Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection Jewels of the Jewels of the Thar Desert

Experience the jewels of the great Thar Desert, and Jodhpur, in true Palace Tours style on this fabulous 3−night tour which makes a wonderful add−on to your primary tour in . Bring home many memories after spending three glorious days exploring intricate , sandstone temples and golden sand dunes!

ITINERARY

This tour can be scheduled to suit your primary tour's itinerary. • Day 1 − Explore the palaces and forts of Jodhpur

You are met upon arrival in Jodhpur by a Palace Tours representative and transferred to your hotel*. Later this afternoon, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the city, visiting , which was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Guarding the city below and crowning a perpendicular cliff, it overlooks the rugged terrain and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows wrought from red sandstone. The tour continues as you drive past the exquisite Umaid Bhawan Palace, a splendid example of Indo−colonial and art−deco style of the 1930's. A unique feature of this palace is the fact that the hand chiseled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special interlocking system, instead of being bound by mortar. Journey onwards to the Clock Tower, a prominent landmark, and the bustling Sadar Market before arriving at the ruined city of Mandore. Here, the beautiful Maharani's cenotaphs are set apart from the main palace, just a 10−minute walk over the hill. Return to your hotel and stay overnight. *Please note: itinerary will be subject to change based on your arrival/departure flight timings.

• Day 2 − Drive to Jaisalmer and enjoy a camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and embark on the drive (260 km/ 5 hrs) from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer which lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the facilities at the hotel or perhaps exploring the local market on your own. Later this afternoon, drive to Sam Sand Dunes to witness the beautiful sunset as you enjoy a camel ride upon the golden sands. Stay overnight at the hotel.

• Day 3 − Admire the exquisite havelis and Jaisalmer Fort

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin your sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer, the center of the Great Indian Desert. The city is a mass of intricately carved building facades and elaborate balconies and its temples, forts, and palaces are constructed out of yellow sandstone. On your tour, see the Patwan Ki Havelis, which are the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis with their intricately carved pillars and extensive corridors. Also visit Salim Singh Ki , a 300−year−old mansion that has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks, and an elaborate projecting balcony on the top story. Your tour continues to the golden−hued Jaisalmer Fort which houses the entire city within its ramparts, towering from its 80−meter perch atop the hill. The fort contains an enchanting cobweb of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis, three beautiful sculptured Jain temples from the 12th − 15th centuries, and five interconnecting palaces. The final stop on the tour is Gadsisar Sagar Tank, a scenic rainwater lake which boasts numerous beautiful shrines encircling it, as well as a wide variety of avian life. Return to your hotel and enjoy your last overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

• Day 4 − Return to the "Blue City" Check out of your hotel this morning after breakfast and embark on the drive back to Jodhpur (260 km/5 hrs). Transfer to your chosen hotel in Jodhpur or to the airport for your onward journey.

1 DESTINATION INFORMATION

• Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in the middle of the desert in the western portion of Rajasthan state. Tourist attractions in Jaisalmer are a constant reminder of the city's golden past that sparkles with tales of valor and courage. The surrounding region, once a princely state, consists almost entirely of sand, forming part of the Great Indian (Thar) Desert. A visit here is incomplete without venturing on a Camel safari. The heart−stirring yellow sandstone Jaisalmer Fort and the exotic Gadi Sagar Tank, which was, at a certain point of time in history, the only source of water supply for Jaisalmer, are two memorable sites. Jaisalmer has also become a popular destination for desert safaris in present times, rivaling other such expanses in Africa and elsewhere.

• Jodhpur

Jodhpur, the Sun City in Rajasthan, is another fascinating destination for tourists. It is also called the "Blue City", due to its many blue−painted houses. Impressive forts, flawless havelis and a splendid culture welcome you into Jodhpur in Rajasthan. See the grand Mehrangarh Fort, amazing Jaswant Thada, tribal settlements, temples and other entrancing and unique attractions.

Price Chart

All prices quoted in U.S. Dollars ($) per person Independent Tour Rates Class Dates Single Rate Double Rate Triple Rate Maharaja For departures September 29,2011 $1,380.00 $742.00 $551.00 through March 29,2012 PLEASE NOTE: The above rates are calculated based on the local currency (INR) and are subject to change based on exchange rate fluctuations. Your balance payment will be due and payable based on the exchange rate at that time. An option to pay in full and lock in today's exchange rate is also available; please contact us for details.

This tour is available in two classes. The services in both classes are the same; the only difference is the hotels utilized.

1. Maharaja class includes accommodation at Ajit Bhawan in Jodhpur (Standard category) and Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer (Deluxe category) or similar as per the itinerary 2. Royal class includes accommodation at Taj Hari Mahal Palace in Jodhpur (Superior category) and The Gateway Hotel Rawalkot in Jaisalmer (Standard category) or similar as per the itinerary

Your tour price includes:

• All private transportation via air−conditioned Toyota Innova or similar as per the itinerary • 03 Nights accommodation on twin−sharing basis inclusive of breakfast and taxes • Local English−speaking guide for all sightseeing as per the itinerary • Entrance fees for all monuments visited per the itinerary • Video/still camera fees for all monuments visited per the itinerary • Camel ride at Khuri

Your price does not include:

• Domestic or international airfare • Airport departure taxes or visa fees • Travel insurance or Mediclaim • Any lunches, dinners or beverages • Any compulsory holiday dinners or celebrations required by the hotels • Any laundry, telephone calls, gratuities or other items of a personal nature • Any expense not specifically mentioned as included

2 HOTELS AND RESORTS

• Rawal−Kot, Jaisalmer , Jaisalmer (5−star)

Jodhpur−Jaisalmer Road Overlooking the town of Jaisalmer, Hotel Rawal−Kot is the perfect combination of modern comfort and fairytale medieval charm. Perched above the town and seemingly rising out of the rocks, the hotel offers postcard−perfect views of the 12th century Jaisalmer Fort as well as the setting sun. Inspired by the havelis of yore, the hotel's design offers a palette of local colors, materials, and fabrics. Accommodation in 31 rooms well equipped with amenities like international direct dial, and colour television with satellite programmes.

Facilities " Babysitting " Currency Exchange " Doctor−on−call " Express Laundry/ Dry Cleaning

• Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal , Jodhpur (5−star)

5, Residency Road Taj Hari Mahal, set amidst 6 acres of lush landscaped gardens, is centrally located in the city's main residential area and is also close to the city centre. The hotel is 3.5 kms from the railway station, and 4 kms from the airport. The city's tourist, shopping and business districts are easily accessible from the hotel. Enjoy one of 93 rooms including 3 suites. All the rooms have a tea and coffee maker, mini bar, safe, colour TV, direct dial telephones, colour television with satellite programs, channel music, hair dryer and dial up wireless internet access.

Facilities " Astrologer on Call " Baby−Sitting Arrangements " Barber Shop " Beauty Salon " Business Centre " Business Facilities " Currency Exchange " Driver Dormitory " Facilities For the Physically Challenged " Health Club " Hotel Safe " Internet/ E−mail/ Fax Facilities " Laundry Services " Library " Lounge " Luggage Storage " Medical Services−Doctor On Call " Parking " Postal/ Parcel Services " Room Service " Shopping Arcade " The Health Club has separate facilities for ladies and gents. It has a steam room, massage room, beauty parlour and gents salon, hot and cold shower, yoga room. Specialized massages including a Swedish massage, balancing massage, lymphatic massage, aromatic massage, back massage and back scrub are offered. The well−equipped gymnasium has a cardio vascular treadmill, stepper, cycle, weights.

SUGGESTED EXTENSION TOURS

Heritage of Perhaps most famous for their religious significance, the holy cities of Varanasi and Khajuraho host multitudes of temples and museums as well as access to the Holy River Ganges. Journey from Delhi by air to explore the intricate temples of Khajuraho and then fly to Varanasi to discover a new aspect of your spirituality on this exciting 3−day tour.

Living with the great questions of birth and death, Varanasi has never bothered to record its history. Its beginnings are lost in the mists of time. It was there when Jerusalem, Beijing and Athens rose and it has watched great cities like Nineveh and Babylon be swallowed by the sand. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Khajuraho is famous for its magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. These temples were built between 950 A.D. &1050 A.D. and represent some of the most exquisite specimens of art and architecture in medieval India. Only 22 temples of the original 85 now survive.

The Dazzling City of Lakes Escape to the enchanting city of Udaipur, known as "Venice of the East," famous for its glittering lakes and magnificent palaces which in centuries past served as the homes of Indian royalty. An oasis nestled in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains, the scenery is the perfect backdrop for romantic sunsets. Also enjoy a visit to Chittaurgarh, home of the largest fort in India, Chittaurgarh Fort. These monumental ruins, rising proudly above the surrounding plains, have inspired the imaginations of tourists and writers for centuries.

3 TRAVEL TIPS & FAQ's

What is the best time to travel to Rajasthan? Rajasthan is a colorful destination with many activities, fairs and festivals throughout the year. The most visited time is September to mid−April. Starting at the end of April, it will get hot and the rains occur from late July to August. In the summer months (May to August) the temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius and may be even higher in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and other areas closer to the desert.

What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to India? A passport with validity at least six months beyond your departure from India is required. Also, visas must be obtained prior to arrival in India. If you are a US citizen, please follow this link for details on obtaining an Indian Visa: https://www.indian−visa.com/. If you are not a US citizen, Please visit www.mea.gov.in, click on "Welcome" and then under "MEA Links" at the right, click on "Missions and Posts Abroad" and then click "Consulate Generals". You can then select your appropriate Consulate General office and link directly to its website, where detailed visa information and application forms can be found.

Where and when are meals taken? All breakfasts are a la carte and are served at your hotel. Lunches and dinners are usually not included unless specified. During your tour, your escort will have a list of hotels and restaurants where our guests typically enjoy lunch or dinner. We have tried our best to identify these based on our experiences and that of other travelers since quality and safety of food is an important factor while traveling. Your attendant / escort will go over the list of these establishments with you and recommend you best option. You would be able to choose the location depending on the availability and feasibility during your tour.

If I have a specific diet restriction or preference, will you be able to accommodate my request? All efforts are made to accommodate reasonable diet preferences. We communicate the requests to the hotels and restaurants where you would be eating and your request should generally be honored and ready. However, it is always better to re−coordinate the requirements with our escort / attendant who will be able to ensure the establishments know about your requirements. We also request you to re−inform the establishment about your requirement at the time you go for meals to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.

Can you provide a wheelchair if I need assistance on the sightseeing tours? Wheelchairs and attendants are available but the arrangements must be made well in advance. Please do let us know and we will be happy to arrange for this. If there is an additional charge, it will be communicated to you depending on your exact requirements. Please be aware that sightseeing vehicles and many monuments are not fully wheelchair accessible. Therefore, it will be beneficial if the party can stand and walk at least a few steps with assistance for entering/exiting vehicles and maneuvering within certain monuments.

What kinds of hotels are used? We use the best properties available in each location, only standard, deluxe, and luxury, 4− or 5−star hotels such as Taj, Oberoi, Imperial, Intercontinental and Hiltons, which give you good value, best security and hygiene conditions, and excellent service. In order to maintain our high standards of safety and security for our clients, we do not deal with low−end or budget hotels. We want you to enjoy every moment of your trip and not worry about your person or your belongings.

Please contact us if you would like to replace a hotel that we are using in the itinerary so we may provide you a price comparison and recommendation. Please look at the "Accommodation" tab for this tour in order to see the list of hotels used.

Are doctors available at all times? We have identified qualified doctors in each destination you visit. These doctors are available in any case you need emergency medical attention. The hotels that we use usually have their own panels of on−call doctors available to their guests. In any case, please let the escort / attendant / anyone in our ground office know immediately if you feel unwell or think you are going to need medical attention.

What is the recommended gratuity? Gratuities are solely at your discretion, and should reflect your enjoyment of the journey and your satisfaction with the quality of service provided. As a general guideline, per day, a tip of $10 for the driver and $5−$10 for the guide is appropriate.

4 Palace Tours Contact Information

IndiaTours.com is a brand of Palace Tours, a leader in tours to India, Spain and South Africa.

If at any time you have questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us via any of the below methods:

On the Web: www.indiatours.com or www.palacetours.com

By e−mail: [email protected]

By phone: 1−800−724−5120 India Desk : 1−877−GO−INDIA (877−464−6342)

USA: Princeton, NJ: 609−683−5018 New York, NY: 212−920−2543 Houston, TX: 832−446−2709

International: United Kingdom: 800−8456−201 Hong Kong: (852) 30518159 South Africa : (+27)11−46133299 Australia: 1800−156−671 New Zealand: 0800−442−510

By FAX: 1−609−683−9772

By postal mail: Palace Tours Ltd. 20 Wall Street Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA

DIRECTIONS TO OUR CORPORATE OFFICE Please call ahead for hours and appointments!

By Car:

From Princeton area: Our office is located on the north side of Route 206 in Princeton, New Jersey. We are in the Research Park office complex, directly opposite from the Princeton Airport.

From points North: Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs for "Downtown Princeton &Shopping". Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) &follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass through a traffic circle follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Wall Street.

From points South: Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138 West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward Trenton. Follow directions below.

Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) &follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

5 By train: Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one−car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about 5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to purchase a rail ticket to "Princeton" for presentation upon boarding the Dinky.

Our office is a 10−minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles).

By bus: Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit's 605 Montgomery Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street.

For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our office. Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment.

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