Region: North western state of Rajasthan
Duration: 21 Days/20 Nights by road
Areas covered: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Phalodi, Jaisalmer, Rohet, Deogarh, Udaipur
Season: All year round

Highlights: Stay in some of the best heritage hotels, visit palaces forts and other monuments in the Pink City of Jaipur and the Lake City of Udaipur, Elephant back ride to Amber fort and camel safaris around Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, see local conservation efforts like the feeding of thousands of Demoiselle cranes at Khichan and an insight into the Bishnoi tribes

The drive through Rajasthan is the best way to experience the royal hospitality of this desert state. More than the well-known tourist attractions of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Pushkar, as well as Agra and Fatehpur Sikri en route, you get a chance to discover lesser-known jewels like Phalodi, Rohet and Deogarh. The tour showcases the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture as well as offers an insight into the lives of its people and their long history of conservation. A visit to the Bishnoi villages of Kejarli, Rohet and Guda Bishnoiya is extremely rewarding while Khichan illustrates the close link between the villagers and the Demoiselle Cranes.

The Bishnoi cult was founded in the late 15th century by Guru Jambhoji, who laid down 29 conservation principles (Bish-noi in Rajasthani means 29), like the protection of the black buck and the khejri tree. In 1730, a Bishnoi woman named Amrita Devi courted death by clinging to a tree that was being cut to provide fuel for the cement lime kilns to build the Maharaja's palace. Following her example, her 2 daughters, her husband and all in all 363 people clung to the trees and gave up their lives. Apart from visiting the memorial that commemorates this sacrifice, you can also participate in the sacred opium ceremony of the Bishnois.

Khichan is a perfect example of how man can co-exist with nature and even nurture the survival of a particular species. According to Marwari legend and song, Demoiselle Cranes are considered signs of good luck that carry messages to the local women from their loved ones in far away lands. Several years ago a local villager, Ratan Lal Jain began feeding these birds twice a day. As the number of birds began to increase, he sought the help of his fellow villagers, who rallied to adopt these birds. This love and respect for these birds saw the inception of the Marwar Crane Foundation (MCF) and more funds were raised, as it takes over 600 kg grain to feed these birds each day. The number of cranes that migrate here is said to be increasing by 10 to 15% each year and currently 8,000 - 10,000 cranes visit Khichan in winter. As the sky darkens and the krok krok calls fill the air, the sleepy village of Khichan comes alive in this magical spectacle.

Itinerary

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive at IGI airport Delhi, complete customs, immigrations formalities and exit to arrival hall meeting lounge. Met by 'Wild World India' representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: DELHI
After breakfast combined tour visiting important sites of New and Old Delhi - Qutab Minar a 12th century tower and one of the tallest of its time, Humayan's Tomb considered to be one of the forerunner of the Taj Mahal and evening drive pass President House, India Gate and other colonial buildings. In Old Delhi visit 16th century Red Fort the ultimate symbol of Mughal power in India, take a cycle rickshaw ride in the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk which once served as royal market, Jama Masjid one of the biggest mosque in India built during the same time as Red Fort and the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's resting place. Overnight at hotel

Day 03: DELHI to AGRA
Morning depart Delhi for Agra by surface (200 km/ 4 hrs). Arrive Agra and check in at hotel. Afternoon visit the Agra fort from where four of the mightiest rulers of the Mughal dynasty ruled their vast domain. Explore the palaces built by successive rulers like the hall of private audience, hall of public audience, Moti Masjid, to name a few. In the evening visit the fabled Taj Mahal. Overnight at hotel

Day 04: AGRA to JAIPUR
Early morning optional visit to Taj Mahal and after breakfast depart Agra by surface for Jaipur (232 km/ 6 hrs), stopping en route to visit the deserted capital of Fatehpur Sikri which is in a remarkable state of preservation. Continue drive along the vast Gangetic plain observing life in rural India. Arrive Jaipur by late afternoon and check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel

Day 05: JAIPUR
In the morning visit Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) en route to Amber Fort, the Old Capital of Jaipur that guarded the city from invading enemies. The elephant back ride to the top of the fort is an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon visit the City Palace and the Museum, which houses the royal armory, old manuscripts and textiles. Also visit Jantar Mantar an old astronomical observatory which works quite accurately till date. Overnight at hotel

Day 10: JAIPUR to PUSHKAR
Morning depart by surface for Pushkar (230 km / 5 hrs drive) en route Ajmer visiting the world famous Dargah of Sufi saint Mohammed Chishti and onward drive to Pushkar. Arrive Pushkar and check in at Hotel. Evening walk around the sarovar (sacred lake) and visit the Brahma temple, alleged to be the only one of its kind in India where active worship is conducted. Overnight at hotel

Day 11: PUSHKAR to JODHPUR
Morning depart Pushkar by surface for Jodhpur (220 km/ 5 hrs). Situated in the fringes of the Thar Desert - Marwar the present Jodhpur, home of Rathore Rajput clan was one of the most prominent kingdoms of Rajasthan. Arrive Jodhpur and Check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel

Day 12: JODHPUR
Morning visit Mehrangarh Fort one of the biggest and magnificent forts in Rajasthan - wander around the fort exploring its extravagant palaces with carved façade, door, window panels, inlayed walls, gold and silver work. The fort also houses a museum with an elaborate collection of armory, textiles, royal canopies, royal cradles and howdas (seat used on elephant back). Also, visit nearby royal memorial 'Jaswant Thada' which is made in white Makrana marble followed by afternoon excursion to Mandore, the old capital of Marwar. Overnight at hotel

Day 13: JODHPUR to PHALODI
Morning depart by surface for Phalodi (140 Km / 4 hrs drive) via Osiyan - it is located at the edge of the Thar Desert, 65 kms North-West of Jodhpur and 65 kms South-East of Phalodi, visit some ancient Hindu and Jain temples dating back of the Medieval Age. Arrive Phalodi and check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel

Day 14: PHALODI to JAISALMER
Morning visit Khichan just 4 km away from Phalodi to witness the spectacular sighting of large number of Demoiselle Cranes gathered around its Lake. Afternoon return to the resort and depart by surface for Jaisalmer. Arrive Jaisalmer and Check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at Camp (Swiss tents)

Day 15: JAISALMER
Morning visit the Jaisalmer Fort the only fort in Rajasthan where people are still residing in and Jain temples inside the fort. Afternoon drive to Khuri Sand Dunes where you can take a short camel ride - stay on to view spectacular sunset. Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight at Camp (Swiss tents)

Day 16: JAISALMER to ROHET
Early morning depart Jaisalmer for Rohet by surface (235 km/ 06 hrs). Arrive Rohet and check in at hotel followed by a village Safari - drive through the dirt track visiting rural ponds where you will have chance to see antelopes and local wetland birds. Also visit Bishnoi ki Dhani in the village to know the rural life in Rajasthan (Bishnoi is a local tribe who are very famous for their conservation work), participate in the Opium ceremony if one is in progress. Return to the hotel in the evening to join Thakur Manvendra Singh who is the tutorial head of 118 villages for dinner. Overnight in hotel

Day 17: ROHET to DEOGARH
Morning depart Rohet by surface for Deogarh (130 km/2.5 hrs) stopping by en route to visit the Jain Temple of Ranakpur where its 1444 pillars are each different from the other. Arrive Deogarh and check in at Deogarh Mahal, a heritage hotel built in 1617 when the Udaipur Maharaj appointed Raja Sanga ji as the jagirdar of about 260 villages. Over the years, the cannon store gave way to a swimming pool, the horse stable became a string of shops and Deogarh Mahal became one of the best heritage hotels in Rajasthan. Rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel

Day 18: DEOGARH to UDAIPUR
Morning depart Deogarh by surface for the Lake City of Udaipur (135 km/2.5 hrs). The shimmering waters of the Lake with the City Palace and the Lake Palace buildings in the background, serve as a magical way to end your tour at Udaipur. Rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel

Day 19: UDAIPUR
Morning visit the Udaipur Palace, Folk Art Museum and Sahelion-ki-Bari. Afternoon is at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel

Day 20: UDAIPUR to DELHI
Day at leisure or free for optional activities (one can opt for a boat ride at Lake Pichola at an extra cost). Check out at noon and after lunch transfer to Airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 21: DEPART DELHI
In time transfer to the international airport to board the flight for onward destination