Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner: A Journey Through the Great Indian Desert

Once you arrive in Jodhpur, we will pick you up from the airport. Then you can check into your hotel. Depending on the time you have, you can roam around the Mehrangarh Fort, which is lit up beautiful at night. Since it is elevated from the city, in general, it offers a great sight.

If you are interested in shopping, you can also visit the largest market or bazaar of Jodhpur, Sardar market and do some shopping. Otherwise, you can relax in your hotel and start your sightseeings from the next day.

Once you reach Jodhpur in the evening, check into your hotel.

Book your Trip to Jaisalmer and Thar Desert, Mehrangarh Fort and Clock Tower in Jodhpur and Bikaner. Enjoy the Rajasthan Desert and Colorful Cities

After Breakfast, you can visit the Forts and Palaces in Jodhpur:

Mehrangarh Fort: It is one of the largest forts in India, which was built in around 1459. In fact, thick walls surround the elevated large fort. As you will find, inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. The museum exhibits the arms, costumes, paintings and decorated antiques. You should specifically visit one section of the fort museum, which has a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: It is one of the world’s largest private residences. The palace, which has 347 rooms, is the principal residence of the former Jodhpur royal family. A part of the palace is a museum, while the Taj Group of Hotels manages the rest.

The Jaswant Thada: It is a cenotaph. Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 built it in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. In fact, it serves as the cremation ground for the royal Rajput family of Marwar. The mausoleum is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. You should visit the cenotaph’s grounds, which feature carved gazebos, a tiered garden.

Saradar Market and the Clock Tower: The Sardar Market is the largest and most famous market or “bazaar” of Rajasthan. You can buy a lot of local things from this place. It is a very colorful place. So, if you are into photography you would get some good clicks for sure! At the centre of the market is the Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower, which is a symbol of the city’s rich heritage and culture.

At day’s end, return to your hotel.

After breakfast, proceed towards Jaisalmer. Jodhpur to Bikaner is about 250 Km Km or 165 miles and would take around 6 – 7 hours.

Once you reach Bikaner, you can check into a hotel.

Book your Trip to Jaisalmer and Thar Desert, Mehrangarh Fort and Clock Tower in Jodhpur and Bikaner. Enjoy the Rajasthan Desert and Colorful Cities

After breakfast you can visit the following places in Bikaner.

Junagarh Fort: Junagarh Fort or “Old Fort” (originally called Chintamani) got its name as recently as  the early 20th century. In fact, it is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort. Palaces, temples and pavilions stud the large fort precinct. As a matter of fact, these buildings depict a composite culture, manifest in the mix of architectural styles.

Karni Mata Temple: This Hindu temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnoke, which is about 30 km from Bikaner. It is also called the Temple of Rats because of the presence of abundance of rats. Approximately 25,000 black rats that live in the temple. These holy rats are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. No wonder, the temple draws visitors from across the country for blessings, as well as curious tourists from around the world.

Lalgarh Palace: While this palace is built as recently as the beginning of the 20th century, it is one of the most luxurious palaces in Rajasthan. Red sandstone, which are quarried from the Thar Desert, are mainly used to build the three-storey complex. The complex has some lavish rooms like the drawing rooms, smoking rooms, guest suites, several grand halls, lounges, cupolas, pavilions, including a dining room which could seat 400 diners. The complex also features magnificent pillars, elaborate fireplaces, Italian colonnades and intricate latticework and filigree work.

Camel Safari: In the evening during sunset you can go for a camel safari in the desert. It is a thrilling experience. You can also visit the Camel Firm in Bikaner.

Today you need to start early after breakfast. Because it is a long journey. You will have to cover a distance of about 350 Km or 250 miles which would take about 10 hours of drive through rural rajasthan. As you drive through the desert cities, watch out for the rural life, camel carts and villagers during the day.
Once you reach Jaisalmer, you can check into the hotel.

Book your Trip to Jaisalmer and Thar Desert, Mehrangarh Fort and Clock Tower in Jodhpur and Bikaner. Enjoy the Rajasthan Desert and Colorful Cities

Today after breakfast, you can visit the following places in and around Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer Fort – This is one of the oldest and massive forts of Rajasthan. This massive Jaisalmer fort is made up of yellow sandstone. As you would notice, this fort has a distinctive golden colour, which is more evident during sunset. Hence, it is also known as the Golden Fortress.

Patwon ki Haveli– It is a combination of five different havelis or mansions, which are renowned for their ornate wall paintings, intricate yellow sandstone-carved balconies, gateways and doorways. Inside the mansion, there is also a museum and shop for antique furniture.

Gadi Sagar Lake – This lake is one of the most valuable assets of Jaisalmer and the Rajasthan desert. Around the lake, you will find temples, holy shrines and chattris. You can spend some peaceful time in the serene surroundings of the lake. You can also choose to go boating around the lake.

Sam Sand Dunes – It is a truly magnificent stretch of dunes in the Rajasthan desert, which is also known as the Thar Desert. It is about 35 KM or 20 miles from Jaisalmer.  The best time to visit this place is during the sunset when you can enjoy desert safari on camel’s back.
Another great experience in the night jeep safari in Rajasthan desert. You can enjoy this post dinner. If you are lucky, on a clear nights, in pitch darkness, you might be able to see the Milky Way above.

Watch a cultural show in the evening in one of the desert tents., which showcases the rich Rajasthan culture and heritage. In fact, you can also put up in one of the luxury tents for this night.

After breakfast, you can proceed towards the airport for your flight back.

Book your Trip to Jaisalmer and Thar Desert, Mehrangarh Fort and Clock Tower in Jodhpur and Bikaner. Enjoy the Rajasthan Desert and Colorful Cities