Best of Rajasthan Colorful Trails

DAY 01 AHMEDABAD –UDAIPUR

Arrival in Ahmedabad and transfer to Udaipur 250 Kms. Udaipur. Set amidst the Aravallis hills of south Rajasthan, Udaipur (City of Sunrise) is a beautiful city regarded as one of the most romantic in India. Presenting an enchanting image of marble palaces, placid lakes, attractive gardens and green hills, it has been called “the Venice of the East”. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559 as a traditionally planned, fortified city full of palaces, temples and Havelis. The city also became a centre for the performing arts, painting and crafts.

In evening enjoy bout ride at Pichola Lake ,Pichola Lake, the beautiful stretch of water surrounding the two marvelous structures the Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, is the life line of Udaipur city. All the palaces in the city of palaces are constructed to have a magnificent reflection in this lake. This lake was created in the 15th century and widened later and a dam across was also created in that period. It was Maharana UDAI SINGH II strengthened the Dam and widened the lake, as he was building his capital on the shore of the beautiful Lake. The lake was surrounded by many exquisite palaces, temples, hilly terrains, bathing ghats and many gardens.

Jagdish temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Vishnu. The largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, it is always seething with constant activity and noted for its beautiful sculpted images and towering shikhara. And then visit City Palace; Udaipur's fascinating City Palace is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan. Standing on a rocky promontory the palace has balconies, towers and cupolas and presents a wonderful view of the lake and the city. The complex has eleven constituent mahals (palaces), constructed by successive Maharanas during the three hundred years that followed the foundation of Udaipur in 1559. Added to this, Crystal Gallery and Durbar Hall within the complex is spectacular. Explore them for their mosaics, miniatures, mirror work and motifs .

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY: - 2 UDAIPUR- RANAKPUR- JODHPUR

Today morning drive 6 hours to Jodhpur enroute visit Ranakpur .

Ranakpur, about 90 km from Udaipur, is the largest Jain temple complex in India and dates to the 15th century. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar. Intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns and motifs on the walls, pillars and domes there are 1444 ornately carved marble pillars in the complex and none of them are similar. The beautiful lace-like interiors of the domes are a superb example of western Indian temple style. Surya temple and other Jain temples are side attractions. (Temples open only at 1200 Hrs. Leather belts, footwear, bare legs, shoulders and black clothing not allowed) After lunch, drive 175 kms to Jodhpur, Call it by its many names and they still do not do justice to Jodhpur.

Overnight at the hotel

DAY :- 3 JODHPUR – JAISALMER

After breakfast checkout from hotel & Visit the Meherangarh Fort. Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible stronghold of Marwar sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings. It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and taste. No matter what part of the fort you are in, its ambience will leave you in awe and your senses reeling. Take in the sight high up on the rampart where the second largest cannon in Asia rests. Also visit Jaswant Thada - a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 .

After lunch drive to Jaisalmer 285 km .Jaisalmer - a fairy-tale town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Jaisal. Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'.

In the evening, proceed for the excursion to Sam Sand dunes. Located at a distance of 42 kilometres from Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Sand Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY :- 4 JAISALMER - SODAKORE - MIRVANA NATURE RESORT CAMP

After breakfast leave for the city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the famous Havelis (mansions) known for their frescoes. Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel terrain route bought it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their ever-growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow sand stone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. Five Jain brothers built the Haveli between 1800 and 1860. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are opened to visitors. Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisal, THE FORT here stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. 3 walls and features 99 bastions surround the fort. Over the centuries, the golden sand stone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhatti rajputs , the Mughals and the rathors of Jodhpur.

Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Maharawals (rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but were tolerant of Jainism, and encouraged art and religion. There are 7 temples in the complex - Chandraprabhu, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath, Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev Temple.

Evening drive to Sodakore 55 KM from Jaisalmer over night at Tented Camp.

DAY :- 5 SODAKORE - JODHPUR -

After breakfast, today drive 230 kms to Jodhpur, The 15th century city of Jodhpur, stands at the edge of Thar Desert and is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Jodhpur is a resplendent city, with a blend of modern and traditional buildings. The city is totally dominated by a massive fort sprawled across 125‐ meter high hill known as Meherangarh Fort, founded by Rao Jodha in 15th century. A flourishing trade center in the 16th century, Jodhpur is still one of the leading centers of wool, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural Crops. It boasts of some of very fine reminders of its glorious past‐palaces, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical significance. Also Jodhpur is popularly known as the ‘Blue City’ because of the beautiful houses painted with indigo color mostly belonging to the Brahmin caste.

Overnight at Hotel

DAY: - 6 JODHPUR –MOUNT ABU

After breakfast drive to Mount Abu 285 kms. Mount Abu in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan has a range of natural and cultural bounties which makes it an excellent destination. The biggest draw of this charming hill town is the famous Dilwara Temples, worth a visit for their outstanding architecture, intricate white marble carvings and elegant sculptures. This ancient temple complex captures the cultural heritage of the region in all its glory.

Dilwara Temples: This temple complex built in the Solanki style of architecture dates back to the 11th and 13th centuries AD. Carved out of white marble, these temples are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras (enlightened souls). The oldest temple, the Vimal Vasahi temple, was built in 1031 AD and is dedicated to the first of the Jain Tirthankars. The temples are very famous for the intricate carvings, especially on the pillars. But the most striking feature of this Jain temple is the marble pendant in the dome of the porch. It hangs from the ceiling like an enchanting cluster of half-open lotuses with cups so finely carved that they appear to be transparent.

DAY 07 MOUNT ABU- AHMEDABAD

After breakfast drive to Ahmedabad and transfer to airport.