Study Tour to Jaisalmer by from 31st March to 03rd April 2024.

Ms. Vandana, (Manager Inbound Tours)

I was given an opportunity to go on a FAM tour to Jaisalmer from 31 March to 03 April 2024 and a "Brief Report on the Familiarization Trip" is here for your reference.

Travel Details

• I boarded an IndiGo Airlines flight departing at 0920 hrs from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Jodhpur.
• At 1035 hrs, my flight landed, and after collecting my luggage, I was warmly welcomed by a representative of TCU at Jodhpur airport.
• I started my trip to Jaisalmer by road. The road was in good condition and I reached the hotel around 4 PM after having lunch at a restaurant in Jaisalmer.
• The drive from Jodhpur takes about 4–5 hours but may take longer in heavy traffic or bad weather.

Hotel Stay

I stayed at Hotel Rang Mahal. It is a beautiful property with:

• Large lobby
• Swimming pool
• Two restaurants
• Spa and beauty parlor
• Young, professional, and friendly staff

Additionally, I visited 20 hotels, camps, and restaurants.

Hotel Ranking (Best to Lowest)

Based on my observation, here is the ranking:

• Luxury Hotels: Surya Garh, Fort Rajwada
• 5-Star: Gorbandh Palace, Marriott, Jaisalkot
• 4-Star & Boutique: Rang Mahal, Desert Tulip, Rawalkot, Gulaal
• 3-Star: Meri Haveli, Heritage House, Garh Jaisal, Killa Bhawan, Casa de Kaku

To Avoid:

• Fifu Guest House – Requires renovation
• First Gate – Requires renovation
• Sonaar Haveli – Ongoing construction nearby

Restaurants Visited

• The Trio ("B" Category): Offers various cuisines, great fort and old city views
• LalGarh Fort and Palace Terrace Restaurant ("B" Category): Panoramic night views of Jaisalmer Fort, serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental
• 1156 AD ("B" Category): Welcoming vibe, three dining setups (AC + open air), custom menu crafted by a French-speaking guide owner

Camps Visited

Due to off-season, most camps were closed, but I visited:

• Le Royal Camp: Tents were packed, setup still visible. Can be offered to 4-star clients with special rates.
• Highness Desert Camp: Located next to Le Royal, luxurious setup, suitable for new clients seeking a tented camp experience.

Transport

During the FAM trip, TCU provided a complimentary sedan:

• Clean and well-maintained
• Equipped with cushions, umbrellas, and mineral water
• Warm welcome at Jodhpur airport by TCU representative
• Mr. Suresh Sirwani personally called me twice to check on my comfort
• TCU guides were knowledgeable and helpful during hotel visits and sightseeing

Road Condition

The roads from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer and onward to Sam are in good condition, making for a comfortable journey of about 4 to 5 hours.

Camel & Jeep Ride

My camel and jeep ride was arranged by Trotters Tours and Travels. Mr. Jalam accompanied me to Sam's Safari Point and other quiet spots away from crowds and pushy camel handlers. I also experienced a desert safari by jeep – an amazing adventure suitable for younger clients.