Vacations in Desert of Rajasthan Tour

Day 01: Flight to India (Delhi)
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travellers. Upon arrival, you will be 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 site 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 drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.

Day 03: Delhi - Shekhawati (about 270 km)
Today we drive to Shekhawati region. Shekhawati is 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. The marwaris enjoyed protections by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. Arrival in Shekhawati in the late evening.

Day 04: Shekhawati - Bikaner (about 190 km)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. These 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 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 05: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (about 330 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer. Very often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of the antelopes of this region. Blackbuck and fast running chinkara are the most common among them. We arrive in Jaisalmer in the evening.

Day 06: 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). In medieval times, its 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. 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 07: Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur (about 290 km)
Early morning drive to Jodhpur via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. After visiting the temple we drive 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. 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 08: Jodhpur - Luni (about 35 km)
Today we take leave from the Sun City (Jodhpur) and drive to Luni. In Luni we enjoy the overnight stay in the Fort Chanwa which has been converted into a hotel. This fort has big complex of courtyards, towers, water wheels, stables and secret stairways. We also have enough time to have a walk in the village to have an impression of the rural life in the area.

Day 09: Luni - Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 260 km)
Today we drive to Udaipur. Enroute we will visit Ranakpur. Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th century. We have a break in Ranakpur before proceeding further for Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.

Day 10: 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 visit the 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 11: Udaipur - Delhi 
In the morning after having our breakfast we take leave from the city of sunrise and take a flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure. (opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)

Day 12: Flight to Home
Around Midnight flight 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.
 
Inclusions:
      Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC
         in the chosen category.
      Rooms on the departure day.
      American/Continental Breakfast.
      Rickshaw Drive in Delhi.
      Camel Safari in Jaisalmer.
      Boat Ride in Udaipur.
      Services of qualified local English Speaking or any other language guide at every
         city of sight seeing.
      All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo Vacations 
         representative.
      All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an individual air-conditioned 
         vehicle (car/Jeep etc.) with driver (reliable, experienced and English speaking - have
         a look at the references on our website from all over the world).

Exclusions:
      Any kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills, and Alcoholic 
         beverages.
      Camera Fees (Still or Movie).
      Any Flight Charges.
      Monument Entrances.
      Unspecified Meals etc.