Camel Safari

Upon arrival at India’s capital city New Delhi, where you are greeted and escorted to your hotel.

The remainder of this day is at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast at hotel, our representative meets you at the hotel and will brief you on your entire itinerary / tour followed by a full day sightseeing tour of New & Old Delhi.

Visit the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower, followed by the spectacular Rajpath, passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President’s House and the India gate & the famous Birla Mandir.

In the afternoon, your focus of the tour is Old Delhi.

Visit the great Red Fort, which was the opulent residence of Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), which dominates the skyline.  You also visit the Raj Ghat-- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahjahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar.

Later in the day, visit the main shopping areas in Delhi.

Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Agra, which is a 220 kilometer / 5 hours approximate journey. En route stop at “Sikandra” to visit the tomb of Akbar the Great (widely regarded as the greatest Mughal Emperor in India) which shows an interesting fusion of Hindu and Muslim art and architecture.

Check into hotel and after freshening up. This afternoon embark on a half-day city tour of Agra.

Explore the 16th century Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century. It lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the year 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls red sandstone and a moat. 

Followed by a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, this incredible lacy white grandeur built by Emperor Shahjehan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaj Mahal, the “lady of the Taj”. It has been described, as the most extravagant monument ever built for love for the emperor was heartbroken when his wife Mumtaj died. The Taj Mahal has recently been immortalized by the inclusion as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Samode which is 225 Kms / 6 hours approximate journey from Agra, en route visiting the magnificent Mughal city of “Fatehpur Sikri” (which is 32 Kms from Agra). 

It comprises the remains of the new capital that Mughal Emperor Akbar built for himself in Year 1570, though deserted it after 15 Years due to shortage of water in the area.  Predominantly red sandstone buildings, reminds one of the great emperor’s vision to include both Hindu and Muslim styles into all architecture. 

Upon arrival check in at your hotel.

Nestled picturesquely amidst rugged hills, Samode Palace is one of India’s most charming hotels. It offers a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Each room is exclusive and reflects an old world charm. The interior features a magnificent hand painted Durbar Hall and the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal.

Overnight is at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mandawa which is 140 Kms / 4 hours approximately journey, to reach this “desert village” and often called - the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan.

On arrival, check into your hotel Castle Mandawa.
Castle Mandawa is an ideal base to discover the legacy of 18th Century frescoes that adorn the Havelis of this storybook town. With canopied balconies and turreted battlements, it offers modern comforts with an old world charm of Rajasthan. The highlight of your stay is a royal repast where guests dine under the stars entertained by Rajasthani fire dancers.
Overnight is at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Bikaner which is a 130 Kms / 04 hrs approximate journey. On arrival in Bikaner, check into your hotel.

Later in the afternoon a guided tour of this city.
This desert town in the north of Rajasthan is a largely unspoilt and less visited place on the tourist circuit. The tour of Bikaner starts with a visit to Junagarh Fort with its superb stone carving. The fort has the usual collection of Rajput miniatures and an extensive collection of weapons including two World War biplanes. You will also visit the famous Lalgarh Fort, where you can visit the private quarters of the King of Bikaner.
Overnight is at the hotel.

Breakfast is followed by drive to Jaisalmer which is a 330 kms drive / 7-8 hrs approximate journey. On arrival at Jaisalmer, check into your hotel.

Jaisalmer today, a fascinating city rising within the heart of the Great Thar Desert is like a golden mirage.  The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in awesome splendor elegantly decorated with local materials, colors and designs, offers a breathtaking view of this ancient city.

Overnight is at the hotel.

After breakfast, a sightseeing tour for Jaisalmer.

Visiting Jaisalmer Fort built in 1156, crowning Trikuta Hill with its honey colored walls that rise and fall with the contours of the terrain and magnificent cenotaphs. Also find exquisitely carved temples and havelis built by the Jains, the influential financiers of the Rajput Kings. See the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks; Patwon-ki-Haveli, the most elaborate and magnificent Haveli and best known for its latticed façade.

Evening excursion of “Khuri village”, 32 km away is known for its enormous sand dunes that make a surrealistic landscape patterned by the wind. This excursion also includes the unique experience of Camel Ride.

After sunset drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, start of Camel Safari.

The departure for the tour is early in the morning at 6:00 am and we drive the 60 km to the campsite outside of Jaisalmer by Jeep, where we arrive in time to watch the beautiful sunrise and enjoy a hearty breakfast.

8:00 am to 12:00 noon – The adventurous camel safari starts with a visit to Unda village (a traditional Rajput village) after which the camel ride continues, also paying a visit to Bheelo ki Dhani (a village of tribal people).

12:00 noon to 3:00 pm - Lunch followed by rest in the shade of trees near the oasis because the sun is fierce at this time of the day.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - The afternoon trek sets out again from Koda village (Mixed caste village) and you can watch native wild life and villages as you ride your camel through the isolated sand dunes (Khayala).
 
You continue your trek across the desert, stopping on the way to watch the magical sunset before arriving at the campsite for your first night. After your day’s desert experiences you can relax into your evening by watching a delicious dinner being prepared for you over the camp fire and you can conclude your first day with the dreams of the desert while sleeping under the star studded sky on your clean bed roll.

Overnight at camps.

Get the real feel of sunrise, and after breakfast tour continues with stimulating visits to villages and sand dunes (from Day 2 on any visits to villages are optional according to the wishes of the group; alternatively, the group can choose to enjoy the desert wild life and natural countryside with its peaceful quietness).

8:00 am to 12:00 noon – On your ride through the desert environment you get to see the desert vegetation and the curious creatures on the sand as the safari calls at Khayala village (a traditional village of Muslim people) and Megha village (a village of mixed caste).

12:00 noon to 3:00 pm - Lunch and rest in the shade of trees near the oasis, as the sun is fierce.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - The ride in the afternoon will take you to a visit of Rividi village (a village of Paliwal Brahman people) and then continue to the beautiful Sajeet sand dunes. 

On the way we stop to watch another stunning sunset and after experiencing the desert for a second day you can again enjoy a delicious dinner, freshly prepared for you over the campfire. Settling to sleep under the clear star filled sky on your bedroll you will have more dreams of the desert.

Overnight at camp.

After your breakfast in bed you set for more adventurous visits to villages and sand dunes.

8:00 am to 12:00 noon - You can experience the desert environment and get more impressions of the vegetation and wild life (along with two villages on the way) and moreover the beautiful oasis as your trek takes you further across the desert.

12:00 noon to 3:00 pm - Lunch followed by rest in the shade of trees in the vicinity of the oasis.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - While riding to the next village, Bhaiarsar you can enjoy the camel trek and get the real feel of the desert by visiting the remote villages.  

Camel ride to Sangar where you can watch the magical sunset before enjoying an evening by the traditional campfire with your freshly prepared, tasty dinner and another night spent under the beautiful star-studded sky with desert dreams.

Overnight at camp.

Enjoy the sunrise with breakfast and set out for another day of your adventurous tour.

8:00 am to 12:00 noon - The trek takes you into remote areas with the opportunity to visit Sumaliyai village and later Bhalani village.

12:00 noon to 3:00 pm - Lunch and rest in the shade of trees.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – visiting the next village, Lakhamna (Rajput village). 

After reaching the dunes of Lakhamna you can enjoy the stunning sunset and traditional camp fire and delicious dinner. The fourth night is spent on the dunes at Lakhamna with another view of the beautiful star filled sky and the quiet and stillness of the desert.
   
Overnight at camp.

After breakfast embark upon another day of camel safari.

8:00 am to 12:00 noon – Trekking deeper into the remote areas you have an opportunity to visit Punasar village and later a Muslim Dhani on the way.

12:00 noon to 3:00 pm – Lunch followed by rest in the shade.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - The afternoon ride takes you to Chooreya (a village of mixed caste). 

For sunset the trek arrives at the dunes of Dangri, where you can enjoy the traditional campfire and your delicious dinner and where you will spend your fifth night under the clear starry sky with peaceful dreams of the desert.

Overnight at camp.

8:00 am to 12:00 noon - The trek moves further into the desert with visits to Karada village and later a Dhani on the way if you wish.

12:00 noon to 3:00 pm - Lunch followed by rest in the shade.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – In the afternoon the trek includes a visit to Bhikhasar village (a village of Chaudhary caste). 

By the evening the tour arrives at the dunes of Sanwata where you will spend your sixth night. Here you can enjoy the beautiful sunset and traditional campfire and dinner, followed by another quiet and peaceful night under the beautiful star filled sky.

Overnight at camp.

With breakfast served in bed will get you ready for the adventures of the final day of your tour.

8:00 am to 12:00 noon – Destinations for the morning ride include visits to Bhopa village and later a Dhani on the way.

12:00 noon to 3:00 pm - Lunch and rest in the shade.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Enjoy some more camel riding and galloping on the way to our campsite and return to Jaisalmer by a one-hour jeep drive.

Upon arrival at Jaisalmer, you check into your hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Jodhpur which is a 295 Kms drive / 6 hrs approximately. On arrival in Jodhpur, check into hotel.

Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive princely settlements in Rajasthan.  This five hundred year old city was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajputs who were famous for their tales of daring and war.  Jodhpur is known for its impressive forts, and the many battles associated with the tumultuous history of the region. 

Overnight is at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.

Visit the Mehrangarh Fort which is an impregnable fortress towering above a 10km wall with soaring archways leading into the center. Rudyard Kipling once described the Fort as a mythical world of angels, fairies and giants. Inside the walls are several palaces including the Jaswant Thada, so constructed from thin marble that sunlight filters into its rooms. The museum displays an unusual collection of miniature paintings, glided palanquins and solid silver “howdah” presented by a Mughal emperor to the Maharaja.

Afternoon visit few important market areas for shopping. Jodhpur shopping is famous for elaborately engraved furniture, ethnic clothes in striking colors and attractive handicrafts.

Overnight at hotel.  

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Udaipur which is 260 Kms / 6-7 hrs approximate journey, stopping en route at Ranakpur.

Ranakpur is set in a remote and peaceful valley and is the site of the largest and most beautifully preserved Jain Temples in India. The main temple, dating back from 1439 is called the “Four-faced temple”. 

Udaipur is possibly the most romantic city in all of Rajasthan; Udaipur is also called the Venice of the East because of the profusion of lakes that dot the city.

Upon arrival in Udaipur, you check into your hotel. Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Enjoy the ambience of the world famous The Lake Palace, once a royal island retreat and now a luxurious hotel seeming to float upon the waters of Lake Pichola, which has now been converted into a luxury hotel. Sunset is an especially romantic hour, when, across the lake, City Palace glows with the golden tones of the ebbing day.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, a guided city sight seeing tour of Udaipur.

Visit the City Palace, followed by the visit to the Sahelion-Ki-Bari “The Gardens of the Maids” which displays the unique lifestyle of the ladies of the Royal courts.  Your final stop is Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandala, a museum of folk art, displaying a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings.  Watch a presentation of the world-renowned puppeteers of Udaipur, custodians of an ancient tradition.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast and time at leisure. Afternoon you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Jaipur.

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. The city was painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, literally blushed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1863.  Jaipur, also known as the pink City is a well-planned city named after one of the greatest of the Rajput rulers, Maharaja Jai Singh II. It takes its name from the pink paint on its buildings.

Upon arrival at Jaipur you will be met at the airport and escorted to you hotel.
Later in the evening visit the bazaars and markets of Jaipur, with our representative for a fun shopping experience.

Jaipur is the center of many traditional art, crafts, jewelry and handicrafts. The Bazaars in Jaipur are mostly located within the old walled city area and are open on all days. Most of the tourist attractions are situated very close to the market area in Jaipur.

Overnight at hotel.

Today you are on an excursion to Amber Fort. 

You will have a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort.  Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens.

Drive back to your hotel for breakfast. Afternoon, a guided tour of the old city of Jaipur.

Visit Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," Jaipur's central landmark, an extraordinary façade of multiple airy windows used by the court ladies to watch the outside activities without being seen. Explore the City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances.  It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Neemrana which is 145 Kms / 3 hours approximate journey. Upon arrival in Neemrana, check into the Neemrana Fort.
The Neemrana fort palace and its architectural beauty is India’s oldest legacy. Built in 1494 this oldest architectural gem of India is now being run as a heritage resort. It is situated on a hillside. The rooms are tastefully furnished with in eclectic blend of traditional Indian and colonial furniture. This architectural jewel of India is known to the world for both its hospitality and delectable Rajasthani and French cuisine.

Rest of the day at leisure, and Overnight stay in the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, the whole day is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the ambience of this spectacular hotel.

Later in the afternoon (according to your international flight timings) today we drive to Delhi, at a distance of 122 Kms / 4 hrs approximate journey, where you are transferred to the International airport in Delhi for your onward International flight.