure is built on the banks of a lotus pool and has a pavilion that provides privacy for the women of the royal family. This is the legendary palace from where Ala-ud-din Khilji was permitted to obtain a glimpse of Padmini in a mirror placed in the main hall, and rest is history.
Later continue to drive to 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, head out for 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 enrouting 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. 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.
Transfer 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. In the evening, Visit the Sam sand dunes for a camel safari later in the afternoon. The padded soles of the camel's feet make a mockery of otherwise tough-to-walk on dunes. Watch the sun slowly go down over the dunes before retiring for the night in camps near the dunes.
Head back to your hotel after this day long tour and call it a night
Departure
After breakfast in time transfer to Jodhpur Airport. The memories of these imperial cities will linger for a long time to come.