Desert Festival Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer Tour, Desert Festival Tour Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer tour packages from Canada

From the dazzling regal palaces to historical forts, from bustling markets to chaos of city life, Rajasthan is startling! A right balance; to blend rural and urban, heritage palaces and luxury retreats, major sights with private and personal experiences; this itinerary offers you the overall colors with abundant opportunities to put your feet up and actually let it all soak in.

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a colorful festival held in February every year.

The desert festival was started to attract foreign tourists, who always wanted to explore as many facets of Rajasthan. These three days of festival glorifies the rich culture of the region showcasing Rajasthani folk songs and dances. These are presented by some of the best professionals of the art. Similarly, local customs such as Turban tying etc have been added to make it more exotic and colorful in its outlook. 'The moustache competition' is very popular among foreigners. This is simply because of the surprise value attached to this event. Guests can be seen posing for pictures with the winners. This is truly a moment worth preserving!

Activities

The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival, held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions, contests including the turban-tying contest, Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event.

Tour Itinerary for Desert Festival Jaisalmer 2011:

JAN 30: ARRIVE DELHI.
Welcome to Delhi, India! a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs.

You will be met on arrival at the international airport by a representative of Indus Travels and escorted by private vehicle to the hotel. While the room keys and check-in are organized, our representative will brief you about the tour program and hand over the documents to you. Overnight stay in Delhi.

JAN 31: IN DELHI.
Our adventure begins in Old Delhi, the Mughal capital established by Shah Jahan in 1638. At the famous Red Fort, where Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the flag of newly-independent India on August 15, 1947, we trade our car for bicycle rickshaws. Weaving through the warren of crooked, congested alleys off Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest bazaars, we will see that the traditional workmanship for which India is well known still thrives. We will also visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's serene and evocative cremation site, and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Afternoon visit Qutb Minar, a stunning 240-foot minaret - the tallest in the world - surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 01: DELHI-UDAIPUR (FLIGHT IT 4305 AT 0930 / 1110 HRS).
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Udaipur, the majestic city of lakes and palaces. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and fondly referred to as Rajasthan's most romantic city, its rich history is matched by its picturesque setting among the Aravalli Mountains and three manmade lakes. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore Udaipur. In the early evening, we will take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, sailing past its picturesque Ghats and palaces, stopping at the Island of Jag Mandir, a 17th century water palace that witnessed two important historical events. It was the refuge for Prince Khurram, later known as Shah Jahan, when he was exiled by his father. Later, during the uprising of 1857, the Island offered safety to several British families who fled from nearby Neemuch. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 02: IN UDAIPUR.
We begin our day at the City Palace, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh initiated construction in 1559 A.D., and it was subsequently expanded, with impressive uniformity, by several succeeding Maharanas. The palace consists of a number of beautiful courtyards and gardens. The main hall has been converted into a museum, housing opulent artifacts and original works of art. Inside the complex we will find the exquisite crystal gallery, exhibiting 19th century pieces including crystal chandeliers, tables, sofas and beds. We will continue walking towards the Jagdish Temple to study its many remarkable friezes. Lavishly built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is easy to understand why Jagdish is the most venerated Hindu temple in Udaipur. Later we will explore the Old City, wandering through its bustling streets lined with art shops, spice vendors, tailors and more. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 03: UDAIPUR-JODHPUR (275 KMS / 6 HRS APPROX).
This morning drive to Udaipur en-route, visiting the famous Ranakpur Jain temples. Three storey's high, with 27 halls and domes supported by over a thousand pillars, it is one of the most significant Jain sites in India. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Evening explore the hustle and bustle of the local market in old town. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 04: IN JODHPUR.
Morning after breakfast visit the massive Meherangarh Fort, a symbol of the glorious history of the Maharajas of Marwar Kingdom. You also visit the nearby pure white Marble Cenotaph of the Maharajas of Jodhpur. Afternoon free. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 05: JODHPUR-JAISALMER (250 KMS/ 5 HOURS APPROX).
Morning after breakfast drive to Jaisalmer. A magical town that rears out of the inhospitable Thar Desert! Once a staging post on the trading routes west, it is a walled citadel, formidably and it contains a complex fort surrounded by palaces and temples. On arrival check in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 06: IN JAISALMER.
Morning after breakfast full day free to explore the Desert Festival - Held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 07: IN JAISALMER.
Morning after breakfast visit the Jaisalmer Fort, it is the main attraction of this picturesque desert city, Built in 1156, two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenulated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. It is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. The fort nestles over Trikuta Hill and is guarded by number of gorgeous havelis, beautifully carved Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD and 5 royal palaces. Also visit the intricately carved havelis or mansions. Salim Singh ki Haveli was built around 300 year ago. It belonged to Salim Singh, the Prime Minister to then Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh. Continue to Patwon-ki-Haveli is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, having a ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars. Post lunch, visit Desert Festival. Enjoy a Camel Ride at Sam Sand Dunes. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 08: JAISALMER-BIKANER (320 KMS / 7 HRS APPROX).
Early morning leave for Bikaner. Located in a magnificent isolation in the northern Rajasthan desert, it is famous for its superior camels - dark caramel color, with luxuriant eyelashes - and hosts a famous January camel fair. Late afternoon, arrive in Bikaner and check-in to your hotel. Time permitting: visit the National Research Centre on Camel (formerly known as the Camel breeding farm - closed on Saturdays). Different breeds of camel are produced and preserved at the centre. Dinner will be at the hotel.

FEB 09: BIKANER-JAIPUR (310 KMS / 7 HRS APPROX).
Today morning visit Junagarh Fort that has interiors alive with mirror-work, gold leaf and stained glass. It was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1612 AD. Later drive to the royal city of Jaipur also known as the "Pink City" of Jaipur - Rajasthan's capital, The origin of Jaipur's nickname becomes immediately apparent as we enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that rise at every turn. Jaipur is an excellent place to enjoy unparalleled shopping and people watching. Spend time in the oldest and busiest of markets in the walled city, Johori Bazaar, a true feast for the senses. Aromatic spices fill the air, while oxcarts, rickshaws, cows, bejeweled women and men with shocking pink turbans jostle through the labyrinthine streets. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Later enjoy Demonstration of Block Printing on Cotton Textile. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 10: IN JAIPUR.
This morning we will drive a short distance outside of the city to Amber Fort and Palace. Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar's army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie "Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love." On the way to Pink City, you enjoy demonstration of Gem Stone Cutting & Polishing. And in the afternoon we return to the city for a look at the grand Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street, City Palace and impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 11: JAIPUR-AGRA (260 KMS / 5 HRS APPROX).
After breakfast we will continue overland to Agra. We will stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri, the eerily abandoned capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as a capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water. Arriving Agra in time for sunset at the Taj Mahal. You will long remember this scene as the Taj changes color and mood, its marble walls reflecting the pinks and mauves of the receding sun. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday). After visiting Taj Mahal enjoy Demonstration of Inlay on Marble. Overnight at the hotel.

FEB 12: AGRA-DELHI (205 KMS / 5 HRS APPROX)
DEPART DELHI.
We may choose to revisit the Taj to witness its shifting facades at sunrise. After breakfast, we set out to explore the Agra Fort, the work of Akbar the Great, who built it over the course of eight years (1565-1573). The fort was successively occupied by Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan; the latter died here, imprisoned by his son, left to gaze at the Taj Mahal he had built. After lunch we cross the Yamuna River to visit It mad ud Daula. The mausoleum was built by Queen Nur Jahan in 1622 in memory of her father. It is a notable representation of the fine inlaid stonework and translucent marble. Many historians believe that this monument was Shah Jahan's inspiration for building the Taj and is often described as the "petite Taj." Later depart for Delhi. On arrival transfer directly to the international airport to board flight for your onward destination.

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TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
-	Accommodation on twin/double sharing room basis.
-	All transfers / tours and excursions by one AC chauffeur car.
-	Services of an English speaking guide.
-	Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
-	Boat Ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur (on sharing basis)
-	Camel Ride at Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer
-	Elephant ride at Amer Fort Jaipur (Subject to availability)
-	Festivities in Jaisalmer.
-	Demonstration of Block printing on cotton textile in Jaipur.
-	Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, Interstate taxes.
-	Entrance fees to monuments.
-	All currently applicable taxes

TOUR PACKAGE NOT INCLUDES:
-	Any meals not mentioned in itinerary.
-	Any alcoholic/non alcoholic drinks
-	Camera Fees.
-	Things of personal nature like laundry, telephone, spa, drinks, room service etc.
-	Insurance/Inland/International flight charges
-	All other than those listed in above inclusions

Tour Length	13 Nights/14 Days.
Visit	Delhi - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Prices	Starting At USD $ 2,515* Only.
Dates	Private departures (Min. 2 pax)

TOUR LODGING INFO: 13 Nights Hotels Accommodation will be provided on room with breakfast basis Hotel list is as follows:--
Place	No. of Nights	Hotels
Delhi	02 Nights	Le Meridien
Udaipur	02 Nights	Sheraton / Trident
Jodhpur	02 Nights	Ajit Bhawan
Jaisalmer	03 Nights	Fort Rajwada
Bikaner	01 Night	Laxmi Vilas Palace
Jaipur	02 Nights	ITC Fortune
Agra	1 Night	Jaypee Palace

VALIDITY: 30TH JAN TILL 12TH FEB'2012
TOUR COST *
Minimum Of 2 Paying Pax On Twin Sharing Basis :	USD 2515 PER PERSON
Supplement For Single Room :	USD 1395

SUPPLEMENT FOR DOMESTIC AIRFARE #
Delhi - Udaipur :	USD 150.00 PER PERSON
# (Above airfare & schedule as on date & subject to revision)
* Prices are Based on Per Person on Twin Share Basis.