Cities Of Rajasthan

A huge state in India’s North - West, Rajasthan has a long and colourful history and a vibrant modern culture.Vast deserts which stretch to the horizon, glorious forts and palaces - many still occupied by the descendants of their Founders -, brightly turbaned camel herders - these are iconic images of this fascinating state. This tour focuses on the great cities of Rajasthan.

Detailed Itineary

• Day 1 : Arrive at Jaipur

  You can fly to Jaipur from some international airports, or from most major cities around India. On arrival in Jaipur you will be met and assisted with the transfer to your accommodation. Overnight in Jaipur.

• Day 2 : Jaipur

  Full day for sightseeing around Jaipur. In order to avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit the central city sights in the morning, and head out to Amber Fort in the afternoon. City highlights include the 18th century Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, the City Palace and Hawa Mahal- the Palace of the Winds. A great way to round off your experience of the Pink City of Jaipur is by means of a walking tour in the walled city area.

• Day 3 : Jaipur - Bikaner

  Depart after breakfast and drive into ever-more arid countryside to the desert outpost city of Bikaner- the drive will take around 6 hours. In the late afternoon, head into the very traditional and largely non-touristic markets in the old city area. Overnight in Bikaner

• Day 4 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer via Deshnok

  Begin the day with sightseeing of Bikaner, with the main focus being the Junagarh Fort, one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. This vast structure was built in the late 1500s by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s army. If time permits, you can also visit Lalgarh Palace Museum and the Camel Breeding Farm. Later depart Bikaner and drive via Deshnok to Jaisalmer. The (infamous) ‘rat temple, Karnimata, is definitely not for everyone and if you have a phobia of rodents it is best avoided. The total driving time to Jaisalmer is around 8 hours.

• Day 5 : Jaisalmer

  The Golden City, Jaisalmer is quite unlike any other city in India, as the fort here is still home to a large proportion of the city’s population (all the other forts are museums or relics of the past) Begin your sightseeing with time at the Fort, which at nearly 900 years old is also one of the oldest in this part of the country. Later in the day you’ll also visit a 12th century Jain temple, and a number of glorious sandstone havelis in the old city. The cobbled streets of the oldest part of the town, around the outskirts of the fort, are a wonderful place to explore. At sunset, head out to Khuri and watch the sunset over the desert- you can ride a camel and enjoy dinner and a cultural performance in the dunes if you wish. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

• Day 6 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur

  Morning drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur en route visiting Osiyan which has 16 Jain and Vaishnava temples dating back from 8th to 11th centuries presenting the grandeur of Indian temple architecture. All the sixteen temples are within the outer limit of the village. Continue your drive and check in at hotel for overnight stay in Jodhpur.

• Day 7 : Jodhpur

  Day for exploration of the Blue City, Jodhpur. Highlighted by the vast Mehrangarh Fort, which is a series of palaces each built by one of the many rules of the old princely state which centred around Jodhpur. The afternoon can be given over to either a jeep tour to a Bishnoi village where you’ll see the traditional lifestyle of this semi-nomadic group and witness herds of blackbuck freely roaming in herds in the countryside, or take a walking tour in the old city area of Jodhpur. An additional day in Jodhpur is recommended if your schedule permits. Overnight in Jodhpur.

• Day 8 : Jodhpur – Udaipur

  A long day, but with a superb stop midway, and some lovely scenery as you approach Udaipur at the end of the day. Firstly drive to Ranakpur and tour the famous Jain temples here which date back to the 15th century. Continue on through the lushly forested Aravali Hills to the picturesque city of Udaipur. Overnight in Udaipur.

• Day 9 : Udaipur

  Another place where 2 full days is ideal, but you can still see a lot if only one day is possible. The description ‘the Venice of East’ might be a bit of a stretch, but Udaipur is still utterly unique and compelling, and around the main lakes, retains a sense of serenity which is hard to find in the other major cities of Rajasthan. In the morning, take an excursion out of town to the famous temples at Eklingji and Nagda. Later in the day visit the City Palace Museum, Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon - ki – Bari public garden. Overnight in Udaipur.

• Day 10 : Udaipur- Delhi- Depart

  Begin your final day with a walking tour in the old city of Udaipur, and conclude your travels with a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Later transfer to Udaipur airport and fly to Delhi or Mumbai for further touring or departure for home.