Shekhawati Desert Tour

Day 01: New Delhi
Around midnight arrival in New 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
In the morning we have 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: New Delhi - Nawalgarh (about 280 km / 5-6 hours)
Today we drive to Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region. Nawalgarh is famous for the fine paintings and and some of the best preserved Shekhawati havellis. Nawalgarh was founded in 1737 by Thakur Nawal Singh. This town boasts of some of the finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region. The town has a colourful bazar and a fort. Nawalgarh is also the homeland of marwaris. The marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups in India. Some of the country's leading merchant families come from this little town. These merchants built grand havellis. Arrive in Nawalgarh in the evening.

Day 04: Nawalgarh - Bikaner (about 240 km / 5 hours)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Nawalgarh area. Some of the finest frescoes can be seen in the havellis. Some of the finest frescoes can be seen in the Roop Niwas Haveli, Saat Haveli and in the various old forts in the Nawalgarh. There are numerous havelis, prominent among them are the Aath (eight) Haveli complex, Anaadilal Poddar haveli, Jodhraj Patodia haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli and Chokhani haveli. 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 Nawalgarh 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 - Osian - Jaisalmer (about 330 km / 6-7 hours)
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
Today we have 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 - Jodhpur (about 290 km / 5-6 hours)
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. 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 - Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 260 km / 5-6 hours)
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 square feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1444, 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 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 Folk art Museum. This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. After a break we proceed to City Palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution. 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. 

Day 10: Udaipur - New Delhi (by air)
In the morning after having our breakfast we leave Udaipur, 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)

Day 11: Flight to Home Destination
Around midnight flight to home destination.

Tour Reservation
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Inclusions:
      Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC
         in the chosen category.
      American/Continental Breakfast.
      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.