Jodhpur

I recently had the opportunity to accompany a group of travel agents on the trip of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur, gaining firsthand experience of three of Rajasthan's most charming destinations. Located in the magnificent desert state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur are three of India's most iconic and unforgettable destinations. 

Jodhpur, the Blue City, is dominated by the formidable Mehrangarh Fort – one of the largest and most spectacular forts in all of India – rising dramatically above a sea of indigo-washed houses. We were fortunate to stay at the wonderful Ratan Vilas, a beautifully restored heritage hotel that captures the grace and elegance of a bygone era, and which added an entirely different dimension to our appreciation of this magnificent city. 

The journey continued to Jaisalmer, the Thar Desert Golden City – a place so extraordinary it feels like a living fairy tale. The golden sandstone ramparts of Jaisalmer Fort, the intricately carved havelis, and the sweeping Khuri Sand Dunes at sunset together create an experience unlike anywhere else in India. We experienced the legendary hospitality of Suryagarh, one of Rajasthan's finest desert resorts, built in the style of a grand desert fortress. The architecture, the dining, and above all the impeccable service made our stay truly exceptional – transforming a sightseeing trip into a genuine immersion in the spirit of Rajasthan.

The desert experience continued at the next stop, which was the Reggie’s Camel Camp in Osian (located close to Jodhpur).  A luxury camp set in the Sand Dunes with expansive views of the mighty Thar desert on one side and the ancient 8th century temple town of Osian on the other, offers the perfect glamping experience, complete with sundowners in the dunes, Camel cart rides and Barbeque dinners with live Rajasthan music. 

We also visited Udaipur – known as the City of Lakes – and it is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan. The calm waters of Lake Pichola, the grand City Palace on its banks, and the green Aravalli hills around it make Udaipur a very special place to visit. During our city tour, we visited some of Udaipur's most famous sights. The City Palace is a huge and impressive palace with lovely views of the lake. The Saheliyon ki Bari is a peaceful garden with pretty fountains and marble pavilions – a nice contrast to the busy city. We also took a short boat ride to Jag Mandir, a beautiful island palace sitting right on the lake. 

We stayed at the Taj Lake Palace, one of the most photographed hotels in the world, a stunning white marble hotel that sits on Lake Pichola and looks like it is floating on water. The hotel is beautiful, the service is excellent, and it makes your stay truly memorable.  One of the exceptional experiences in Udaipur was the Vintage Car ride, which was a fun and unique way to see Udaipur. 

Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur together make for one of India's most rewarding travel combinations – a journey through the very soul of Rajasthan, from the thunder of desert forts to the romance of lake palaces. It is Rajasthan at its very finest.