| HIGHLIGHTS: Delhi - Camel Safari - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Todri Garh - Agra - Taj Mahal
Discover the highlights of one of India's most colourful states. Home to the Rajput warrior clans who ruled this region for nearly a thousand years, this state boasts some of the most amazing palaces and medieval fortresses to be seen anywhere in the world. On our Rajasthan tour we contrast the hustle and bustle of Jaipur with the laid - back desert city of Jaisalmer and uncover remnants dating back to the times when the Mughals and then the British Empire ruled this vast land. From bustling cities to small and friendly villages, and the glorious deserts of western India, we are sure to come away with a kaleiodoscope of memories. This is India at its very best.
Day 1 - 2 Delhi. Day one is an arrival day and no activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time. If you are arriving early, please check the noticeboard in the foyer of the hotel for suggestions of things to see and do in Delhi. A pre - departure meeting takes place this evening at the hotel. Please also check the noticeboard for details of this meeting and for any other messages from your tour guide. Please also bring your passport and travel insurance documents to the meeting. Afterwards we have the opportunity to go out for an optional group dinner. The next day, we explore Delhi, with the markets at Chandi Chowk and the famous Connaught Place being popular options. In the evening, we catch the Overnight Train to Bikaner.
Day 3 - 4 Camel Safari - Bikaner. We arrive into Bikaner early in the morning and transfer to our hotel. There we can buy some breakfast before driving to Himmatasar - the starting point for our camel ride. We ride for around two hours to our lunch point and then on to the main Dunes of Raisar, to hopefully witness a beautiful sunset. We then continue to our overnight camp, where small tents are provided. Alternatively we can simply sleep under the star - filled sky. After breakfast the next morning, we return to Bikaner. Bikaner is a medieval trading town with the imposing Junagarh Fort at its centre. A visit to the fort is included in our tour.
Day 5 - 6 Jaisalmer. We take a local train to Jaisalmer, an ancient trading town that resembles a scene from the classic story, 'One Thousand and One Nights'. Its inhabitants still live in the narrow paved streets and alleyways within the town's ancient fort. Jaisalmer is a great place to simply wander round and absorb its surreal ambience. The merchants and wealthy families of Rajasthan built magnificent homes or 'havelis' and some of the finest examples can be found here. We savour the unique liFestyle of this ancient city on a walking tour to the fort and 'havelis'.
Day 7 - 8 Jodhpur. We take the morning bus to the beautiful 'blue city', Jodhpur. The city is dominated by the imposing Meherangarh Fort, which sits atop a sheer rocky ridge overlooking the surrounds. We explore the famous and historic 'blue city' and stroll through the bubbling Sadar Market.
Day 9 - 10 Jaipur. This morning we travel to Jaipur - the vibrant and colourful capital of Rajasthan. Here, traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches make their way through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. On our second day in Jaipur we travel 11 kiLometres out to the stunning medieval Amber Fort. This fort was built in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Several hours are needed to explore this huge fortification. Our guide will also take us to the Old Bazaar and Hawa Mahal, better known as The Palace of the Wind. This five - storey faCade with its pink, honeycombed sandstone windows is one of Jaipur's best - known landmarks. On the evening of Day 6 we take the overnight sleeper train to Bikaner.
Day 11 - 12 Todri Garh. One of the features of a Gecko's trip through Rajasthan is visits to small, out of the way villages. Todri Garh is a small town that we have identified is a true 'off the beaten track' experience. We travel by jeep through beautiful countryside to Tordi. Very few travelers have even heard of Tordi and even fewer visit it, because it's hard to get to on your own. We explore the village, meeting potters, visiting an old village temple, walking though markets and meeting families on the way. Ruined temples and a fortress lie further afield and we enjoy a visit to these sites. Our host is the owner of the palace at Tordi. He is a direct descendant of the feudal lord who built the palace in the 16th century. The accommodation has unforgettable ambience and charm and really makes the visit to Tordi a special highlight.
Day 13 - 14 Agra - Taj Mahal. Jeeps and local bus take us to Agra, home to India's most famous site, the majestic Taj Mahal. Here we include a visit to this amazing 17th century marble mausoleum, which Emperor Shah Jahan built as a monument to the memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died whilst giving birth. The emperor himself was subsequently overthrown and imprisoned by his son and oversaw the construction of this magnificent monument whilst incarcerated in Agra Fort. Upon his death, Shah Jehan was also entombed in the Taj Mahal next to his beloved wife. Our tour guide will also give us the option of visiting Agra Fort (please see refer to 'Optional Excursion' section below for approximate cost). On day 14, we return to Delhi, arriving in the afternoon.
Day 15 Delhi. Our trip ends today around breakfast time. If you wish to stay on in Delhi, please pre-book your post-tour accommodation before you commence your travels. Delhi has many interesting museums and monuments. If you are interested in historical and cultural matters, it is recommended that you to extend your stay and visit some of these places. Humayun's Tomb and Safdarjang's Tomb are other great examples of Mughal architecture and design. Hauz Khas Village is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown - a chic artistic enclave set right next to the remnants of a historical site.
Enjoy a camel trek into the Thar Desert and sleep on sand dunes under a star-filled sky 15 day tour departing Delhi.1 nights accommodaiton onboard a sleeper train. 1 night accommodation camping. 10 nights accommodation in hotels/guesthouses. 2 nights accommodation in a historic hotel. 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.An experienced regional tour leader. Sightseeing including entrance fees where applicable. Camel trek to the Dunes of Raisar for a sunset and camping in the desert (with small tents, a matress, pillow, blanket and sheet supplied). Off-the-beaten-track experience in Tordi Garh - village walk, a visit to ruined temples and a fortress, and a jeep safari. Transport by bus, camel, jeep, local bus, sleeper train, taxi, train
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