The Golden Triangle Tour with Desert Festival Jaisalmer
(17 Days / 16 Nights)
(Delhi-Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur-Pushkar-Udaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner-Mandawa-Delhi)
(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click here)
 
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Desert Festival

Jaisalmer exercise immense charm, but with the staging of the annual Desert Festival (January - February), it has also become one of the more important events on the annual calendar. Essentially, it is a showcase of the performing arts of the region on the stretching sands around this desert citadel. A number of amusing turban tying competitions and camel races.
 

Desert Festival Jaisalmer has assumed the status of being one of the most important and popular events in the annual calendar. The golden city of Jaisalmer has its own unmistakable charm but it is increased manifold by the Desert Festival Jaisalmer. Held in the months of January-February and lasting for three days, the Desert Festival Jaisalmer is in essence a showcase of the regional performing arts.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival and Sponsored by the Rajasthan State Tourism Corporation, the Desert Festival Jaisalmer makes the otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer come alive to the melodious musical strains and hordes of colorfully attired people. Desert Festival Jaisalmer Rajasthan and the sands around Jaisalmer are splashed with vibrant hues and reverberates the sounds of music and the rhythms of the dance. The preparations of this festival are initiated well before the actual day with the dancers, musicians and performers from all over Rajasthan trooping in to the golden town of Jaisalmer.

 


History

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

Bahti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroot Delhi-or-Sind. These caravans earned the town great wealth.

 

Activities
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival, held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions an contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event.
 


Celebrations

A few days before the spring full moon according to the Hindu calendar, musicians, dancers and performers from all over Rajasthan start moving in colorful camel caravans towards the golden town of Jaisalmer, which dons a festive look. The otherwise barren landscape is splashed with vibrant colors marking the opening of the Desert Festival. The 12th century fort of Jaisalmer, built in yellow sandstone, provides a fairytale background. Over the years, the desert dwellers in their solitude have woven a fascinating tapestry with threads of music and rhythm and the Desert Festival is a celebration of their heritage. It is a chance of a lifetime to see the folk art forms against the landscape that has nurtured them for hundreds of years.


Desert Festival - 01st to 03rd Feb, 2015

Location: Sam Sand Dunes 42 K.M. from Jaisalmer
Attractions: Cultural showcase


Day 01. Flight to India (Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02. Old - New Delhi

This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat" , the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous “Humayun Tomb” which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and “Qutub Minar” which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.


Day 03: New Delhi - Agra (about 200 km / 4 Hours)

Today we drive to
Agra. In the evening arrive in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure. 
 

Day 04: Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the
Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. 
 


Day 05: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur (about 260 km / 5-6 Hours)

Today we leave Agra, drive to the Pink City
Jaipur. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. In the evening arrive in Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones.


Day 06: Jaipur

After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of
Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we visit the City Palace that is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the City Palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveal us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy. Later we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
 


Day
07: Jaipur - Pushkar (about 145 km / 3 Hours)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Pushkar, an ancient religious town. Pushkar is one of the most religious places for Hindus. The only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for Hindus. Pushkar has become famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival which takes place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle and camel markets take place here. In Pushkar after having a small break we visit the God Brahma temple and the Pushkar Lake
 

Day 08. Pushkar - Udaipur (about 301 km / 6-7 Hours)
After having breakfast drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. This city is built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges. Arrive in Udaipur by the evening. Rest of the day at leisure.
 

Day 09. Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. After a break we proceed to City palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature paintings done. In the evening we have a Boat ride on the lake Pichola. The famous Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former rulers. The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more known in the west.
 


Day 10. Udaipur - Jodhpur (about 275
km / 6-7 Hours)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive from Udaipur to Jodhpur. The city was once the capital of the princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which has 101 bastions and seven gates. Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trading route and the Marwaris got benefit from the passing traffic of opium, copper, silk which was traded to China. We will visit the Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill and is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments within. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. After the sightseeing we have a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur.
 


Day 11 to Day 13 Camel Festival Jaisalmer: Jodhpur - Osian - Jaisalmer (about 290
km / 5-6 Hours)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. After visiting Osian, we proceed further for Jaisalmer. In medieval times Jaisalmer prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt,

Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and this city remains one of the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan but in the whole of India. We have the rest of the day at leisure and therefore enough time to relax.

Day 13. Jaisalmer

Sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havellis (grand mansions). Some of the visitors called this city "a living museum". We have a walk through the old city and visit the Fort and the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around 40 km. away from Jaisalmer to Sam dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back to Jaisalmer.

 


Day 14. Jaisalmer - Bikaner (about 330
km / 6-7 Hours)
Today early morning we drive through the desert and proceed for Bikaner. After a short break in Bikaner we visit the Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This imposing Fort and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us.
 


Day 15. Bikaner - Mandawa (about 190 km
/ 4 Hours)
After having our Breakfast we take leave from Bikaner and we drive to Mandawa (Shekhawati region). Arrival in Shekhawati in the evening. Shekhawati is situated in the North east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups in India. They developed their business acumen on the trade routes between Delhi and the coast between India and Central Asia.

 

Day 16. Mandawa - Delhi (about 270 km / 5-6 Hours)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Mandawa (Shekhawati) area. The marwaris enjoyed protection by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. The havellis are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology. After the visit of Shekhawati area we proceed to Delhi. The rest of the day at leisure. (opportunity for the last shopping.)

 

Day 17. Flight Back Home
Around midnight flight back to home destination.

 

Tour Reservation
To get more information or to book this tour please submit the Query Form or send us an e-mail ! Your booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from your side.
 

About Hotels:
We provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. Luxury hotels are all five stars or of above standard. Deluxe would be a combination of 3 and 4 star Hotels and standard would be a combination of 2 and 3 star or similar hotels. The criteria for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your money. We also provide you wherever possible accommodation in heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.

 

 


 
Proposed Hotels


Nights

Indo Vacations – Inclusions:

Accommodation in a double room with shower /bath & WC in the hotels as indicated.

Half board (breakfast and dinner in the booked Hotels).

Rickshaw ride in Delhi, Elephant ride in Amber.

Boat ride in Udaipur.

Breakfast & Dinner in the Hotel during the tour.

One Dinner will be with a presentation of Indian music and dance.

An experienced English speaking Tour Guide / Tour Escort for the local sightseeing throughout the whole tour (An Accompanying Tour Escort will be provided on the group strength above 10 traveler).

An air-conditioned vehicle, including insurance, fuel etc. with chauffeur (experienced, reliable and English speaking) during the entire tour.

All entrance fees of the mouments as per the tour itineray.

All taxes.
 

Not included are: Camera fees, gratitude, drinks and personal expenses of any  nature!

   

Note:

We suggest that you book the international flights in your country as this is mostly cheaper.

Please note you will need a visitor visa for India. We recommend to apply for the same well in advance.

For individual travelers joining the group will not  be charged extra for both the airport transfers (advance notice required)

If the desired travelers do not register for the tour – An option will be available to operate the group tour with less people with some extra charges. These charges will be informed well in advance and till then there is no obligation or no cancellation  charges of registration.

Registration for the group tour with Indo Vacations is without any cost. Only at the time of confirmation we will send you the travel documents and ask for 25 % of the total amount as advance payment. The due amount can be paid after your arrival in India.  (more information is available on query).

Indo Vacations reserve the right of changes which may be beyond our control.

Testimonials & References from the customers who already traveled with us!

Hotel Madhuban by Peppermint, Delhi (Deluxe)

Delhi

3

Hotel Howard Park Plaza (Four Star)

Agra

2

Hotel Peppermint, Jaipur (4 Star)

   Jaipur

2

Hotel Master Paradise (3 Star Service)

Pushkar

1

Hotel Ram Pratap Palace, Udaipur (Deluxe)

  Udaipur

2

Hotel Devi Bhawan, Jodhpur (Heritage)

Jodhpur

1

Hotel Rang Mahal (Three Star)

Jaisalmer

3

Hotel Gajner Palace, Bikaner
(Heritage)

Bikaner

1

Hotel Mandawa Haveli (Heritage)

Mandawa

1

 Total Nights           16

 

Heritage Hotels:
Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.

 

Details for the vehicles used are available at the below given links:

  For 1 person – Tata Indigo - (4 seats)   http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm

For 2 person – Tata Indigo - (4 seats)    http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm

For 3 person – Tata Indigo - (4 seats)    http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm
For 3 - 5 person – Tavera Chevrolet /Toyota Innova - (6 seats)    http://www.indovacations.net/english/tavera.htm;     http://www.indovacations.net/english/ToyotaInnova.htm

For 6-9 person - Tempo Traveler - (10seats)    http://www.indovacations.net/english/tempotraveler.htm

 

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