Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer

Overview

Seven days running west across Rajasthan, from Udaipur to Jaisalmer and back to Jodhpur. Udaipur opens the tour, the City of Lakes and the "Venice of the East", founded in 1559 — a boat ride on Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir, then the City Palace museum, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion ki Bari, Karni Mata Temple and the Badi and Fateh Sagar lakes. Mount Abu follows for the Dilwara Jain temples, Gurushikhar, Trevor's Tank and Nakki Lake. The road north stops at Ranakpur, whose Jain temple spreads across 40,000 square feet of intricate carving below the Aravallis, then reaches Jodhpur for Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada — the Taj Mahal of Rajasthan. It finishes at Jaisalmer with Gadisar Lake, the royal cenotaphs at Bada Bagh, the golden fort, Khaba Fort and the sand dunes. Note that all six nights are in hotels; the dunes are visited in the evening rather than as a desert camp.

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. 1

   Udaipur Arrival – Half-Day City Tour

   We welcome you at Udaipur airport or train station. Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is like an oasis in the Thar Desert; its many lakes have lent it the name "Venice of the East", and its royal palaces and forts add to the beauty of a city founded in 1559. On arrival you will be transferred to the hotel to check in. Later set out on a city tour visiting Fateh Sagar Lake, and in the evening enjoy the romantic boat ride across Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir. Overnight stay at your hotel.

2. 2

   Udaipur Full-Day Sightseeing

   Breakfast at the hotel, then out to see the city. Udaipur was built in 1559 AD by Maharaja Udai Singh and was described as the most romantic spot on the continent of India by Colonel James Tod. Visit the City Palace Museum, the Jagdish Temple, Sahelion ki Bari — the queens' resort for their friends — the Karni Mata Temple, Badi Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir folk art museum and the Pratap Memorial. Overnight in Udaipur.

3. 3

   Udaipur – Mount Abu (180 km · 3½ hrs)

   After breakfast, leave for Mount Abu. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a famous destination and an important Jain pilgrimage site. On arrival, check in at the hotel, then visit the Dilwara Jain temples, constructed back in the 11th century. Also visit the Gaumukh Temple, Adhar Devi Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple, Honeymoon Point, the Raj Bhavan Museum and Art Gallery, Gurushikhar and Trevor's Tank. In the evening visit Sunset Point or Nakki Lake for the views over the surrounding hills. Overnight in Mount Abu.

4. 4

   Mount Abu – Ranakpur – Jodhpur (350 km · 7 hrs)

   After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, visiting Ranakpur en route. The Jain temple at Ranakpur is the town's major attraction: built across 40,000 square feet, the sprawling temple is known for its intricate carvings and architectural beauty. Against the lush green backdrop of the mighty Aravalli range, the huge three-storeyed white edifice is a magnificent spectacle. On arrival at Jodhpur, transfer to the hotel, then visit the best-preserved fort in Rajasthan, Mehrangarh, and the marble cenotaph at Jaswant Thada, known as the Taj Mahal of Rajasthan. Overnight at the hotel.

5. 5

   Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (330 km · 6 hrs)

   After breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer. Arrive and check in at the hotel, then see the man-made Gadisar Lake — for a long period Jaisalmer's only source of water — and the royal cenotaphs at Bada Bagh. Overnight at the hotel.

6. 6

   Jaisalmer Sightseeing

   After breakfast, visit Jaisalmer Fort, one of the largest fortifications in the world, and the 12th-century Surya Gate within the famous fort popularly known as the Golden Fort. Also visit Khaba Fort, another fascinating and slightly spooky fort near Jaisalmer, once inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins. In the evening, visit the sand dunes. Overnight at the hotel.

7. 7

   Jaisalmer – Jodhpur Departure (285 km · 5–6 hrs)

   After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur and continue to Jodhpur airport or train station for your onward destination. The tour ends here, with sweet memories.

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