Desert Cities of Rajasthan
In the past the desert cities of Rajasthan played an important part in the camel trade from central Asia to the east. The smart trading communities used the opportunities and became properous.
Nowadays the camel caravans have stopped but you can still learn to the sway of a camel’s walk on the golden sands of Osian, witness rats being worshipped as the bearers of departed souls, and stay in a frescoed mansion.
Itinerary
Day 1, Osian
Drive from Jaisalmer or Jodhpur to Osian, an ancient town northwest of Jodhpur in the Thar desert which contains the largest group of 8th to 10th-century Hindu and Jain temples in Rajasthan. Not too far away from the temples are some of the most impressive sand dunes of Rajasthan, stretching mile after smooth mile all the way to the horizon. Take a camel ride at sunset and stay in a deluxe tented camp at Osian.
Stay at Dera Eco
Day 2, Osian to Bikaner
Drive to Bikaner (5 hrs) via the “rat temple” at Deshnok. Bikaner is a desert outpost which was a major trading centre on the old caravan route from Central Asia. The city grew up around the fabulous Junagarh Fort at its centre. Its sumptuously decorated interiors are much better preserved than in almost any other fort in Rajasthan. Visit the fort on a guided afternoon tour.
Stay at Bhairon Vilas
Day 3, Bikaner to Mandawa
Drive to Mandawa (4 hrs), a small town which played a very important part in the camel trade from central Asia to the east. Rich merchants used their wealth to build havelis lavishly decorated with frescoes. These painted havelis form an amazing `open-air art gallery’ of paintings dating from the 19th century.
Stay at the Desert Resort
Day 4, Mandawa to Jaipur
Today you’ll return by car to the Pink City of Jaipur (4 hrs). When you get back to Jaipur, you can choose to continue your trip with modules such as The Road to Agra or the longer Tigers and the Taj, both leading to the Taj Mahal at Agra.
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