Kuldhara, only 17 Kms from Jaisalmer. According to legends some 300 years ago, it used to be a prosperous village of Paliwal Brahmins under the state of Jaisalmer. According to the legend, the evil eyes of Salim Singh, the powerful and debauched prime minister of the state, fell on the daughter of the village head and he desired to marry her by force. He threatened the village with grave consequences if they did not adhere to his wish. Instead of submitting to the order of the tyrant, the Paliwals held a council and people of 85 villages left their ancestral homes and vanished.
But this was not all; before leaving, they put a curse on Kuldhara that no one will ever be able to settle in their village thereafter. To this date, the village remains barren; left almost the same as its inhabitants had left it centuries ago. It is also said that people who have tried to stay there at night have been chased away by strange paranormal phenomenon. Another, more plausible reason can be that Salim Singh raised the taxes to such an extent that it became unviable for the local community to survive in the village; and they thus decided to migrate to greener pastures. However, people love the former story; after all, who doesn’t want a tinge of romance and mystery in their tales!
Day 01: Delhi
Meet & greet upon arrival at Delhi Airport. Transfer to hotel by air-conditioned vehicle.
Check in to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi City Tour
After breakfast proceed for your ‘Delhi city tour visiting Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi was cremated here),Red Fort and Chandini Chowk which is a hugely popular busy market in Old Delhi. Then proceed to visit Jama Masjid, which is one of the largest mosques in India. You can navigate Chandini Chowk only on a rickshaw or on foot. This place is a paradise for street shoppers and food lovers. Afternoon visit Qutub Minar, which is largest Minara of the country after that visit the Agrasen ki Baoli one of the most haunted place of Delhi.
The history of Agrasen ki Baoli goes back to 14th century when the legendary Maharaja Agrasen of Haryana constructed the baoli during the Mahabharata era. But for us it shall remain as Agrasen ki Baoli. The monument boasts of 103-108 steep steps with a series of carved chambers and passages. After that visit another haunted place Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb. Located within the Mehrauli Archaeological Park are the tombs of the 16th century Sufi saints Jamali and Kamali.
A favourite haunt (no pun intended) for history enthusiasts, it is said that voices from the mazaar inside the central dome call out to those who visit the tomb. The evening should be spent at India Gate, which was made in memory of Unknown Soldiers drive past the Parliament House, President House and other Government Secretarial Buildings. The last tourist attraction, which you must visit is Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi – Bhangarh Fort – Jaipur
After breakfast check out from the hotel & drive to Bhangarh Fort , India’s one of the most haunted place. Its 5 hrs drive to Bhangarh from Delhi.
It will take 2 hrs to go around Bhangarh Fort. Drive to Jaipur after Bhangarh its going to be 2 hrs drive again. Upon arrival check in to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 04: Jaipur City Tour
Amer Fort: After breakfast proceed for Amer Fort. You can reach the fort by walking or enjoy an elephant ride and even in jeeps.The fort is divided into four main sections that are graced with their own courtyards. After this you can proceed to the Hawa Mahal, City Palace & Jantar Mantar, which is an observatory. Mathematicians and astronomers throng this observatory from all across the world.
City Palace: It is an amazing amalgamation of Mughal, Rajput and European architecture. Another important destination that is worth a visit in Jaipur is Hawa Mahal and is well known for its splendid architecture. Evening visit colourful market of Jaipur is renowned for clothes, semi-precious stones, Kundan jewelry, carpets and a variety of handicrafts created out of wood, metals, etc. Silk paintings, Bandhini material, odhinis and miniatures are a good purchase in Jaipur. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur – Jodhpur via Pushkar
After early breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Enroute visit the famous Brahma temple in Puhskar and the famous Pushkar Lake. Arrive late evening at Jodhpur & check in to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06: Jodhpur City Tour
After breakfast proceed for city of Jodhpur. The city is quite popular for its fairs and festivals like Teej, Gangaur and Nag Panchmi. Jodhpuri cuisines are also very famous and with time this city has become a significant wedding destination. Afternoon visit the Meherangarh fort, this fort is located on a low sandstone hill. In the fort there is a beautiful Moti Mahal, this was built by Raja Sur Singh and from here you will be taken to the Phool Mahal. You will also visit the famous Jaswant Thada, which is made up of polished and thin sheets of Marble. Later you can go to Umaid Public Gardens and the Umaid Bhawan Museum. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 07: Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
After breakfast check out from the hotel. You will be driven to Jaisalmer and you can enjoy the beauty of this city as this is one of the most fascinating cities of Rajasthan. Here you can enjoy the camel safaris, see the magnificent palaces and the beautiful Jain temples with immense historical significance. The glorious heritage of Jaisalmer is splendid in many ways. Here you can get away from the bustling city and plan a camp in the desert area of the city. Afternoon is free so you can spend time in the streets of Jaisalmer, The overnight stay will be in the city.
Day 08: Jaisalmer City Tour
After breakfast sit back on your car as we will drive you to Haunted Village of Kuldhara (17 kms from Jaipur). Later on drive back to fort of Jaisalmer, the oldest living forts of the world. It is also known as Sonar Qila or the Golden Fort as it is made up of yellow stone. The fort is a beautiful blend of Indian architecture and military designs. From here you will be going to the Salim Ji Ki Haveli, which is known for its beautifully carved balconies. You will be later taken to the Patwon ki Haveli. Evening is free so you can visit the bazaars or the Jain Temples. Overnight stay is in Jaisalmer.
Day 09: Jaisalmer – Bikaner
From Jaisalmer you will be driven to Bikaner popularly called as Camel Country for its best riding camels in the world. Bikaner is also famous for its crispy snack Bikaneri Bhujia, handicrafts, leather articles and for having the biggest camel farm of Asia. The city is known for its intricately carved jharokas. These stone screens are found on the windows of forts and havelis. If time permits you will have chance to visit amazing Junagarh fort. The fort is a wonderful combination of Rajput and Mughal style of architecture design. This magnificent fort has 7 gates and 37 pavilions, heavy walls and well-designed balconies and windows. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Bikaner.
Day 10: Bikaner - Mandawa
Morning after breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Mandava a part of Shekhavati region with many heritage hotels. The villages of Shekhawati town are well known for the fort, painted havelis and highest numbers of frescoes in the world. Once a city inhabited by the rich merchant community of India Overnight at hotel in Mandawa
Day 11: Bikaner – Delhi Airport
Breakfast & check out from hotel. Later we drive you straight to Delhi Airport to connect you with your connecting flight back to home.
