Kerala Tour

 

Place :-                        Trivandrum

Hotel Booked:-           Kovalamnear Light House (Near to Beach)

(Sunday 12.00 to Monday 11.00)

 

How to Reach: Thiruvananthapuram/ Trivandrum is the capital city of the Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram means "City of Lord Anantha" (the serpent on which Lord Padmanabha/Vishnu reclines). The city is well connected with the major cities in India by Indian Rail. A long distance bus station is located next door to the railway station. Buses ply to all major towns and villages in the state

 

Place to Visit:

Sunday Morning after reaching to Kovalam

Roughly 17 km from Trivandrum, Take local bus to reach from Trivandrum.

Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees.Kovalam has 3 major beaches in its 17 km coastline.  Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Ashoka Beach – the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach is the most popular of the three. Many hotels, restaurants, lodges and shops are located here. It is frequented by outsiders who stay and enjoy Kovalam. The Northern most crescent, (with the different names Main Beach/Leela Beach/Samudra Beach) - is crowded on weekends, is very popular with the locals, day-travelers, and passing-by tourist buses. During the week it's quiet. Hawa Beach in between is among one of the beaches in India where topless sunbathing is tolerated and well appreciated by the locals. The tourism department provides a vigilant life guard service on both Lighthouse and Hawa beach. The Kovalam beach sand is partially black in colour due to the presence of Ilmenite and Monazite and this colouration is off-putting for some visitors and also causes the dry sand to heat up particularly fiercely, so you might want to consider bringing some footwear if you don't want to walk in the sea.

In evening, visit Lighthouse of Kovalam Beach to see a panoramic view of Kovalam. After that go for Local Sight Seen in Kovalam .

 

Monday Morning

Morning have a look in and around beach. Start around 2.00 after taking food to Trivandrum. Go

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and be in queue for darshan which will start at 5.00pm

Dress code for men is just Kerala Mundu (White Dhothi) with the body uncovered waist-up and for Ladies Saree/Salwar Kammej with chunri

Try to see inside the main arena of the temple, the diety in 3 stages - Hand, Navel (with the Lotus carrying Brahma) and Feet

You can check the timing of temple at http://spst.in/ (3.30am to 12.00 noon) (5.00pm to 7.30pm)

 

Famous:-

Place to Stay: -

Best Time to Visit: - Throughout the year but try not to visit during summer season  ( because of too much hot)

Eat: -

Purchase:-

Do: - Try to do Ayruvedic Massage at Kovalam

Next: - Try to catch by 6.45 or else catch a bus(super fast express) for Alappuzha. 

Place: -                        Alappuzha

Hotel Booked: -          Alappuzha near Boat Jetty Road

(Monday 12.00 to Wednesday 11.00)

 

How to Reach: Cochin/Trivandrum is nearest airport. Alappuzha Railway Station is connected with all major cities. There are frequent bus services from Trivandrum and Cochin.

 

Place to Visit:

Tuesday Morning

The name Alappuzha means "the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it". It is a fitting name: there are a significant number of canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons in and around the city. Get up in the morning and go for Back Water House Boating. 

One can go for a few hours back water house boating to full day back water house boating.

A houseboat cruise along the backwaters can be a great way to see and do all that is available in Alappuzha. Houseboats can be rented for 12 Hrs to few days. There is a new hop-on, hop-off service through remote backwaters in a shared-houseboat. These boats come equipped with a furnished bedroom, sit-outs, kitchen, modern bath and toilet facilities. Some of the house boats even sport an air-conditioner. The houseboats are manned by drivers and a cook. It's advisable to book a houseboat through houseboat operators rather than depending on touts. Touts take commissions between ₹500 to ₹2000. Book on the internet if the option is available; it is far better to not wait until the last minute during the high season. Booking on the internet can sometimes earn you a lower price and most, reputable operators have good online service and support.

 

You can also visit for local sight seen which include

Alleppey Beach:  Alleppey Beach is one of the must visit beaches of Kerala. The intrinsic natural beauty of Alleppey Beach is what makes it so attractive to thousands of people visiting it. When you visit the beach, you can see the 137 year old ancient pier that stretches out into the beach. As you lounge in the beach, you can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the dense palm groves and the imposing, but ancient light

Light House: Time 3pm to 4.30pm

 

If time permits, one can ferry between Alleppey to Kotayam which used to use by local persons. A cheapest way of enjoying backwater in Alleppey, it will cost only Rs20.

 

Place to Stay: - Hotel Sisir Palace

Best Time to Visit:-

Eat:-

Purchase:-

Do: - House Boat Cruise -12 hrs or 24 hrs

Next:-  Morning take bus for Thekady/Kumily from Alleppey/Kottayam,

Site:-

 

Place: -                        Thekkady

Hotel Booked: -          Thekkady @ Main Munnar

(Wednesday 12.00 to Friday 11.00)

 

How to Reach: Cochin/Madurai is nearest airport. The nearest railway station is Ernakulam is 130 km. You can get direct buses from Kottayam (Alleppey) and Munnar.

 

Place to Visit:

Thekkady is also called Periyar and sometimes known as Kumily too. Kumily is the place where we normally stay and Thekkady is where Wildlife Sanctuary is located; both are just 4 km apart.

 

Wednesday Evening

Tribal Museum

 

Kathkali Dance: Behind Periyar Medows

 

Kalaripayattu  (Marshal Art) @ Kadathanadam Kalari Centre/Navarasa Kathakali centre/Mudra Culture Centre: ‘Kalary’ means school or gym and ‘payattu’ means the art of combat. This age-old form of martial arts is performed inside the kalary under the guidance of a master. You’ll surely get amazed by the agility and gravity defying stunts of the performers

 

Thursday Morning

Take snacks/water bottle along with you as there is no sufficient shop near lake for food.

Periyar Lake - Periyar Tiger Reserve / Periyar National Park:

One has to go inside the National Park for  20 minutes to reach the place from where you will get boat to see the Tiger Reseve. Take Binocular for ease of viewing.

There is three way of visiting this place:-

Frankly speaking, there is least chance of having view of tiger or any other animal but going on early morning or evening rides around sunset would be idle time for wildlife sighting which may increase the chance as most of the animal used to come to drink water. But I will request you to visit the place to feel nature.

Boat Trips on Periyar Lake: Try to book online or pre book it. We were told that tickets had to be bought the day prior, but it turned out that if you go to the KDTC office inside the park, you can buy tickets on the day itself (turn up 1.5 hours early to buy).Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake. Typical boat ride will be for 2 hour & cost ₹150 per person. . If you get upper deck, the view would definitely be good.

 Bamboo Rafting on Periyar Lake: This is a dawn to dusk range hiking and rafting programme through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8AM from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets into rafts made of bamboos. The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals like giant squirrel and Nilgiri langur. The rafting is for about three hours and one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 5PM. An armed guard and 4 guides will accompany a maximum of 10 tourists. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served enroute.

Private Jeeps for Forest Safari

I will prefer Bamboo Rafting on Periyar Lake

 

Elephant Junction Inside Periyar Sanctuary: Keep a set of cloth, if you have decided for Elephant Bath. Relish the one-hour long elephant ride and enjoy the elephant bath, photo sessions and elephant feeding

 

Thrusday Evening/Friday during taxi ride to Munnar

Periyar Spice and Ayurvedic Garden or any other Spice Plantation Spice Plantation: Take a guide to understand the spices. , and you’ll learn about different medicinal and ayurvedic benefits of various spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove, etc. You can also purchase fresh spices to take back with you, once the tour is over. (There is a lot of Spice Plantation on the way to Munnar and you can also visit the same if you are going by taxi)

 

One can also do Night Scout, Nature Walk, Border Hiking inside the Tiger Reserve.

Famous:-

Place to Stay: - Try to stay at Tree House

Best Time to Visit:- September to March

Eat:- Kappa

Purchase:- Roll on gels and quick relief mediines, Massage Oils , Tea Cofee

Do: - Do a Ayurvedic Massage

Next: - Morning take bus from Thekkady to reach Munnar preferable Taxi. Prebook it.

Site: -

 

 

Place: -                        Munnar

Hotel Booked: -          Munnar @ Main Munnar     

(Friday 12.00 to Sunday 11.00)

 

How to Reach: Cochin/Madurai is nearest airport. The nearest railway station is Aluva, 110 km. Ernakulam is 130 km and Madurai is 135 km. From all these railway stations, you can get direct regular buses to Munnar. Apart from buses, you can easily get private taxis or cabs from all the railway stations. They charge around ₹250 per person if you opt for shared taxis from Aluva.

 

Place to Visit:

Saturday Morning

Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, many of them started by the British.

The "Kannan Devan" brand of Tea from the Tata is cultivated and processed here.

The strobilanthus  kunthiana ("neelakurinji" in Malayalam, the local language), a blue flower which blooms only every 12 years, is found in this region. Strobilanthus kunthiana is also called neelakuranji. It flowers in every 12 years. It flowered the last time in October 2018.

 

There are many autorickshaw/taxis available for local sightseeing and cover below mentioned four option. Each of the directions above takes almost the whole day unless you will just check out everything fastly. You can also rent an bike to cover the place. Though it will be hectic but yes thrilling and adventurous.

• Mattupetti direction: Rose Garden, Forest Honey Bee Hive, Photo Point, Elephant Park, Mattupetti Dam, Elephant arrival spot, shooting point, echo-point, Kundala Lake, Top Station.
• Marayoor direction (in some local booklets Coimbatore direction): Tea museum, Nyamakad waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak View, Luckom waterfalls, Sandalwood forest, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Cochin direction: Blossom Park, Pothamedu View Point, Spice plantation visit, Attukad waterfalls, Dream Land Fun Park.
• Thekkady direction: Lockhart Gap & Rock Cave, tea plantation view, Chinnakal Waterfalls, Anayirangal Dam view, Spice plantation view

 

Take a taxi for local sight see but must visit the below mentioned places:-

• Tata Tea Museum, also known as the KDHP Tea Museum, (Around 2 km from Munnar). Tourists can visit to see the tea garden and then taken around the factory to understand how tea is processed. This museum remains open from 10AM-4PM every day, closed on Mon. There is a Rs. 75 ticket fee for adults; lower for children.
• Lokhart Tea Factory

• Floriculture Centre, run by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation. The centre is having a large variety of flowers and some herbal/ foliage plants, all against the backdrop of the tea plantations.

• Photo Point, (2 km from Munnar). As name suggest having view and a place to take photos

• Mattupetti Dam, (10 km from Munnar), A picnic along with spot activities like boating and horse riding

• Echo Point, (15 km from Munnar), As name suggest, every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills.

• Elephant Lake, (18 km from Munnar), Here you can board an elephant for a ride. (can be skipped)
• Kundala Lake, (23 km from Munnar). This lake is very beautiful amidst lush jungles. Hiring a pedal boat and exploring the lake and its surroundings is an awesome experience. Except at the place you hired the boat, don't expect to find humans around the lake as it is surrounded by scenic jungles and hills. Unless you know how to row a boat, prefer a pedal boat, each trip lasts around 30 min and will be closed at 4:30PM

• Top Station, (37 km from Munnar on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border). Great views of the Western Ghats. Top station is the "top"-tourist attraction. This place gives a real 'above the clouds' experience. Regular buses go to Top Station (1 hr) from Munnar. A jeep costs Rs 400. The area is known for the Neelakurunji plant, which flowers only once every 12 years. The flower is violet.
• Atukkad Waterfalls, A scenic waterfalls amidst hills and jungles. You can find a road leading to Atukkad Waterfalls on Kochi road (just about 5 km from Munnar). This road is very narrow and needs a lot of experience to drive on.
• Honey Bee Tree

 

One can visit below mentioned place, if time permits

• Marayoor - (Around 40 km from Munnar). It is the only place in Kerala with natural growth of sandalwood trees, natural caves with murals, and relics from late Stone Age civilization. There is a sandalwood factory of the Forestry department of Kerala and a children's park extending across one hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree, all of which attract tourists in large numbers.

• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary,Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is in the Wester Ghats of Kerala. This wildlife sanctuary has a large number of plants and animals. This sanctuary is one of the protected areas in the western ghats because of the significance of its flora, geomorphologic features, ecology and local cultural.

·         Donot go Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park

·          

Famous:-

Place to Stay: -

Best Time to Visit:- The season between October and March (post-monsoon) is considered the best to visit Munnar. Take some warm clothes and rain coats along with you. The temperature ranges from 14 to 25 degrees during summer, and 7 to 17degrees in winter. The atmosphere remains cool and pleasant throughout the year.

Eat:- Puttu with Kadla Curry, Kappa and Fish Curry, Idayapan and Kadla Curry

Purchase:- The best things to buy are tea, coffee, spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and pepper and definitely homemade chocolates.

Do: - Jeep Safari in Tea Plantation

Next: - Take Bus and reach to Cochin(5to6hr journey). As per your schedule of bus/train/flight for your destination, you can also visit Cochin (Chinese Fishing Net & Fort Kochi)

Site: -

 

 

Rajasthan Tour

 

Place:-                         Jaipur

Hotel Booked:-           Jaipur (near Jaipur Station)

(Saturday 12.00 to Monday 11.00)

 

How to Reach: Jaipur is having its own airport. Jaipur Station is the nearest railway station having train from all over India. There is an excellent bus service between Jaipur to Delhi by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) with buses approximately every half an hour in both directions. Non-A/C and AC Volvo bus services are offered. Jaipur belongs to the tourist Golden Triangle along with Delhi and Agra.

 

Place to Visit: Jaipur is a romantic pink hue pervades everything in Jaipur, hence the nickname “Pink City”. Jaipur's nickname, the Pink City, is due to its distinctly coloured buildings, which were painted this colour to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red colour originates from repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.

 

Day1

Saturday Morning

City Palace- An imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, (home to present Maharajah of Jaipur), Mubarak Mahal (housing a textile museum), Diwan-e-Khas (or Hall of Private audience housing the two largest silver vessels in the world, which are duly mentioned in the Guinness book), the Diwan-e-Aam ( or Hall of Public Audience) and the gateway Ridhi Sidhi Pol (with four small doorways decorated with motifs depicting the four seasons).

 

Jantar Mantar- approx 2 km from City Palace- Timing: 9AM-5PM. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II not only envisioned and executed the highly organised city of Jaipur, he was also responsible for the development of five astronomical observatories throughout west central India. Jantar Mantar is one such observatory located in the heart of Jaipur.The large-scale geometric formations are the stars of this historical structure, jutting out independently with staircases that lead to nowhere and in what would appear to be a random manner. The observatory is a wonder to architects and artists alike, and today, it is presented to audiences as an all-encompassing experience, complete with time-lapse sequences, drawings and 3D models to showcase this historical site.The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes etc. There is signage providing elaborate explanations for the use of each device. It is advised to take the help of Guide to understand the full architect.

 

Hawa Mahal- approx 1 km from Jantar Mantar – Time:9AM-5PM. The breeze (or hawa in Hindi) circulates through these windows, giving the palace its name. The iconic facade is best seen from the street, which is free. the romantic pink sandstone fortress cascading over the streets of Jaipur, was originally built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Singh as part of City Palace, it was an extension of the Zenana (women's) chamber. Its purpose was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. It is a five storey high red sandstone structure complete with over 950 windows. From behind the dark shadowed windows of Hawa Mahal, high above the streets, the women could observe the city below without being observed themselves.Today, the structure still stands as proudly as ever. The landmark “honeycomb” facade reaches five stories high and is made up of 152 windows nestled into rounded latticed balconies, exemplifying the strong yet delicate Rajput architecture in all its splendour. When the sun drops down toward the horizon, a small beam of sunlight can sometimes be seen shining through a top story window. For visitors looking to learn about the history of this building, a visit to the Hawa Mahal Museum, just behind the monument, is a must. It displays relics, artifacts, statues, and other historical memorabilia that commemorate Rajasthan’s royal history.

 

Local Market

Ask to taxi  to cover below mentioned place. Ask all in fare including petrol, toll, parking and all. Make video of whole conversation and keep in records for aarguing at the end with them.

 

Day2

Sunday Morning

Amber Fort: One such Rajput palace is located only about 11 kilometres from the centre of Jaipur. The sand-coloured walls of Amber Fort  fade into the surrounding hillside in a nearly perfect disguise. This was the original capital of Rajasthan before Maharaja Jai Singh II relocated during his reign to the City Palace. Constructed using breathtaking red sandstone and marble, this structure was built roughly 200 years before Jaipur was established. The main sights within the fort include the Sheesh Mahal, adorned with thousands on thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceiling. It's a bit of a hike up from the town, and the touristy thing to do is to ride on an elephant to the top (in order to get an elephant it is better to arrive there in the morning, otherwise at midday the elephants are done working; however, the road that the elephants walk on is not so long).

 

Jaigarh Fort: A fort which has never conquered in any battle.  A better reason to visit the fort, though, are the scenic gardens at the other end and the spectacular views over the Amber Fort and the hills around. The remains of the foundry where the Jaivana (and many more) were cast are also in the fort grounds. A true fortress, this fort lacks the intricacies of the fort-palace architecture found elsewhere in Jaipur.

 

Nahargarh Fort: The smallest of the three forts, notable primarily for excellent views over Man Sagar lake and the vast sprawl of Jaipur. Built in 1734 by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in a mix of Indian and European styles, the fort also houses the (relatively) compact Madhavendra Bhawan palace, although its former splendor is fading under layers of graffiti and pigeon droppings. Some of the film Rang De Basanti were shot at this fort. To get to the area where the "Pathshala" song was shot, take a left turn as soon as you enter the fort. The fort also houses the Jaipur's Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal, although tickets for these have to be bought separately and are ridiculously expensive.

 

If time permits,

Galtaji Temple : Just ten kilometres outside of Jaipur, Galtaji Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a Hindu site with natural springs where pilgrims can immerse themselves to wash away their sins. The temple is also home to tribes of monkeys who gleefully congregate to enjoy the temple’s fine spring water. This other-worldly temple affords not-to-be-missed views of Jaipur. Galtaji Temple owes its stately elegance to the architects serving under Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who built much of what is most impressive about the palaces of Jaipur.

 

Famous:-

Place to Stay:-

Best Time to Visit:-

Note:- Use Audio Guide to explore the palace

Eat:- Kachoris, Dal Bati Churma, Kair Sangri and Gatte ki Sabzi

Purchase:-  Fancy Jewellery, Handicraft

Do:-

Next:- Take early morning train of Jaipur Jodhpur Intercity SF Express and reach to Jodhpur

 

Place:-                         Jodhpur

Hotel Booked:-           Jodhpur (Stay in  Palace)

(Monday 12.00 to Tuesday 11.00)

 

How to Reach: Jodhpur is having its own airport. Jaipur is the nearest international airport. Jodhpur Station is the nearest railway station having train from all over India.

 

Place to Visit: Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City, because most houses in the old city are painted in shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri due to the many Brahmins that live there. Frequent buses are available from Jaipur, Agra for Jodhpur.

 

Monday Night

Enjoy the palace and feel like king and queen in the PALACE

 

If time permits visit

Mandore Garden: Mandore Garden, is a town located 9 km north of Jodhpur city, in the Indian state of Rajasthan.The place is known as the birthplace of Ravana's wife mandodari. The historic town boasts several monuments. The now ruined Mandore fort, with its thick walls and substantial size, was built in several stages and was once a fine piece of architecture. A huge, now ruined temple is a highlight of the fort. The outer wall of the temple depicts finely carved botanical designs, birds, animals and planets. The 'Mandore gardens', with its charming collection of temples and memorials, and its high rock terraces, is another major attraction. The gardens house the Chhatris (cenotaphs) of many rulers of Jodhpur state. Ravan temple is another attraction at Mandore. It is believed to be the native place of Ravan's wife Mandodari. Ravan is treated as son in law among some local Brahmins. The Mandore Gardens also house a government museum, a 'Hall of Heroes' and a Hindu temple to 33 crore gods. Various artefacts and statues found in the area are housed at the museum. The 'Hall of Heroes' commemorates popular folk heroes of the region. It contains 16 figures carved out of a single rock. Next door is a larger hall called "The temple of 33 crore gods" which houses images of various Hindu deities.

 

Tuesday Morning

Mehrangarh Fort: Timing 9am to 5pm Mehrangarh Fort is founded in 1458 by Rao Jodha’s new Capital. The name of Jodhapur comes from the Rao Jodha. It is the largest fort in all Rajasthan has never been taken by force. It's easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150 m hill with commanding views all around, with 3 km of massive ramparts built around the edges.

The name "Fort" belies the size of the complex, which houses the Maharaja's palace, several temples and, tucked away in the back, an extensive garden still farmed to this day. Highlights within the palace include:

Chamunda Mataji Temple.

Moti Mahal. (Pearl Hall). Pearl-coloured inside and decorated with coloured glass windows, this is where the MJasiaharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen.

 Phool Mahal. (Flower Hall). The most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja's pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry.

 Sheesh Mahal. (Mirror Hall).

Zenana Deodi. The inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja's wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite

A bit adventurous, you can actually go zip-lining inside the fort! The Flying Fox consists of 6 separate zip lines which fly around the fort, and give you a bird’s eye view of the gardens and the desert lakes. I can’t say I did it myself, but it is one of the most popular activities in Jodhpur.

 

Jaswant Thada (1 km downhill from Mehrangarh).This place provides a great view over the city and of the fort. Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a natural desert lake with lots of birds.

 

Ghanta Ghar: An architectural masterpiece built by Maharaja Sardar Singhji in 1910. It is illuminated with colorful lights at night.

 

Famous:-

Place to Stay:- Stay in Palace and feel the kingdom life

Best Time to Visit:-

Note:- Use Audio Guide to explore the palace

Eat:- Rajasthani Thali, Mirchi Vada, Samosa and Pyaaj (Onion) Kii Kachori, Makhaniya Lassi, Mawa Kachori.

Purchase:-  Fancy Jewellery, Handicraft, Jootis, Spices and tea, Textiles, Sarees

Do:-

Next:- Take Corbett Park Express/ Ranikhet and reach to Jaisalmer

 

Place:-                         Jaisalmer

Hotel Booked:-           Jaisalmer (near Jaisalmer Fort)

(Tuesday 12.00 to Wednesday 11.00)

Sam Sand Dunes- Camel Safari - Night in A Desert Camp

(Wednesday 12.00 to Thursday 11.00)

 

 

How to Reach: Jaisalmer is having its own airport. Jaipur is the nearest international airport. Jaisalmer Station is the nearest railway station having train from all over India. daily bus runs to and from Jaipur. Ordinary and Deluxe buses of private companies and Rajasthan Roadways run from Mount Abu, Barmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmadabad to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is famous for camel trips. The most grueling is the 14-day trip from Bikaner.

 

Place to Visit:  Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. A desert safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience. The city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike most forts in India, the Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. There are shops, hotels, age old havelis (homes) inside the fort area. The fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

Early morning Start

Jaisalmer Fort. “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila" as pronounced differently in parts of India. Colourful shades of the setting sun and golden hues of the desert ambience give a fairy tale look to this mega structured fort. The interior of this fort is amazing. It is a 'working fort' meaning that unlike every other fort in India, there are people living and working within its walls. Tourists can also visit many 'havelis' or Grand Houses of rich merchants, which are also having a touch of great classical interior and design. There are numerous lookouts (at least five) within the fort that give a great view out across the city and desert.

A tour of the royal section of the fort is available from a starting point just to the right up the stairs as you enter the main square of the fort).

 

Jain Temple: (about 1 km from Jaisalmer Fort)  There are 7 beautifully carved temples built inside the fort walls. All the temples are connected by walkways and corridors. It is compulsory to remove your shoes, and all other leather articles (belts, wallets, purses, etc.) before entering any Jain temple. Menstruating women are also not allowed into the temple. The very first temple which a tourist can visit is dedicated to Chandraprabhu, who is the eight tirthankar (Jain God). The symbol of the God Chandraprabhu is the moon. This temple was built in 1509. It is built with fine stones. They are only open from 8AM to noon - and leave a good hour to see them.

 

Patwon-ki-Haveli, a 10-minute walk from the main gates of the fort, is quite magnificent. It's a collection of five houses, each one for the son of a wealthy trader who made money lending to the government. You can only visit one of these havelis (closest to the street), which has been restored and turned into an excellent government museum. Besides the elaborate architecture and decor, you learn a bit about the local music, cuisine, religion, and culture. Expect to spend two hours there. Great view back towards the fort.

 

GadiSar Lake. This is a rainwater lake which supplies water to the city. It is surrounded by temples and tombs of saints. Boat rides are offered. Nearby is the desert cultural centre and a local museum built out of the collections of a local schoolteacher Mr N.K. Sharma. This centre conducts puppet show in the morning and evening. There are people who will try and sell you bread to feed the huge number of catfish in the lake

 

Before 3 hour of sunset, start for

Sam Sand Dunes. These sand dunes are around 50 km from Jaisalmer city but one has to go there to have this altogether different experience. This is an amazing sight and the sunset view from there is stunning. Also don't miss the camel ride or a camel cart ride over the semi desert

This Jaisalmer travel wouldn’t be complete without camel trekking, after all, the city is located in the Thar Desert! There are two popular offerings that you can find across the town. The first is a sunset tour that involves driving out to the desert, doing a camel safari, having a fire-cooked dinner, and doing a bit of stargazing. The second option includes all of the above but also involves spending the night in the desert, typically sleeping outdoors around a campfire using mats and a sleeping bag. Another alternative to the camel safari is spending the night in a desert camp. These range from simple tented camps geared at backpackers to luxury tented camps that will make you feel like you’re glamping with the royals.

 

If time permits visit

Nathmalji ki Haveli: This haveli was built as the residence of the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal. The construction was carried out by two brothers who had a bit of a competitive edge. They both started building simultaneously at opposite ends and struggled with uniformity, which meant the building ended up having a bit of an irregular shape.

Salim Singh ki Haveli: This next one is nicknamed the Peacock Haveli. This 300-year-old structure was built on top of an even older haveli, and it is still occupied today by a descendant of its original owner.

 

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Note:- Use Audio Guide to explore the palace

Eat:- Rajasthani Thali, Mirchi Vada, Samosa and Pyaaj (Onion) Kii Kachori, Makhaniya Lassi, Mawa Kachori.

Purchase:-  Rajasthani souvenirs

Do:-  Do Camel Safari – Serai Camp, or google for Jaisalmer Desert Safari or Jaisalmer Desert Camp

Next:- Go back to your destination by catching train either from Jaisalmer/Jodhpur/Jaipur