5 Days Desert Cities of Rajasthan

Beautiful indigo blue ink-spill patterned buildings make picture-perfect Jodhpur everything it's made out to be, and a little more. The fabled city of Jodhpur, bathed in blue, is viewed at its spectacular best from the looming Mehrangarh Fort. The beautiful white-marble Jaswant Thada, close to the fort, offers stunning sunrises and sunsets so get here early. Rajasthan's famed 'Gateway to the Thar' desert, Jodhpur, is surrounded by a 10-kilometer wall, complete with eight gates around. Umaid Bhavan Palace, here in Jodhpur, is one of the world's largest private residences; home to the erstwhile royal family, a part of it is now leased to the Taj Hotels.

An epitome of everything Rajasthani, from every postcard you've probably ever seen, the spectacular sandstone royal desert town of Jaisalmer is charming and mysterious all at the same time. Self-explanatory as a 'golden city', Jaisalmer's fort is perched on a yellow sandstone ridge, keeping a watchful eye over the ever-spreading town beyond its walls. Havelis, Jain temples, curio shops, hotels and restaurants lie beside each other on cobbled narrow alleyways. Head over to the pristine sand dunes for a camel tour through the barren Thar outside the city.

Although Bikaner hasn't received the kind of attention it deserves, it is fast emerging as one of Rajasthan's favoured locales for royalty and the Thar desert. Numerous forts and palaces make Bikaner the wonderful historical city it is today. Get a glimpse of the majestic Junagarh fort and its temples, palaces and their colourful marble flooring, unique in the fact that it's not on a hill.

Stop for a visit at the grandiose Laxmi Niwas Palace, now a luxury hotel, with its distinct Indo-Saracenic architecture and elegant interiors. The epitome of Rajasthani royalty, The Lalgarh Palace stands tall with pillars, fireplaces and intricate latticework. Head out on a camel ride through the sand dunes for a real experience of the various shades of Bikaner, or spend a night under the stars for a perfect night safari in the desert.

Day 1

Arrive in the beautiful blue city of Jodhpur. Check in to your hotel and relax for a while before heading out for a tour of the city. Post breakfast, head for a half day tour of the city. This 'Sun city' stuns you with its architectural marvels and this half-day tour begins with a drive to Mehrangarh Fort.

Founded by Rao Jodha, backin 1459, Jodhpur was ultimately capital of the Marwar region thanks to its elevation and rocky ridges. Legend has it that the construction of the fort led to Jodhpur being plagued by drought after a hermit who lived here cursed it. Visit the museum inside for its historical artefacts. The beautiful white-marble Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph, burial ground for the rulers of this region. Walk to the tiered gardens and small lake before driving down to the historic Ghanta Ghar (clock tower). Sadar Bazar, the bustling local market near the tower, is filled with little shops of traditional jewellery, bright clothes and innumerable eateries.

Move on to Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world's largest private residences, still home to the erstwhile royal family with a part of it leased to Taj Hotels. Listen in as our guide tells you about drought conditions of the 1920's that led to the Maharaja constructing this palace as an employment opportunity for locals. Visit the museum and have a look at the antiques before the drive back to your hotel.

Day 2

Post breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Jaisalmer. Around 286 kilometres for Jodhpur, the route is pretty scenic and boasts of some beautiful landscapes of the Thar desert. An epitome of everything Rajasthani, from every postcard you've probably ever seen, the spectacular sandstone royal desert town of Jaisalmer is charming and mysterious all at the same time. Self-explanatory as a 'golden city', Jaisalmer's fort is perched on a yellow sandstone ridge, keeping a watchful eye over the ever-spreading town beyond its walls.

Check in to your hotel, relax for a bit and head out for a lovely evening stroll.

Day 3

A new day dawns and it's time to explore the city of Jaisalmer. Drive down to Jaisalmer Fort after breakfast. The thriving township that occupies every nook and corner of this fort is a sight for sore eyes. Havelis, Jain temples, shops, hotels and restaurants can be found in abundance. Cobbled, narrow alleys give you glimpses into life inside this living fort. Our local guide will tell you more on the history of these temples and havelis. Visit the temples dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdevji.

A mere kilometre away is Patwon ki Haveli, the oldest haveli in Jaisalmer, a cluster of 5 smaller havelis. Maintained by the government, this haveli has beautifully designed gateways and arches, paintings and mirror work on its walls. Move on to Nathmahal Ji ki Haveli, originally meant as the erstwhile Prime Minister's residence. Two life-size sandstone elephants stand guard at the entrance of the haveli. A little down the road is the 17th century Salim Ji ki Haveli, with a roof that resembles a peacock. Take a look out of one of the 38 balconies, each of which has been designed in a different way.

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.
Head back to your hotel after this day long tour and call it a night.

Day 4

After breakfast, we drive you down to Bikner which is around 311 kilometres from Jaisalmer. Although Bikaner hasn't received the kind of attention it deserves, it is fast emerging as one of Rajasthan's favoured locales for royalty and the Thar desert. Numerous forts and palaces make Bikaner the wonderful historical city it is today. 

Check in to your hotel and relax for some time before heading out to explore the town of Bikaner.

Begin with a drive down to Laxmi Niwas Palace. Now converted into a heritage hotel, it was the former residence of the Maharaja of Bikaner. The palace has played host to a number of dignitaries including King George V. Move on to the Lalgargh palace to which Laxmi Niwas extends. Red sandstone quarried from the Thar Desert was used to construct this new wing, and one of these blocks is still used as a royal residence by the Royal descendants. Stop for a visit at the grandiose Laxmi Niwas Palace, now a luxury hotel, with its distinct Indo-Saracenic architecture and elegant interiors. The epitome of Rajasthani royalty, The Lalgarh Palace stands tall with pillars, fireplaces and intricate latticework.

The Shri Shradul Museum inside the fort is a must visit for the sheer size of its collection of books, making it the world's fourth largest private library. Get a glimpse of the majestic Junagarh fort and its temples, palaces and their colourful marble flooring, unique in the fact that it's not on a hill. All converted into museums, the palaces are maintained by the government with clear description of all the artefacts.

In the evening, stroll through Bikaner's markets for its famed sweets before you pack a couple of boxes for your trip home (these have a long shelf-life).

Day 5

The tour of the beautiful desert cities of Rajasthan ends today. We drive you down to Jodhpur from where you will make your onwards journey. Of sandstone forts and desert, this tripwill remain etched in your memory for a long time to come.