|
TAJ
GROUP - BEST OF RAJASTHAN
Validity
: 01 May to 30 September 2005
INR.
OFFER
| Itinerary |
OPTION |
DOUBLE |
EXTRA
PERSON |
| Itinerary
1 |
Taj
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur - Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur
- Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur |
Rs.70,400 |
Rs.
9,450 |
| Itinerary
2 |
Taj
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur - Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur -
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur |
Rs.81,400 |
Rs.10,250 |
| Itinerary
3 |
Taj
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur - Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur
- Taj Rawalkot, Jaisalmer |
Rs.59,900 |
Rs.
9,450 |
Please note
that Itinerary 3 is not reversible.
Inclusives
:
- Airport
/ Railway station transfer by A/C car.
- Accommodation
on base category rooms on a maximum two adults &
one child (below 12 years).
- Breakfast
and dinner( buffet / fixed menu basis).
- One lunch
experience at Ramgarh Lodge.
- Champagne
tour of Rambagh Palace.
- Heritage
Walk at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur.
- Complimentary
in-room tea / coffee making facility, wherever applicable.
- Local,
English speaking guide at all destinations.
- Sight
seeing & transportation arrangements as specified
in your itinerary.
- Toll tax
& parking charges, wherever applicable.
- Surface
transportation is offered in an a/c Esteem (or Qualis
/ Coach for groups). Rajasthan Tours are the ground
handling agents for the Best of Rajasthan package.
- Elephant
ride at Amber / Amer Fort, Jaipur.
- Jeep Safari
in Bishnoi Village, Jodhpur in an open air jeep.
Rates
for Extension of stay ( on MAP basis per night )
| Name
of the hotel |
Double
Occupancy |
Extra
Person |
| Jai
Mahal Palace, Jaipur |
Rs.
4,200 |
Rs.
1,250 |
| Rambagh
Palace, Jaipur |
Rs.
9,650 |
Rs. 1,800 |
| Hari
Mahal Palace, Jodhpur |
Rs.
4,200 |
Rs.
1,250 |
| Rawalkot,
Jaisalmer |
Rs.
3,230
|
Rs.
1,000 |
| Taj
Lake Palace, Udaipur |
Rs.
8,520 |
Rs. 1,800 |
Terms
& Conditions :
- For all
Indian Nationals and expatriates holding certified resident
work permits.
- The "Best
of Rajasthan" offer is available on pre paid basis
only.
- Offer
is valid between 1 May to 30 September 2005.
- Monument
charges, camera fees and other such ancillary costs
are additionally payable by the guest.
Exciting
optional excursion tours and extensions are also available.
ITINERARY
1 and 2
Validity : 01
May to 30 September
2005
( 6 nights / 7days, 2 nights each at Jaipur, Jodhpur
& Udaipur )
Itinerary can be reversed, change of timings accordingly
DAY 1
:
- Welcome
to Jaipur, the historic Pink City of India (arrival
by train or air).
- Meeting
and assistance upon arrival at Sanganer Airport / Jaipur
Railway Station.
- Transfer
by a/c Esteem (or Qualis / Coach for groups) to Rambagh
Palace or Jai Mahal Palace.
- Check-in
at your Palace.
- Break
for lunch (optional).
- 1400 hours
(2 p.m.) : Afternoon tour of the historic, old Walled
City of Jaipur. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory,
built in 1700's, looks futuristic and almost surrealistic
even today. A tour of the City Palace & Museum,
which offers a rare combination of the finest blends
of Rajasthani & Mughal architectures, a dedicated
collection of Royal costumes, armory, guns, old paintings,
dresses, articles of use at the Royal households etc.
A visit to the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. An
unmistakable landmark of Jaipur, which conjures up several
romantic images in the minds of the onlooker.
- 1730 hours
(5:30 p.m.) : Return to your Palace by evening.
- 1915 hours
(7:15 p.m.) : Traditional Rajasthani dinner at the upper
front lawns of Jai Mahal Palace. A very unique and authentic
Peacock Thaali (vegetarian / non vegetarian) awaits
you at the Jai Mahal. Hand crafted in Rajasthan, the
Peacock Thaali is an ensemble of Rajasthani delicacies
and delights - starters, main course, vegetarian and
non vegetarian accompaniments, lentils and desserts,
served alongwith an authentic and refreshing Rajasthani
non alcoholic beverage. While you settle in and enjoy
the beauty of this 1747 A.D. Palace, folk dancers, puppeteers,
fire eaters and musicians weave a magic of the yesteryears
and set your soul to a foot tapping delightful evening.
- Overnight
at your Palace.
DAY
2 :
- Breakfast
at your Palace's Coffee Shop.
- 0900 hours
(9 a.m.) : Depart for a city sight seeing tour of Jaipur.
Pink City, as it is popularly known, Jaipur is famous
across the globe for its rich culture and traditional
lineage. A picturesque symphony in pink, its colour
symbolizes, hospitality in Rajput culture. Morning excursion
to Amber / Amer Fort, one of the finest examples of
Rajput architecture, situated on a hillside and over-looking
the Mautha lake which reflects the historical ramparts
and terraces of the fort. Make your ascent to the Palace
fortress on the gaily caparisoned elephant back. Tour
the chambers and hallways of the Palace, which are famous
for their excellence in design, concept and execution.
Alternately, you might like to venture to Nahargarh
/ Jaigarh Forts.
- 1200 hours
(12 noon) : After driving for around 30 kms from Amer
Fort, through a circuitous road, lined with shrubs,
fruit bearing trees, remains of fortresses, temples,
fields and villages, you reach a very refreshing and
breath taking, quaint and romantic Ramgarh Lodge.
- Jamuva
Ramgarh, the former capital of Jeypore State was a favourite
hunting ground of the Royal family of Jaipur. In 1921,
a lake was planned and soon followed the Ramgarh Dam.
The place became heaven. Migratory birds flocked over
the lake adding to the air of romance, which still surrounds
Ramgarh. In 1935, a beautiful hunting retreat with its
unmistakable Portuguese style architecture, welcomed
Royalty and their privileged guests. Today, it open
its doors for you.
- 1245 hours
(12:45 p.m.) : After, a quick wash and change, settle
in for a typical "ghar ka khana", lunch at
the Ramgarh Lodge. You could prefer being served in
the Dining Hall or opt for an open air lunch overlooking
the waters of the Ramgarh Lake. Incidentally, Ramgarh
played host to the 1982 Asian Games' Rowing and Yachting
competitions on this very lake.
- 1500 hours
(3 p.m.) : Return to your Palace by evening.
Relax through the afternoon.
- 1830 hours
(6:30 p.m.) : Begin the evening with an exciting Champagne
Tour of the historical Rambagh Palace, the majestic
residence of the Maharaja of Jeypore (as it used to
be called, then). The story of Rambagh, actually dates
back to 1040 A.D. Re-discover the aura of this fairy
tale Palace, through a journey in time. Dine at the
majestic, Swarna Mahal, where the present echoes its
past.
- 2130 hours
(9:30 p.m.) : Time for a break at one of India's trendiest
night spots, Steam - the pub on wheels. A 1915 narrow
gauge steam engine and three of her coaches have been
transformed into a reverberating pub. Steam offers you
a hand picked selection of beverages, groovy music,
a spacious dance floor and an evening of a lifetime
(* optional).
- Over night
at the Palace.
* Steam opens at 7:30 p.m. everyday except Tuesdays.
Entry restricted for children, below 18 years of age.
DAY 3
:
- Breakfast
at the Palace.
- Morning
at leisure or Check out from the Palace.
- 0900 hours
(9:00 a.m.) : Should you be interested in visiting some
good shopping landmarks in Jaipur, a tour to Johari
Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Badi Chaupad and Chhoti Chaupad of
the old walled city, can be arranged. Lanes of shops,
present you with exciting and affordable shopping options.
One can select jewellery - both gold as well as ornamental,
Jaipuri jooties, Jaipuri razaais (quilts), Picture frame,
wooden artifacts, gem stone paintings, locally popular
sweetmeats such as Ghewar, a variety of Choorans (digestives),
Bandhej and Leheriya, Odhnis, Safas, wedding wear, fabrics,
textiles and ready made garments. The options are innumerable.
This however is an optional tour (alternately you can
head for Jodhpur right away and reach there early).
- 1130 hours
(11:30 a.m.) : Begin your onward journey to Jodhpur.
- 1430 hours
(2:30 p.m.) : Driving past the city of Jaipur is another
wonderful experience. Jaipur is known for its good roads
and easy accessibility. As one drives 135 kms on the
highway, past grasslands, villages and vast open spaces,
one reaches the famous temples of Pushkar and Ajmer
Sharief, the holy dargah of the sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin
Chisti. Legend has it, that a wish asked for here, is
always fulfilled with a blessing. One needs to return,
for a thanksgiving.
- Pushkar
is famous for the serene waters of the Pushkar Sarovar
and its Jain Temples. The most outstanding and remarkable
of these is the Sri Rangnath Venigopal Mandir popularly
known as Sri Rangji, which dates back to 1844 A.D. This
is the only temple in India where one can witness the
culmination of three distinct architectural styles -
the Rajasthani style of Chhatries and cenotaphs, the
Hindu, spire style of construction and the South Indian,
Gopuram style.
- Break
for lunch (optional). You may prefer to have your lunch
at Ajmer or Pushkar or carry packed lunch boxes from
Jaipur itself.
- Resume
your onward journey to Jodhpur.
- 1930 hours
(7:30 p.m.) : Arrive at Jodhpur, popularly known as
the Sun City of Rajasthan.
- Drive
through another historic city of Rajasthan, the fabled
land of the valiant Rajputs.
- Welcome
to Taj Hari Mahal.
- Check-in
at Hotel.
- Evening
at leisure.
- Dinner
and overnight at the Taj Hari Mahal. The Taj Hari Mahal
was built in 1999, in an authentic Haveli style architecture,
retaining all elements, typical to Rajasthan. Its spacious
and well laid out interiors, retain the original flavour
of old Havelis at the same time give you a luxurious
feeling of space and comfort.
DAY 4
:
- Breakfast
at Taj Hari Mahal.
- 0900 hours
(9 a.m.) : City sight seeing tour of Jodhpur, gateway
to the desert and beyond, home of the valiant Rathores
of Marwar. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up on a
hillock. The fort was built on the advice of a pious
hermit and overlooks the blue city. The fort houses
several palaces, cannons, temple and a museum. You would
also visit Jaswant Thada, a richly carved white marble
cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh ji, which preserves
the genealogy of the rulers of Jodhpur along with their
life-size portraits. One can listen to a detailed audio
on the Mehrangarh Fort through a personal walkman, as
well (hire charges are additional). Option of selecting
a desired language is available.
- 1300 hours
(1 p.m.) : Break for lunch (optional).
- 1600 hours
(4 p.m.) : Late afternoon Jeep Safari to the Bishnoi
village, a memorable outing in open air jeeps, visit
various traditional villages, look at local handicrafts
viz., shoe makers, pottery, hand weaving. Bishnois are
an integral part of this region, a very hard working
and hospitable tribal community.
- See village
folk in their rustic and traditional attire, women clad
in their ancestral silver jewellery, en-route watch
and photograph wildlife, black buck, chinkaras etc.,
all endangered species protected by "Bishnois".
- 1830 hours
(6:30 p.m.) : Return to Taj Hari Mahal by evening.
- Dinner
and overnight at the Hotel. Taj Hari Mahal offers you
the option of dining at the poolside or the relaxing
Verandah Café or at Marwar, the Hotel's multi
cuisine coffee shop.
DAY 5
:
- Breakfast
at Taj Hari Mahal.
- 0900 hours
(9 a.m.) : Depart from Taj Hari Mahal for Udaipur.
- 1200 hours
(12 noon) : Halt at Ranakpur for a tour of the world
famous marble cut Jain Temples of Ranakpur. The temples
date back to the 15th century. The temple has 29 halls
supported by 1,444 pillars none of, which are similar.
The temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures.
Your journey also takes you to two more Jain Temples
as well as the Temple of the Sun God.
- 1300 hours
(1 p.m.) : Break for lunch in the temple itself or at
Maharani Bagh (optional).
- 1400 hours
(2 p.m.) : Resume your drive to the lake city of Rajasthan.
- Upon arrival
check-in at yet another historical Palace of the Taj,
the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, situated on the pristine
waters of the Pichhola Lake. Over two and a half centuries
ago, Maharana Jagat Singh II, decided to build this
lovely Palace in white marble. Today, with its 85 rooms
and 19 suites, Lake Palace, reflects the same finesse,
style and elegance.
- 1700 hours
(5 p.m.) : Early evening, engage in a motor launch cruise
on the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola, which offers
you a breathtaking view of the city of Udaipur as it
rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the
Rajasthan desert.
- Visit
to the Jag Mandir Palace - another lovely island Palace
on the banks of the Pichhola
Lake.
Dinner and overnight at the Taj Lake Palace. Lake Palace
offers you exciting dining options at Jharokha, the
24 hour coffee shop or the mesmerizing Neel Kamal, the
Indian / Continental restaurant, over looking the lily
pond.
DAY
6 :
- Breakfast
at the Taj Lake Palace.
- 0900 hours
(9:00 a.m.) : Enjoy a Heritage walk through the Taj
Lake Palace as its secrets and history engulf you, you'll
transcend from the present into the old world charm
of yesteryears.
- 0945 hours
(9:45 a.m.) : Depart for an exciting sight seeing tour
of Udaipur. Udaipur, also known as the city of Sunrise,
perhaps is the most romantic city in Rajasthan. There
would be no doubt on why it is called "Venice of
the East".
- The city
was founded by Maharana Udai Singh and is situated at
the intersection of three lakes, nestled in the lap
of the Aravali mountain ranges. The ambience, climate
and history combined, make Udaipur a touristic heaven.
- Morning
excursion to famous temples of Eklingji & Nagda.
Eklingji, 22 kms from Udaipur, built in 734 AD. This
complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls is devoted
to Lord Eklingji, the Deity of the Maharanas of Mewar.
Nagda, 20 kms from Udaipur, is an ancient and quiet
place in Mewar, was the first capital of Bappa Rawal.
This houses the famous Saas Bahu Ka Mandir which has
a lovely torana (decorative arch above the entrance)
with exquisitely carved apsaras.
- 1200 hours
(12 noon) : Break for lunch (optional).
- 1400 hours
(2 p.m.) : Afternoon half-day city tour covering the
City Palace Museum, Jagdish Temple, Bhartiya Lok Kala
Mandir, Saheliyon Ki Bari and Fateh Sagar Lake.
- 1700 hours
(5 p.m.) : Return to Taj Lake Palace later in the evening.
- Dinner
and overnight at Taj Lake Palace.
DAY 7
:
- Breakfast
at Taj Lake Palace.
- Depart
for the Dabok Airport / Railway Station for onwards
destination.
ITINERARY
3
Validity : 01
May to 30 September 2005
( 6 nights / 7days, 2 nights each at Jaipur, Jodhpur
& Jaisalmer )
DAY
1 :
- Welcome
to Jaipur, the historic Pink City of India (arrival
by train or air).
- Meeting
and assistance upon arrival at Sanganer Airport / Jaipur
Railway Station.
- Transfer
by a/c Esteem (or Qualis / Coach for groups) to Rambagh
Palace or Jai Mahal Palace.
- Check-in
at your Palace.
- Break
for lunch (optional).
- 1400 hours
(2 p.m.) : Afternoon tour of the historic, old Walled
City of Jaipur. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory,
built in 1700's, looks futuristic and almost surrealistic
even today. A tour of the City Palace & Museum,
which offers a rare combination of the finest blends
of Rajasthani & Mughal architectures, a dedicated
collection of Royal costumes, armory, guns, old paintings,
dresses, articles of use at the Royal households etc.
A visit to the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. An
unmistakable landmark of Jaipur, which conjures up several
romantic images in the minds of the onlooker.
- 1730 hours
(5:30 p.m.) : Return to your Palace by evening.
- 1915 hours
(7:15 p.m.) : Traditional Rajasthani dinner at the upper
front lawns of Jai Mahal Palace. A very unique and authentic
Peacock Thaali (vegetarian / non vegetarian) awaits
you at the Jai Mahal. Hand crafted in Rajasthan, the
Peacock Thaali is an ensemble of Rajasthani delicacies
and delights - starters, main course, vegetarian and
non vegetarian accompaniments, lentils and desserts,
served alongwith an authentic and refreshing Rajasthani
non alcoholic beverage. While you settle in and enjoy
the beauty of this 1747 A.D. Palace, folk dancers, puppeteers,
fire eaters and musicians weave a magic of the yesteryears
and set your soul to a foot tapping delightful evening.
- Overnight
at your Palace.
DAY 2
:
- Breakfast
at your Palace's Coffee Shop.
- 0900 hours
(9 a.m.) : Depart for a city sight seeing tour of Jaipur.
Pink City, as it is popularly known, Jaipur is famous
across the globe for its rich culture and traditional
lineage. A picturesque symphony in pink, its colour
symbolizes, hospitality in Rajput culture. Morning excursion
to Amber / Amer Fort, one of the finest examples of
Rajput architecture, situated on a hillside and over-looking
the Mautha lake which reflects the historical ramparts
and terraces of the fort. Make your ascent to the Palace
fortress on the gaily caparisoned elephant back. Tour
the chambers and hallways of the Palace, which are famous
for their excellence in design, concept and execution.
Alternately, you might like to venture to Nahargarh
/ Jaigarh Forts.
- 1200 hours
(12 noon) : After driving for around 30 kms from Amer
Fort, through a circuitous road, lined with shrubs,
fruit bearing trees, remains of fortresses, temples,
fields and villages, you reach a very refreshing and
breath taking, quaint and romantic Ramgarh Lodge.
- Jamuva
Ramgarh, the former capital of Jeypore State was a favourite
hunting ground of the Royal family of Jaipur. In 1921,
a lake was planned and soon followed the Ramgarh Dam.
The place became heaven. Migratory birds flocked over
the lake adding to the air of romance, which still surrounds
Ramgarh. In 1935, a beautiful hunting retreat with its
unmistakable Portuguese style architecture, welcomed
Royalty and their privileged guests. Today, it open
its doors for you.
- 1245 hours
(12:45 p.m.) : After, a quick wash and change, settle
in for a typical "ghar ka khana", lunch at
the Ramgarh Lodge. You could prefer being served in
the Dining Hall or opt for an open air lunch overlooking
the waters of the Ramgarh Lake. Incidentally, Ramgarh
played host to the 1982 Asian Games' Rowing and Yachting
competitions on this very lake.
- 1500 hours
(3 p.m.) : Return to your Palace by evening.
- Relax
through the afternoon.
- 1830 hours
(6:30 p.m.) : Begin the evening with an exciting Champagne
Tour of the historical Rambagh Palace, the majestic
residence of the Maharaja of Jeypore (as it used to
be called, then). The story of Rambagh, actually dates
back to 1040 A.D. Re-discover the aura of this fairy
tale Palace, through a journey in time. Dine at the
majestic, Swarna Mahal, where the present echoes its
past.
- 2130 hours
(9:30 p.m.) : Time for a break at one of India's trendiest
night spots, Steam - the pub on wheels. A 1915 narrow
gauge steam engine and three of her coaches have been
transformed into a reverberating pub. Steam offers you
a hand picked selection of beverages, groovy music,
a spacious dance floor and an evening of a lifetime
(* optional).
- Over night
at the Palace.
- * Steam
opens at 7:30 p.m. everyday except Tuesdays. Entry restricted
for children, below 18 years of age.
DAY 3
:
- Breakfast
at the Palace
- Morning
at leisure or Check out from the Palace.
- 0900
hours (9:00 a.m.) : Should you be interested in visiting
some good shopping landmarks in Jaipur, a tour to Johari
Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Badi Chaupad and Chhoti Chaupad of
the old walled city, can be arranged. Lanes of shops,
present you with exciting and affordable shopping options.
One can select jewellery - both gold as well as ornamental,
Jaipuri jooties, Jaipuri razaais (quilts), Picture frame,
wooden artifacts, gem stone paintings, locally popular
sweetmeats such as Ghewar, a variety of Choorans (digestives),
Bandhej and Leheriya, Odhnis, Safas, wedding wear, fabrics,
textiles and ready made garments. The options are innumerable.
This however is an optional tour (alternately you can
head for Jodhpur right away and reach there early).
- 1130 hours
(11:30 a.m.) : Begin your onward journey to Jodhpur.
- 1430 hours
(2:30 p.m.) : Driving past the city of Jaipur is another
wonderful experience. Jaipur is known for its good roads
and easy accessibility. As one drives 135 kms on the
highway, past grasslands, villages and vast open spaces,
one reaches the famous temples of Pushkar and Ajmer
Sharief, the holy dargah of the sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin
Chisti. Legend has it, that a wish asked for here, is
always fulfilled with a blessing. One needs to return,
for a thanksgiving.
- Pushkar
is famous for the serene waters of the Pushkar Sarovar
and its Jain Temples. The most outstanding and remarkable
of these is the Sri Rangnath Venigopal Mandir popularly
known as Sri Rangji, which dates back to 1844 A.D. This
is the only temple in India where one can witness the
culmination of three distinct architectural styles -
the Rajasthani style of Chhatries and cenotaphs, the
Hindu, spire style of construction and the South Indian,
Gopuram style.
- Break
for lunch (optional). You may prefer to have your lunch
at Ajmer or Pushkar or carry packed lunch boxes from
Jaipur itself.
- Resume
your onward journey to Jodhpur.
- 1930 hours
(7:30 p.m.) : Arrive at Jodhpur, popularly known as
the Sun City of Rajasthan.
- Drive
through another historic city of Rajasthan, the fabled
land of the valiant Rajputs.
- Welcome
to Taj Hari Mahal.
- Check-in
at Hotel.
- Evening
at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the Taj Hari Mahal. The Taj
Hari Mahal was built in 1999, in an authentic Haveli
style architecture, retaining all elements, typical
to Rajasthan. Its spacious and well laid out interiors,
retain the original flavour of old Havelis at the same
time give you a luxurious feeling of space and comfort.
DAY 4
:
- Breakfast
at Taj Hari Mahal.
- 0900 hours
(9 a.m.) : City sight seeing tour of Jodhpur, gateway
to the desert and beyond, home of the valiant Rathores
of Marwar. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up on a
hillock. The fort was built on the advice of a pious
hermit and overlooks the blue city. The fort houses
several palaces, cannons, temple and a museum. You would
also visit Jaswant Thada, a richly carved white marble
cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh ji, which preserves
the genealogy of the rulers of Jodhpur along with their
life-size portraits. One can listen to a detailed audio
on the Mehrangarh Fort through a personal walkman, as
well (hire charges are additional). Option of selecting
a desired language is available.
- 1300 hours
(1 p.m.) : Break for lunch (optional).
- 1600 hours
(4 p.m.) : Late afternoon Jeep Safari to the Bishnoi
village, a memorable outing in open air jeeps, visit
various traditional villages, look at local handicrafts
viz., shoe makers, pottery, hand weaving. Bishnois are
an integral part of this region, a very hard working
and hospitable tribal community.
- See village
folk in their rustic and traditional attire, women clad
in their ancestral silver jewellery, en-route watch
and photograph wildlife, black buck, chinkaras etc.,
all endangered species protected by "Bishnois".
- 1830 hours
(6:30 p.m.) : Return to Taj Hari Mahal by evening.
- Dinner
and overnight at the Hotel. Taj Hari Mahal offers you
the option of dining at the poolside or the relaxing
Verandah Café or at Marwar, the Hotel's multi
cuisine coffee shop.
DAY 5
:
- Breakfast
at Taj Hari Mahal.
- 1000 hours
(10 a.m.) : Depart from Taj Hari Mahal for Jaisalmer.
Your onward journey takes you through a very colourful
and rustic rural Rajasthan experience as one crosses
farms and fields in the foreground of the Aravalis and
drives to a near about mid way halt at Pokhran at 180
kms.
- 1200 hours
(12 noon) : Break for lunch / mid way snacks (optional).
- 1300 hours
(1 p.m.) : Resuming an onwards journey of 120 kms, one
reaches Jaisalmer. Rising from the heart of the Thar
Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer.
Dominating the skyline, a commanding fort etched in
yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendour.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it,
according to which, Lord Krishna - the head of the Yadav
clan, foretold Arjuna, that a remote descendent of the
Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta
Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled when Rawal Jaisal,
a descendent of the Yadav clan and a Bhatti Rajput,
abandoned his fort at Lodurva (a small district, 25
kms from Jaiselmer) and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer,
atop the Trikuta Hill. Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were
feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans
laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the
territory enroute Delhi or Sindh. These caravans, earned
the town, immense wealth in those years as trade was
flourishing.
- 1430 hours
(2:30 p.m. ) : Welcome to Rawal Kot. Perched on a rocky
incline with a panoramic view of the Jaisalmer fort
and its township, Rawal Kot is a very convenient address
3 kms from Jaisalmer Junction. Though the city has an
airport, it is excusively used by the Indian Army /
Air Force.
- Check
in at the Hotel.
- Evening
at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the Rawal Kot.
DAY 6
:
- Breakfast
at the Rawal Kot..
- 1000 hours
(10 a.m.) : Depart for an exciting sight seeing tour
of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is also known as the "Golden
City". It has a very unique topography and is famous
the world over, for its stunning sand dunes.
- The city
was founded by Maharana Rawal Jaisel in 1156 A.D. and
is very strategically located atop the Trikuta Hill.
The entire city is nestled within the ramparts of the
Jaisalmer Fort. The golden hued fort is a sentinel to
the bleak desert-scape from its 80 metre high perch.
Within it is a well laid out lattice work of lanes and
by lanes, some lovely havelis, beautifully carved Jain
temples of the 12th - 15th A.D. and five interconnected
palaces.
- 1300 hours
(1 p.m.) : Break for lunch (optional).
- 1400 hours
(2 p.m.) : Continue your journey of discovering Jaisalmer.
One can visit the Jain Temples, Gadsisar Tank, Folk
Museum, Patwon ki haveli, Salem Singh ki haveli, Diwan
Nathmal ki haveli, Badal Niwas Palace and many more
intricate pages for history. Exciting options available
at Jaisalmer include a late afternoon drive to Khuri,
an ethnic village located 45 kms east of Jaisalmer.
Village folk in their traditional attire and welcoming
smiles greet you to a different experience - Sand Dunes.
Mystic and ever changing, a ride on camel back is an
experience, outlasting memory. Camel safaris can be
arranged at nominal supplements depending upon the availability
of the camels and their riders.
- 1700 hours
(5 p.m.) : Return to Rawal Kot later in the evening.
- Evening
at Leisure.
- Dinner
and overnight at Rawal Kot.
DAY 7
:
- Breakfast
at Rawal Kot.
- Depart
for Jodhpur for onwards destination.
|