Rajasthan Explorer….

20th Feb. : Bikaner

Morning is at leisure. Afternoon, proceed on a guided tour of the city. Bikaner was founded in 1486 A.D by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner.

Bikaner, has many magnificent buildings made of Reddish Pink sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to preserve its traditional aura of the medieval era. We visit the Junagadh Fort. One of the most imposing forts of northern India-- Junagarh Fort-- has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar.

We also visit the Camel Breeding Farms. Take a ride on one or watch the calves gamboling, or submit to a Raika or a Rebari from traditional camel breeder, over a cup of camels milk at the camel breeding farms just eight Kms away from the city. This farm is the only of its kind in Asia.

21st Feb. : Bikaner / Jaisalmer

This morning drive to Jaisalmer. The drive is through desert country with scantly vegetation and life stock in view.

Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Narayan Niwas Palace.

Rest of the day free to witness opening ceremony of 'Desert Fair'

A three day long extravaganza of colour, music and festivity at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban-tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest are part of the fun of the occasion. Camel rides and folk dances at the sand dunes at sam are an added attraction. A quality tour using first class hotels including some of the known Heritage hotels in Rajasthan covers the most important cultural and historical places, Thar Desert, Desert Fair and visit to Tribes in Rohetgarh and Manvar. The tour is available round the year as well. The dates given below are planned to coincide this tour for Desert Festival.

Overnight At Narayan Niwas Palace

22nd Feb. Jaisalmer

This morning, we visit the residential portions of the fort where one third of the population of the old city lives. The design of houses remains, as they were a couple of century's back and so are the lifestyle of people occupying them. This is because most of the families continue to work for generations for the rural (though only titular now) hence there is a sense of continuity. The houses are arranged in narrow lanes and have small windows from where the shy child or the girl peeps. This is the city believed to be the home of the most handsome men and women in Rajasthan.

Rest of the day free to witness the festivities.

The turban-tying competition and Mr. Desert contest add a touch of excitement to the festive celebrations. The famous Gair dancers and the traditional fire-dancers leave the crowds enchanted whenever they perform. Overnight At Narayan Niwas Palace.

23rd Feb. Jaisalmer / Sam / Jaisalmer

After breakfast, drive to Sam, a dessert outpost. Enroute we visit a few typical dessert villages, which have a sprinkling of huts. The rough terrain here does not support cultivation; hence the entire village works as casual labourers in road works or community projects. Inspite of their poverty and hard life the people are very friendly and seem to be aware that they are proud owners of very expressive and beautiful faces. We move on to Sam where we explore the dessert on camel back. We would have an opportunity to witness Grand closing ceremony at Sam Dunes including cultural show, camel races, fireworks etc.

Overnight At Narayan Niwas Palace

24th Feb. Jaisalmer / Jodhpur

Following breakfast drive to Jodhpur.

Upon arrival, check into the legendary Ajit Bhawan Palace Hotel, which is beautifully set amidst well appointed gardens.

This evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc

Overnight at Ajit Bhawan Palace

25th Feb. : Jodhpur

After breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the massive fort. In olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight down making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels, on to the armoury and Jaswant Thada - the Royal Crematorium.

Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets and localities in the walled city devoted to single commodities. The city is famous for bandhani and lahariya, block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture, wood and metal handicrafts. Carpets and durries can be found on the Umaid Bhawan Palace road. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and die-makers and probably the last of the tailors of the classic Jodhpur breeches

Overnight at Ajit Bhawan Palace

26th Feb. : Jodhpur / Jaipur (335 Kms)

After breakfast drive to Jaipur. In a land steeped with heritage, picturesque with exquisite architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories and romance, lies the Dream City of Jaipur. The people are dynamic, martial and, need we say it, colourful. Here every walk through the by lanes is a walk through history. Indeed, Jaipur could be compared to a vast open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle with saffron 'odhinis' (ladies scarves). Camel's buggies and elephants are as commonly found as motorcars and buses.

Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is the flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage hotels. The Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City, Jaipur. It brings back to life the grandeur of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthan experience for the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture and a site to behold. The large elevated platform that dominates the central area of the ground floor and once used for get-togethers by the gents of the house is now open to guests who can witness puppet shows and folk dances while enjoying their snacks or drinks. The spacious lobby which opens into the chowk (inner courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the house and is now open to guests. You will treasure this experience of staying in an authentic Rajput home.

Afternoon is designed for walks with our guide in Jaipur's shady animated streets - or for independent discovery. The city is best explored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature painting.

Overnight At Alsisar Haveli

27th Feb. : Jaipur

This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years.

For more on the tourist attractions of Jaipur, click here.  Jaipur Tour

Overnight At Alsisar Haveli

28th Feb. : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms)

Following breakfast we drive to Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire's splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we continue riding to Agra.

Upon arrival check into hotel Holiday Inn, lies in the heart of this fascinating city, allowing you to explore and witness the ambience of this historically beautiful city as well as the romance of the Taj Mahal and the elegance of emperor Akbar's Fatehpur Sikri.

Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are, the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sun set we visit the Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.

We would also have an opportunity to visit a marble showroom where we would be able to witness the inlay work done on marble just as at the Taj Mahal.

Overnight At Holiday Inn - a 4* Hotel

01st Mar. : Agra / Delhi (200 Kms)

Morning, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.

Following the tour, we drive to Delhi. Upon arrival check into your hotel The Connaught for overnight. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: Evening, we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.

Overnight At The Connaught - a 4* Hotel

02nd Mar. : Delhi / Depature

Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

END OF TOUR

We also offer customized tours to destinations in Rajasthan. We will be happy to customize this tour for you to suit your interests and convenience.