The land of Kings
A travel story on Rajasthan
Sonar Kella (a detective story of Satyajit Ray), since my childhood was astonishing to me for its thrills, beauty and history. The land of sand has always been culturally rich and had artistic and cultural traditions which always interested me..
Rajasthan is also well known for its traditional, colourful art. With the wish of exploring all the above, I with my family planned for my trip to the land of golden sand.
I started my journey from Jodhpur and ended in Jaipur. In between I visited to Jaisalmer, Bikaner.
When ever I am plan my travel more than one night in trains make me and my family bored. So we always prefer break journeys. Though it increases cost of the trip, but we prefer a relaxed trip.
The day finally arrived when we started our journey from Kolkata for New Delhi.
Pls. note : I won't be mentioning the details of train and travel here. You will find it in details at the end of this travel story..
Next day as per train arrival time we reached New Delhi station. Looked for a transfer from the station to my hotel. I took the hotel for taking some rest and for leisure. Again the same day we will start our journey for Jodhpur. Old Delhi have always amazed me with those big cows, people and clumsy roads. I knew that we have to cross the Old Delhi city for reaching the station. Accordingly, we started for the station early and reached the station on time. The train started with journey right on time and gradually we made our berths and got ready for bed.
I generally get a good sleep in train. So got up fresh in the next morning. The view outside the window have have changed. Traveling through Bengal gives a lovely green view of the field. Here the view was dominated by parched and dry region. The extensive topography includes rocky terrain, and land filled with thorny scrubs. I got the feeling of experiencing something new this time. And it felt good.
The train reached Jodhpur on time. Our travel for the next few days was ready waiting in the car park. We boarded the vehicle and went straight to our hotel. After freshening up we had our breakfast and we were ready for our sight tour to Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada.
Mehrangarh Fort : Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. One of the largest forts in Rajasthan, it contains some of the finest palaces and preserves in its museum many priceless relics of Indian courtly life. The timing of the Fort is from 09:00 HRS to 17:00 HRS. You have pay entry fee for everything in the Fort. And to me it is worth payable. For entry per Indian citizen you have to pay Rs, 70/-. Still Camera charges is Rs. 100/-. On entering my son expressed that he is tired and is not in a mood walk up to the top of the fort. So I had to buy my tickets for elevator. Per head elevator charge is Rs. 40/-. Since we had our guide (the cost was included in the vehicle hire charge) with us so we didn't take the Audio Guide. If you are interested you can take the guide at Rs. 150/-.
Here are some photos taken in the fort. View of the blue city of Jodhpur is beautiful from this fort. Our guide guided us well in the fort with detailed history, While our way down from the fort you can either walk down or you can even take the elevator. For coming down the charge is Rs. 40/- per head. Next stop from Mehrangarh Fort is Jaswant Thada.
Rajasthan is also well known for its traditional, colourful art. With the wish of exploring all the above, I with my family planned for my trip to the land of golden sand.
I started my journey from Jodhpur and ended in Jaipur. In between I visited to Jaisalmer, Bikaner.
When ever I am plan my travel more than one night in trains make me and my family bored. So we always prefer break journeys. Though it increases cost of the trip, but we prefer a relaxed trip.
The day finally arrived when we started our journey from Kolkata for New Delhi.
Pls. note : I won't be mentioning the details of train and travel here. You will find it in details at the end of this travel story..
Next day as per train arrival time we reached New Delhi station. Looked for a transfer from the station to my hotel. I took the hotel for taking some rest and for leisure. Again the same day we will start our journey for Jodhpur. Old Delhi have always amazed me with those big cows, people and clumsy roads. I knew that we have to cross the Old Delhi city for reaching the station. Accordingly, we started for the station early and reached the station on time. The train started with journey right on time and gradually we made our berths and got ready for bed.
I generally get a good sleep in train. So got up fresh in the next morning. The view outside the window have have changed. Traveling through Bengal gives a lovely green view of the field. Here the view was dominated by parched and dry region. The extensive topography includes rocky terrain, and land filled with thorny scrubs. I got the feeling of experiencing something new this time. And it felt good.
The train reached Jodhpur on time. Our travel for the next few days was ready waiting in the car park. We boarded the vehicle and went straight to our hotel. After freshening up we had our breakfast and we were ready for our sight tour to Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada.
Mehrangarh Fort : Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. One of the largest forts in Rajasthan, it contains some of the finest palaces and preserves in its museum many priceless relics of Indian courtly life. The timing of the Fort is from 09:00 HRS to 17:00 HRS. You have pay entry fee for everything in the Fort. And to me it is worth payable. For entry per Indian citizen you have to pay Rs, 70/-. Still Camera charges is Rs. 100/-. On entering my son expressed that he is tired and is not in a mood walk up to the top of the fort. So I had to buy my tickets for elevator. Per head elevator charge is Rs. 40/-. Since we had our guide (the cost was included in the vehicle hire charge) with us so we didn't take the Audio Guide. If you are interested you can take the guide at Rs. 150/-.
Here are some photos taken in the fort. View of the blue city of Jodhpur is beautiful from this fort. Our guide guided us well in the fort with detailed history, While our way down from the fort you can either walk down or you can even take the elevator. For coming down the charge is Rs. 40/- per head. Next stop from Mehrangarh Fort is Jaswant Thada.
Jaswant Thada : A stone's throw from the Mehrangarh Fort, built at the turn of the nineteenth century by Jaswant Singh's Maharani in her husband's memory stands the shining white Jaswant Thada. It’s a peaceful spot after the hubbub of the city, and the views across to the fort and over the city are superb.
On our way back from Jaswant Thada, we stopped for shopping in at Clock Tower Market. A major landmark of Jodhpur, the area around the Clock Tower is a vibrant market place and offers its visitors an exciting shopping experience. You can shop here for the finest variety of spices, hand-embroidered fabrics, handicrafts and antiques.
If you are a lassi lover, then surely have a glass of lassi here in Clock Tower as it is considered to be the best in the world.
That was a wonderful closure to our experience of shopping in Jodhpur.
Next day we will started our travel for the next destination, Jaisalmer.
On our way back from Jaswant Thada, we stopped for shopping in at Clock Tower Market. A major landmark of Jodhpur, the area around the Clock Tower is a vibrant market place and offers its visitors an exciting shopping experience. You can shop here for the finest variety of spices, hand-embroidered fabrics, handicrafts and antiques.
If you are a lassi lover, then surely have a glass of lassi here in Clock Tower as it is considered to be the best in the world.
That was a wonderful closure to our experience of shopping in Jodhpur.
Next day we will started our travel for the next destination, Jaisalmer.
Some more photos inside the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. An awesome place with rich history and it felt so good seeing that it was maintained well.
I have always heard from friends and relatives that roads of Rajasthan can be taken as benchmark for high quality roads in India. The road from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer was undoubtedly comfortable and to our surprise we never felt that we traveled so much by road.
After breakfast we started our journey from Jodhpur. Our car was ready at the portico and we were also ready to hit the road.
On our way to Jaisalmer we stopped for sight seeing at Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Umaid Bhawan Palace : The palace is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Group of hotels. There is a Museum for tourists inside the palace focusing on the 20th century history of the Jodhpur Royal Family. The classic cars of the Maharajas are also on display in the garden in front of the museum. Entry fee to the museum is Rs. 35/- per head.
As said earlier the road was very good and to my surprise I came to know that there are several traffic rules for driving in highways in Rajasthan. The driver informed that they have to maintain a maximum speed of 80 kms/hr. We crossed several traffic guards with speed measuring instrument so that no one can disobey the rule. So the ride was very comfortable and also safe.
After breakfast we started our journey from Jodhpur. Our car was ready at the portico and we were also ready to hit the road.
On our way to Jaisalmer we stopped for sight seeing at Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Umaid Bhawan Palace : The palace is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Group of hotels. There is a Museum for tourists inside the palace focusing on the 20th century history of the Jodhpur Royal Family. The classic cars of the Maharajas are also on display in the garden in front of the museum. Entry fee to the museum is Rs. 35/- per head.
As said earlier the road was very good and to my surprise I came to know that there are several traffic rules for driving in highways in Rajasthan. The driver informed that they have to maintain a maximum speed of 80 kms/hr. We crossed several traffic guards with speed measuring instrument so that no one can disobey the rule. So the ride was very comfortable and also safe.
We traveled the whole day and reached Jaisalmer in the evening. Reaching Jaisalmer, we went straight to the hotel and within some hours we were ready again for our sight seeing trip to Gadsisar Sagar Lake.
Gadsisar Sagar Lake : Gadsisar Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer. Just leave the madding crowd behind and venture towards the outskirts and you will find yourself next to the famous Gadsisar Sagar Lake.. You will find whole varieties of temples and shrines surrounding the lake. The bank of the lake is surrounded by artistically carved Ghats. Enjoy the boat ride in the lake and see the sun setting down.
This is also the most popular point to take photographs of Jaisalmer Fort. Gradually, I feeling the excitement raising as I see Sonar Kella (Jaisalmer Fort) standing in front of me. The view from the lake was awesome. I was so excited that I might have uttered the word Sonar Kella a thousand times in my mind.
After a good sleep woke up in the morning and the day was there when I go to see the fort from front. After breakfast we started our sight seeing to Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon-ki-Haveli, Nathmal-ki-Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli.
Gadsisar Sagar Lake : Gadsisar Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer. Just leave the madding crowd behind and venture towards the outskirts and you will find yourself next to the famous Gadsisar Sagar Lake.. You will find whole varieties of temples and shrines surrounding the lake. The bank of the lake is surrounded by artistically carved Ghats. Enjoy the boat ride in the lake and see the sun setting down.
This is also the most popular point to take photographs of Jaisalmer Fort. Gradually, I feeling the excitement raising as I see Sonar Kella (Jaisalmer Fort) standing in front of me. The view from the lake was awesome. I was so excited that I might have uttered the word Sonar Kella a thousand times in my mind.
After a good sleep woke up in the morning and the day was there when I go to see the fort from front. After breakfast we started our sight seeing to Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon-ki-Haveli, Nathmal-ki-Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli.
Jaisalmer Fort : Jaisalmer Fort in the only living fort in India and may be in the world. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse, The fort's massive yellow sandstone walls looks honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the Sonar Kella, Even today, you will find that nearly one fourth of the old city's population resides within the fort. Our guide briefed the history of the fort and we enjoyed every moment spent in this fort. The view of Jaisalmer city from top of the fort is mesmerizing. After a great tour of the fort came out and had a large glass of lassi. Lassi here was also so tasty and worked in the heat. Next we headed for our next destination Patwon-ki-Haveli. Though there are autos that you can hire but we preferred to walk through the lanes of Jaisalmer to get a better feel of the local city.
Patwon-ki-Haveli : The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. This is the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. Get amused with the artwork in its gateways and arches. This haveli is presently occupied by the government, which uses it for various purposes.
Nathmal-ki-Haveli : This Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. There was nothing much to see here but still we loved the workmanship of the havelis.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli : Salim Singh ki haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. Presently a part of the Haveli is still occupied by the descendant of Salim Singh Mahto.. This beautiful architectural building will also give you the idea about rich workmanship.
Our sight seeing at Jaisalmer came to an end. It was tiring after the walk through the lanes of the city under the scorching sun. Finally we headed back for our hotel to get ready for our adventure trip which we have planned for the second half.
Mr Sawai Dan, the man behind the show organizes various tours on Desert Safari. I booked for a half day tour. That included receiving at hotel. Drive to their office. Our ride, a 4 wheel drive jeep for the desert trip was waiting for us. We hopped in and the engine ignited. After a while our vehicle crossed the city and we felt that we are heading for the dunes. The views outside the window changed. We could see number of windmills in barren land. Our first stop in this trip was the abandoned and cursed village of Kuldhara. After the vehicle crossed the ruined gates of the town, Kuldhara stands with silence all around. This village was abandoned by its people about 200 years ago. There are various interesting stories about the village. The houses are almost in the same condition as they were left behind by their inhabitants. Climb up the steps of one such home, can will give you a better view of the entire village. And you will understand now neatly the village was planned.
After spending some time in the village we again started our journey through the desert for our next destination. An oasis in between the desert. Never saw such things before. So we were liking everything that we saw. There were bushy trees at the bank of the oasis and it felt good spending some time in the shades of those bushy trees. After taking some rest we headed for the final part of trip, the camel ride.
Patwon-ki-Haveli : The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. This is the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. Get amused with the artwork in its gateways and arches. This haveli is presently occupied by the government, which uses it for various purposes.
Nathmal-ki-Haveli : This Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. There was nothing much to see here but still we loved the workmanship of the havelis.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli : Salim Singh ki haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. Presently a part of the Haveli is still occupied by the descendant of Salim Singh Mahto.. This beautiful architectural building will also give you the idea about rich workmanship.
Our sight seeing at Jaisalmer came to an end. It was tiring after the walk through the lanes of the city under the scorching sun. Finally we headed back for our hotel to get ready for our adventure trip which we have planned for the second half.
Mr Sawai Dan, the man behind the show organizes various tours on Desert Safari. I booked for a half day tour. That included receiving at hotel. Drive to their office. Our ride, a 4 wheel drive jeep for the desert trip was waiting for us. We hopped in and the engine ignited. After a while our vehicle crossed the city and we felt that we are heading for the dunes. The views outside the window changed. We could see number of windmills in barren land. Our first stop in this trip was the abandoned and cursed village of Kuldhara. After the vehicle crossed the ruined gates of the town, Kuldhara stands with silence all around. This village was abandoned by its people about 200 years ago. There are various interesting stories about the village. The houses are almost in the same condition as they were left behind by their inhabitants. Climb up the steps of one such home, can will give you a better view of the entire village. And you will understand now neatly the village was planned.
After spending some time in the village we again started our journey through the desert for our next destination. An oasis in between the desert. Never saw such things before. So we were liking everything that we saw. There were bushy trees at the bank of the oasis and it felt good spending some time in the shades of those bushy trees. After taking some rest we headed for the final part of trip, the camel ride.
On reaching the location, we saw our camels are ready for the ride. We all climbed on and started the tour though the desert. Initially, it was hard to understand the movement of the camel, but gradually could understand the rhythm and it was fun then after that. After a long ride on the camel back as we got deeper into the desert, the view gradually changed to sand dunes. The sun was setting behind us. Overall experience with the awesome view of sunset was making me thrilled. Then we reached our final location in the desert where we will stop for sometime and will have dinner been prepared by the team. The experience was so different that we enjoyed every moment spent in this desert. Gradually it became dark and there was the open sky above us, all clear with glittering stars. Have never experienced such a beautiful clear star lit sky before.
Everything was so planned there that after an hour or so they offered us dinner with handmade roti and potato curry. After dinner our driver of the jeep guided us to the vehicle and drove us back to the city and dropped us in our hotel.
Everything was so planned there that after an hour or so they offered us dinner with handmade roti and potato curry. After dinner our driver of the jeep guided us to the vehicle and drove us back to the city and dropped us in our hotel.
I booked for half day camel safari. The trip started around 14:30 HRS from our hotel and we were back to our hotel at 21:45 HRS. The experience will stay for a lifetime. And I surely will do this trip again, in future.
Details of Camel Safari will be given below.
After a great sleep at night, we woke up fresh in the next morning and packed for our next destination Bikaner. We don't have much plans in Bikaner, but just breaking for a night before our last destination Jaipur.
The ride was comfortable as it was supposed to be.. After a days ride we reached Bikaner in the evening.
Details of Camel Safari will be given below.
After a great sleep at night, we woke up fresh in the next morning and packed for our next destination Bikaner. We don't have much plans in Bikaner, but just breaking for a night before our last destination Jaipur.
The ride was comfortable as it was supposed to be.. After a days ride we reached Bikaner in the evening.
Bikaner, was a surprise for us again. The city was so beautifully planned. The main attraction in the city was Junagarh Fort, Laxmi Niwas Palace and Karni Mata Temple.
After checking in our hotel we spent a leisure evening in Bikaner.
Next day before leaving for Japiur we had plans for sight seeing in Bikaner. We started with Junagarh Fort.
Junagarh Fort : The fort was originally called Chintamani Mahal. The Junagarh Fort is an unconquerable fortress which has withstood the ravages of time and has remained unconquered. It is among most famous forts in Rajasthan. It is a must visit place in Bikaner. There is also a museum in Junagarh Fort which displays various artifacts and collections of ancient Bikaner.
I was not much interested about seeing the rest locations since it was already late and we had to start our journey for Jaipur. But what we have planned that we surely will come back to Bikaner once more and stay for at least 2 nights for better sight seeing and better knowing the place.
It was almost evening when we reached Jaipur. Checked in the hotel and spent a leisure time at the hotel with family. Next day in the morning to started for our sight seeing at Jaipur.
Amber Fort & Palace : Amber Fort is located in Amer, 11 kilometres from Jaipur. It is one of the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area, located high on a hill. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort. Though the fort is quite old and may even look so from the outside, it is beautiful on the inside and boasts of various buildings of prominence like the 'Diwan-i-Aam', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and even the 'Sukh Mahal'. Visiting Hours for the fort is 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Indian tourist charges in Rs. 25/-.
City Palace & Museum : City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. You have to buy tickets for visiting this beautiful palace. Camera charges is also required.
Jantar Mantar (Observatory) : In Jaipur city there are palaces, temples, gardens and ponds they all have their importance in their place but the astronomical observatory established by the king Sawai Jai Singh have International importance. The Jantar Mantar houses various architectural and astrological instruments that have caught the interests of astronomers, historians and architects around the world. It is considered to be one of the largest observatories ever built.
Hawa Mahal : The renowned 'Palace Of The Winds', or Hawa Mahal, is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur city. Located in the heart of Jaipur, this beautiful five-storey palace was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The main architect of this palace built of red and pink sandstone. The main intention behind the construction of the Mahal was to facilitate the royal women and provide them a view of everyday life through the windows, as they never appeared in public.
Our trip to Rajasthan was coming to an end. Finally it was time to return back home. This tour was so memorable that everything will remain in our heart for all our lifetime.
On our way back I traveled via New Delhi. From Jaipur we boarded a morning train and reached Delhi Sarai Rohilla station.
One thing that was in my mind that, we need to visit the place once more.
After checking in our hotel we spent a leisure evening in Bikaner.
Next day before leaving for Japiur we had plans for sight seeing in Bikaner. We started with Junagarh Fort.
Junagarh Fort : The fort was originally called Chintamani Mahal. The Junagarh Fort is an unconquerable fortress which has withstood the ravages of time and has remained unconquered. It is among most famous forts in Rajasthan. It is a must visit place in Bikaner. There is also a museum in Junagarh Fort which displays various artifacts and collections of ancient Bikaner.
I was not much interested about seeing the rest locations since it was already late and we had to start our journey for Jaipur. But what we have planned that we surely will come back to Bikaner once more and stay for at least 2 nights for better sight seeing and better knowing the place.
It was almost evening when we reached Jaipur. Checked in the hotel and spent a leisure time at the hotel with family. Next day in the morning to started for our sight seeing at Jaipur.
Amber Fort & Palace : Amber Fort is located in Amer, 11 kilometres from Jaipur. It is one of the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area, located high on a hill. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort. Though the fort is quite old and may even look so from the outside, it is beautiful on the inside and boasts of various buildings of prominence like the 'Diwan-i-Aam', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and even the 'Sukh Mahal'. Visiting Hours for the fort is 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Indian tourist charges in Rs. 25/-.
City Palace & Museum : City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. You have to buy tickets for visiting this beautiful palace. Camera charges is also required.
Jantar Mantar (Observatory) : In Jaipur city there are palaces, temples, gardens and ponds they all have their importance in their place but the astronomical observatory established by the king Sawai Jai Singh have International importance. The Jantar Mantar houses various architectural and astrological instruments that have caught the interests of astronomers, historians and architects around the world. It is considered to be one of the largest observatories ever built.
Hawa Mahal : The renowned 'Palace Of The Winds', or Hawa Mahal, is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur city. Located in the heart of Jaipur, this beautiful five-storey palace was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The main architect of this palace built of red and pink sandstone. The main intention behind the construction of the Mahal was to facilitate the royal women and provide them a view of everyday life through the windows, as they never appeared in public.
Our trip to Rajasthan was coming to an end. Finally it was time to return back home. This tour was so memorable that everything will remain in our heart for all our lifetime.
On our way back I traveled via New Delhi. From Jaipur we boarded a morning train and reached Delhi Sarai Rohilla station.
One thing that was in my mind that, we need to visit the place once more.
Some Important Information :
Train Details :
SEALDAH (SDAH) TO NEW DELHI (NDLS) – 12313 Rajdhani Express (Departure 16:50 Arrival 10:25)
OLD DELHI (DLI) TO JODHPUR (JU) – 12461 Mandor Express (Departure 21:15 Arrival 07:50)
JAIPUR (JP) TO DELHI SARAI ROHILLA (DLL) - 12985 AC Double Decker Express (Departure 06:00 Arrival 10:30)
New Delhi to Kolkata back by flight.
Hotel Details :
Jodhpur - Mapple Abhay, (Website Link)
Jaisalmer - Chokhi Dhani- The Palace Hotel (Website Link)
Bikaner - Vesta Palace (Website Link)
Jaipur - Royal Orchid Central (Website Link)
Camel Safari :
Real Desert Man Safari, Jaisalmer (Website Link). Half day trip cost was Rs. 1500/- per head. They didn't charge for my 5 years old son.
Train Details :
SEALDAH (SDAH) TO NEW DELHI (NDLS) – 12313 Rajdhani Express (Departure 16:50 Arrival 10:25)
OLD DELHI (DLI) TO JODHPUR (JU) – 12461 Mandor Express (Departure 21:15 Arrival 07:50)
JAIPUR (JP) TO DELHI SARAI ROHILLA (DLL) - 12985 AC Double Decker Express (Departure 06:00 Arrival 10:30)
New Delhi to Kolkata back by flight.
Hotel Details :
Jodhpur - Mapple Abhay, (Website Link)
Jaisalmer - Chokhi Dhani- The Palace Hotel (Website Link)
Bikaner - Vesta Palace (Website Link)
Jaipur - Royal Orchid Central (Website Link)
Camel Safari :
Real Desert Man Safari, Jaisalmer (Website Link). Half day trip cost was Rs. 1500/- per head. They didn't charge for my 5 years old son.
Detailed travel itinerary :
Kolkata - New Delhi - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jaipur - New Delhi - Kolkata
Day 01 - Kolkata to New Delhi (Rajdhani Express)
Day 02 - Reach New Delhi. Check-in in a hotel, In the evening leave for Old Delhi station for Mandore Express for next destination Jodhpur.
Day 03 - Reach Jodhpur. Check-in in hotel. After breakfast and freshening up leave for sight seeing of Mehrangarh Fort and other locations.
Day 04 - Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by road (286 kms approx.). On reaching Jaisalmer visit Gadsisar Sagar Lake and watch the beautiful sunset over the lake. You can go a bit off route and watch the beautiful sunset over Jaisalmer Fort.
Day 05 - Sight seeing in Jaisalmer.
Day 06 - Transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner. (330 kms approx.).
Day 07 - Transfer from Bikaner to Jaipur (336 kms approx.).
Day 08 - Sight seeing in Jaipur
Day 09 - Jaipur to New Delhi
Day 10 - New Delhi to Kolkata
Date of travel : 6th October 2016 to 15th October 2016.
Kolkata - New Delhi - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jaipur - New Delhi - Kolkata
Day 01 - Kolkata to New Delhi (Rajdhani Express)
Day 02 - Reach New Delhi. Check-in in a hotel, In the evening leave for Old Delhi station for Mandore Express for next destination Jodhpur.
Day 03 - Reach Jodhpur. Check-in in hotel. After breakfast and freshening up leave for sight seeing of Mehrangarh Fort and other locations.
Day 04 - Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by road (286 kms approx.). On reaching Jaisalmer visit Gadsisar Sagar Lake and watch the beautiful sunset over the lake. You can go a bit off route and watch the beautiful sunset over Jaisalmer Fort.
Day 05 - Sight seeing in Jaisalmer.
Day 06 - Transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner. (330 kms approx.).
Day 07 - Transfer from Bikaner to Jaipur (336 kms approx.).
Day 08 - Sight seeing in Jaipur
Day 09 - Jaipur to New Delhi
Day 10 - New Delhi to Kolkata
Date of travel : 6th October 2016 to 15th October 2016.