Region: Northwestern state of Rajasthan
Duration: 16 Nights/ 16 Days tour by road, train and air
Route: Delhi - Bikaner - Camel Safari Bhala & Jamba Area - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur
Season: October to March

Highlights: Camel rides through Desert National Park & Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Demoiselle Cranes at Khichan, stay in heritage hotels, interaction with the local Bishnoi tribes

The Camel Safari through the vast Thar Desert of Rajasthan unveils its celebrated forts, old havelis and the colourful mix of royal heritage and desert nomadic cultures. Surrounded by magical sand dunes, this vast desert wilderness is home to some of the most endangered species in India including the handsome spiral-horned Blackbuck, elegant Chinkara gazelles, Striped Hyena and the rare Indian Wolf.

Birdwatching on camel back is very rewarding as birds allow camels to get at close quarters, giving you unprecedented access. You can spot endemics like Indian & Houbara Bustards and witness the spectacle of flocks of Demoiselle Cranes being fed by the villagers of Khichan. At Gajner, mornings and evenings are excellent to sight the Imperial Sandgrouse.

Relish royal hospitality at the Old Palace of the Maharaja of Bikaner, the best heritage hotels and fully serviced desert camps. In the evenings, sit by the campfire, listen to the haunting Rajasthani folk music and sample a desert feast under the stars. You can also witness traditional art forms and interact with the Bishnoi tribes, who revere the blackbuck and regard all life forms sacred. Extensions include the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok, where mice are worshipped by locals as their reincarnated ancestors.

Itinerary

Day 01: DELHI to BIKANER
Arrive Delhi airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Evening depart Delhi by overnight train. Overnight onboard the train.

Day 02: BIKANER
Early morning arrive Bikaner and transfer to Gajner (35 km). Arrive Gajner and check in to hotel. Afternoon city tour. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: BIKANER to BHALA
Morning depart Bikaner by surface for Bhala to begin camel safari in the Thar Desert. Overnight in tents

Day 04 to 07: CAMEL SAFARI
On safari through the Thar desert to end at the quaint Jamba village. Overnight in tents.

Day 08: JAMBA to JAISALMER
Depart Jamba by surface for Jaisalmer stopping by en route to visit Khichan village to see large flocks of Demoiselle Cranes. Arrive Jaisalmer and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 09: JAISALMER
Morning explore Jaisalmer, including the Fort, Jain temples and other quaint havelis of Jaisalmer. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: JAISALMER
Full day game drive in Desert National Park. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: JAISALMER to JODHPUR
Morning depart Jaisalmer by surface for Jodhpur. Visit Mehrangarh Fort and other sites. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: JODHPUR to KUMBHALGARH
Morning depart Jodhpur by surface for Kumbhalgarh visiting en route the Jain Temples of Ranakpur. Arrive Kumbhalgarh and check in at hotel. Later explore the Kumbhalgarh Fort and wildlife sanctuary. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: KUMBHALGARH
Full day explore the fort and Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary - this is one of the best place to observe leopard and Indian wolf. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: KUMBHALGARH to UDAIPUR
Morning depart Kumbhalgarh by surface for Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur and check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Udaipur city palace and other sites of interest. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: UDAIPUR to DELHI
Full day at leisure or free for optional activities. In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: DEPART DELHI
Full day at leisure or free for optional activities. In time transfer to Delhi airport to board the flight for onward destination.

Links: Birding in Rajasthan, Rajasthan by Road, Endemic India