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Desert Experience

Desert Experience – 12 nights/13 days

Destinations of Desert Experience – Delhi – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Osian – Khimsar – Jaipur – Agra – Delhi

Rajasthan India Tours include a two week odyssey into the heart of Rajasthan - the desert state! Visit Jaisalmer (a great place for Forts & Palaces Tour in India),  often called the “final frontier” of the Thar Desert, with its endless sweeping sand dunes. Head out on a camel safari in Osian and experience regal living at Khimsar Fort. This comprehensive journey through Rajasthan also includes the highlights of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 – In Delhi

A full day’s sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visiting the mighty Red Fort; Friday Mosque -Jama Masjid; silver street of Chandni Chowk; Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; The Hindu temple - Birla Mandir; India Gate & Rajpath; Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President's House; Humayun’s Tomb; Qutab Minar - a 73m high victory tower and the Bahai Temple – beautifully shaped to resemble a lotus flower. Overnight in Delhi – we will be happy to recommend places for an evening stroll or a restaurant for dinner tonight.

Day 03 – Train Delhi to Jodhpur

A day for shopping and exploring Delhi and in the evening transfer to Delhi Railway Station for the 9pm train to Jodhpur, spend the night on board.

Day 04 – Arrive Jodhpur

Arrive Jodhpur at 8am and you will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel for an overnight stay. Jodhpur is an oasis in the arid Thar Desert and is also called the Blue city of India. Jodhpur touring begins with a visit to one of India’s most imposing Forts - The Mehrangarh Fort – which houses an excellent Museum. Nearby is Jaswant Thada - the royal crematorium and a cenotaph of the rulers of Jodhpur which is built in translucent white marble. Explore the Sardar Market’s colorful bazaars and shop for textiles, handicrafts and clay figurines.

Day 05 – Drive Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (290 kms/05 hrs)

Drive to Jaisalmer, a fascinating city on the very edge of India, it rises from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. You will be delivered to your chosen hotel and the afternoon is free for wandering or relaxing.

Day 06 – In Jaisalmer

The day starts with sightseeing. The Jaisalmer Fort is considered the world’s oldest living fort, and is perhaps the only fort where a medieval pattern of life still prevails. Visit Gaddisagar Lake and view several intricately carved and sculptured havelis (merchant’s homes) around the fort. In the evening head out to Sam sand dunes and take a short camel ride to witness the incredible sunset over vast stretches of sand. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
 

Day 07 – Drive Jaisalmer to Osian (295 kms/5.5 hrs)

This morning you drive to Osian Village – offering even single travellers the chance to experience life in a desert camp! The first of its kind in India, this permanent camp offers accommodation in spacious tents, furnished with carpets, comfortable beds and with en suite bathrooms. All are insect/mosquito and waterproof and all are decorated with Indian motives and style.

In the afternoon set out on a short camel safari to the nearby oasis, en-route you will see blue bulls, gazelles, foxes and also make a short stop at a Bishnoi Village to visit the local weavers. Return to the camp on a four-wheel drive jeep and later and in the evening enjoy the folk entertainment followed by a sit down dinner. You may at this time like to retire to your tent or sit by the fire and sip a cognac or smoke a cigar.

Day 08 – Drive Osian to Khimsar (45 kms/01 hr)

Drive to Khimsar to stay at Khimsar Fort, perched high on the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Reflecting rural India, this unique fort offers a wide range of experiences; the late afternoon Black buck safari followed by picnic tea on the nearby Sand Dunes is always a favourite. Overnight at Khimsar Fort.
 

Day 09 – Drive Khimsar to Jaipur (300 kms/06 hrs)

Drive to Jaipur, painted pink to welcome Prince Albert in 1853, and pink still. On arrival, check in at your chosen Jaipur hotel for your 2 night stay.

Day 10 – In Jaipur

A full day of sightseeing in Jaipur includes the Amber Fort, 11 kms from the city. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture and you can either ride to its lofty heights by jeep or on a gaily-bedecked elephant. Returning to Jaipur, visit the museums, palaces and halls of the City Palace (still a royal residence) and the Palace of the Winds. At the Jantar Mantar Observatory, learn how it was constructed to measure 'the harmony of the heavens', a concept dear to Hindus as they believe their fated souls move to its rhythms. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 11 – Drive Jaipur to Agra (250 kms/05 hrs)

Your drive to Agra takes you via Emperor Akbar's deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, an almost perfectly preserved 400 year-old Mughal capital. Continue on to Agra – City of the Taj Mahal, a great monument to love and one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. On arrival, check in to your selected hotel and pass the afternoon enjoying the facilities or exploring on your own.

Day 12 – Drive Agra to Delhi (220 kms/04 hrs)

The day starts early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World, created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later visit the Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls, and the Itmad-ud-Daulah – the exquisite tomb of a Persian adventurer who became chief minister at the Emperor Jehangir's court. His grand-daughter Mumtaz married Shah Jehan and her tomb is, of course, the Taj Mahal. Later in the day drive to Delhi where you will be delivered to your chosen hotel. Overnight in Delhi

Day 13 – Depart Delhi

You will be transferred to International airport in time to board your flight home.

DESERT EXPERIENCE

* Small supplements may apply for travel between 01st and 15th November'2008 and during the month of February '2009. Chritmas / NYE supplements may apply for travel between 20th December '2008 and 05th January'2009.

Inclusions:-

# Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis (except at the Camel Camp in Osian where all meals are included) at the hotels of your choice.

# All arrival-departure transfers and land transportation using an aircon car exactly as per the itinerary.

# Sightseeing tours along with a local English Speaking Guide and including entrance fee to monuments exactly as mentioned above in the Itinerary