JAIPUR

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The pink city and Rajasthan's colourful capital, is full of things to see and do. There are impressive monuments, an excellent range of handicrafts, a wide of variety of cuisine, and entertainment that can keep you enthralled for days. In fact, you will find yourself wanting to extend your holiday. It's a city that can cost its spell on you from the moment you arrive.

Highlights of the tour will include famous sights such as the magnificent Amer palace, the old capital of Jaipur. A fascinating blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, this red sandstone and white marble palace has some very interesting apartments, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere in the country.

On your way back from the palace, take a slight detour and visit the old township of Amer that lies at the foothills of the palace.

Its like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable !! The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres northwest. In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle. Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences.

Ages have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. The old city was completely encircled by wall but much of it is now pulled down sadly for want of building material in recent years. The massive golden fort, which is the essence of Jaisalmer, is entered through First Gate. Is a burrow of narrow streets complete with Jain Temples and old palaces. The main market the Bhatia Market is right below the hill. The bank, offices and several shops are also located near the Amar Sagar Gate to the west.