Golden City Of Rajasthan

Area: 126.27 Sq Km
Population: 2,324,319 (2001)
Altitude: 250 m above sea level
Languages: Marwari, Hindi, English
Religion: Hinduism, Islam
STD Code: 02992

Jaisalmer, popularly referred as the "golden city of India", is one of the most alluring tourist destinations in Rajasthan, India. Founded by a Rajput king, Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D Jaisalmer is also known as "the Jewel of the Desert," as the yellow sandstone city is located deep in the heart of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is popular for its centuries old magnificent forts, palaces havelis (mansions) and amber-hued houses. Jaisalmer is also known for its exotic sand dunes, offering exciting and unforgettable camel safaris. Jaisalmer is also famous for its rich cultural heritage and its vivid and colorful festivals are major attractions for tourists visiting the city. Visit and discover this fascinating city of Rajasthan on your Palace on Wheels Tour and get enchanted with its unique charm.

Tourist Attraction in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort: The 12th century Jaisalmer Fort has been regarded as one of the most magnificent and invincible forts in Rajasthan. Built over the Trikuta hill, Jaisalmer Fort is 250 ft tall structure surrounded by a 30 ft high sandstone wall with 99 bastions. The Fort houses the famous Jain Temple, a place worth visiting on your Jaisalmer tour.

Jaisalmer Havelis: Built by the wealthy merchants, the havelis (mansions) of Jaisalmer are famous for their exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of peacocks. The splendid havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji ki haveli are major tourist attractions in Jaisalmer.

Gadsisar Sagar Tank: Gadsisar Sagar Tank is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. A famous picnic spot, the Tank attracts hundreds of migratory birds during the winter season.

Desert Cultural Center : Jaisalmer tours are near incomplete without a trip to this fascinating museum that showcases the culture of Rajasthan in an interesting and delightful manner.

Bara Bagh: Baba Bagh is an oasis on the bank of Gadsisar Sagar Tank. It has greenery all around to give a much-needed relief to the local people.

Tazia Tower: The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.

Gadsisar Lake : Gadsisar lake is a must visit site in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer.

Desert National Park: Situated near Jaisalmer, The Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks in India, covering an area of 3,100 sq km. The Park is known for its fragile ecosystem and unique flora and fauna.

Sam Sand Dunes: Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, Sam Sand Dunes are major tourist attractions near Jaisalmer. Enjoying Camel safaris on the sand dunes are truly an unforgettable experience. Sam Sand Dunes is also famous for its breathtakingly beautiful sunset.

How to Reach

By Air: Jaisalmer is well linked by air with New Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The Jaisalmer Airport, located at 5 km from the city center, is managed by the Indian Air Force and is operational only from September to March.

By Rail: Jaisalmer is well connected by rail with Jodhpur, which is well connected to many major cities of India including Agra, Jaipur, New Delhi and Mumbai.

By Road: Jaisalmer has a good network of roads and is well connected to major cities of Rajasthan including Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner.

Tiger & Magnificent India Tour

Day 01 > Arrive Delhi
Arrival at the airport & transfer to the hotel.

Day 02 > Delhi
Full day tour of Old & New Delhi.

Day 03 > Delhi - Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur. In the afternoon Elephant ride visiting Amber Fort.

Day 04 > Jaipur - Ranthambore
Morning city tour of Jaipur. Afternoon drive to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 > In Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Morning & Evening drives in the park.

Day 06 > In Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Morning & Evening drives in the park.

Day 07 > Ranthambore - Bharatpur
Drive to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Visit the Bird Sanctuary. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 > Bharatpur - Agra
Drive to Agra. Enroute visit Fateh pur sikri. Visit the Taj Mahal & Agra fort. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 > Agra - Bandhavgarh
Take an executive class airconditioned train to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Day 10 > In Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Evening Jeep drive/Elephant ride in the park.

Day 11 > In Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Morning & Evening Jeep drive/ Elephant ride in the park.

Day 12 > In Bandhavgarh
Morning & Evening Jeep drive/ Elephant ride in the park.

Day 13 > Kanha
Drive to Kanha Tiger Reserve. Evening Jeep safari at the Kanha Tiger Reserve.

Day 14 > In Kanha Tiger Reserve
Morning & Evening Jeep Safari in the park.

Day 15 > Kanha - Jabalpur
Morning Jeep Safari in the park. Afternoon drive to Jabalpur to take a train to Delhi.

Day 16 > Arrive Delhi
Departure to the International airport.

Golden Triangle Tour

Day 01 > Arrive Delhi
Welcome to India. After clearing immigration and custom formalities, your representative will greet you and assist you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 > Delhi
Delhi the Capital of India consists of two distinguishable parts Old Delhi, with its typically oriental city quarters, narrow alleys and bazaars, its temples, mosques and other historical monuments, and New Delhi, laid out symmetrically as a garden city by the British with wide stately streets, un- spoilt gardens, widely scattered colonial-style summer houses and shady alleys.

This morning, your guide will take you on a combined tour of Old & New Delhi. The older part of the Capital takes you to the Red Fort with its Pearl Mosque and exquisite audience halls, Jama Masjid Mosque with its marble domes and slender minarets; Raj Ghat (where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated) the Ashoka Pillar.

Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant. han the modern area takes you on a drive along Rajpath, New Delhi's broadest avenue, and see the House of Parliament, the Diplomatic Enclave and the President's House the royal residence of the former viceroys and now of the President of India. Also visit the India Gate and drive through Connaught Place, the Qutub Minar built in the 12th century. Dinner in the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 > Delhi - Jaipur
After a leisurely breakfast prepare for your onward journey by road to Jaipur (260 kms 5 hours). Arrive Jaipur by Noon and check-in at your hotel. Enjoy lunch in the hotel. Early this evening, you will get ready for an evening full of joy and entertainment. Visit Green Pigeon - A local Rajasthani theme Restaurant and enjoy Cultural dance, magic show with dinner. Also see the making of Roti (Indian Bread). After dinner, return to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 > Jaipur
Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the "Pink City" still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall.

This morning visit the Amber Fort, a spectacular fortress-palace protecting a complex of palaces, temples, exquisite marble and mirror-inlaid halls and apartments. The highlight of the tour is an elephant ride up the hill at the Fort like a Maharaja !

In the afternoon, visit the "pink city" so-called because a great deal of the older part is built of pink-colored stone. Visit the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), a high and intricately carved wall behind which women of the court were sequestered while watching processions. Also see the Observatory and the City Palace, which houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of Rajput weapons. Enjoy lunch at Surbhi Restaurant and see the largest turban museum in Rajasthan. Enjoy dinner in the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 > Jaipur - Agra
This morning, you will prepare for onward journey by road to Agra (250 kms 5.5 hours). En route stop at the walled city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Akbar the Great to commemorate the birth of his son. The building of this capital was substantially completed in 1574 but 14 years later the city was abandoned, perhaps at the whim of an Imperial favorite, and the immense labor of building the "City of Victory" went for nothing. Visit the red stone mosques, courtyards and the palace where Akbar once played chess using slave girls as pawns. Continue for Agra, arriving Agra around lunch time. Enjoy lunch in the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 > Agra
Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World -the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Moghul Empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political centre ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map.

The 16th century Agra Fort, houses a number of exquisite buildings: the Moti Masjid (pearl mosque), Diwane-I-Am (palace for general audience), Diwane-I-Khas (private palace), Anguri Bagh (wine yard), Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors), and the Musamman Bhurj (Jasmine Tower) where Shah Jahan died as a prisoner of his own son.

After the tour of the fort, you will be taken to visit the magnificent mausoleum, Taj Mahal, erected by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Begun in 1631, 20,000 workmen took 22 years to complete it a dream in white marble which lies in perfect proportion to the elegant garden of fountains. It has a forecourt and a majestic entrance. The main edifice is crowned with a cupola and flanked by minarets on all four sides. Deep underneath the main structure lie the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal & Shah Jahan. The marble shrine surrounding them is richly decorated with precious stones. Enjoy dinner in the hotel. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 > Agra - Delhi Departure
After breakfast, Morning at leisure, After lunch in the hotel, drive back to Delhi (220 kms 4 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to the Indira Gandhi International Airport well schedule to check-in for your onward flight.

Kerala Cultural Tour Package

Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Destinations Covered : Calicut - Beypore - Mahe - Cheruthuruthy - Cochin - Alleppey - Thottapally - Kovalam

Day 01 : Arrival at Calicut.
south india tours, tours to south india, south india tour, south india tour package Transfer to Kappad Beach Resort. This beach has got its name engraved in Indian history as Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, had put his first steps on Indian soil at this place. Spend overnight at Kappad Beach Resort

Day 02 : Visit Beypore
home to Asia's biggest wood market and traditional wooden ship making industry. The craftsmen have been making these Marakalam's in Beypore since the 18th Century. Overnight stay at Kappad Beach Resort.

Day 03 : Drive to Mahe
On arrival transfer to Ayisha Manzil, a heritage bungalow located on the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon visit to the fort and mosque. Overnight stay at bungalow.

Day 04 : Visit the Kerala
Traditional Dance centre to witness 'Thayum' and 'Kalari Pati'. Overnight stay at bungalow.

Day 05 : Drive to Wyanad
Check into Vythiri Resort surrounded by lush green rainforests. This eco-friendly resort provides the visitors with ample opportunities for bird watching, trekking and elephant ride. Overnight stay at Vythiri Resort. Click here for more details about this tour package

Day 06 : Visit the nearby tribal village, tribal museum
After lunch take a 4-km trek to an awe-inspiring ancient cave, providing an insight to the rich Indian civilization. Overnight stay in Vythiri Resort.

Day 07 : Drive to Cheruthuruthy
to visit the school of traditional art and dance - Natya Kala Mandalam. Visit local potters and weavers. Stay overnight at the Heritage River Retreat Hotel.

Day 08 : Morning drive to Cochin.
Afternoon sightseeing at Fort Cochin - the area where you will get to see the mixture of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese culture. A small population of Jews still resides there. Visit Mattancherry Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Saint Francis Church. Get to see the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Walk through the busy spice markets in the Jewtown area. In the evening watch Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay at Fort Heritage Hotel.

Day 09 : Drive to Alleppey
Enjoy a memorable trip on the fantastic houseboats. Travel through the coconut fringed canals. Relaxing your mind and body as nature envelops you. Here you are a welcome observer of traditional activities of the local people. Watch them sow seeds in the soil, give green grass to their animals alongside the backwaters. Your crew will show you various points of interest along the way and provide you delicious meals on board. Have an out of the world experience with the overnight stay on the houseboat!

Day 10 : Arrive in Thottapally
Disembark from houseboat after breakfast. (You won't feel like disembarking!). Drive to Kovalam. Visit enroute Haripad Subramanian Snake Temples which house 500 snake statues. Overnight stay at Kovalam Beach Resort.

Day 11 : Relax at Kovalam during the day.
Option of having a body-soothing, relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Overnight stay at Kovalam Beach Resort.

Day 12 : Departure.
Transfer to Trivandrum airport for your onward journey.

Kerala Spice Tour Package

Duration - 15 Nights / 16 Days
Places to See - Cochin - Kumarakom - Munnar - Vandenmedu - Kailasam - Periyar - Madurai - Chennai

Day 1: Arrival Cochin
On Arrival Traditional Welcome & Transfer To Hotel. Pm Free & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 2: Cochin
Half Day City Tour Visiting Fort Cochin. Pm Boat Cruise To See The 7 Islands Of Day Free To Explore The Ernakulam Market & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 3: Cochin
Day Free To Explore The Ernakulam Market & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 4: Cochin/Kumarakom
Am:Drive To Kumarakom. Pm : Sunset Cruise & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 5: Kumarakom
Am Visit Bird Sanctuary & Rest Of The Day Free. Overnight At Hotel.

Day 6: Kumarakom/Munnar
Am: Drive To Munnar . Pm: Day Free & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 7: Munnar
Half Day Visit To Tea Gardens & Pm Free. Overnight At Hotel.

Day 8: Munnar/Vandenmedu
Am:Drive To Vandenmedu . Pm: Visit Cardamom Plantation & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 9: Vandenmedu
Half Day Visit Tea Factory At Kailasam & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 10: Vandenmedu/Periyar
Am:Drive To Periyar . Pm: Day Free & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 11: Periyar
Am Day Free . Pm Boat Ride On The Periyar Lake & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 12: Periyar/lxm
Am:Drive To Madurai . Pm: Day Free & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 13: Ixm/Maa
Am City Tour Visiting Famous Meenakshi Temple & Tirumalai Nayak Palace & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 14: Ixm/Maa
Transfer In Time To Airport To Connect Flight For Chennai. On Arr Transfer To Hotel. Overnight At Hotel.

Day 15: Chennai
Am: H/D City Tour . Pm: Day Free & Overnight At Hotel.

Day 16: Departure Chennai
Am : Transfer To Airport Intime To Connect Your Onward Destination Flight.

South India Colourful Festival Tour Package

Day 1: Trivandrum - Kovalam
Colourful Festival TourArrive Trivandrum. Upon arrival pickup from airport and drop to Kovalam. Upon arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel. Kovalam: This enchanting strip of golden sands is laced with the rich greenery of coconut palms. A former fishing village, Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.

Day 2 : Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure. Laze around the beaches of Kovalam. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3 :Kovalam - Alleppey
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Alleppey- situated in south of Cochin, is the centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals which passes through the town, provices its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the centre of the famous coir products of Kerala. Arrive and board House boat. Cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. O/night House boat.

Day 4: Alleppey - Thekkady
Morning breakfast at hotel followed by drive to Thekkady. On arrival checkin at hotel. Afternoon visit to Periyar wildlife. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 5: Thekkady - Munnar
Morning breakfast at hotel. Drive to Munnar. On arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6: Munnar
Morning breakfast at hotel. Plan you own day, see the scenic beauty of Munnar.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 7: Munnar - Cochin
Breakfast at hotel followed by drive to Cochin- with its wealth of historical associations ans its setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, the city of Cochin perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala.
Upon arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Colourful Festival Tour

Day 8: Cochin
Breakfast at hotel. Depart for half day sightseeing visiting Synagogue, Dutch Palace & St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue.The Synagogue is next to the Mattancherry Palace. It is possible to see the Great Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates on which privileges were granted to the Jewish community by the Kochi rulers.
Afternoon free. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 9: Cochin - Ooty
Breakfast at hotel followed by drive to Ooty. Upon arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Ooty
Breakfast at hotel. Day free to explore Ooty on your own. Visit the Tea plantations and cherish the scenic beauty of Ooty "The Queen of southern hill resorts". Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 11: Ooty - Mysore
Breakfast at hotel followed by drive to Mysore. Upon arrival checkin at hotel. Afternoon depart for half-day city tour, visit the Maharaja's Palace, the lush Brindavan Gardens with its dancing fountains built on the terraces of Krishnarajasagar Dam, St.Philomena's Church built in an imposing Gothic style, the Jaganmohan Palace which was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and the Chamundi Hills. Mysore: Also called the city of Palaces, Mysore combines traditional grandeur with modernity and emerges as one of the most beautiful and best planned cities in India.

Day 12: Mysore - Bangalore
Breakfast at hotel followed by drive to Bangalore. Upon arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 13: Bangalore
Breakfast at hotel. AM depart for half-day city tour. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 14: Bangalore
Breakfast at hotel. Checkout hotel at 1200 hrs followed by intime transfer to airport to connect flight to onward destination.

East India With Northern Wildlife

Day 1. Arrive Delhi
Early morning arrive Delhi. On arrival meeting and transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting the Red Fort, Qutub Minar Jantar Mantar etc.

Day 2. Delhi - Sariska
Morning drive to Sariska Tiger Reserve . Afternoon Jungle Excursion.

Day 3. Sariska - Jaipur
Morning Jungle drive. Later drive to Jaipur enroute visiting the Amber Fort. Afternoon city tour of Jaipur to see City Palace , Jantar Mantar and observatory.

Day 4. Jaipur - Ranthambore
Morning drive to Sawaimadhopur to see the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Evening Jungle excursion.

Day 5. Ranthambore
Morning and evening Jungle excursion .

Day 6. Ranthambore
Morning and evening Jungle excursion and Overnight.

Day 7. Ranthambore - Bharatpur
Morning jungle drive. Later drive on to Bharatpur to visit the Keoladeo Bird National Park. Evening, a short walk to the Jungle.

Day 8. Bharatpur
Take a boat ride to the nesting colonies of birds.

Day 9. Bharatpur - Agra
Morning bird viewing. Later drive on to Agra to see the Taj-Mahal. Afternoon city tour.

Day 10. Agra - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh
Morning fly to Khajuraho. On arrival visit the Western Group of Temples. Later drive on to Bandhavgarh National Park, Overnight at the Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge.

Day 11. Bandhavgarh
Morning and evening jungle excursion. O/N at the lodge.

Day 12. Bandhavgarh
Morning and evening excursion to the National Park. Overnight at The lodge.

Day 13. Bandhavgarh - Kanha
Morning drive on to Kanha National Park. On arrival transfer to Kanha Jungle Lodge for overnight.

Day 14. Kanha
Evening jungle excursion, nature walks and Elephant rides. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 15. Kanha
Morning and evening jungle excursion, nature walks and Elephant rides. Overnight at lodge.

Day 16. Kanha - Nagpur
Morning Jungle excursion. Afternoon drive to Nagpur.

Day 17. Nagpur - Bhubaneshwar
Morning fly to Bhubaneshwar and excursion to Konarak Temple.

Day 18. Bhubaneshwar - Kolkata
Morning fly to Kolkata. Afternoon sightseeing of Kolkata seeing the Victoria Memorial, Kali temple, Howrah Bridge.

Day 19. Kolkata - Gauhati - Kaziranga
Morning fly to Guwahati and drive to Kaziranga National park to see the one horned Rhino.

Day 20. Kaziranga
Morning and evening jungle rides ( Jeep/Elephant) , nature walks.

Day 21. Kaziranga
Morning and evening jungle rides, nature walks and Elephant rides.

Day 22. Kaziranga - Gauhati - Delhi
Morning drive back to Guwahati for flight to Delhi. Day free.

Day 23. Delhi - Departure
Day free . Later transfer to the International Airport for flight to onward destination.