Gems of the Desert

Day 01 - IN / DELHI
Upon arrival you would be met & transferred to the Hotel.

Day 02 – DELHI
Drive to Old Delhi past 3 ancient cities of Delhi viz. Purana Qila or Old Fort, Ferozshah Kotla & Red Fort – the seat of Mughal Power for 200 years, Jama Masjid & visit Rajghat – Mahatma Gandhi’s cenotaph.  On to New Delhi seeing India Gate – the war memorial, Rashtrapati Bhawan – President’s Palace, Parliament House, Rajpath the ceremonial causeway, Humayun’s Tomb – of the 2nd Mughal & forerunner of The Taj.  We also visit 12th century Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque & Qutub Minar – tallest structure in Delhi’s environs for centuries.  Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 - DELHI / NAWALGARH
After breakfast, drive to Nawalgarh in Shekhawati region - the ‘Open-Air-Art-Gallery of Rajasthan.’ In the evening, visit The Painted Havelis – ancestral mansions of India’s wealthy merchants profusely decorated with glowing frescos. Overnight at a heritage hotel.

Day 04 - NAWALGARH / SAFARI CAMP
In the morning, walk through the Royal Farms to observe the life style of Indian Rural workers.  Check out and depart for a Jeep Safari through the interiors of the state.  Overnight at the camp.

Day 05 – SAFARI CAMP / KHIMSAR
After breakfast continue the Jeep Safari.  Proceed in the afternoon to desert village of Khimsar for the unique experience of staying in the fascinating 16th century Khimsar Fort.

Day 06 - KHIMSAR / JAISALMER
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer – once on the ancient Silk Route, & check-in at the hotel.  In the evening visit Salim Singh ki Haveli, Patwon Ke Haveli & Gadi Sagar Lake surrounded by temple & shrines.  Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 - JAISALMER
After breakfast, visit the spectacular Jaisalmer Fort & take an excursion to Sam Sand Dunes & RIDE A CAMEL in the Great Indian Thar Desert.   Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 - JAISALMER / JODHPUR
After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur – the city that gave its name to the riding pants, & is home to the awesome Rathores.   Check-in at the hotel.  Visit the awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort atop a shaven hill & Jaswant Thada, the royal cenotaphs.

Day 09- JODHPUR / UDAIPUR via RANAKPUR
After breakfast, drive to Udaipur – the City of Lakes - visiting en-route the 15th century Ranakpur Jain Temples built in white marble, a riot of 1,444 profusely carved columns.  After lunch at a resort, drive to Udaipur & check-in at the hotel for overnight.

Day 10 - UDAIPUR
After breakfast, visit City Palace + Museum of the longest dynasty in the world after the Japanese.  Also visit Bhartiya Lok Kala Kendra i.e. Folk Art Museum housing fascinating collection of tribal jewellery, masks, paintings, musical instruments etc.  In the evening, take a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola.  Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 - UDAIPUR / JAIPUR via PUSHKAR
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur visiting enroute the man-made Pushkar Lake – a Hindu pilgrimage spot; & Brahma Temple – dedicated to the Creator in the Hindu trinity of Gods.  Proceed to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and check-in at the hotel for overnight.

Day 12 – JAIPUR
After breakfast, visit Fortress Palace of Amber, former Capital of Jaipur’s rulers.  RIDE AN ELEPHANT from the parking lot to the fort gates atop a hill.  Later see Hawa Mahal – the picture postcard symbol of the city; City Palace+Museum, where the son of the last Maharaja still resides; and the 18th century Royal Observatory, Jantar Mantar.  Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 – JAIPUR / DELHI
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Delhi where you would be transferred to the international airport to connect your flight home.

End of Programme