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Holiday Overview

Amer Fort
Hawa Mahal (Photo Courtesy: Firoze Edassery)
City Palace Jaipur (Photo Courtesy: Miya.m)
Jal Mahal (Photo Courtesy: Jal Mahal Project)
Bishnoi Village
Mehrangarh Fort
Khimsar Sand Dunes (Nivalink Trip Dated - 18 March 2008)
Mandawa
Mandawa Town

Jaipur - Jodhpur with Shekhavati and Khimsar is a variant where one explores experiential options of Shekhavati and Khimsar alongwith well visited destinations of Jodhpur and Jaipur.

Route

Shekhavati (Mandawa)(2) - Khimsar(1) - Jodhpur(2) - Jaipur(2)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Arrival at Jaipur and proceed to Mandawa via Khatu Shayamji Temple.
  • Day-2 Visits to Fort, Havelis and Temples around Shekhavati
  • Day-3 Shekhawati - Khimsar via Salasar Balaji Temple
  • Day-4 Spend some time at Khimsar Palace. Travel to Jodhpur
  • Day-5 Sightseeing in and around Jodhpur.
  • Day-6 Jodhpur - Jaipur via Pushkar
  • Day-7 Jaipur Sightseeing
  • Day-8 Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory (5.00 kms), Hawa Mahal (5.00 kms), City Palace Jaipur (5.00 kms), Moti Doongri (5.00 kms), Jal Mahal (9.00 kms), Amer Fort (12.00 kms), Mehandipur Balaji Temple (60.00 kms), Khatu Shyamji Temple (79.00 kms), Ajmer Sharief (145.00 kms), Salasar Balaji Temple (170.00 kms)

Jodhpur - Mehrangarh Fort (9.00 kms), Jaswant Thada (10.00 kms), Mandore Gardens (12.00 kms), Bishnoi Village (20.00 kms), Shri Osiya Mataji (60.00 kms), Osiyan Jain Temples (60.00 kms), Osian Desert Experience (60.00 kms)

Khimsar - Khimsar Sand Dunes (7.50 kms), Panchala Black buck reserve (16.00 kms), Nagaur Fort (40.00 kms), Salasar Balaji Temple (180.00 kms)

Shekhavati (Mandawa) - Podar Haveli (29.00 kms), Rani Sati Temple (40.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Jaipur Departure - Jaipur
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

Jodhpur - Jaipur leg is a bit tiring especially when one visits Ajmer / Pushkar enroute. Therefore an additional night in Jaipur is recommended to explore all popular elements of Jaipur fully.

Distances
  • Jaipur to Shekhavati (Mandawa) -170 kms (4.5 hrs)
  • Shekhavati (Mandawa) to Khimsar -240 kms (4.5 hrs)
  • Khimsar to Jodhpur -100 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Jodhpur to Jaipur -331 kms (7 hrs)
Route

Jaipur - Shekhavati (Mandawa)(2) - Khimsar(1) - Jodhpur(2) - Jaipur(2)

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Arrival at Jaipur and proceed to Mandawa via Khatu Shayamji Temple. Arrival at Jaipur and proceed to Mandawa (180 kms - 4 hours) in the heart of Shekhavati region via Khatu Shyamji Temple. Shekhavati is renowned for its Frescoed Havelis, heritage forts, rural backdrop and real India experience. In the late afternoon enjoy a heritage walk down the lanes of Mandawa visiting Frescoed Havelis of the area and experiencing rural character of the area.

Day-2 Visits to Fort, Havelis and Temples around Shekhavati Morning Visit to Nawalgarh (43 kms - 1 hour). Nawalgarh is home to Frescoed Havelis (Podar Haveli, Morarka Haveli). Visit Rani Sati Temple near Bagar and experience drives around the Shekhavati area experiencing rural Rajasthan character of the area.

Day-3 Shekhawati - Khimsar via Salasar Balaji Temple Depart for Khimsar (255 kms - 6 hrs) via Salasar Balaji Temple and / or Nagaur Fort. Khimsar is an experiential heritage getaway renowned for its stay Khimsar Palace and from here one can access Khimsar Sand Dunes that offer exclusive desert experience. Enjoy the experience of a Palace stay at Khimsar Fort and visit sand dunes for sunset. Guests could also opt for The Panchala Black buck reserve is home to three species of antelope, the Blackbuck, Chinkara and Bluebull . A jeep safari could be arranged, followed by tea at the Khimsar Dunes Village.

Day-4 Spend some time at Khimsar Palace. Travel to Jodhpur Enjoy and experience Khimsar Palace experience and by afternoon proceed to Jodhpur (100 kms - 2.5 hours). Jodhpur is an access point to Desert circuit Areas and a major tourist destination known for its Mehrangarh Fort, handicrafts and craft villages around. Evening visit to Mandore Gardens and explore the local market.

Day-5 Sightseeing in and around Jodhpur. Visit Jaswant Thada and Mehrangarh Fort. Do shopping in Jodhpur for textiles and handicrafts. Late afternoon visit to Osiyan (60 kms) to Osiya Mata Temple, Jain Temples and Sand Dunes. Evening dinner by the Dunes with traditional dance performance. Alternatively one can do an excursion to Bishnoi village (20 kms) near Jodhpur. At Bishnoi Village experience rural communities of potters and weavers, spot Black Bucks / Blue bulls / Migratory Birds and spend evening at Bishnoi Village for Dinner alongwith a traditional dance performance.

Day-6 Jodhpur - Jaipur via Pushkar Proceed to Jaipur (350 kms - 7.5 hrs) via Pushkar. Visit Pushkar Temple and Pushkar Lake. Alternatively Guests can also visit Ajmer Dargah Sharief. Time permitting, Dinner at Chokhi Dhani (Ethnic village experience serving Vegetarian Rajasthani Cuisine) would be a popular choice.

Day-7 Jaipur Sightseeing  Proceed for full day sightseeing covering Amer Fort (Elephant ride is possible), Jantar Mantar (Observatory), Hawa Mahal and City Palace, Jal Mahal, Moti Doongri Temple etc. Evening explore local market for shopping.

Day-8 Departure Depart for onward journey.

Detailed Sightseeing

Jaipur :

  • Jantar Mantar Observatory - The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built in 18th century. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of few such other built in that period and is considered one of the world heritage site.

  • Hawa Mahal - Hawa Mahal is a unique five-storey building built in 1799 akin to the honeycomb of the beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokhas. The original intention of the lattice was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen, since they had to observe strict "purdah". Its a popular monument to visit for guests arriving at Jaipur for its unique architecture and views around the area.

  • City Palace Jaipur - City Palace is a palace complex in Jaipur which was the seat of the royal family of Jaipur. The Chandra Mahal palace now houses a museum (Sawai Mansingh Museum) but the greatest part of it is still a royal residence. The palace complex incorporates an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings.

  • Moti Doongri - Moti Dungri Temple is a Lord Ganesha temple and a major attraction in Jaipur. Set on a hilltop, the temple is well visited all through the year.

  • Jal Mahal - Jal Mahal (meaning "Water Palace") is a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city. The Jal Mahal palace is considered an architectural beauty built in the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Number of birds seen around the lake makes it a good place for a bird watcher to arrive in winter.

  • Amer Fort - Amer Fort is located in Amer, 12 kilometres from Jaipur. It is one of the principal tourist attractions of Jaipur, located high on a hill. Amer Fort was built in 18th century and is known for its artistic style. With its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake, at its forefront. The fort is a must for its different areas, its spread over 4 levels and its aesthetic ambiance. The areas comprise Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over the water cascade within the palace. There is also a stepwell nearby that could be an interesting visit for any traveller.

  • Mehandipur Balaji Temple - Sri Mehandipur Balaji Temple in Dausa is a Lord Hanuman Temple and renowned pilgrim centre at 60 kms from Jaipur, just off Agra Road.

  • Khatu Shyamji Temple - Khatushyamji is a renowned Krishna Temple 75+ kms from Jaipur near Sikar and well visited all round the year. Temple is open from 5 AM in the morning till about 9 PM (may vary a bit with season)

  • Ajmer Sharief - Ajmer is is world renowned Muslim Pilgrimage destination visited for Ajmer Sharief also known as Dargah Sharif, being the tomb of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.

  • Salasar Balaji Temple - Salasar is situated on NH-65 at 170 km from Jaipur and 350 km from Delhi and visited for Salasar Balaji temple .Salasar Balaji Temple is a Hanuman temple and a renowned regional pilgrimage centre. Two fairs are organized in this temple in the month of April when devotees in large numbers arrive for Darshan.

Jodhpur :

  • Mehrangarh Fort - Mehrangarh Fort is one of its kind fort that stands as the most prominent and visited monument in the city. Its vast, has a number of halls / rooms that are worth a visit and there is even a museum in there which displays weaponary and many artefacts from the royal past. Its a kind of must visit for anyone arriving to Jodhpur for its sheer grandeur.

  • Jaswant Thada - A quiet place and a well kept Royal Cenotaph enroute Mehrangarh Fort and offers excellent views of the fort and area around.

  • Mandore Gardens - The Mandore gardens, with its charming collection of temples, memorials and high rock terraces. The gardens house cenotaphs of many royal family members. The Mandore Gardens also house a government museum, a Hall of Heroes and a temple to 33 crore Gods.

  • Bishnoi Village - Bishnoi Villages around Jodhpur have a mix of craftm culture and wildlife. Guests have option to visit craft centres or just take a drive around and there is a good possibility that one can spot Nilgai, jackal, gazelles, antilopes etc. The area is excellent for bird watching as well in winter. There are ethnic resort around the area that are excellent for a traditional evening Rajasthani dinner over cultural programme.

  • Shri Osiya Mataji - Sachiya Mata Temple (Also known as Shri Osiya Mataji) is a renowned local pilgrimage and considered main deity for some of the local communities of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

  • Osiyan Jain Temples - Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 11th centuries. It is an important Jain pilgrimage center for the Oswal Jain community.

  • Osian Desert Experience - For guests arriving at Jodhpur and not having time to drive to Jaisalmer, Osian represents an excellent alternative to experience Thar desert. Sand dunes near Osian are home to several camps who conduct evening entertainment programmes, camel rides and even overnight camping in desert villages.

Khimsar :

  • Khimsar Sand Dunes - Khimsar Sand Dunes Village is where guests arrive for an desert experience. The Sand Dunes offer a unique mix of Sand Dunes having water bodies around.

  • Panchala Black buck reserve - The Panchala Black buck reserve is home to three species of antelope- the Blackbuck, Chinkara and Bluebull . A Jeep safari could be arranged by Khimsar Palace followed by tea at the Khimsar Dunes Village.

  • Nagaur Fort - Built in the 10th century. Larger than the Mehrangarh fort of Jodhport. Recipient of the UNESCO international award for restoration is 40 km away from Khimsar.

  • Salasar Balaji Temple - Salasar is situated on NH-65 at 170 km from Jaipur and 350 km from Delhi and visited for Salasar Balaji temple .Salasar Balaji Temple is a Hanuman temple and a renowned regional pilgrimage centre. Two fairs are organized in this temple in the month of April when devotees in large numbers arrive for Darshan.

Shekhavati (Mandawa) :

  • Podar Haveli - 300 year old Frescoed Haveli and a Museum that can be visited after paying the entry fee. Guide service is recommended for a complete understanding of the history of the mansion and the area.

  • Rani Sati Temple - The Rani Sati temple is a renowned pilgrimage for the locals and Rajasthanis all over the world. The most characteristic feature of the temple is that there is no statue or image of any female or male deity. A trident in the form of power and force is worshiped.

Destination Overview

Shekhavati (Mandawa) - Mandawa is visited for its profound rural character and made even more famous by the Castle mandawa, which was one of the first heritage hotels to come up in the area.

Khimsar - Khimsar is about 90 kms North of Jodhpur enroute to Nagaur. Khimsar is home to a Grand Palace and sand dunes.

Jodhpur - Jodhpur is the city known for its crafts, Forts, Palaces and Vibrant rural backdrop around it.

Jaipur - Jaipur is capital of Rajasthan and one of the major tourist destinations of India and part of the famed “Golden Triangle” itinerary route along with Delhi and Agra. Jaipur has now evolved into a major business center with all requisites of a metropolitan city.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageJaipurNo ImageJaipur
Prefered Departure : No ImageJaipurNo ImageJaipur
Distances
  • Jaipur to Shekhavati (Mandawa) -170 kms (4.5 hrs)
  • Shekhavati (Mandawa) to Khimsar -240 kms (4.5 hrs)
  • Khimsar to Jodhpur -100 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Jodhpur to Jaipur -331 kms (7 hrs)

Ready Cost estimate for this itinerary is not available.

However Nivalink would be able to readily offer a cost estimate or customise the itinerary as per specific requirements.

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Call 022-6150 6363 to speak to our travel planner or email rj-01b@nivalink.co.in to connect with our travel planner for details on the itinerary: Jaipur - Jodhpur with Shekhavati and Khimsar.

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Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
Please click on the markers for more detailed Information.

Distances
  • Jaipur to Shekhavati (Mandawa) -170 kms (4.5 hrs)
  • Shekhavati (Mandawa) to Khimsar -240 kms (4.5 hrs)
  • Khimsar to Jodhpur -100 kms (2.5 hrs)
  • Jodhpur to Jaipur -331 kms (7 hrs)

Expert Speak

Experiential traveller can opt for experiential activity options at Jaipur (e.g. Heritage Walk) and Jodhpur (Village Safaris) instead of visiting touristy sightseeing options.

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

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