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The Golden Triangle
Tour with Desert Festival Jaisalmer
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(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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Welcome |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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!
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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)
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Udaipur
2
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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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