Desert Citadels of Northern Rajasthan


Colours of the Land
11 Days

Private tours to Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s predominant natural feature is the Thar Desert, its sheer
presence and scale influencing everything within and around it:
the environment, life, customs, traditions, folklore and trade from
ancient times through to the present. From these desert sands rose
the imperial kingdoms of Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur and their
fortified strongholds and settlements: regal, romantic and compelling
in their aura. Legends, architecture, bazaars and living colour, these
towns are the historic heart of the Thar Desert. Mandawa, in the
region of Shekhawati on the periphery of the Thar, is a prosperous
trading centre since medieval times, the walls of its dwellings
enlivened by vivid paintings. The desert experience comes through
with a night under the stars and canvas at Manvar and camel-back
explorations.

DAY 1

ARRIVE SAMODE

Arrive in Samode today, where accommodation is held from 12 noon.

HOTELS

Samode Palace

Samode Palace

DAY 2

SAMODE

Day at leisure at Samode, with a vehicle at your disposal for local visits or perhaps explore Jaipur (84 km round trip/ 1 hour drive each way).

DAY 3

 SAMODE/ CHURU

Drive north into the desert region of Rajajsthan, Churu (180 km/ 3 hours drive), also known as the gateway to the Thar Desert, a city with several late 19th and early 20th century havelis (mansions) are adorned with colourful themed frescoes on their exteriors and are unique to this part of the country.

HOTELS

Malji Ka Kamra

Malji Ka Kamra

DAY 4

Churu/Bikaner 

Drive this morning to Bikaner (180 km/ 3 hours plus stops), pausing en route at the towns of Fatehpur and Ramgarh whose havelis display the very best frescoes in Shekhavati. Stay overnight at Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner

HOTELS

Narendra Bhawan

Narendra Bhawan

DAY 5

 BIKANER

Sightseeing of Bikaner, one of the three great desert kingdoms that exudes a stately air till today. Predominant is the awes-inspiring Junagadh Fort, unconquered through its history. The walled city, with its havelis and markets, are reminders of an era gone by. Bikaner is home to the legendary Bikaner Camel Corps.

DAY 6

GAJNER/ KHICHAN/ JAISALMER

Continue west across the great Thar Desert to Jaisalmer (275 km/ 5 hours plus stops), pausing en route at the town of Khichan to view wintering flocks of migratory demoiselle cranes, sometimes seen in their thousands. Towards the end of the journey, the Jaisalmer Fort rises like a mirage out of the sand.

HOTELS

Sonar Havel

Sonar Haveli

DAY 7

JAISALMER

Full day explorations of the walled city of Jaisalmer, still very medieval in feel with an air of remoteness about it, displaying varying in moods and colours as the hours go by. Within and outside the walls are several points of interest, an excursion can be made to the ancient town of Lodurva and the remarkable desert village at Khuri.

DAY 8

JAISALMER/ MANVAR

Morning at leisure. Early this afternoon, drive south east across the Thar to Manvar (180 km/ 3 hours) and then off the road into the wilds for two nights at a welcoming desert camp.

HOTELS

*Closed April to September, during these months we will proceed directly from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur

Manvar Desert Camp

Manvar Desert Camp

DAY 9

MANVAR

A day to explore the wilderness and culture of this region, set amidst sand dunes and sparse scrub. Guided jeep, camel and walking safaris encounter villages, itinerant herders, occasional nomads and gypsies, and special desert flora and fauna.

DAY 10

MANVAR/ JODHPUR

After breakfast, return to the highway to connect to Jodhpur (110 km/ 2 hour). An afternoon tour of this magnificent desert gateway takes in the masterfully restored Mehrangarh Fort – “built by giants”, wrote Kipling – and the serpentine lanes and bazaars of the old quarter.

HOTELS

Raas

Raas

DAY 11

DEPART JODHPUR

Depart Jodhpur today for your onward destination.

INCLUSIONS IN THE ITINERARY

LIVING SPACES

The Hotels we recommend are handpicked and the best the destination can offer, as per your preference

CURATED EXPERIENCES

The activities, sights and experiences are original and offer you the spirit of the land

CULINARY

Flavours of local and global cuisine matched with your preferred drinks at selected restaurants offering unique F&B experiences

TRAVEL

We endeavour to make your journey smooth and memorable. Our drivers are trained at driving on Indian Roads and are also knowledgeable guides

We look forward to welcoming you to slow travel in the Indian subcontinent, imaginatively and meticulously designed just for you.

Request a Call back

We would love to customize your journey to the Indian Subcontinent.

INFO

0091 9810425252
1101, Vatika Professional Point, Golf Course Extension Gurgaon- Sector 66, Gurgaon 122018
mail@quovadis.in
Copyright 2021 Quo Vadis India Pvt. Ltd.
Developed by PNJXN

THE COMMUNITY