JODHPUR-JAISALMER
DAY 01: JODHPUR
On arrival at Jodhpur railway station you will be greeted by our representative and later drive to hotel. Check in at hotel and later proceed for sight seeing.
An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing this colorful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, color and texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty. Situated in western Rajasthan, Jodhpur has long attracted both the domestic and outside tourist. It not only offers tangibles, in terms of what you can see and buy but also fills one with a sense of history and the splendors of an era gone forever.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 02 - JODHPUR - JAISALMER
After breakfast, drive 285 km to Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer, a fairy-tale town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Rajah Jaisal. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 meter high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual desert festival takes place in January and February each year and is a riot of color and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antique, and stonework and camel safaris into the barren sand-duned desert. Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 03 - IN JAISALMER
After breakfast, leave for the city tour of Jaisalmer.
Visit the famous Havelis (mansions) known for their frescoes. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. Five Jain brothers built the Haveli between 1800 and 1860. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are opened to visitors. Built in 1156 by the Bhati ruler, Jaisal, the fort here stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. 3 walls and features 99 bastions surround the fort. Over the centuries, the golden sand stone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhatis, the Mughals and the Rathores of Jodhpur. Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The ‘Maharawals’ (rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but were tolerant of Jainism, and encouraged art and religion. There are seven temples in the complex - Chandraprabhu, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath, Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev Temple. The temples are all connected by a series of corridors and walkways. Close by is the Gyan Bhandar, a library founded in 1500 A.D. It houses priceless ancient manuscripts and other exhibits like astrological charts, besides the Jain equivalent of the Christian Shroud of Turin.
In the evening, proceed for the excursion to SAM Sand dunes. Located at a distance of 42 kilometers from Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.
Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 04 - JAISALMER - JODHPUR
Today, after breakfast, drive 285 kms to Jodhpur.
Visit the MEHRANGARH FORT in the afternoon. Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible stronghold of the Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings. It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and taste. No matter what part of the fort you are in, its ambience will leave you in awe and your senses reeling. Take in the sight high up on the rampart where the second largest cannon in Asia rests, the recoil of which requires an area as large as a football field! Also visit Jaswant Thada - a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jehangir.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 05 - JODHPUR – DROP
After breakfast drive to Udaipur check out from hotel and you will be transfer to Jodhpur Railway station / Airport for onward journey.
