Arabian nights -Jaisalmer and Jodhpur

Arrive this morning to Jodhpur. Meet your TWT team and fellow travellers and transfer to hotel.
Jodhpur, also called the ‘Blue City’ was once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar. It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur. It is still a marvelously medieval city. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. Since the check in timings are 1400 hrs, we first leave for Jaswant Thada. It is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby. There are some beautiful marble jali (lattice) work and fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaphs. We come back to the hotel Check in and
Later in evening visit to the bazaars of the Old city. Gathered around the tall clock tower and still resemble the market of the 1500s. You will see wholesale markets of cotton, grain, vegetables and spices. Visit craft stores selling silver jeweler, lacquer ware, tie and dye fabrics, puppets, camel hide leather products, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries, marble from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items and much more.

Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight at hotel

Today after a breakfast, we will first visit the magnificent Mehrangarh fort which dominates the town ringed with its massive protective walls. There are seven gates that lead into the fort. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. The palace apartments with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs (used when the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments, and costumes. We will also Visit Umaid Bhavan Palace. Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, and a symbol of new Jodhpur. Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence. In the evening you will get some free time for Shopping. Back to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast proceed for your sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer, today a remote outpost, is one of India's most exotic desert towns. Its massive fort rising like a mirage out of the desert was built in 1156 on a flourishing trade route to Central Asia. Dominating the town, the fort narrow cobbled streets give it an extraordinarily medieval atmosphere and today is India’s only living fort with thousands of people residing inside. Within its walls are shops, houses, and wonderfully carved Jain temples. From the ramparts the views over the Thar Desert are magnificent.
During the 19th century Jaisalmer’s wealthy traders competed to build exquisite houses or havelis characterized by their yellow sandstone facades.
The jalis (latticed stone screens) and Jharokas (projecting balconies) are so intricately carved that they almost look like lace. Several generations of extended family live in the havelis which usually contain secluded woman’s quarters.
After reaching Jaisalmer you will directly go to Sam dune Desert Cam. Check in to the tent. Evening you will witness traditional dances, cultural programs, Camel Ride, (Jeep safari cost on your own) and Dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at the Desert Camp.

Today After breakfast, Check Out from the Camp. You will visit Jaisalmer fort. Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, built in 1156 AD by the Rajput Rawal Jaisal from whom it derives its name, and stood at the crossroads of important trade routes. The fort's massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. Patwon Ki Haveli, with its unique architecture and design is one of the most significant Havelis in Jaisalmer. Situated near the Patwa valley, this haveli comprises of 5 different palaces, and is also known as the house of the brocade merchants, because it was built by a wealthy brocade merchant and jeweler. The 5 mansions are meant for 5 Patwa brothers. Situated near the Patwa valley, this haveli comprises of 5 different palaces, and is also known as the house of the brocade merchants, because it was built by a wealthy brocade merchant and jeweler. The 5 mansions are meant for 5 Patwa brothers. Visit Gadisagar Lake built in 1367 was once the city’s only water supply and lined with ghats and temples, it is a photogenic place to visit. Later in the evening you will check in to the City hotel for Dinner and Overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at the hotel.

Today after breakfast, you will drive back to Jodhpur airport to catch flight back home.Meals included: Breakfast