‘The Jaisalmer Desert Festival – Golden Tour Package’

After arriving Delhi you will be given your allocated hotel rooms. The full day will be free for your relaxation after the tiring journey. Boost up your energy for upcoming overwhelming days. Overnight stay will be at Delhi.

Morning breakfast will be followed with a start-up tour at Delhi. You head off straight to the heart of old city, also known as Old Delhi. You start off by paying homage to the father of the nation at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and move onto the masterpiece of Mughal architecture, the Jama Masjid. Experience the life of Chandni Chowk with a ride on its very famous rickshaws.

Post a hearty lunch; you will be seeing the gems of India’s colonial heritage that is Rashtrapathi Bhavan, the World War I memorial India Gate, the 85 year old edifice Parliament House and the most sacred temple Birla Mandir. Relive the last days of the Mahatma as you enter the Gandhi Smriti, where he spent the last four odd months of his life. Go further back in time as you cast your eyes on India’s first garden tomb, the burial place of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. Then you head back to your hotel for a night of well-deserved rest. Overnight stay will be at Delhi.

Delhi- Shekhawati (4 hours’ drive). Early in the morning we will be heading towards northern Rajasthan, Shekhawati, and an enchanting ancient region. After your lunch you can stroll around the villages. In ancient times this place was the important trading posts of merchants and traders. This town is popular among the tourists for its exotic havelis and forts.

The overall look of this place will make you spellbound and take you back in the era of bygone when this place was primarily a cultural region. Overnight stay will be at a hotel.

Shekhawati to Bikaner is 3 hours’ drive. The day will be at Bikaner, fifth largest city of Rajasthan. Rao Bikaji – descendant of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs, who left his father’s kingdom with a small army and laid foundations of Bikaner in 1488. The Rajput king was in constant conflict with the powerful Bhatti clan but they ended with his marriage to the daughter of the Bhatti chief, Rao Shekha.

The place is famous for sweets and snacks. Here start your day at Junagarh Fort, Jain Temple, and National Research Centre for Camels, Lalgarh palace and obviously the alluring bazaar. Overnight stay will be at Bikaner.

Bikaner to Jaisalmer is nearly a 6 hours’ journey and lies towards the western part of Rajasthan. A long drive through Thar Desert will make your trip more delightful. The honey hued sand at the sunrise time will let you confuse where the heaven ends and the earth begins. Jaisalmer is important from ancient times as it connects India to West. The city is said to be founded by one Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Rajput ruler of Bhatti clan, in 1156 A D. The rulers gathered enough wealth through taxes levied on the passing caravans.

Hotel check-in at Jaisalmer- You will be relaxing after the long drive while the city is busy with the preparations for next day festival.

The extravagant 3 days festival starts with all its art, culture and entertainment. We will be entering the venue by mid-day which will scope you to be the spectator of native folk dance with the folk music for an hour or so before, continue with our city sightseeing tour (time permitting). The residents will come up with all their talents of acrobats known as kalabaz, snake charming and several others. Many more attractions are still waiting, like, turban tying competition, longest moustaches competition, fire dances, etc. These activities are really capturing moments and truly worth preserving.  Later in the afternoon, we will visit sand dunes and enjoy the beautiful sunset with a camel ride. Night stay will be at Jaisalmer hotels.

Jaisalmer to Jodhpur is a 4 hours’ drive towards the center of the state. The route passes by the edges of the city and Thar Desert. The mind-blowing sceneries will not remind you the debilitation of the past days. It is dominated by Meherangarh Acropolis which sits majestically aloft a hill.

A jeep desert safari will take you to fascinating tribal Bishnoi villages, full of colours and life with activities such as blacksmithing, pot-making, weaving and agriculture. In the blue city of Jodhpur, roam the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and vividly colorful bazaar of the city.  Overnight will be at Jodhpur

Jodhpur to Pushkar is 3 hours’ drive. We will start in the early morning towards Pushkar as it is an auspicious place crowded with the pilgrims. According to the legends, the lake in Pushkar was created from the petals of a lotus flower which fell from the hands of Lord Brahma. The lake of Pushkar is holy place for pilgrims.

Pushkar Lake along with the temples is an appreciable venue to visit in the midday. Afternoon can be light-hearted, exploring the local streets. Overnight will be at hotels in Pushkar.

Pushkar to Jaipur is 2 hours’ drive. A small drive will take us to a magnificent city Jaipur. Jaipur is named after Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who built the city in 1727 AD. Jaipur takes pride in being the first planned city of India. Maharaja Jai Singh is the descendent of Kachwaha Rajputs. Mughals helped the Kachwaha Rajputs against Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar making them powerful. The kingdoms of Mewar (Udaipur) and Marwar (Jodhpur) were ruled by them from the glorious Amber Fort. In 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh adorned the city in pink colour, which is supposed to be associated with hospitality, to welcome the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) to the city. And thus it acquired the name Pink City.  Do not miss the bustling bazaars that can increase the number of your bags with some traditional pieces of Rajasthani works and embroideries. Rest of the day is on leisure in your hotel. Night stay will be at a hotel in Jaipur.

The first stop on the morning session is the 16th century Amber Fort. You will not only witness, but also experience royalty as you enter it in style. You will be taken on an elephant ride which was how the royals of yore used to travel to reach the top which provides the most amazing view of Jaipur and its old walls not to mention the serene Maotha Lake below.  That’s not all. Once you are inside, you will get to see palace of mirrors, zillions of tiny glittering glasses and mirrors, elegantly maintained garden and the hall of public audience.

Enjoy the treats of the city of Jaipur itself starting with Jantar Mantar, an outstanding creation of Raja Jai Singh. An observatory built completely with stone in 1728. Pass by Hawa Mahal or the Wind Palace. A façade made during late 18^th century, it allowed royal women folk to look at the city while being hidden themselves. The tour will not be completed without visiting City Palace. This opulent structure which effortlessly fuses Mughal and Rajput styles has wonderful museums which display some intriguing artefacts and treasures.

Have a blissful stroll through the gardens around the city in evening. You can also see the bazaars and get all kinds of merchandise from exotic spices and textiles to flowers and electronics. Then it’s another night of rest at Jaipur.

Jaipur to Agra is a 3 hours’ drive through NH11. Early start from Jaipur will give a chance to visit Abhaneri where the famous Chand Baori (Step well) waits. This step wall was created by King Chandra of Nikumbha Dynasty. This step well is regarded as the oldest monuments in the country. This place is situated near a temple that is dedicated to Harshat Mata who is regarded as Goddess of happiness as well as joy. In past years, local people relied on step wells in order to contain rainwater for their purposes.

Post arrival in Agra, it is better for you to take some rest on first day. Evening would be spent at the market buying elements, for which Agra is famous. We will let you free to shop for traditional clothes, foot wears and accessories. Agra is popular for its sweet called “petha” (soft sweet candy), which can be bought from various vendors available in the market.

Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Agra.

The next day you can visit the white wonder of world – The Taj Mahal. Lying against the shimmering Yamuna River, Taj Mahal shows the exquisite architectural taste of Mughal emperor. The dedicated love of Shah Jahan for his Wife, Mumtaz is distinct. You will be stunned with white marble designs embedded with precious stones.

Later visit Agra Fort; it would be the biggest attraction for you that day. Built by arguably the mightiest Mughal ruler, Akbar the Great, this fort has stood the vagaries of time which is a testament to its sound engineering and the ingenuity of the builders. Inside the mighty walls are a collection of structures built by the rulers, succeeding Akbar, all of which are majestic in their own way. They include Jahangiri Mahal, Khass Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass and Diwan-i-Am.

The tour forms a full circle and you head back to Delhi. A farewell dinner will be waiting for you at a hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight stay will be at Delhi.

The final day arrives. Just collect the moments and always smile. Your check out at hotel will be followed by transfer to airport.