Rajasthan Desert Triangle: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & Bikaner (8N/9D)

Description

Western Rajasthan holds three great desert cities, and this nine-day Desert Triangle brings all of them together in a single, well-paced journey. Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner each grew wealthy from the caravan trade that crossed the Thar, and each developed a distinct architectural language, cuisine and character as a result. Travelling between them by road reveals the transitions in the landscape that flying simply erases, from the rocky Marwar plains to the deep sand country of the far west.

Jodhpur opens the circuit. Mehrangarh Fort is arguably the most complete fort in India, rising 120 metres above a sea of blue-washed houses, and its museum collection of palanquins, arms and miniature painting is exceptional. Below it, the old walled city around Sardar Market offers one of Rajasthan's most rewarding street-level experiences, and the marble memorial of Jaswant Thada provides a quiet counterpoint at sunset.

Jaisalmer forms the heart of the tour, with two full days allowing time for the living fort, the merchant havelis, the abandoned settlement at Kuldhara and an unhurried desert night at the Sam or Khuri dunes. Bikaner then closes the circle with its own particular flavour: the red sandstone splendour of Junagarh Fort, the vast Rampuria Havelis, and the National Research Centre on Camel, which is the most significant institution of its kind in Asia and a genuinely fascinating stop for travellers interested in desert ecology.

This desert circuit tour is arranged entirely as a private journey. Distances are long in western Rajasthan, so we build in comfortable driving days with planned stops such as the desert oasis of Osian and its eighth-century temples, ensuring the road time itself becomes part of the experience rather than an interruption to it. Accommodation across the route can be selected in three, four or five star categories, including several restored heritage havelis and palace hotels.