15 Nights Itinerary Covering: Delhi - Pushkar - Jojawar - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Dabdi - Osian - Sodakore - Sam - Bikaner - Mandawa - Jaipur - Delhi
Rajasthan truly is one of the best destinations in India, famed for its food, culture, art, music and dance, architectural wonders and more. A well-planned Offbeat Rajasthan Tour offers you a chance to explore the hidden and lesser-visited side of this wonderful Rajput state, clubbed with some of its most popular cities. The destinations that you visit include Delhi, Pushkar, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jojawar, Dabdi, Osian, Mandawa and Sodakore. The prime highlights of the itinerary include city tours, folk music and dance performances, special meals, camel safaris, horse ride, world heritage sites, temple visits etc.
As you arrive in the bustling Delhi city, the capital of India, get a warm welcome by our tour representative. Get an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and take some rest. The recorded history shows that the city has been under the ruler of several rulers from time to time who not only brought their culture but also several wonderful structures. Divided into Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is an eclectic mix of serenity and liveliness. If you want, you can explore the city on your own.
Stay overnight in Delhi.
On day 2, after an early breakfast, get all set for half- day city tour exploring the prime tourist attractions of Delhi including the India Gate- 42 m in height, this war memorial was erected in the memory of those soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I; the President's House- one of the world's largest residencies of the Head of the state; Mahatma Gandhi Memorial- founded on the ghats of River Yamuna in Old Delhi, this memorial is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi; Laxmi Narayan temple- also known as Birla Mandir, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Laxmi and World Heritage Site of Qutab Minar – world's tallest brick minaret at 73 m, it was commissioned by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193.
Post lunch, start driving for the holy town of Pushkar. As you reach, check- in at the hotel and freshen up. The evening is scheduled for special dinner that would be preceded by Rajasthani cultural folk music and dance performance.
Overnight stay.
Post breakfast, the day is scheduled for sightseeing in Pushkar. The first visit of the day is to the very popular Brahma temple - one of the few temples in the world that is dedicated to Lord Brahma; Pushkar Lake- known to be atone all the sins of devotees who take a dip in it, Man Mahal - Built by Raja Man Singh I of Amber as a guest house, this Rajasthani structure is now a heritage hotel and Savitri temple – founded on a hilltop, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Savitri- the consort of Lord Brahma. The next visit is to the very popular Dargah Sharif or Khawaja Gharibnawaz Dargah at Ajmer – a shrine of Sufi saint, Moinuddin Chishti, the place also has his grave. In the evening, you can visit the local bazaars for shopping and collecting souvenirs.
Overnight at the resort in Pushkar.
After a relaxed breakfast on the 4th day, complete the check- out and embark on a road journey to Jojawar. As you reach, check-in and have lunch at the hotel. Now proceed for exploring the lovely serene village of Jojawar to get a sneak-peak into the life of the locals. The best part would be that you are riding the rich Marwai Horses. Observe the locals immersed in their daily activities. In the evening, back to the hotel for some relaxation. Spend the night, enjoying special Rajasthani dinner, dance and music performance.
Overnight stay.
Post breakfast, day 5 is going to be an exciting one that is going to involve a train Safari- one of the best things to do in Jojawar. This train traverses through the lofty, stunning Aravali ranges, via various tunnels and bridges, offering lovely views of the forest and lake surrounding the village. This journey offers you an insight into the life of the tribals residing here.
Train journey is succeeded by a Jeep safari in Jojawar that takes you to the nearby placed tribal and Rebaru hamlets. During the safari, interact with the local tribal people of Rajasthan and get knowledge about their daily life, their tradition and culture. Later on, visit a popular tribal horse lord temple where you enjoy high tea, which is served around sunset daily. A memorable dinner under the star-lit sky.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Today, have your breakfast and begin driving to the romantic city of Udaipur, also known as the city of lakes. Upon arrival, check-in followed by sightseeing. Founded by Maharaja Udai Singh in 1559 A.D., it has a wonderful charm. You visit the very famous City Palace museum- founded in the City Palace complex, it is a treasure house of the cultural heritage of the Mewars; the Jagdish temple- originally known as Jagannath Rai temple, this stunning M?ru-Gurjara strucrure was built by Maharana Jagat Singh; Sahelion Ki Bari- a well-maintained garden with marble elephants and fountains; Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir- a cultural institution showcasing folk art, literature and dances and the Maharana Pratap Memorial- dedicated to the famous Rajput warrior- Maharana Pratap. Also explore Shilpgram, an acknowledgement of the Rajasthani rural life and the craftsmen.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Breakfast is followed by a road journey to Jodhpur. On the way, visit the Ranakpur Jain Temples. One of the most revered Jain temples, Ranakpur has marble Jain temple with wonderful architecture. Dedicated to Lord Adinath, this group of temples was founded in the 15th century by Seth Dharna Sah with assistance from Rana Kumbha.
Later, continue to Jodhpur. Check-in and proceed for visiting the Umaid Bhavan Palace Museum- a magnificent palaces built by Maharaja Umaid Singhji, now a heritage hotel and museum that has weapons, various stuffed leopards, a huge banner by Queen Victoria and a collection of clocks on display.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
On day 8, enjoy an early morning breakfast and check out from the hotel. The day now starts with half day city tour of Jodhpur including the enormous Mehrangarh fort – one of the largest forts in India, placed 140 feet above the city, this burnished red sandstone structure was established by Rao Jodha around 1460.
Continue driving. As you arrive at the resort, the exciting camel safari is going to start. Carry packed lunch. Arrive in Bikamkor village along with your packed lunch. Here you meet the Safari staff and Camel riders. Now, camel safari for Dabdi village starts. This is going to be a 2-hour ride and you cover around 9 km. You arrive at the exclusive mobile safari camp before sunset. The camel ride is followed by a special candlelit dinner.
Stay Overnight at Dabdi dunes.
On the 9th day, after you have your breakfast, start the camel safari through the sprawling Thar Desert. During the 4 hours of the camel safari, the experiences are going to be memorable. Enjoy a ride till Khetasar- the oasis village. Here you visit the local potters and weavers. Savor special lunch at a village hut or by the oasis. Post lunch, resume the safari ride to the resort. This distance is around 25 km. If you are not willing to travel this distance on a camel, you can also opt for a jeep ride. Enjoy a swim in the pool in the late afternoon. The evening is scheduled for folk performance followed by dinner.
Overnight at the resort in Osian.
Today, post breakfast, have an excursion to the famous Osian Temples- a group of slightly ruins Jain as well as Brahmanical temples, which were found between 8th and 11th century. Later, continue towards Sodakore. Arrive at a nature resort where the guests are served farm fresh dairy as well as poultry products along with Organic meals. The evening is scheduled for a village safari where you get a chance to interact with people of the local village community, clad in their colorful traditional attire. Later, have a leisure walk around the Amla Orchard followed by a special cultural dinner.
Overnight stay at the resort.
After breakfast, check- out from the resort and hit the road to Jaisalmer. On arrival, check-in and start the city tour of Jaisalmer including the mighty Jaisalmer fort or Sonar Quila- one of world's largest fortification, this world heritage site was commissioned in in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal; Nathmalji ki Haveli- built in yellow in sandstone, it is the former residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal-the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer; Patwon ki Haveli- the largest and most important mansion here, it was buit in 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, a rich trader of jewelry and brocades, and Salim Singh ki Haveli- a 17th century mansion, it is known for its structure and frescoes.
Sightseeing is followed by a visit to the very popular Sam Sand Dunes, an ideal place to enjoy life in a desert. Check-into the camp. Later, hop onto a camel's back who takes you through the desert and its surroundings villages. At night, enjoy folk music dance, cocktails and special dinner under the star-lit sky.
Overnight at the camp in Sam.
After breakfast, get transferred to Bikaner, by road. This drive is going to include the sights of villages and the sand dunes. As you reach Bikaner, check in at the hotel. The evening is at leisure. You can spend it in doing the activities of your interest such as explore the nearby sites, shopping at the local bazaar, savoring local delicacies and more.
Overnight in Bikaner.
Have breakfast and start sightseeing. You visit Junagarh Fort, which was constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the army of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The next attraction is the revered Karnimata Temple at Deshnok, also known as the rat temple. In the evening, visit a camel breeding farm (at around 15:30 hrs)
After sightseeing, start your drive to Mandawa, a bustling town in the Shekhawati region that is placed northwards of Jaipur. Mandawa is extremely popular for its havelies, adorned with marvelous frescoes and paintings. Most of these mansions were commissioned by affluent merchants of Shekhawati, between 18th and 20th century. Upon arrival, check-in. If time and energy permit, explore the place on your own.
Stay Overnight.
Today, have a relax breakfast cum lunch, followed by check out of the hotel. Visit the wonderfully painted Havelis of Mandawa, Shekhawati. Later on, proceed to Jaipur by road. Evening arrival in the capital city of Rajasthan, followed and fulfilling the check in formalities at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
The whole day is scheduled city tour including the popular tourist attractions of Jaipur including the splendid City Palace- built by Raja Man Singh during 1729-1732 AD, it is still the residence of the region's royal family and has beautiful structures like Mubarak Mahal and Chand Mahal; Jaigarh Fort- commissioned by Raja Jai Singh II in 1726 to protect the Amber Fort complex, it is built on the Cheel ka Teels of the Aravallis; the red sandstone structure of Hawa Mahal with 953 jharokhas- it was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799; and the world heritage site of Jantar Mantar- an astronomical observatory by King Sawai Jai Singh during the 18th century.
The next attractions in line is Amer Fort or Amber Fort. As the massive structure is on a hilltop, enjoy an elephant ride up the hilltop while treating your eyes to the view of Lake Maota. The fot that is 11 km away from the main city has several amazing structures within its premises. Late evening is scheduled for shopping at the local bazaars of Jaipur.
Overnight stay.
After breakfast on the last day of the tour, check- out from the hotel and begin driving for the Delhi Airport to board the flight for your onward journey.
