RAJASTHAN’S DESERT FORTS Remote grandeur and opulent history Travel from the Pink City of to the far western desert at , exploring the heritage of ’s grand forts. There are more than 5,000 years of history to discover in the opulent palaces, bustling markets, and grand forts perched high on hilltops with commanding views of ancient landscapes. Rajasthan is more than the sum of its spectacular monuments; there are quiet rural villages to explore with stays in beautifully restored traditional mansions, hosted by charming families, descendants of the original noble owners. Get hands-on with craftsmen and take a camel safari into the vast desert. This relaxed exploration of a small corner of , mixing a few not-to-be-missed highlights with village stays, is a wonderful way to enjoy an enriching experience.

Rajasthan’s Desert Forts | 2 DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS 01-03 Jaipur Three grand forts, hands on with crafts 04-05 Deogarh Authentic village life 06-07 Udaipur The floating palace 08-09 Jodhpur Kipling’s and the blue city 10 Nagaur Stay in an award-winning fort 11-12 Jaisalmer Desert adventures 13 Jaisalmer Departure

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Day 01-03 Three grand forts, making paper, and block printing Jaipur The pink city of Jaipur is a wondrous place, teeming with activity at street level and embellished by remarkable fortresses overlooking the city. There are three grand fortified palaces in and around Jaipur making this the perfect introduction to Rajasthan’s illustrious forts. Start at with unobstructed views of downtown Jaipur. Move on to Amber Fort to admire its massive red sandstone façade and explore the magnificently preserved complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples. Carved marble panels, ivory inlaid sandalwood doors, and mirrored ceilings are just some of the entrancing decorations at the Fort. Above Amber is the with high sandstone walls spiked by watchtowers and turrets. Visit the monumental astronomical observatory constructed entirely out of stone to see the incredibly accurate 73-foot-tall sundial. Learn to make traditional paper products and try your hand at creating your own block print textile design. Meals: Breakfast

www.alaya-travels.com Rajasthan’s Desert Forts | 4 Day 04-05 Hikes and Cycles Deogarh Head deep into rural Rajasthan, sharing the road with brightly coloured vehicles, bejewelled camels, and errant cows. Stay for two nights in the lovely village of Deogarh to experience the charms of rural life from a most comfortable setting. Explore the arts and crafts of the local potter, flag maker, and henna artist; enjoy an early morning bird walk or a climb up to the Gokal Fort; hike the Sand Mata trail to the hilltop temple; or travel the quiet winding road by bicycle. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Rajasthan’s Desert Forts | 5 Day 06-07 Lakeside adventures Udaipur Travel onward to Udaipur for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Pichola with fabulous views and great photos of the Lake Palace shimmering across the water. On Day 7, continue exploring the city with a visit of the interior of the City Palace, the centerpiece of twelve palaces in Rajasthan’s largest royal complex and then stroll through the bustling streets to the kaleidoscopic Jagdish Temple. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Rajasthan’s Desert Forts | 6 Day 08-09 Deep Blue Jodhpur At Ranakpur visit the magnificent Jain temple; the marble complex is noted for the 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each adorned with hundreds of carved figures, with no two alike. Take an evening walk with a heritage guide in the seductive old city. On Day 9 marvel at the impregnable Meherangarh Fort, the inspiration for Kipling’s The Jungle Book, rising from a rocky hill overlooking the city. Dive into the Sadar Market for fabrics, bangles, and crafts, and stroll the peaceful Mandore Gardens with its abandoned temples and rock terraces. Learn to tie a turban in the distinctive style! Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Rajasthan’s Desert Forts | 7 Day 10 An Award-winning Fort Nagaur Delve further into off-the-beaten-track Rajasthan with stay at fascinating small hotel within the walls of the magnificent Ahhichatracharh Fort on the edge of the . The fort has been painstakingly restored by the Maharajah of Jodhpur, a restoration that has won prizes for cultural heritage conservation and architectural awards. Don’t miss the walk along the ramparts at sundown! Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Rajasthan’s Desert Forts | 8 Day 11-12 Castles in the Sand Jaisalmer Travel deep into the heart of the Thar Desert. rises out of the sand as if sculpted in honey, with turrets, towers, and battlements. Inside it’s a higgledy-piggledy labyrinth of temples, palaces, courtyards, and houses. See the gorgeous yellow sandstone Jain temples, visit ornately decorated mansions, raid the colourful bazaars. Visit a nearby village populated by a Manganiyars, world- class Rajasthani folk musicians whose ancestors performed for maharajahs to hear a performance. Take a camel safari to the huge dunes to feel the vastness of the desert. Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 International Departure Jaisalmer www.alaya-travels.com Rajasthan’s Desert Forts | 9 What’s Included: • All airport and hotel transfers • Accommodation based on double occupancy for 11 nights • Breakfast daily • Services of your driver/host • Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage • All activities with your private guide as listed: o Jaipur: Tour of Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigar Fort o Jaipur: Full day city tour City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and block print studio o Deogarh: Visit to village, resort activities o Udaipur: Cruise on Lake Pichola o Udaipur: Half day city tour o Udaipur: Visit to Ranakpur Temple o Nagaur: Tour of the fort o Jodhpur: Heritage walk o Jodhpur: Full day city tour including Meherangarh Fort, Mandore Gardens o Jaisalmer: Full day tour of the fort and temples o Jaisalmer: Camel safari • Entrance fees where applicable • 24/7 Support Service • Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information • All taxes and fees

What’s not included: • International flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Video / Photography fees at monuments • Travel insurance • Visa fees • Domestic flights within the USA • Gratuities • Beverages (other than water) at meals www.alaya-travels.com Rajasthan’s Desert Forts | 10 ACCOMMODATIONS

City Stay Luxury Classic / Boutique Moderate

Jaipur 3 N Rambagh or Sujan Raj Mahal Royal Heritge ITC Rajputana or Trident

Deogarh 2 N Dev Shree (Relais and Fort Seengh Sagar ( for FITS) Deogarh Mahal Châteaux)

Udiapur 2 N Leela Devi Garh Trident / Fateh Garh

Jodhpur 2 N Mihir Garh Rohit House Ajit Bhawan

Nagaur 1 N Ranvas Ranvas Ranvas

Jaisalmer 2 N Sijan Serai Surya Garh Gulal

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