Jodhpur · Jaisalmer · Sam Sand Dunes

Jodhpur & Jaisalmer

Overview

A five-day tour of western Rajasthan, out and back from Jodhpur. Two nights at Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar Desert and once a major staging post on the trade route between India and the west, cover the only living fort in India, the havelis of Salim Singh, Patwon and Nathmal ji, Gadisar Lake and Badal Vilas, and an excursion to the Sam sand dunes 42 kilometres out. Jodhpur follows, below Mehrangarh Fort on its cliff above the city, with the marble cenotaph at Jaswant Thada and the Mandore garden. Note that all four nights are in hotels; the sand dunes are visited as an excursion rather than as a desert camp.

Day-by-day Itinerary

1

Jodhpur Arrival – Jaisalmer (310 km · 7 hrs)

Meet our representative on arrival in Jodhpur and drive to Jaisalmer, which lies in the heart of the Thar Desert — a city steeped in colour and rich tradition, once a major centre on the trading route between India and the west. Arrive and check in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
2

Jaisalmer Fort, Havelis & Sam Sand Dunes

After breakfast, set out on a half-day tour of Jaisalmer. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, the only living fort in India, which houses an entire township within its ramparts. Visit Salim Singh ki Haveli, built around 300 years ago, and Patwon ki Haveli, the largest and most elaborate mansion of its kind in Jaisalmer, followed by Nathmal ji ki Haveli, a grand mansion blending Rajput and Islamic architecture. Later drive past the beautiful Gadisar Lake and Badal Vilas, the present residence of the erstwhile royal family. Then visit the Sam sand dunes, around 42 kilometres from Jaisalmer and the closest place to lose yourself in the Great Thar Desert. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
3

Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (310 km · 7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur. Arrive and check in at your hotel. Overnight in Jodhpur.
4

Jodhpur Sightseeing

After breakfast, set out on a half-day sightseeing trip around Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan and known as the Sun City. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, a spectacular red sandstone fort standing on a perpendicular cliff above the city skyline; its foundations were laid in 1459 and it now houses a museum with a fine collection of arms, costumes, paintings and palanquins. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, built entirely of intricately carved sheets of marble so thin and polished that they glow warmly when the sun catches them. Later drive past the Mandore garden, which holds the cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers — built along the lines of a Hindu temple rather than the usual umbrella shape. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jodhpur.
5

Jodhpur Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Jodhpur airport for your return flight home.