ROYAL Rajasthan DRIVE 10th - 20th dec 2020 OVERVIEW India’s quintessential land of maharajas, palaces, old forts and colourful festivals, Rajasthan is undoubtedly the jewel in India’s crown. Historic tales of battles fought and romance of the riches adorn the walls of the state. Established in the era marked with wartime ballads yet living in the modern period, this beautiful region is a travellers’ destination. A road trip through ‘The Land of Maharajas’ will have you cruising through some of the most incomparable places and experiences like the astonishing 15th century Khimsar Fort, camel & jeep safari in Osian, driving on the famous Sam Sand dunes, paying homage to the martyrs of Longewala War near Jaisalmer and visiting the invincible & imposing Mehrangarh Fort and Kumbhalgarh Fort amidst others – the list of attractions on offer here seems infinite. En route Jaisalmer INDIA ROUTE MAP HIMACHAL PRADESH DELHI LONGEWALA OSIAN KHIMSAR JAISALMER RAJASTHANJAIPUR JODHPUR (Start & End) JAIPUR NARLAI KHIMSAR KUMBHALGARH UDAIPUR OSIAN JAISALMER GUJARAT LONGEWALA MADHYA PRADESH JODHPUR NARLAI KUMBHALGARH UDAIPUR Day 1: Jaipur We launch our trip from the pink city - Jaipur. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727 AD, Jaipur was the stronghold of the Rajputs. They gave it its everlasting legacy in the form of various heritage sites, arts and crafts, culinary curations etc. Princely, historical & enthralling, it is the gateway to the country’s most swashbuckling state. Known as much for its fascinating monuments and colourful markets as for its gorgeous handloom garments and wonderfully laid-out gardens, Jaipur has something in-store for everyone. With assistance at hand on arrival, our transfer from the airport to the hotel in Jaipur will be a seamless affair. In the evening, you will get to meet your fellow participants and expedition leaders over dinner and drinks. Overnight in Jaipur Hawa Mahal Day 2: Jaipur - Khimsar (300 km / 6 hrs) A delectable early breakfast, and we will be ready to hit the road in our SUVs going towards Khimsar. On arrival, check-in at WelcomHotel Khimsar Fort & Dunes. Spread over eleven acres of sprawling lawns, orchards and open courtyards amidst the sand dunes, this 15th century Fort is unspoilt and well-preserved like a royal manor. Also, if vintage cars are your thing, then check out the Maharaja’s car collection, which makes for a fascinating diversion, telling about their elite lifestyle and pride of that era. In the evening, we will be sipping tea while watching a beautiful sunset in the middle of the pristine and romantic sand dunes located just a few kilometres away from the fort. Overnight in Khimsar Khimsar Day 3: Khimsar - Jaisalmer via Osian (330 km / 6 hours) The plan for day three is to drive to the famed ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer. On the way, we will make a stop at the desert town of Osian. It is an ancient town located in the middle of the Thar Desert. Eat homecooked food for lunch prepared right in front of your eyes in a typical Bishnoi village home. Spend time with the locals and get to know their tradition and archaic lifestyle followed by a jeep/camel safari on the nearby sand dunes. We will leave Osian with a feeling of belonging, with a sense of homeliness and with a little bit of Rajasthan inside us. The long and exciting day draws to a close as we reach Jaisalmer by late evening. Overnight in Jaisalmer Osian Village Day 4: Jaisalmer (Experience Day) A magnificent fort looming over the city, picture-postcard vistas of sand dunes and an array of illuminated sandstone buildings, Jaisalmer is nothing short of a scene straight out of Arabian Nights. Post a hearty breakfast; we leave for a half-day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer Fort, believed to be one of the very few “living forts” in the world, where nearly one-fourth of the old city’s population still resides within the fort. After lunch at the fort, we head towards the immensely popular tourist site, Sam Sand Dunes. The eternal beauty of the dunes makes it a must-see. Hop on a camel and watch the sun go down. This is Rajasthan in all its glory right in front of your eyes. Overnight at Jaisalmer Jaisalmer Locals Market, Jaisalmer Fort Sam Sand Dunes Rajasthani Thali Day 5: Jaisalmer - Longewala - Jaisalmer (300 km / 8 hrs) Today, we will drive along the dunes of the Thar Desert towards the Indo - Pak border and visit the Longewala War Memorial. It was established to commemorate Indian soldiers who gave their lives in Longewala Battle of Indo-Pak war in 1971. Also, we will be visiting the Tanot Mata Temple, which is in the vicinity of the memorial. It is believed that during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, the Pakistani Army dropped over 3000 bombs targeting the temple, but not even one exploded. After paying our respects at this holy site and the Longewala War Memorial, we will leave with our head held high and with a sense of pride for being an Indian. We will head back but not before making one final stop at Bada Bagh. Overnight in Jaisalmer Longewala War Memorial Tank T-59 Tanot Mata Mandir Longewala Bada Bagh Day 6: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (300 km / 6 hrs) Tuck in a splendid breakfast and get ready to leave for “blue city” of Jodhpur today. It is also called the ‘Gateway to Thar, as it is on the edge of the Thar desert. On our way, the land will be uninhabited as far as your eyes can see and the tarred road will stretch for miles and miles through the vast expanse of barren land which will mostly be dry if not for the few thorny thickets. Unexpected wildlife sightings amidst the groves will surely add thrill to the road trip. Upon reaching Jodhpur, settle into your comfy hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure or feel free to take a stroll through the local market and experience the vibe of this lively city. Overnight in Jodhpur Jodhpur Day 7: Jodhpur - Narlai (150 km / 3 hrs) We will spend the morning looking around Jodhpur before hitting the road towards Rawla Narlai. Burnished red sandstone, imposing, invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur stands a hundred feet in splendour on a perpendicular cliff. After being fascinated by the architecture, formidable walls, cultural heritage and eating an authentic Rajasthani Thali, we continue our drive towards Rawla Narlai, our humble abode for the night. Rawla Narlai is the kind of place where you cleanse the soul or indulge in it unabashedly. We have arranged for a very special evening to be spent at the re-excavated 18th century stone step-well or ‘Baoli’. The mystical surroundings combine art, culture & history in an intoxicating performance that will quite simply blow your mind. Overnight at Rawla Narlai Rawla Narlai Day 8: Narlai - Udaipur via Kumbhalgarh Fort (150 km / 3 hrs) The sun rises on what promises to be another exciting day of the journey. But, if you are a history buff looking to visit a heritage place from the bygone era, then our next stop will fascinate you. Nestled in the Aravali Ranges, Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 15th century. Surrounded by verdant forests, the fort attracts travellers due to its pristine location and architectural grandeur. Its 36-km long external wall is considered to be the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. The long and exciting day draws to a close as we reach Udaipur by late evening, check-in at the hotel and grab a delicious dinner before hitting the bed for much-needed rest. Overnight in Udaipur Kumbhalgarh Fort Day 9: Udaipur (Free Day) Today is the day to let yourself be overwhelmed by the ‘City of Lakes’. Also, referred to as the Venice of the East, a title it has earned for being dotted with numerous lakes (seven to be precise)! Founded by Maharaja Udai Singh II in 1559, the city served as the capital of the kingdom of Mewar. With its well-preserved palaces, temples, havelis, ghats and the iconic Lake Palace Hotel at the heart of Lake Pichola, it’s easy to understand why Udaipur has been described as the most romantic destination in all of India. For all of you, there’s the serenity of boat rides on the lakes, the bustle and colour of bazaars, a lively arts scene, tempting shops and some lovely countryside to explore. Overnight in Udaipur Lake Pichola Day 10: Udaipur - Jaipur (425 km / 8 hrs) Some places leave you with beautiful memories, and Udaipur is one of them. It has many tags - the City of Lakes, Venice of the East, and the Most Romantic Spot in India. It is a tribute to this magical city that it lives up to all of them. The final driving day of the expedition is here, and we are certain you too cannot believe how quickly and swiftly the past nine days went by. All good things are destined to come to an end, and so is this journey. Upon reaching Jaipur, check-in to the hotel and relax before the farewell dinner. Bid farewell to the team and your travel mates with whom you have now created some everlasting memories, full of fun and adventure. Overnight in Jaipur Jaipur Day 11: Jaipur (Departure) The expedition concludes this morning, and you fly or drive back home. However, in case you wish to extend your holiday and stay back for a few more days, we will be happy to assist you.