rajasthan travel plan

Rajasthan Itinerary for 7 or 14 Days (+ Map)

With its magnificent forts, beautiful palaces, vibrant culture and rich history, the state of Rajasthan is one of the top travel destinations in India. If you’re asking me, a trip to India isn’t complete without visiting this colourful state. Rajasthan is huge, however, and there is a lot to see here. Therefore, it can be a little overwhelming to start planning an itinerary. But that’s exactly where this guide comes in handy – this Rajasthan itinerary for 1 or 2 weeks covers the highlights and it’s perfect for first-timers .

Some of the places included in this itinerary are the holy city of Pushkar , the so-called blue city – Jodhpur and the city of lakes – Udaipur . It will bring you along architectural marvels like the Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort and the Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell.

If you’d like to see more of India, this itinerary can easily be combined with a visit to Delhi and the Taj Mahal .

But without further ado, let’s dive into this Rajasthan itinerary for 7 or 14 days!

>> Read next: 16 Facts About Rajasthan

Rajasthan Itinerary for 1 or 2 Weeks

In the first section of this post, you will find all the places included in these itineraries . I also added a note saying in which of the itineraries the place is included.

Next, you will find the 7 and 14-day Rajasthan itineraries and a map showing you where the places are located. Keep in mind that Rajasthan is huge and that it would take nearly 11 hours to get from Jaipur to Jaisalmer.

>> Read: South India VS North India: 9 Differences

Places to see in Rajasthan

So, let’s start with the best places to see in Rajasthan in 1 or 2 weeks! From the astonishing Hawa Mahal in Jaipur to the photogenic blue houses of Jodhpur, Rajasthan offers an abundance of beautiful sights!

*Included on 7 and 14-day itinerary

Both of these itineraries start with two days in Jaipur , the capital of Rajasthan and India’s so-called Pink City . Jaipur is easily reachable from Delhi by train, the ride takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Here, you will find some spectacular sights like the marvellous Hawa Mahal , the enormous Amer Fort , the beautiful Monkey Temple and the colourful Patrika Gate .

Jaipur is also one of the stops on the popular Golden Triangle tourist route , which connects the Pink City to Delhi and Agra (where you will find the Taj Mahal).

With its beautiful palaces, forts and temples, this is a city that cannot be missed on any Rajasthan itinerary!

🛕 Highlights of Jaipur

• Hawa Mahal: This stunning palace is famous for its 953 windows. These were used by the royal women, who could not appear in public. They used to peek out of the windows to catch a glimpse of everyday life.
• Amer Fort: This is my favourite fort in Rajasthan! It was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and you will find some pretty impressive architecture within its walls. One of its most famous sights is the Sheesh Mahal , which is often called the “Glass Palace”.
• City Palace: Built in 1727, the City Palace is the place where the Maharaja reigned until 1949. You will find some beautiful courtyards, gates and rooms inside.
• Jantar Mantar : Located right across the street from the City Palace, Jantar Mantar is an ancient astronomical observatory that’s worth visiting as well.
• Patrika Gate: This colourful gate was built in 2016 and serves as an entrance to Jawahar Circle Garden. It’s one of the most photogenic places in Jaipur so don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit it!

The next stop for both of these itineraries will be Pushkar – one of my favourite places in India. This is one of Rajasthan’s oldest cities and also one of its holiest ones, making it one of India’s top cultural destinations .

Pushkar is located by the holy Pushkar Lake, which is surrounded by numerous ghats . Apart from the lake and ghats, some of Pushkar’s most famous sights are the Brahma Temple , the Pap Mochani Temple and the Savitri Temple . The last two are located on top of a hill and they offer a magnificent view over Pushkar.

It’s believed that Pushkar Lake was created when Lord Brahma vanquished the demon Vajranash using a lotus flower. When this flower fell to the ground, it created Pushkar Lake. Today, the city is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

🛕 Highlights of Pushkar

• Ghats: Strolling along the ghats by the holy Pushkar lake is one of the best things to do in Pushkar. You will see that rituals and offerings happen here regularly.
• Brahma Temple: Being a holy city, Pushkar is home to many temples, but the Brahma Temple is the most important one. It’s located close to the lake and it’s one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma.
• Pap Mochani Temple: It’s a short hike up a hill to get to this temple, and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view over Pushkar once you reach the top!
• Savitri Temple: To reach the top of this hill, you can either take the cable car or hike and once again, you will be rewarded with an amazing view over Pushkar.
• Gurudwara Sahib : This famous Sikh temple was built in 1549 after Guru Nanak Dev visited Pushkar. It’s a stunning white temple that’s definitely worth seeing.

Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan and another one of my favourite cities in India! It’s dubbed the Blue City because of its many blue houses that make the city incredibly photogenic.

But there is more to Jodhpur than the blue houses alone!

This city is also home to the enormous Mehrangarh Fort , which was built by the founder of Jodhpur in the 15th century and overlooks the blue city. Just a 15-minute walk from here, you will find Jaswant Thada – a beautiful memorial that was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singhjill and is made entirely out of white marble.

Other things you cannot miss on a visit to Jodhpur are the Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell , Pachetia   Hill for sunset and the Clock Tower and Sardar Market – which are the heart of the city.

🛕 Highlights of Jodhpur

• Blue Houses: One of the best things to do in Jodhpur is to stroll around the old town in search of the beautiful blue houses .
• Mehrangarh Fort : Built by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, in 1459, this incredible fort is Jodhpur’s most famous landmark. It’s quite spectacular, to say the least, and it overlooks the blue city.
• Jaswant Thada : Just a 15-minute walk from the fort, this beautiful memorial consists entirely of white marble. It was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singhjill.
• Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell : Rajasthan is famous for its step wells and this one is very easy to reach, as it’s located in the middle of Jodhpur. The Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell used to be the main source of water for the city.
• Pachetia   Hill : Pachetia Hill overlooks the blue city and it’s the best place to watch the sunset over the blue houses.
• Clock Tower and Sardar Market : This is the heart of the old city. It’s a nice area to stroll around, shop at the market and drink a delicious lassi.

After visiting the blue city, it’s time to head to Udaipur – the City of Lakes or the Venice of the East . This city is often dubbed India’s most romantic city and it’s easy to understand why!

Udaipur is famous for its mesmerizing lakes, floating palaces, beautiful temples and stunning viewpoints. It’s also a great place to relax on one of the many rooftop terraces.

There are many great things to do in Udaipur, from soaking up the atmosphere at the ghats of Lake Pichola to visiting the City Palace and the beautiful Ahar Cenotaphs . If you’re a sucker for beautiful viewpoints, you will want to take the Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway too. This ropeway will bring you to the Sri Karni Mata Temple, which offers a spectacular view of the city.

Udaipur is also famous for hosting the Dharohar Dance Show  at Lok Dharohar Haveli . This is said to be the most spectacular traditional Rajasthani dance show in all of Rajasthan!

🛕 Highlights of Udaipur

• Jagdish Temple: This Hindu Temple’s architecture is stunning! You will find numerous statues of elephants, horsemen, musicians and dancers on its beautiful facades.
• Lake Pichola and Ghats: Strolling along Lake Pichola while enjoying the view is one of the best things to do in Udaipur. Make sure not to miss Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat while you’re there.
• City Palace: Constructed in 1553, the City Palace of Udaipur is the largest royal complex in the state of Rajasthan. You will find stunning palaces and halls inside!
• Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway : This cable car ride will take you to Machhala Hill, from where you will have a spectacular view over Udaipur.
• Ahar Cenotaphs : These empty tombs are a unique place to visit in Udaipur. They’re a must-see for history buffs and lovers of architecture.
• Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli : A spectacular show with Rajasthani dance performances and a puppet show.

*Included on 14-day Rajasthan itinerary

If you have two weeks in Rajasthan, then it’s time to head to Jaisalmer next. This small desert city is located northwest of Rajasthan, not so far from the border with Pakistan.

Jaisalmer is home to India’s only living fort , where you will find plenty of beautiful Havelis. You will also find the peaceful Gadisar Lake here, which used to be the city’s only water source.

What Jaisalmer is most famous for, however, is its desert safaris . Although I did enjoy the desert safari, it’s good to know that the Thar Desert only has small sets of dunes and most parts are scrubs.

This being said, I still think checking out the Thar Desert is worth it! Just don’t expect it to be all sand dunes as this is not the case.

If you’re looking for a good agency to book a desert safari (because believe me, there are many and they’re not all good), I can recommend Trotters Jaisalmer . I went on an overnight desert safari with them and it was amazing! We were a small group of three people and there was no one else in the set of dunes they brought us to.

🛕 Highlights of Jaisalmer

• Jaisalmer Fort: This living fort is full of beautiful temples and golden Havelis . You will also find multiple viewpoints from where you can watch the sunset here.
• Gadisar Lake: This lake was built around the 12th-13th by the first king of Jaisalmer. It’s a peaceful place that’s surrounded by ghats and shrines.
• Bada Bagh: Here, you will find the funerary cenotaphs (empty tombs) that were built to commemorate the royalty of Jaisalmer. They’re beautiful pieces of architecture that are very common in the north of India.
• Desert safari: Spending a night in the desert dunes is an amazing experience that you won’t forget! Don’t be afraid to ask around before booking a tour though, as there are plenty of operators and they all claim to be the best. I booked my tour with Trotters Jaisalmer and can recommend them.

*Included on 14-day itinerary

The last stop on the 14-day Rajasthan itinerary is Bikaner, a city that is most famous for its proximity to the unique Karni Mata Temple  or the Rat Temple . In order to reach this temple, you will have to take the local bus to Deshnok, which is 30 km (18.6 mi) from Bikaner.

As you might have guessed, what makes the Karni Mata Temple so special is that it’s full of rats. In fact, it’s the only temple in the world that worships rats! Over 25,000 black rats and a few white ones live within its doors. It’s considered good luck if you can spot one of the white ones, as these are considered the incarnations of the Hindu deity Karni Mata and her sons.

But why rats? I hear you ask.

Well, there are two legends associated with why rats are being worshipped at the Karni Mata Temple:

• The rats are soldiers who deserted a nearby battle. Although this was punishable by death, Karni Mata decided to spare them and turned them into rats instead.
• When one of the sons of Karni Mata’s sister drowned, Karni Mata begged Yama, the god of death, to bring him back. Yama told her this would interfere with the cycle of birth and death but told her he could reincarnate all the family’s sons as rats. Karni Mata then promised the rats would serve at her temple forever.

Although we can’t be certain which of these legends led to the creation of the Rat Temple, one thing is certain – bringing a visit to India’s Karni Mata Temple will be an unforgettable experience! This is one of the most unusual landmarks in Rajasthan .

🛕 Highlights of Bikaner (besides the Rat Temple)

• Junagarh Fort: This beautiful fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century. You will find stunning palaces, courtyards, pavilions and balconies inside.
• Rampuria Haveli: Rampuria Haveli was constructed in the 15th century for the wealthy merchant family with the same name. Although you cannot visit it on the inside, the outside alone is worth checking out and there are some other beautiful Havelis on the same street.

>> Read: How to AVOID Getting Sick in India: 10 Tips You Need

7 days in Rajasthan itinerary and map

You can find the itinerary and map for the 7-day Rajasthan itinerary below. Seven days is just enough time to see the state’s highlights.

Day 1-2: Jaipur Day 3: Travel from Jaipur to Pushkar (2,5 hours) and visit Pushkar Day 4: Travel from Pushkar to Jodhpur (5 hours) Day 5: Jodhpur Day 6: Travel from Jodhpur to Udaipur (5,5 hours) Day 7: Udaipur

14 days in Rajasthan itinerary and map

If you have more time to spare and are planning a 14-day long trip to Rajasthan, then Jaisalmer and Bikaner are two extra places that you can visit. You can find the map and Rajasthan itinerary for 2 weeks below.

Day 1-2: Jaipur Day 3-4 : Travel from Jaipur to Pushkar (2,5 hours) and visit Pushkar Day 5: Pushkar Day 6-7: Travel from Pushkar to Udaipur (6 hours) Day 8: Udaipur Day 9: Travel from Udaipur to Jodhpur (5,5 hours) Day 10: Jodhpur Day 11: Travel from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (5 hours) Day 12: Jaisalmer Day 13: Travel from Jaisalmer to Bikaner (5,5 hours) Day 14: Bikaner

>> Read: The Cost of Travel in India

Best time to visit Rajasthan

The best time to visit Rajasthan is during the winter months, from October to February . At this time of the year, the temperature won’t be too high.

It’s not recommended to visit Rajasthan during the summer months, which are from April to June. It will be scorching hot at this time of the year with temperatures rising up to 48°C.

Rajasthan can also be visited during the monsoon season, from July to September. This is the time of the year that I visited the state. There’s no denying that there is rain during the monsoon (and that it’s still quite hot) but it doesn’t rain every day. Overall, I think the monsoon season is a good time to visit Rajasthan if you want to travel outside of the peak season.

How to get around in Rajasthan

There are multiple ways to get around Rajasthan, depending on where you’re going. Trains and tourist buses are perfect for longer distances, while local buses and rickshaws are great for short distances.

• Train : Rajasthan’s major cities are well connected by train. This is an easy and reliable way to get around the state. Note that there are many different types of trains in India , so make sure to do some research in advance.
• Bus : Another easy way to get around Rajasthan is by taking the bus. There are plenty of local buses for short distances and tourist buses for longer distances.
• Private driver : The most comfortable way to get around is by taxi or private transportation but this is also the most expensive one.
• Rickshaw : You will find plenty of rickshaws in the cities. These are perfect for short distances but be prepared to haggle as rickshaw drivers tend to charge foreigners ten times the normal price. A great way to get a fair price is by downloading the Ola app , though. It works just like Uber but includes bikes and rickshaws.

Tip : When you’re travelling in Rajasthan, it’s better to book your bus and train tickets in advance. This way, you will know for sure that you have a seat. I used 12GoAsia to book my tickets, this is the only website I could find that accepts payments with non-Indian credit cards.

Rajasthan itinerary FAQs

How many days are enough for rajasthan.

1 to 2 weeks is perfect to cover most of Rajasthan’s tourist sites. Although you could go on a short 2 or 3-day trip to Jaipur, for example, there are many beautiful places to see in Rajasthan, so I would recommend staying in this state for at least 1 week.

Which is the best month to visit Rajasthan?

>> Read: Is Rajasthan Safe?

Tips for travelling in India

India can be a little overwhelming and confusing for first-time visitors. It may not be the easiest country to visit, but it sure is one of the most fascinating ones.

In order to get the most out of your trip to Rajasthan, there are some things you need to be aware of. So here are some useful tips to help you adjust to India easily.

• Dress appropriately: India, and especially the state of Rajasthan, are conservative so be mindful of the culture and dress modestly. It’s okay for women to wear Western clothes but this is not the right place for hot pants and spaghetti tops. I’ve written a detailed post about the subject here: What to Wear in India: Tips + Outfit Ideas . Make sure to check it out to prepare for your trip.
• Be wary of scams: Unfortunately, scams are common in India, so be wary of them. Research common scams of the place you’re heading to in advance. This way, you won’t be fooled by them.
• Learn how to haggle: The price is always negotiable – in many shops, the vendor will quote a high price and expect you to offer a lower one. This will go back and forth until you find a price that works for both of you.
• Buy a local sim: A local sim doesn’t cost much and this way, you will have access to the internet to look things up at any time.
• Take off your shoes before entering temples: If you’re going to visit many temples, it’s a good idea to wear flip-flops, as these are easy to take off.
• Know the Indian head bobble: While people in most countries nod by moving their heads up and down, Indians nod in a different way – they shake their heads from side to side. This can be a little confusing at first, so it’s good to be aware of it.
• Avoid PDA: Avoid public displays of affection if you’re travelling in India with your partner as this is considered inappropriate in Indian culture.
• Have an open mind: If this is your first visit to the country, you might experience some culture shock. Be prepared for this and accept the fact that things won’t be like they are at home.
• Bring traveller’s diarrhoea medication: Even when they’re careful, many travellers experience the so-called Delhi Belly , so it’s good to be prepared.

>> Read next: What to Pack for India as a Woman

Rajasthan itinerary: Final thoughts

I hope you love the colourful state of Rajasthan as much as I do. India is one of my favourite places in the world and I truly loved exploring Rajasthan – it’s simply magical!

If you have more time in India after finishing your Rajasthan itinerary, you could head to the Taj Mahal next. You could also head back to Delhi or go to Mumbai for a day and visit Goa – the possibilities are endless.

Other itineraries for India: – 15 Days in South India: An Itinerary – Golden Triangle Itinerary in India: 4, 5 or 6 Days

Read more about India: – Indian Landmarks to See on Your Trip – The Ultimate India Travel Bucket List: 34 Ideas – Souvenirs from India That Don’t Suck – What is India Famous For? 28 Interesting Facts – Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal

India Travel Planning Guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to India on  Skyscanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Hostelworld . 🛺 Download the  Ola app  to order a rickshaw or a taxi. 🚃 Use  12GoAsia  to book trains and buses in India. 🚗 Rent a car with  Discover Cars  to get the best rates. 💰 Get travel insurance via  VisitorsCoverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 👘 Check out my  complete India packing list for females . 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa   to visit India.

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Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Perfect Rajasthan Itinerary for 7 Days (What I Did)

· my personal recommendations after traveling through rajasthan. ·.

India is blossoming into one of the most important countries in the world, and it is filled with incredible places to visit. While we enjoyed visiting the Taj Mahal and Delhi, Rajasthan was the true highlight of our trip. This post will lay out the perfect Rajasthan itinerary for 7 days of travel, created out of weeks of research out outreach before we visited.

This post contains affiliate links that may earn a commission on purchases at no additional cost to you.

We captured part of our Rajasthani experience in this vlog. You can also find our Udaipur trip on Youtube!

Many visitors head to the capital of New Delhi or to southern hubs like Mumbai and Goa, but Rajasthan is a special place that you won’t want to miss. On our most recent trip to India, we spent a week in New Delhi and Agra and another week traveling through Rajasthan. Rajasthan travel can be either glamorous or stressful depending on how you plan your trip, and we hope these tips help you plan a great trip.

Full disclosure: I’m not selling any tours in this post. I find that so many blog posts about India are stuffed with sales pitches and tour provider plugs. This post will contain none of that, and I am not partnering with anyone to provide this information.

Where Is Rajasthan?

Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India. It shares a border with Pakistan on its northwestern edge. It is several hundred miles to the west of Delhi.

Rajasthan is known mostly for its deserts. The Great Indian Desert, or Thar Desert, covers most of Rajasthan’s surface. The people outside of the major cities are mostly part of nomadic tribes and laborers who have been in this area for hundreds of years. 

Most Popular Places to Visit in Rajasthan

While there is more to Rajasthan than just major cities, they serve as the best waypoints on any trip through the state. Rajasthan is massive, and getting from one city to another usually takes at least four hours by car and can be as much as twelve hours, depending on where you go. 

There are five cities that most visitors flock to: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and Bikaner.

Jaipur is the biggest city in Rajasthan and it is the most commonly visited one, too. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the closest to Delhi and sits at the east end of Rajasthan. The city got its name when all of its buildings were painted pink to honor the British Queen Victoria. 

Nowadays, the city is known for its opulent palaces, wildlife sanctuaries, forts, and temples. The most notable palace is the pink sandstone Hawa Mahal. This massive palace along with the famous Amber Fort draws crowds from all over!

Jaipur forms the eastern point of the Golden Triangle of Rajasthan. This is a nickname for the three most culturally significant cities in Rajasthan.

One major reason to visit Jaipur is to stay in one of the city’s luxurious boutique hotels. Since Jaipur is the biggest city in Rajasthan, it is also among the most accessible. While many parts of Jaipur are inaccessible in their own right, these hotels feel like the homes of royalty.

Jaipur Airport is the largest airport in Rajasthan, which is another reason this city is so popular to visit. It makes for the perfect gateway to Rajasthan for international tourists.

Jodhpur is Rajasthan’s blue city, and it is located on the edge of the Thar desert. Known for its Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is a great place to visit on a Rajasthan trip. It is the second-largest city in Rajasthan, and its history is as rich as anywhere else in the state.

The old city is known for its clock tower and Jaswant Thada, as well as its rooftop restaurants. Jodhpur is the closest Rajasthani city to Jaipur, which is why many visitors choose these two cities to see on their Rajasthan tour itinerary.

For a 7 day Rajasthan itinerary, Jodhpur can be the perfect stop between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.

Jaisalmer is the most remote of any city on this list. It practically hugs the Pakistan border in northwest India. While most of Rajasthan is in the desert, Jaisalmer is known as the true desert city.

The Jaisalmer Fort, or Sonar Qila, is the city’s focal point. Located in the heart of the city, this is a living, breathing, majestic fort with thousands of actual residents. If you want to visit a local market or soak in the desert views, this is the place to go.

Jaisalmer forms the western point of the Golden Triangle of Rajasthan, and is actually known as the Golden City. If you want to do desert activities, like a camel safari or a picnic in the sand dunes, Jaisalmer is absolutely the place to go. Jaisalmer is especially famous for its luxury desert camping resorts.

Getting to Jaisalmer can be a pain, and that is the biggest hurdle to visiting. It is hundreds of miles away from the other major Rajasthani cities. It does have its own airport and railway station, but both are small and not very useful.

My Jaisalmer Travel Guide contains everything you need to know about the city before you visit.

Known as both the City of Lakes and the White City, Udaipur is a special place located in southern Rajasthan. Sitting on the manmade Lake Pichola, this city is loaded with stunning temples and forts. It forms the southern point of the Golden Triangle of Rajasthan.

The most famous place to visit in Udaipur is the City Palace, which is a massive and beautiful palace museum located in the old city. The Monsoon Temple, or Nahargarh Fort, is another stunning highlight high in the mountains with stunning views. The Jagdish Temple is another place you won’t want to miss.

Udaipur felt worlds different from the other places we visited in India. To us, it was very refreshing. We enjoyed many dinners at rooftop restaurants, visited striking palaces and temples, and stayed in a luscious white marble palace.

My Udaipur Travel Guide contains everything you need to know about the city before you visit.

While Jaisalmer is the desert city, Bikaner is actually the best city to visit for camel rides! Bikaner is famous for its camel breeding, and this lures thousands of visitors each year. It is located in the northern part of Rajasthan, not too far from the Pakistan border.

One of the biggest reasons to visit Bikaner is that it is less popular with tourists. The city has plenty of charm, but it doesn’t see nearly the crowds that Jaipur and Jodhpur see. This makes for relaxing desert safaris, a hassle-free camel ride, and an intimate opportunity to learn about the area’s rich history and culture.

Bikaner is very far from some of the other cities on this list, which is one of the main reasons it tends to get excluded from the typical 7 day Rajasthan itinerary.

Where Should You Visit in Rajasthan?

Rajasthan is one of the most-visited states in all of India. Many of its cities are ranked among the best places to visit in all of India, which is a massive country! 

We spent weeks figuring out where we wanted to go. The palaces of Jaipur, deserts of Jaisalmer, lakes of Udaipur, and temples of Jodhpur all called to us in different ways. Ultimately, after talking with friends of ours who live in India, we decided to spend our days in just Jaisalmer and Udaipur, and we did not regret that decision one bit.

Since places in the state are so far apart, you need to budget travel time into any 7 Day Rajasthan itinerary. We decided to allocate three days to Jaisalmer, three days to Udaipur, and one day to travel between them. This would have been the perfect amount of time if it weren’t for some hiccups we encountered.

If we had more time, we absolutely would have added Jaipur or Jodhpur to our itinerary. But with only 7 days, we figured it was better to see two places well rather than four places for just a day each.

How Do You Get Around Rajasthan?

Rajasthan is absolutely massive, and there isn’t great public transportation between the major cities. While there are railways and airports connecting many of these cities, actual train and flight routes are very limited.

As intimidating as it may seem, the best way to get around Jaisalmer is by hired car or van.

We initially booked flights to get from Jaisalmer to Udaipur. There was going to be a layover in Delhi. Our flight departing from Jaisalmer was delayed two full days, and our original flight arriving in Jaisalmer was delayed a full day too.

This was after the pandemic, so that isn’t even an excuse. Talking to friends, I discovered it is very common for Jaisalmer’s airport, as well as other Rajasthani airports, to be abruptly shut down for military reasons.

This can put a damper on any Rajasthan itinerary for 7 days.

We were stranded in Jaisalmer with no flights or trains heading out any time soon. We asked our hotel for a reputable transfer service, and booked a driver all the way to Udaipur. The driver picked us up at 4am and drove us happily 11 hours to Udaipur.

Driving in Rajasthan

Some people opt to rent their own car while in Rajasthan. I have mixed opinions about this. The traffic outside of major cities is not bad and driving would be pretty easy on the highways.

But once you get off the highways, I think it is a whole different story. The roads through the small towns are prone to traffic jams, and it is very easy to lose cell phone service out in the rural parts of Rajasthan. We lost service at many points along our trip.

I would not recommend renting a car, simply because a hired driver is very affordable and is accustomed to driving in the area. Our 11-hour drive for 5 people from Jaisalmer to Udaipur, in a private, new, air-conditioned van, cost just $211.

Driver Recommendation for Rajasthan

We booked our ride with Lucky Tours and Travel. This is an agency that operates all throughout Rajasthan. The company charged us just $211 for a comfortable 11 hour drive from Jaisalmer to Udaipur.

You can either contact them via their website or on Whatsapp at +919414141491. We had a perfectly fine ride with them and I’d use them again if I returned. I get no commission from you booking with them.

Is Rajasthan Safe to Visit?

All in all, Rajasthan is a very safe place to visit in India. Like anywhere, there is a risk of pickpocketing and scamming. However, this is not very common, especially if you take common precautions.

We never felt threatened while in Rajasthan.

Jaisalmer is a bit seedier than Udaipur, but we felt safe in both cities. We also felt perfectly safe traveling through the countryside from Jaisalmer to Udaipur.

To be fair, I would not have felt safe driving a rental car through some of the towns that we drove through. I felt much more comfortable having an Indian person at the wheel, as the roads were narrow and we passed through a lot of very impoverished areas.

For reference, our group included three women, one man, and one toddler. We never felt like targets, nor did we get taken advantage of despite clearly being foreigners. Compared to other places in India, Rajasthan is very safe and can be enjoyed without too many worries.

Rajasthan Itinerary for 7 Days Snapshot

• Day 1: Early flight into Jaisalmer, check into luxury desert camping
• Day 2: Spend day in Thar desert with desert camping resort
• Day 3: Explore Bada Bagh and Jaisalmer Fort
• Day 4: Transit to Udaipur
• Day 5: Explore Old Udaipur, sunset boat ride
• Day 6: Luxurious brunch followed by Monsoon Palace and rooftop dinner
• Day 7: Visit Jagmandir, flight home

Full 7 Day Rajasthan Itinerary: Everything to Know

Day 1: Arriving in Jaisalmer

Recommended Hotel: The Kafila Desert Camp

Jaisalmer is very small and there are very few flights into and out of the city’s airport. Your best bet is to arrive into Delhi a day before and take the earliest possible flight from Delhi to Jaisalmer. From the Jaisalmer airport, I recommend taking a pre-booked taxi to your accommodation.

I think the best way to start your Rajasthan trip is by heading straight to a luxury desert camping resort. There are a lot of these, and many have good reputations. I had a hard time finding trustworthy reviews online, and ultimately chose The Kafila Desert Camp.

It was the perfect choice, and I detailed my full experience at the Kafila Desert Camp in another blog post. Check that out if you are considering going!

I recommend at least two full days, if not more, at the camp. Since the airline delayed our flight by over 24 hours, we had very limited time here. Still, we had a delicious candlelit dinner, went stargazing in the sand dunes, rode camels and horses, and more.

Day 2: Enjoying the Thar Desert at a Luxury Desert Camp

This is the perfect time to explore and soak in what the desert has to offer. In my opinion, the desert is a much better attraction that the city of Jaisalmer itself. Visit a local village, ride camels, enjoy cultural performances, eat breakfast on the sand dunes, and do whatever else your resort offers! If time permits, I recommend taking advantage of every amenity that your camp offers, as they are normally free of charge.

Day 3: Explore Bada Bagh and Jaisalmer City

Recommended Hotel: Jaisalmer Marriott Resort and Spa

On this morning, I recommend packing up your things and heading to another hotel located closer to the city. On your way to Jaisalmer, stop at Bada Bagh, which is a complex of stunning cenotaph ruins located to the west of the city. 

After this visit, head to the Jaisalmer Fort, which is the main highlight of Jaisalmer City. Thousands of people inhabit the fort to this day, and it has plenty of restaurants, stores, markets, temples, hotels, and more to explore. Once you’ve had your fill exploring the Fort, head to your hotel and rest up for the long travel day.

Day 4: Transit from Jaisalmer to Udaipur

Recommended Hotel: Aurika Udaipur

I recommend booking a private car or van to take you from Jaisalmer to Udaipur. I recommend an early start, as the trip takes 10-12 hours by car and goes through many small towns along the way. Pack food, because there are not many places to stop along the way.

If you have extra time, this is the spot in the itinerary where you could add days to visit Jodhpur. Jodhpur is only a short drive out of the way, and it makes for the perfect waypoint. However, if you are creating a 7 day Rajasthan itinerary, I advise skipping Jodhpur and heading straight to Udaipur.

Once you get to Udaipur in late afternoon, check in and grab a bite to eat at Atari restaurant.

Day 5: Explore Old Udaipur and the City Palace

Recommended Udaipur Hotel: Aurika Udaipur

On your first full day in Udaipur, you’ll want to explore the highlights of the old city. Most notably, this includes the Jagdish Temple, the City Palace. The City Palace can take several hours to get through, as it is massive and filled with things to see.

After exploring the old town, I’d recommend getting dinner at Rainbow Restaurant for great views of the lake. The food is good and the prices are very affordable.

After this, return to your hotel and enjoy any amenities it offers.

Once again, we highly recommend Aurika Udaipur as your hotel of choice. It’s safe, luxurious, and the breakfast buffet was the best we had in all of India.

Day 6: Visit the Monsoon Temple and Take a Sunset Cruise on Lake Pichola

I recommend starting your day out with a luxurious lunch at the restaurant at Udaivillas. This place books up sometimes weeks in advance but is delicious and very elegant. It’s pricey, but its an experience you’ll want to have.

Once you’ve finished, head to the foot of the Monsoon Temple. The Monsoon Temple was our favorite part about Udaipur, but visiting it can be a real trek. 

The temple is located on top of a tall mountain, and you need to hire an official driver to take you up the windy roads to the top. It feels incredibly dangerous, but it wound up being fine.

Once at the top, the views are incredible. You can see for miles in every direction, including over the downtown parts of Udaipur. The palace itself is nothing compared to the City Palace, but the views are worth the trip.

Once you get back down, I recommend heading to the port where boats leave for sunset cruises. This is close to the Rainbow Restaurant. The boat ride is stunning and relaxing and very affordable.

Day 7: Check Out of Hotel, Fly Home

On your last day, you’ll want to leave ample time to check out of your hotel and get to the airport. Udaipur’s airport is located roughly 40-50 minutes outside of the city, and traffic can make the time go way up. 

Checking out of your hotel can also take some time, as the nice resorts tend to operate a bit more slowly. The Udaipur airport has virtually no amenities, so you’ll want to leave enough time to get there, but not too much time to where you’re sitting in a drab airport for hours.

If you want to see how our itinerary panned out, you can watch our Jaisalmer and Udaipur youtube vlogs linked below.

Tips for a Longer Than 7 Day Rajasthan Itinerary

The plan I outlined above is the perfect 7 day Rajasthan itinerary, in my opinion, because it visits two of the most unique cities in Rajasthan. Not only are Jaisalmer and Udaipur unique from the rest of the state, they’re also very different from one another.

If you have more time than just a week, I recommend adding Jodhpur as a stop. As I said in the 7 day Rajasthan itinerary above, Jodhpur is the perfect halfway point between Jaisalmer and Udaipur.

If you have enough time to create a Rajasthan tour itinerary of two weeks or more, I advise ending your trip in Jaipur, which has a major international airport and is the biggest and busiest city in Rajasthan.

Please comment if you have any other questions about visiting Rajasthan! We’d love to help!

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Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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• JAIPUR , JAISALMER , JODHPUR , PUSHKAR , RAJASTHAN , UDAIPUR

The Best Rajasthan Itinerary for 5 Days or More

• October 7, 2023

Rajasthan is one of our favourite states in India. So, if you’re here looking for the best Rajasthan itinerary, you’ll be pleased to know you’ve come to the right place. We recently spent close to 3 weeks in Rajasthan, which is why it’s easy for me to suggest itineraries for 5 days, 7 days, and even 2 weeks. In this Rajasthan Itinerary, I’ll be sharing all the best places to visit, how to get around, where to eat & sleep, along with all of our top tips for travelling this fast-paced state in India.

If you ask me, no trip to India is complete without visiting Rajasthan. It’s arguably the most exciting state in all of India and without doubt the epitome of Indian culture. It’s a land of grandeur architecture, enchanting cities, mystical deserts, and rich royal history. All of which decorated in a plethora of vivid colour. Rajasthan is big, it’s loud, it’s crazy, and it will att@ck your senses in the best possible way.

When planning a Rajasthan Itinerary, it’s easy to underestimate just how big the state is. If the state were a country, it would be around the 63rd largest country in the world, which is pretty staggering. It’s therefore not too surprising to find that each city in Rajasthan has an entirely different vibe. You’ll have the time of your life hopping from the golden city to the pink city, and if time permits, onto the blue and white cities too.  

Having said that, it can be a daunting prospect planning your route in this truly vast and profound state. Thankfully, we’ve done all the leg work, and we’re here to help. So let’s get to it, here’s the best Rajasthan Itinerary for 5 days or more. 

*Before You Travel to Rajasthan,  have you got your travel insurance sorted?  Cover yourself for the unexpected, read  why you really need travel insurance  or  get a quote from World Nomads .

*Have you got your travel Visa sorted? Check if you need one here and retrieve a quote. It’s simple, fast and reliable.

*Don’t leave home without any  backpacker essentials  with our free printable packing list.

How Many Days to Spend in Rajasthan

As I’ve already mentioned, Rajasthan is an enormous state; so you could spend an entire month here and still barely scratch the surface. I’m sure some of you are backpacking India for an extended amount of time, in which case I recommend spending at least 10-14 days in Rajasthan. However, if you are visiting India for only 2-3 weeks , you’ll likely want to cut that time in half if you are to see other areas of India as well.  

Usually, when I put together itineraries, I focus on a specific length of time. However, it’s such a diverse group of travellers visiting Rajasthan, that I figured it isn’t a one size fits all on this occasion. So my conclusion was that I’d give a full low down on all of my favourite cities in Rajasthan, followed by suggested itineraries for 5 days, 7 days, and 14 days. Of course, you can follow my Rajasthan itinerary, or you can put together your own, using all the information in this blog post about the best cities in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Itinerary Highlights

I go into quite a lot of detail regarding the best places to see and things to do in this Rajasthan. So if you’re short for time, or want a taster of what to expect, here is a quick overview of our Rajasthan highlights.

• Spend the night in the desert on an overnight camel safari in Jaisalmer
• Dance like nobody’s watching at the evening aarti by Pushkar Lake
• Enjoy authentic and delicious Rajasthani cuisine
• Stay at one of the beautiful lakeside hotels in Udaipur
• Marvel the ornate details of Jaipur’s City Palace
• Attend festivals and fayres, such as the one of a kind Pushkar Camel Fayre
• Watch the sunset from the ancient Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur
• Experience jaw-dropping panoramic views from the Monsoon Palace in Udaipur
• Hunt for Bengal Tigers at the Ranthambore National Park
• Visit the extraordinary Galta Ji (Monkey) Temple in Jaipur
• Hunt for wares in the colourful local bazaars

The Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

OK, now let’s start planning your Rajasthan itinerary, by taking a look at all the best places to visit. I’ll include a little overview of the area itself, as well as recommendations on what to do, where to sleep, where to eat etc.     

Jaipur is a magical city, exploding with history, culture, energy, and jaw-dropping architecture. Famed for being the ‘ Pink City’  thanks to its trademark terracotta architecture, it’s one of the most visited cities not only in Rajasthan but in the whole of India. It also forms a part of the ever-popular golden triangle route .

With a population of over 3 million, Jaipur is the epitome of organised chaos. Vehicles, people, and a variety of wildlife from cows to camels fight their way for a space in the bustling metropolis. Just walking the streets is a spectacle in itself. Yet despite the mayhem, Jaipur is a vibrant, atmospheric, and exciting place to be.  

At the same time, the Pink City is bursting with world heritage sights and landmarks that are unbelievably impressive. You can soak in incredible views of the city at one of the many forts. Marvel over the architecture of the grand royal palaces; And visit one of a kind temples such as the Galta Ji Monkey Temple.

In short, Jaipur is a vital addition to any Rajasthan Itinerary.

The Best Things to do in Jaipur

Here’s a handful of the best things to do in Jaipur, but for more, see our 2 Day Jaipur Itinerary .

Patrika Gate

Patrika Gate is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Jaipur. Not only that, but with its one of a kind decorative design, it is easily one of the most  instagrammable places in India . We were left mesmerised by the vibrant and intricate walkways, that serves as a true reflection of Rajasthani culture. A must see! 

* For more info, see our complete guide to   Patrika Gate here .

Amber Palace

The Amber Palace, constructed from red sandstone and marble, is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Jaipur. It was once residence to the Jaipur Royal Family before they relocated to the City Palace. However, in our opinion, Amber Palace is the most impressive out of the 2. Inside the palace grounds, you will find a series of pristine gardens, intricate courtyards, and photo opportunities, including a stunning mirrored room.  

While we suggest making Amber Palace a priority on your Jaipur Itinerary, we have to ask that you don’t participate in elephant rides. Many tourists opt for elephant rides up to the palace entrance, without knowing the horrors behind animal tourism . 

* For more info see our complete guide to Amer Fort & Amber Palace here.

Galta Ji (Monkey) Temple

Galta Ji Temple is one of the most unusual temples we visited throughout our time in India. While the official name is Galta Ji, most refer to it as Monkey Temple, due to the thousands of monkeys that occupy the grounds. Built within a mountain pass in the Aravali hills, natural springs from the mountain replenish the temples 7 holy baths. Here you will find pilgrims bathing in the sacred water, believed to cleanse away sins and revitalise the body.

*For more info, see our complete guide to   Monkey Temple Jaipu r here.

Nahargarh Fort

Historically, along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort helped form a defensive wall around the old Royal City. Located high in the Aravali mountains, the breathtaking fortress provides an unrivalled view over the bustling city below. The fort is famed for being an architectural wonder, as well as being one of the best sunset spots in Jaipur.  

*For more info, see our complete guide to Nahargarh Fort here .

Jaipur is one of the most photogenic cities in India . If you’re keen to hit all the best Instagram spots in one day, you might wish to consider the best-selling tour with Get your Guide. Click the link below for rates and availability.

Book Your Tour : Jaipur Instagram Tour

Where to Eat in Jaipur

• Lunching & Brunching:  Tapri the Teahouse $$
• Sunset Drinks & Food:   Tattoo Cafe $
• Best Local Food:   25 Degrees East $$
• Street Food:   Masala Chowk $

Where to Sleep in Jaipur

• Hostel:    Hostel Lumb’s Nest
• Budget:   Blue King
• Mid-Range:  Umaid Bhawan
• Luxury:   Fairmont Jaipur

For more places to stay in Jaipur,  you can check the latest prices here.

Next up we head to the White City of Rajasthan, or as it’s more commonly known, Udaipur. In my opinion, Udaipur is another unmissable spot to include on your Rajasthan itinerary. However, you’re probably noticing a pattern whereby I say this about every damn city on this list. If you’re short for time, I’m aware I’m probably not making this too easy for you. But, it just means you’ll have to save what you miss for another trip.

Anyhow, I digress. Let’s get back to what makes Udaipur so awesome. When I think of Udaipur, I imagine opulence, romance, and tranquillity. This city is remarkably beautiful, and something about it made us want to stay a lot longer than our itinerary would allow.  

Udaipur’s history is rich and royal, evident by the sumptuous palaces which are abundant throughout the city. The Udaipur City Palace is one of our favourites in Rajasthan. And you can’t help but dream looking out at the old Lake Palace which is now a 5* hotel. 

What’s more, the serenity of the lakes and surrounding nature, had us forgetting we were even in a city at all. Commonly referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur offers a rare chance to relax on your trip through strenuous Rajasthan.  

The Best Things to do in Udaipur

Here’s a handful of the best things to do in Udaipur, but for more, see our 2 Day Udaipur Itinerary .

Udaipur City Palace

It isn’t without reason that the city palace is one of the top things to do in Udaipur. The grandeur marble & granite structure stands proudly as the landmark of the city, and we, for one, were taken aback by its sheer magnificence .   If we were to recommend just one City Palace to visit in Rajasthan, it would have to be this one.

* For more info, see our complete guide to   Udaipur City Palace here .

Monsoon Palace

When you arrive in Udaipur and spot the ethereal looking castle stood proudly in the hills; that my friends is the Monsoon Palace. The palace once served as a royal residence to the  Mewar Dynasty   and set 944m above sea level provides breathtaking panoramic views over the city. For the same reason, it is considered one of the  best spots to watch sunset in Udaipur .

*For more info, see our complete guide to   Monsoon Palace Udaipur here .

Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli 

For a taste of authentic Rajasthani culture, the Dharohar Dance Show is an unmissable experience when visiting Udaipur. Set within the courtyard of Bagore Ki Haveli, you can expect a vibrant and entertaining performance that showcases the tradition and culture of Rajasthani folklore. The artistry of the performers is spectacular, and combined with the charming setting, makes for an unforgettable evening.  

Lake Pichola

Udaipur is also known as the ‘city of lakes, and Lake Pichola is the most famous with a lot of the action centred around it. Boasting a jaw-dropping backdrop of the Aravalli mountain range, I’d freely say it’s one of the most picturesque locations in all of India. A variety of hotels, ghats, restaurants, and rooftop bars surround the lake so that you can enjoy the view from several different vantage points. Relaxing around the lake with a beer in hand turned out to be one of our favourite things to do in the Udaipur.

Where to Eat in Udaipur

• Healthy Breakfast:   Grasswood Cafe
• Local Food:   Namaste Cafe
• Vegan Food:  Millets of Mewar
• Western Food : Jheels Coffee Bar & Bakery
• Sunset Drinks:  Sun & Moon

*Vegetarian? Check out our guide to the best vegetarian restaurants in Udaipur .

Where to Sleep in Udaipur

• Hostel:  Gypsy Child Lake Hostel
• Budget:  Jagat Villa Guesthouse
• Mid-Range: Jagat Niwas Palace
• Private:  Taj Lake Palace

For more places to stay in Udaipur, you can check the latest prices here . Or see our guide to the best lake facing hotels in Udaipur .

So we’ve covered the white, pink, and blue cities, now we have the ‘golden city’. Jaisalmer got its nickname as the golden city thanks to its abundant desert dunes, and medieval architecture clad in golden sandstone. A perfect amalgamation of culture, history, and adventure, Jaisalmer turned out to be one of our favourite destinations in all of India.

Upon arriving into Jaisalmer, we couldn’t help but feel like we’d step foot into a fairytale. The momentous Jaisalmer Fort stands as a citadel and centre point of the city, while ornate temples, luxurious Havelis, and serene lakes adorn the golden city. 

The highlight of Jaisalmer, however, has to be the desert safaris. Climb atop a camel and make your way deep into the Thar desert, where you can camp beneath the stars and sing traditional desert songs around a campfire. If riding camels isn’t up your street, you can take a jeep safari instead. But either way, an overnight desert safari is a must.

Best Things to do in Jaisalmer

Here’s a handful of the best things to do in Jaisalmer but for more, see our 2 Day Jaisalmer Itinerary .

Overnight Camel Safari

Jaisalmer borders the mysterious Thar desert, and one of the essential things to do when visiting the  ‘golden city’,  is a camel safari. From trotting through the golden dunes atop camels, followed by campfire nights under the milky way, it is no wonder that tourists travel from far and wide to take part in this magical experience. Even if you are planning a short Rajasthan trip itinerary, you should make this experience a priority. With tours ranging from 1/2 a day to 3 days+, there is something to suit everybody.

*For more info, check out our complete guide to an overnight camel safari in Jaisalmer .

Jaisalmer Fort

Nestled alongside the golden Thar desert, Jaisalmer Fort is not your average fort. It is unique, as it’s one of the only residential fortifications in the world, with houses that date back generations, as well as temples, shops, and restaurants too. Exploring the fort is one of the most exciting things you can do in the golden city as you never know where the labyrinth of alleyways might lead you. Hunting for rooftop bars, epic viewpoints, talented artisans, and eerie fortune tellers, was one of our favourite ways to spend the day.

Gadisar Lake

One of the more relaxing places to visit in Jaisalmer is Gadisar Lake. It’s a sacred lake to Hindus, and the religious temples ‘floating’ in the water add to the magic. It’s a peaceful spot to visit alone, and you’ll often find several locals and tourists meditating here during sunrise or sunset. But it’s also a fun place to visit with your family or travel buddy when you can go boating on the lake, or enjoy a walk around the embankment.

Where to Eat in Jaisalmer

• Cheap Eats : Free Tibet $
• Dinner with a view : Lal Garh $$
• Breakfast : Kuku Coffee Shop $

Where to Sleep in Jaisalmer

• Hostel:  Swan Hostel 
• Budget Private:  Bohemian Guesthouse
• Mid-Range: Hotel Victoria
• Luxury:   Suryagarh Jaisalmer  

Out of all the cities in Rajasthan, Pushkar is probably the most laidback. The town itself is small in comparison to other cities in the state. And you quickly feel like part of a community as you bump into the same familiar faces everywhere you go. It’s a place of creative expression, and one of the highlights is the evening aarti where you can dance around the lake and witness all kinds of talent.

Considered a holy city, you will often see religious ceremonies taking place around Pushkar lake. These can be fascinating to watch, but you should avoid the ‘priests ‘ like the plague. They will insist you have to wear a wristband to enter the lake area. And once they’ve put it on you, they’ll ask for an extortionate payment while guilt-tripping you about karma.  

An important event in the Pushkar calendar is the annual camel fair. If you are lucky enough to be in town for that, you’re in for a real treat. This event is weird but wonderful, and a perfect example of just how crazy things can get in India. We loved it!

Best Things to do in Pushkar

Here’s a handful of the Pushkar highlights, but for more see this list of the  best things to do in Pushkar . 

Pushkar Lake

Pushkar Lake is the centre point of the town, and it’s the first place you should head to once you arrive. You’ll immediately understand what I mean by how laidback Pushkar feels relative to other cities in Rajasthan. You’ll also understand what I said about the relentless priests. Regardless of the scams, the lake is a holy place for Hindus, and you must take off your shoes before stepping foot onto its banks. This rule is for everybody, so be respectful and remove your shoes. I highly recommend visiting the lake at sunset for the daily evening aarti, which is always a magical way to end the day.   

Savitri Temple

Savitri Temple is one of many interesting temples in Pushkar, but this one is especially impressive due to its hilltop location. To reach the temple, you can take a short hike from the lake, or there’s a cable car. It’s a 20-25 minute climb on foot, so if you’re fit and able, I recommend the scenic hike. The views over Pushkar intensify the higher you climb, and you’ll encounter several monkeys & other wildlife on the way. For the best experience, it’s best to visit for sunrise or sunset.  

Pushkar Camel Fayre

If you’re fortunate enough to be in Pushkar for the camel fayre, you’re in for quite the experience. It’s the only time of year when the town is anything but peaceful; however, the wild festivities are one of a kind, and it’s one of our favourite memories of India. Historically, the event started as a camel trading market, and over the years it’s grown in both popularity and eccentricity. Now it’s a full-blown festival, with crazy competitions, live performances, market stalls, funfairs, and of course, lots and lots of camels.

Where to eat in Pushkar

• Pizza:  La Pizzeria
• Falafel:  Ganga Laffa
• Healthy : Cafe Nature’s Blessing
• Breakfast:   Deja Brew
• Local:   Street Food

Where to sleep in Pushkar

• Hostel :  Backpackers Paradise  
• Budget Private:  Mayur Guest House
• Mid-Range:   Hotel Brahma Horizon  

For more places to stay in Pushkar, you can check the  latest prices here .

The next city worth considering for your Rajasthan trip itinerary is Jodhpur. Also known as the “The Blue City”, Jodhpur is famous for its colossal fort, blue houses, and impressive temples. Unfortunately, we didn’t get around to visiting Jodhpur due to contracting a nasty case of the ‘Delhi belly.’ But we know of many travellers who speak very highly of their time there.  

As I haven’t visited Jodhpur for myself, I wouldn’t like to make recommendations; therefore, I suggest you check out this awesome list of   things to do in the blue city .

If you’re keen to wander a little off the beaten track in Rajasthan, you should certainly consider visiting Bundi. Bundi is a peaceful historic town that allows you a taste of what it’s like in the ‘ real India ‘. A luxury, or should I see experience, that is often lost in more touristic destinations.

Again, our timeframe didn’t allow us to make it to Bundi on our last trip, but if I had my time in Rajasthan over, I’d make it a priority. The history of the city fascinates me, with legends of old tribes and heroic battles. Not to mention the plethora of nature which includes rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.

As I haven’t visited Bundi for myself, I wouldn’t like to make recommendations; therefore, I suggest you check out this  Bundi Travel Guide .

Ranthambore National Park

Another spot I wish I’d had the chance to visit is the   Ranthambore National Park . The park is a prime destination for spotting tigers in their natural habitat, and who doesn’t want to lay their eyes on the majestic Bengal tiger? It has to be one of the ultimate Indian experiences, up there with visiting the Taj Mahal, and it’s not an opportunity that arises so often.

So why didn’t we visit? Ultimately, it came down to timing. We only had a 2-month visa for India, so, unfortunately, we had to compromise some stuff. You’ll have to make tough choices all the time in India. There’s just so much to see, and even with all the time in the world, it would never be enough.

Anyhow, to spot the endangered Bengal tiger in the wild, you have an excellent chance at Ranthambore. Depending on your itinerary & budget, you might prefer to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve instead, which has a lower concentration of Bengal tigers and is the cheaper option. Either way, if you spot a tiger, I want to know about it, so please send us your pics!

Suggested Rajasthan Itinerary for 5 Days

• Jaisalmer – 2 Days
• Jodhpur – 1 Day
• Jaipur – 2 Days

Suggested Rajasthan Itinerary for 7 Days

• Pushkar – 1 Day
• Udaipur – 2 Days

Suggested Rajasthan Itinerary for 14 Days

• Pushkar – 2 Days
• Jodhpur – 2 Days
• Jaipur – 3 Days
• Ranthambore – 1 Day
• Bundi – 2 Days

Tips & Advice for Travelling Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a vibrant, wild, and exciting place to travel. At the same time, it can be overwhelming, confusing, and even sometimes scary. So here are some travel tips and advice that we accumulated during our time in Rajasthan. Hopefully, it will help ensure a fun, safe, and stress-free trip of a lifetime.

Best Time to Visit Rajasthan

The best time to visit Rajasthan is during the Indian Winter, which runs from October to February. During this time you can expect perfect weather for sightseeing – Ie. The temperatures are cooler, and there is very little rain. It’s also the period where many festivals take place in Rajasthan, such as Diwali, Pushkar Camel Fayre, and Dev Deepawali. If you are sensitive to the heat, you may wish to keep mornings and late afternoons free outdoor activities, as the lunchtime hours get incredibly hot all year round. It’s advisable to avoid Rajasthan altogether during the months of Summer or Monsoon.  

Getting Around in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a well-connected state, and you can generally travel from city to city with ease and at very little expense. Our favourite way to get around is by bus, as they are affordable, you can book very last minute, and you can travel through the night. I highly recommend travelling through the night as not only do you save a night on accommodation, but it means you avoid travel time eating into your valuable exploring time. We always booked our buses using  redbus.com   as they have an English speaking helpline should there ever be any issues with your booking.

Another option is to travel via train, which is slightly more expensive but arguably a tad more comfortable. The only issue with train travel is you need to book in advance, which means there isn’t much room for flexibility should you want to stay longer in one place, and cut short in another. You can book trains up to 6 months in advance using  12go Asia.

Most of the bigger cities in Rajasthan also have airports; however, I’d avoid this mode of transport when going from city to city. Often you have to change over in Delhi as there are no direct flights, and it works out far more expensive than travelling by train or bus.  

Safety in Rajasthan

The topic regarding safety in Rajasthan and India, in general, is as complex as the country itself. Every individual has a different experience, and while there are many horror stories, we can honestly say we encountered nothing overly negative ourselves. By that, I mean we were not the victims of crime, theft, physical/verbal abuse and the like.  

Having said that, there were times when we felt uncomfortable and scared. Sometimes it was warranted, other times, it was not. You see, the biggest issue for us travelling India as a lesbian couple wasn’t even our sexuality, it was our gender. Being a foreign woman in India arouses a lot of attention. And like I said earlier, what we recognise as socially acceptable behaviour is not necessarily the same in Indian culture. For example, staring, taking photos without asking, or invasion of personal space can come across as intimidating, even when it’s not. 

So girls, be prepared to carry yourself confidently and don’t be afraid to say something should anybody cross the line. Unfortunately, there are many reports of women being groped by local men. If you find yourself in this position, it’s best to call him out, as other locals will step in to help you and probably give him a slap while they’re at it.

Otherwise, the biggest threat to tourists is petty theft crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. We suggest keeping your belongings close to you at all times and use a small padlock or compartmental bag to keep your valuables safe. When travelling at night, avoid being alone in parks or dark areas.

Finally, It pays to make yourself aware of the  common scams in India , so in turn, you can avoid them.

Travel Insurance

With that, don’t even think about going to Rajasthan without travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. If the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you’ll want the best cover money can buy.

For this reason, we always recommend World Nomads for travel insurance. They are affordable, offer a variety of packages and add ons, and allow you to make amendments to your policy while travelling. Say, for example, you go scuba diving or hiking a mountain, World Nomads will amend your plan accordingly. It’s a super handy feature that we’ve used numerous times including the time we  trekked to Annapurna Base Camp .

If you need further convincing, read our article on  why you need travel insurance . Or get an on-the-spot quote from World Nomads using the form below.

Alcohol, Drugs, & Parties in Rajasthan

If you’re looking to party, Rajasthan isn’t the place. You’ll want to get yourself to the likes of Goa , Manali, or Hampi . But if you enjoy a few drinks of an evening time, alcohol is easy to find at many bars and restaurants. Just check in advance so that you’re not disappointed when you go to order. 

The local drug of choice is, of course, Bhang. For those of you who don’t know what Bhang is, it is an edible form of cannabis. You’ll find Bhang shops all over Rajasthan, selling Bhang Lassis – a tasty beverage mixed with milk, sugar, and fruits. Or alternatively bhang cakes or cookies. Bhang forms a big part of ancient Hindu tradition, and they believe it cures many ailments. It produces a similar effect as smoking cannabis; however, it can last longer and also take a lot longer to kick in. If it is your  first time experimenting with Bhang , it is worth educating yourself on the effects before partaking.

Social Etiquette in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is one of the holiest and most socially conservative states in all of India. It’s important to keep in mind that what might be socially acceptable in your home country, is likely to be viewed entirely different here. Thankfully, most Indians are forgiving toward foreigners to a certain extent; however, to avoid unwanted attention and embarrassment, it’s good to know the dos and don’ts. In which case, I recommend this article regarding  social etiquette in India , which includes dress codes, table manners, temple etiquette etc.

At the same time, you’ll likely be surprised by some of the aspects of Indian culture. And in all honestly, you’ll probably be offended from time to time. But again, it’s important to remember that the culture is entirely different from the western world, and embracing the unique Indian culture is all part and parcel of the experience.

Stay Connected in Rajasthan

If, like us, you rely on the internet when you travel (let’s face it, who doesn’t anymore), we have the perfect solution. After coming home to too many hefty phone bills and buying countless international sim cards, we were desperate for an affordable solution. 

That’s when we discovered TravelWifi.  TravelWifi’s portable pocket wifi  allows us to quickly and securely connect when we need it the most. Click the link for more information on coverage, packages, and the latest offers.

More on India

Planning a trip to India? Check out some of our other articles to help plan your trip:

• Plan your trip by following one of our One Month India backpacking routes.
• Explore the golden city with the help of our 2 day Jaisalmer itinerary and go on an overnight camel safari .
• Meander the elegant Pink City and see the best of Jaipur in 2 Days , visiting Nahargarh Fort , Amber Palace , and Jaipur City Palace .
• Spend at least 2 days in Udaipur , visiting the Monsoon Palace and Karni Mata Temple .
• Check out the beautiful beaches of South Goa .
• Visit the mystical Hampi ruins and spend some time on the eccentric Hippie Island .

Did you enjoy our Rajasthan Itinerary?

That concludes  The Best Rajasthan Itinerary for 5 Days or More .   We hope you enjoy your time in this magical part of India. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below, through our contact us page. Don’t forget to follow us on  Instagram here ,  where we share further travel advice & inspiration.

Stay adventurous and Happy travels.

Charlotte & Natalie x

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission,  at no extra cost to you.  And we can continue bringing you free travel tips and advice. If you found the content helpful and are kind enough to use our affiliates –  you are awesome, and we thank you! 

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4 Responses

Great informative articles, I am planning my next trip to Jaipur and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Really useful resource.

Hello Remya, we hope you have an amazing trip! Thanks for the comment!

Namaste! Charlotte & Natalie, Thanks for writing interesting and informative travel article about my desert-land Rajasthan and its colourful cities Jaipur the pink, Pushkar a holly, Udaipur the lakes and Jodhpur the famed blue houses and Thar desert.

Your travel articles helps travelers and also people like me who is small local travel organiser from Rajasthan – Keep up the good work. thanks

Hello Gemar, thank you for taking the time to comment, we appreciate your compliment!

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RAJASTHAN TRAVEL GUIDE | Best of Rajasthan without the Crowds

Our complete guide to travel in Rajasthan! From princely and colourful cities to remote deserts, rural village life and tiger inhabited jungles. Make yourself comfortable for a good read of our Rajasthan travel blog – here’s everything you need to plan your perfect trip to Rajasthan. 

This post contains compensated affiliate links. Find out more in our Editorial Policy & Disclosure here .

Rajasthan Travel Blog – Your Complete Rajasthan Travel Guide.

Welcome to the “Land of Kings”. Rajasthan is a true state of contrasts, and Rajasthan travel reflects that!

From desert scrub to holy lakes,   one thing that is hard to grasp for the first-time (or even repeat) visitor is the sheer size of the place. I was fortunate enough to have three weeks to explore the desert state. Even that wasn’t sufficient to get to all of the major sights. I did, however, linger longer in areas that would be easier to pass through in a shorter time frame. I also went well off the path more trodden on a couple of occasions—which meant more travel time.

In researching a state of contrasts, I was happy to find that the relatively well-developed tourism infrastructure is matched by the gradual appearance of eco-friendly options. More than that, were the options which make an effort to connect visitors to Rajasthani culture beyond a superficial level. Thereby creating more opportunities for responsible travel in Rajasthan.

This guide to travel in Rajasthan covers best places to visit in Rajasthan, best places to stay, attractions and activities, as well as mindful and ethical travel in Rajasthan. Our guide also covers how to see a less touristy side of Rajasthan – should you wish to – and tips for ethical and responsible travel in Rajasthan.

ⓘ TIP: Planning a trip to India? Click here to get our FREE India Travel Checklist !

When is the Best Time to Visit Rajasthan?

The best (and therefore most popular) time to visit Rajasthan is during winter, between October – March, with the busiest months being December, January and (sometimes) February. During this time the weather in Rajasthan is pleasant – you’ll be warm under the daytime sun, but it does get cold at night!

An alternative time to plan your trip to Rajasthan for, is during monsoon (mid June – September). Rajasthan gets far less rain – after all it is largely a desert – than other states in India, the crowds are fewer during this time and the prices cheaper. Weather tends to be overcast and humid (and can be humid/hot) so admittedly if you’re focused on clear blue skies, winter is your time to visit.

Stay clear during the months of April and May as temperatures soar and can reach over 50 degrees centigrade…

ⓘ TIP: Planning a trip to India? Join our free India Travel Facebook group here !

Our Top Picks for Where to Stay in Rajasthan

You can find our more detailed suggestions below under each city, but these are some of the highlights for any Rajasthan trip!

Khem Villas, Ranthambhore (High End) – This beautiful, sustainability minded tented camp with easy access to Ranthambore national park and tiger reserve is well worth it. With beautiful luxury tents and rooms you enjoy life in the wild here as the hotel is surrounded by grasslands, but with plenty of luxury, comfort and great service. Check rates and book Khem Villas here!

Jagat Niwas Palace, Udaipur (Mid Range) – Perfectly positioned along the lake, you can enjoy your breakfast nestled amongst cushions as you take in the morning views over lake pichola. More reasonably priced than many of the other lake-side hotels, this palace is set in a restored haveli with plenty of character and friendly staff. Check rates and book Jagat Niwas here!

Castleview Homestay, Jodhpur (Budget) – Get that kingly view of the blue city and Mehrangarh Fort towering above at one of our favourite places to stay in Rajasthan! Castleview Homestay is run by two kind and friendly brothers and (if you get in quick) has rooms with balconies and windows opening towards the fort in this restored haveli and heritage home. Check rates and book Castleview Homestay here!

Planning a Trip to Rajasthan

The first thing to work out for planning your trip to Rajasthan is to work out how much time you have to spend here. Although Rajasthan is “only” one state of India, it’s huge! There is no “ideal” length of time to spend in Rajasthan – you could fit the key sites into a week, but you could easily keep yourself busy for a month here. Most people have round two weeks to travel in Rajasthan, which is a good starting point.

There are a few options for how to plan your trip to Rajasthan.

The first being to travel independently and plan everything yourself. You can travel independently no matter your budget – this option is not only for backpackers! Independent travel in Rajasthan allows maximum flexibility and the best opportunity to absorb Rajasthani culture, local food and meet fellow travellers independently, but it also means more time up front making your own travel arrangements which can take a bit of time. If you choose this option we suggest having an idea of where you want to go first so you know which order to visit places in (see our getting around section below). This is the way we travel.

If you’re a solo female traveller wanting to travel independently in Rajasthan we have some tips on solo female travel below.

A second option is to get help with planning your itinerary, and / or hiring a private car and driver to get around. This has the advantage of taking the weight of planning off your shoulders but maintaining flexibility in how long you spend in each destination, where you stay and how to spend your time in Rajasthan. 

Your  third option is to take a group tour, which is perfect for when you would rather travel with others, have a trusted company take care of the itinerary and planning, and be accompanied by a local guide. We have a comprehensive comparison guide to some of our favourite India group tours here  and recommend companies such as Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, and Exodus. Find a complete list of Rajasthan Tours here. Or compare hundreds of India tours on Tour Radar here! 

One Rajasthan tour that we love is the G Adventures National Geographic Tour, Mysteries of India  Click here for details .

Rajasthan Travel Guide Map

How to Travel Around Rajasthan

Most of Rajasthan is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the North West of India by rail. Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner serve as the main train station hubs, although it’s also possible directly from Delhi to Jaisalmer by train (daily, 18 hours). Delhi to Jaipur takes 5-6 hours. Distances even within Rajasthan are still large to cover – for example the train from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur is 8 hours, Jaipur to Jodhpur 5-6 hours.

You can now book popular train routes in Rajasthan easily (without having to sign up for your own Indian Railways account) on 12go.asia  Click here to book trains in India . 

READ: A Complete guide to train travel in India for visitors . 

Hiring a driver for some parts of the journey provides more flexibility and depending on your budget can be cost effective if a few people share for shorter routes.  Udaipur to Jodhpur has no train service, so many hire a driver for the 6 hour route, going via the jain temples at Ranakpur – or you can take the bus. 

An alternative is to take the bus.  Buses in India tend to be less comfortable than the train, but have the advantage that they can easily be booked last minute (whereas trains may be sold out).

Safe Travel for Solo Female Travellers in Rajasthan

Most Indians are incredibly kind hearted, warm and welcoming, and will do anything they can to make sure you have an amazing time in India. Unfortunately though, there’s the odd bad apple – like anywhere around the world.

If you’re travelling to Rajasthan as a (solo) female, there are a few extra things to be mindful of. My first trip to India solo was to Rajasthan and I had an amazing time, but there are a few things I wish I would have known before hand.

• Despite being a popular tourist destination, Rajasthan is relatively conservative. It’s uncommon to see many women on the streets after dark, especially outside of the cities for example. I chose to mostly go out during the daytime and eat dinner at my hostel / hotel. If you want to go out, ask advice from your hotel or guesthouse and always let someone you trust know where you are going. Stick to well lit, busy areas, preferably with women and families around.
• Avoid arriving in a new place after dark. This can be tricky with India’s train and bus timetables, but you’ll always feel more comfortable arriving during daylight. If your train arrives in the middle of the night, you can wait a couple of hours in the ladies waiting room or busy area on the station until it gets light (I did this in Bikaner), or book a nice hotel and pay a little extra to arrange for them to come and meet you. Make sure you have a clear arrangement about how you will be able to identify the driver.
• Get a local sim card. This is super useful not only for being able to avoid rickshaw “detours” but you’ll be able to use Uber, Ola (Indian version of Uber, recommended), and generally have a way to contact people. Airtel and Vodafone both have good networks throughout India. Get a sim card on arrival at Delhi airport or at any of their stores – you’ll need your passport, visa, and some patience.
• Dress a little conservatively. If you look un-Indian you’ll already be attracting attention. It’s best not to add to that by avoiding revealing & tight clothes. Covering your legs, shoulders and chest are important. See our what to wear in India guide for more below. Draping a scarf across your chest helps a lot.
• Be aware of your surroundings and use your common sense. Avoid secluded areas in general – if someone is bothering you or tries to touch you the best thing to do is shout at them and make a scene, or seek a place where there are families. If you create a scene there will likely be many kind hearted Indians coming to your rescue.
• On trains, choose the upper most bunk and travel in AC classes – read my tips for solo female train travel here .
• Don’t tell men or strangers that you are travelling alone, what your travel plans are, and where you are staying.
• SELFIES. There’s a huge selfie culture in India and you’ll likely have been in Rajasthan five minutes before someone wants to have a selfie with you. That’s up to you of course, but know that guys have sometimes been known to widely distribute selfies with western women and claim that you are their “girlfriend” or other stories. Personally, my rule is I say yes to families and no to single men or groups of men. If they are being annoying I get out my phone and video them. Being firm or ignoring is often the best tactic, or you can tag on to a family for a bit if it gets too much!
• Stay in reputable guest houses and hotels that are available on major platforms such as Booking.com and check your door bolts securely. If you don’t feel good about a place – book a new one and leave, trust your intuition.

READ: What to wear in India 

Of Elephants and Camels

One of the challenges of ethical travel in Rajasthan can be negotiating the ethics of some of the wildlife activities. The negative effects of elephant riding are well – publicised, yet elephant rides continue to be an option in parts of Rajasthan. Camel rides on the other hand, are a much less talked – of topic. In my mind, the problem was this: why am I not ok to sit on an elephant, but ok on a camel? I decided to reserve judgement until I was in India.

From what I saw first hand, the camels used for riding are often not well looked after. The camels that I saw in Pushkar were decidedly skinny, had sores on their skin, and generally did not look healthy. They also all have wooden sticks pierced through their noses to which the ropes for steering are then attached, something that does not seem to be done in other countries such as Morocco. I was told that this does not hurt the camel. All I know is that personally, I’d prefer not to have a wooden stick with ropes attached to it driven through my nose.

On the flip side, the familiar arguments of there being few uses left for camels are raised in defence of camel riding. This much is certain: it brings a huge amount of revenue to the Region and is a financially important tourist activity in Rajasthan.

The happiest camels I saw in Rajasthan were a herd that I saw in desert scrub, completely wild and happily munching at the trees with not a tourist in site.

Whether we want to endorse such activities is ultimately a decision we have to make for ourselves, basing our decisions on what we can see of the animals’ welfare.

Responsible Travel in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is probably the most famous state of India when it comes to tourism, and is the number one region for travellers to India. It has also seen steadily increasing popularity within India with domestic travellers, too. In 2017 visitor numbers to Rajasthan in 2017 reached nearly 50 million .

Instagram is partly to blame, as the colourful palaces of Rajasthan make for exotic backdrops. Luckily, Rajasthan is a big place, and it’s easy to avoid getting caught in large crowds if you have some flexibility in your travel plans and itinerary.

Here are a few tips to help you get the best out of your visit to Rajasthan:

• Most of the crowds can be found in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer, at the forts and inside the coloured old cities. Even here you can avoid the coach-loads if you show up early in the morning (ideal, too as it’s much cooler at this time!). You can read my story about having Udaipur fort practically to myself below…
• For fewer crowds get off the beaten path. Stay at homestays and ask locals for their recommendations on where to travel – see our off the beaten path section below.
• Rajasthan is used to tourism and you’ll find some less-scrupulous vendors / travel agents who will not be shy about making an extra dollar where they can. Bargain for everything and try to research the market price before handing over your hard earned cash. Over-paying for goods does not help in the long run as it sets the precedent for future visitors being overcharged too. Case in point: I found chai tea spices for sale in one grocery store in Udaipur for an  optimistic  250 rupees. It was labelled “tea masala” and was clearly targeted at wealthy tourists. Tea masala should cost you about 20 rupees for a small bag…
• Try to get away from establishments (restaurants, cafes) that are obviously set up for tourists and support smaller places instead. If in doubt, dismiss anywhere serving banana pancakes 😉
• Despite the high number of tourists, Rajasthani culture is still relatively conservative, and wandering around in hot-pants and spaghetti straps will result in more hassle for you. See our tips for female travellers below.
• Rajasthan is a dry, desert state and is rapidly running out of water. Avoid hotels with pools as much as possible and be very conservative with your water use. Turn taps off while brushing teeth, take showers instead of baths, turn shower off while shampooing… etc. Many remote Rajasthani villagers are without access to clean water and have to walk each day to pump ground water.
• Avoid single use plastic. It’s not hard to see, that India has a huge plastic problem. Avoid adding to it. Take your own refillable water bottle and water purification method, or re-fill with filtered water, called “RO Water” (reverse osmosis purified water which is fine to drink). See our recommendations for which water filters are safe for India in the packing section or see our full comparison guide here .
• It’s difficult to escape poverty when travelling in India. Compassion is the best thing you can give and support local organisations that are actively involving the local community in their work and profits (we’ve included recommendations throughout this guide). We don’t ensorse giving money, pens, sweets or anything else to children or adults who ask for them while travelling in India. Volunteering in India can be a tricky business and is not something we necessarily recommend, unless you are bringing highly needed skills.

The Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s best known and loved destinations include Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer, and these are not-to-be-missed destinations on any Rajasthan itinerary. But there is more to Rajasthan than these colourful cities, with alternative destinations such as Bikaner and Bundi being well worth a look for their history and old towns, Pushkar is a must for the spiritually curious, and Bharatphur offers some great wildlife-viewing opportunities. We cover all of these in this Rajasthan blog.

But to understand Rajasthani culture is to glimpse the rich village life and tapestry of Rajasthan. Marwari culture is seen in all its colour not in Rajasthan’s bustling cities, but in its quieter villages and desert camps. I learned more about the Marwari (Rajasthani) way of life from spending time at homestays and villages than I did from wandering the ancient Pink City of Jaipur. In this guide we’ll show you how to do the same, should you want to!

Have you been to Rajasthan and have tips to share with other readers for their trip? Let us know at the comments section at the end and I’ll add them to this Rajasthan travel blog.

READ: First Time India: How to Prepare and What to Expect

Part of the “Golden Triangle” and the capital of Rajasthan, travel in Jaipur was very different from how I thought it might be.

Famous for being the “pink city” and for its wonderful palaces, I’d developed a somewhat romantic vision of Jaipur. The reality is a dusty, noisy and crowded city (even by Indian standards) that is used to tourists with plenty of money and little time to negotiate. The hustle starts on arrival at the train station where you can expect to be met with persistent offers of transport from the moment you have one foot out of the train.

But this doesn’t mean you can skip Jaipur!

What it does mean is that you may be better off to keep your shopping until later during your trip, or if you do shop in the Bazaars of The Pink City, be prepared to haggle very hard. Pre-arranging pick ups from your hotel/guesthouse from the train station is also a great idea, especially if your train arrives after dark.

Where to Stay in Jaipur

I stayed with the Arya Niwas group who have several hotels in Jaipur . Family owned, the hotels are all taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint, and you’ll find a homely feel at all of their properties. Arya Niwas is the most centrally located hotel; I stayed at Tara Niwas in the Bani Park area of the city which was quieter and had a very homely feel. Tara Niwas is about 20 minute ride by auto-rickshaw to the city centre.

The hotel has it’s own front and courtyard gardens, the former is even home to its own set of pet rabbits that have the run of the garden before guests are up! I loved staying here away from the hustle and noise of the Pink City.

Check for rates and more info on Arya Niwas hotel here . 

Things to do in Jaipur

The main sights of Amer Fort (also known as the Amber Fort) and City Palace  are un-missable and the top sights for good reason. If you go to the City Palace it is worth paying the extra to see parts of the palace that are not open to the general public – some of the rooms are stunning. I didn’t go in to the Hawa Mahal—the view from outside was enough for me, and reports are that it gets pretty claustrophobic inside the corridors.

Visit the Anokhi block printing museum , a short walk from the Amber Fort in Amber. Block Printing is a beautiful, traditional Rajasthani art that is fast dying out.

In Jaipur itself you can visit the Anokhi store which sells clothing made from the hand-printed fabrics, or enjoy lunch at their organic cafe. If organic eats are your thing, you can also check out the Poppin Organic Cafe.

Consider taking a tour with Virasat Experiences, a community tourism initiative .

Do avoid  riding the elephants at the Amber Fort. Debates about the ethics of riding elephants aside (see more above), recent government inspections have revealed inadequate housing conditions and animal abuse. Limits have apparently been put in place for the number of rides an elephant can do per day. Unfortunately, the demand for elephant rides continues to rise.

A stay in Rajasthan’s holiest town, Pushkar, was one of the highlights of my Rajasthan trip.

A visit to Pushkar is the kind that turns from one night into two, into far longer than expected. Pushkar does not have any eco/responsible travel qualifications as such, but it is a great way to experience some of the culture of Spiritual India in Rajasthan. Pushkar Lake – around which the town is formed – is said to have been formed when a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma. It’s also the only place in India where you can find Brahma temples. Aside from the odd temple visit, there’s also not a huge amount to do in Pushkar, which I found to be one of its charms. Seeing as its a Hindu Pilgrimage Town, alcohol is not allowed in Pushkar.

An early morning or evening walk around town and soaking up the atmosphere by the lake will give you all the introduction needed to this place. The cafes at Jaipur Ghat are a great spot to sit with a chai and watch the sunset, or morning goings-on.

Pushkar is famous for its Camel Fair each year, which depending on your love for crowds and dust you may wish to come for or avoid. The town gets incredibly full during the festival so book well in advance. Ajmer is the nearest large city with train and bus connections, trains run frequently from here to Jaipur.

The rooftop cafe at Hotel Everest in Pushkar , Rajasthan. Image c. Hotel Everest.

Where to Stay in Pushkar.

There are many small guesthouses in the centre of Pushkar and around. I always recommend over big hotel chains both in terms of having a more personal experience and the economic benefit reaching the local community more directly. I stayed at the Hotel Everest  (above)  which is run by a local family, serves great food and chai, and has a wonderful roof terrace with views over the city.

The “City of Lakes” or “Venice of the East” is branded as India’s most Romantic city. I also found it to be Rajasthan’s most touristic.

Visiting in January 2017, I think I got lucky as the crowds were elsewhere. The centre of the city around the lake has been set up almost entirely around tourism (with most buildings being a travel agency, hotel, shop, restaurant), but that does not mean Udaipur should be overlooked. Watching the morning mist clear over the mountains beyond Lake Pichola from the battlements of the City Palace is a memorable sight. My best advice? Do get up earlier than everyone else for some moments of solitude.

Udaipur is well connected by bus and rail – I arrived by train from Ajmer (5 hours). There are no trains between Udaipur and Jodhpur – the bus journey is 6-7 hours.

Where to Stay in Udaipur

I stayed on the Hanuman Ghat side of the lake – a stone’s throw away from the main part of the city across the lake, and with (arguably) much better views than from the other side. The Panorama Guest House where I stayed is family run and had incredible views of the lake from my room and the rooftop restaurant, but unfortunately seemed to have employed Mr Grumpy as their main receptionist. Millets of Mewar (see below) have now opened a Guesthouse which focuses on eco / community tourism and connects guests to local NGO’s who work on social and environmental issues.

If you have palatial dreams and want to live out the true fairytale in Udaipur, the Taj Palace on the Lake is only accessible to those who have booked a room to stay there (no visits for drinks/tea allowed). Book well in advance and bring a large wallet!

More info & rates for Millets of Mewar Guesthouse here . 

More info & rates for the Panorama Guesthouse here . 

More info & rates for the Taj Lake Palace here . 

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Things to do in Udaipur

The City Palace and a boat trip on Lake Pichola are the main attractions of Udaipur.

Boat trips: The City Palace arranges boat trips from the grounds, but a cheaper option is to go yourself to the booking office on the end of Lal Ghat, from where boat trips also operate.

The City Palace: reports are that it gets unpleasantly crowded later in the day, so go for opening time (09.30am). I walked in through the gates at 09.15am and pretty much had the place to myself.

Art of Bicycle offer tours which are a great way to see Udaipur beyond the lake and the surrounding countryside

Millets of Mewar is a great spot to eat some of the healthiest food in Udaipur – of both Indian and International varieties. They’re the owners of the above mentioned guesthouse and also offer food tours of Udaipur and Cooking Classes.

The Blue City has a real local charm that leaves many travellers smitten. Despite being a popular spot, that doesn’t seem to bother the locals who seem as friendly as can be. I didn’t go to Jodhpur with particular expectations, but found that there is something special about this place. Even the travel industry heavy weights such as Conde Nast have put Jodhpur on their hotlist.

The Mehrangarh Fort is as dramatic as forts come – even in Rajasthan. Towering over the city it’s visible from wherever you are, and many hotels and guest houses in Jodhpur have wonderful views of the fort. Jodhpur’s charms reach beyond its fort however. Once you’ve seen as many blue houses as you can manage in Jodhpur’s old blue city, or reached your shopping limit in the bazaars, there’s plenty more to see outside of Jodhpur. and About an hour’s drive away is the remoter town of Osiyan which boasts some magnificent Jain Temples and a chance to experience the Thar Desert away from the crowds of Jaisalmer.

Where to Stay in Jodhpur

In the blue city, with a spectacular view up towards the towering Fort, Castle View homestay is a treasure that I discovered and did not want to leave. A lovingly restored house located in the blue city, this homestay has hints of moorish architecture about it and is decorated in stylish whitewash with hanging lamps, and boasts a beautiful rooftop restaurant. The deluxe rooms offer a view of the castle without having to get out of bed. I also liked the location of this homestay, away from the main tourist drag around the clocktower.

For those with kingly budgets the RAAS hotel has had rave reviews from the likes of Conde Nast traveller and is making efforts to keep its environmental footprint low. The famous view however, is available from many hotels in Jodhpur, at a fraction of the price.

About 40km away from Jodhpur I stayed at the beautiful Chandelao Garh Homestay, which offers the chance to stay in peaceful countryside and explore some of Rajasthan’s village life, but be close enough to Jodhpur to see the city on a day trip. You can read about my stay at Chandelao Garh in this post .

Find more info and rates for Castle View Homestay here . 

Find more info and rates for Raas Hotel Jodhpur here . 

Find more info and rates for Chandelao Garh homestay outside Jodhpur here . 

Things to do in Jodhpur

As well as being one of the most spectacular, the Mehrangarh Fort is also one of Rajasthan’s best organised when it comes to tourism – the included audio tour is of very high quality.

On the way down from the Fort, don’t miss Rao Jodha desert rock park . In 2011 this eco tourism project opened. The former wasteland has lovingly been transformed into a desert garden, planting species native to the region that require little water. There are different paths / trails to wander along and appreciate the landscape with the view of the fort and city below as a backdrop. Best enjoyed outside of the mid-day heat!

I took a half day tour with Virasat Experiences of the Blue City. It was great to see the old part of Jodhpur through the eyes of a local and discover where the best tea and snack stands were. What left the greatest impression on me was the friendliness of the locals who all had time to chat, exchange greetings or simply a smile. As well as different city tours, Virasat are able to organise responsible tourism trips to small villages nearby for the day.

Osiyan is the nearby gateway to the Thar / Great Indian Desert. From here it’s possible to go on a multi-day desert safari up towards Bikaner or Jailsalmer, or to enjoy being in the desert in Osiyan for a few days. I stayed with HACRA, an eco tourism project set up by a village community.

Often described as appearing out of the Great Indian Desert like a mirage, my personal experience with Jaisalmer was less romantic. Even though it did begin with a sunrise overlooking the city.

Jaisalmer Fort looks like a giant upside down sandcastle. It’s a different type of fort than others in Rajasthan in that it is still a living fort. The old city of Jaisalmer is still home to a few, and houses many visitors: unfortunately the city inside the fort is these days one large tourist trap. The tourism industry is also taking its toll on the sandcastle as more and more guesthouses open and more water has to be pumped inside, the old fort (it dates from 1156) is not able to cope with the volume of water that needs to be drained away. Leading to problems of erosion and subsidence, and the fort slowly ‘sinking’. UK based charity Jaisalmer in Jeopardy has been raising awareness of the problem and the need for conservation.

The main business in Jaisalmer is tourism, and of that Camel Safaris play a vital role in the area’s economy. For most working in the tourism industry it’s all about selling camel safaris and rides. I did not choose to go on a camel safari on Jaisalmer, having already had my desert experience in Osiyan near Jodhpur (see above). You may find that if you come to Jaisalmer not planning to do a desert trip there’s not that much to do – although some visitors seem happy to stay and wander for a few days.

Due to the high levels of tourist hustle here, Jaisalmer was my least favourite spot on my travels around Rajasthan.

Where to Stay in Jaisalmer

Because of the strain put on the fort from visitor numbers and water demands I advise staying outside of the fort in Jaisalmer. You’ll also get better views of the fort itself. There are no eco options, but there are a number of friendly family run hotels.

Search Jaisalmer hotels here ! 

Things to do in Jaisalmer

Camel rides aside, the Fort is the main attraction. The museum / fort palace is a rather poor relation compared to those in Jodhpur, Amber and Bikaner however, and you can get a flavour of it just by walking around the city inside the walls, which are free to walk around.

There are a number of pretty Havelis you can visit such as the Patwon Ki Haveli.

Take a leisurely walk to Gandisar Lake to watch the local goings-on or enjoy some quiet time. 

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore is the best option for seeing tigers in Rajasthan and attracts swarms of visitors each year. It’s one of the only Tiger parks in this part of India (for better and less crowded options head towards Madhya Pradesh) and is famous for its ruined temples which are a spectacular backdrop for the tigers, should you be lucky enough to see one.

Ranthambore has recently come under criticism for allowing too many tourists in (tiger parks have strict quotas set by the Forestry Department that they need to adhere to) and for overdevelopment on its land – of new resorts. That said, tiger parks in India are vital to the conservation of this majestic animal and generally allow for a responsible experience. All tiger safaris are conducted in vehicles, at a distance from the tigers and sightings are never guaranteed.

If you decide to visit Ranthambore, we recommend a stay at the beautiful Khem Villas eco resort .

Bikaner & Bundi

I hadn’t planned to go to Bikaner, but due to train delays / re-routings I got to spend a day here. And I’m glad I did! Not many individual travellers make it here (which is a reason to visit in itself) but the Junagarh Fort has some of the best preserved rooms inside that I saw on my trip. There’s also a beautiful old city to explore as well as a very colourful Jain Temple – Bhandasar Temple. Bikaner is a great alternative to Jaisalmer, with plenty of camel safari alternatives with fewer crowds.

Search for hotels in Bikaner here . 

Update 2018: as of early this year, India’s first Zero-waste guesthouse has opened up in Bikaner! You can find more information about Hara House here . 

Bundi also receives great reviews, although we have yet to make it there.  I would recommend looking into stopping here, if only to see a part of Rajasthan that many visitors skip. It has yet to see the levels of tourism that are present in some of the other towns of Rajasthan.

What to Pack for Rajasthan

Here are some of our recommended essentials for your Rajasthan packing list.

• Sunblock! A sun hat and or scarf to shield your head from the sun is also advisable, even in winter the sun is strong
• Layers: Rajasthan can get really cold in the evenings in winter – it can get down to 5 degrees celsius at night in Jaipur in January! Bring a fleece jacket, warm sweater or light down coat that scrunches up small with you. You can also buy a warm shawl once in India.
• Head torch/flashlight – useful for camping and power cuts!

Clothing for Women – sorry ladies, guys can pretty much wear what you want, so this is for you.

• Loose fitting, sleeved shirts or tunics – We love these ones for women.  Avoid solid white as the dust will spoil it easily – patterns disguise dirt better! Cotton or linen shirts/t-shirts are fine.
• 2-3 Light Scarves – useful for draping over your head / chest – go as colourful as you like! And don’t take too many as you’re sure to buy some there!
• Loose fitting linen/cotton pants for women
• Closed slip on/off shoes similar to VANS / TOMS (that you don’t mind getting dirty!) are ideal as you’ll likely want to protect your feet while travelling & walking around cities, and a pair of flip-flips for hanging out in, too. If you’re planning on trekking, bring good trekking shoes.
• Ladies – Tampons are available in the big cities, but not beyond and are expensive. It’s better to avoid use of sanitary napkins due to inadequate waste disposal and the plastic waste they create. We recommend using non-polluting protection such as a menstrual cup , washable pads , or period underwear .
• Try to bring plastic-free, organic/chemical free soap and shampoo bars , as often waste goes straight into the water. Keep shampoo bars dry by drying them after use and wrapping them to avoid them turning into a sticky mess…

Electronics

• India’s power sockets are a fun mix – including 2 round pin european style, 3 round pin and 3 square pin. So a multi way travel adaptor (or 3) is a must!
• Make sure to bring a power bank for long bus, launch and train journeys

Staying Healthy in India

• First off – not everyone gets sick in India! (Read our tips for avoiding Delhi belly here )
• A first aid kit is highly recommended for India – bring disinfectant liquid, cream, plasters, broad spectrum antibiotics, mosquito repellant, sunscreen and meds for stomach upsets. In case you do need medical help, the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore have world-class medical facilities.
• Travel Insurance! A must for India – please don’t leave home without it. We use and recommend World Nomads .
• Water filtration / purification equipment & water bottle as tap water is not safe to drink in India (but commonly available filtered (RO) water is fine – I have drunk it for many months) – Check out our Steripen and favourite water bottle for travel in India here.
• Alternatively buy a Water to Go bottle + replacement filters – you can fill up from any water source. Use code STB15 for a 15% discount here! 

READ: Check out our complete Packing List for India here ! 

  Have you been to Rajasthan? Where were your favourite places? Let us know in the comments below!

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Here is India's archetypal land of maharajas and medieval forts, palaces and tigers, and kaleidoscopic festivals. Rajasthan really is the jewel in India's crown.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a rocky hill that itself stands 120m above Jodhpur’s skyline, Mehrangarh is one of the most magnificent forts in…

City Palace

A complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the impressive City Palace is right in the centre of the Old City. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh…

Eastern Rajasthan

This magnificent fort comprises an extensive palace complex, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, and is divided into four main…

Jaipur’s most-distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal is an extraordinary pink-painted, delicately honeycombed hive that rises a dizzying five storeys. It…

Jantar Mantar

Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, an observatory begun by Jai Singh II in 1728 that resembles a collection of bizarre giant sculptures. Built…

Keoladeo National Park

This tremendous bird sanctuary and national park has long been recognised as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. In a…

Surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas towering over the lake, the imposing City Palace is Rajasthan’s largest palace, with a facade 244m long and 30…

Mehrangarh Museum

The fort's museum encompasses its former palace, and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. The network of courtyards and halls features stone…

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Wildlife & Nature

Jul 22, 2010 • 6 min read

Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, is aptly named. It is indeed a fabulous realm of maharajas and their majestic forts and lavish palaces. The remnants of a…

Rajasthan and beyond

Fun-n-Frolic in The Land of Sand and Forts with A 10-Day Rajasthan Itinerary

Welcome to Rajasthan, the jewel in India's glorious crown! A state of evocative experiences, unmatched sights and sounds, colours and cultures, history and heritage. The colours of Rajasthan are a sight to savour. 

The kaleidoscopic display of fiery red turbans, canary yellow saris and emerald green lehengas greet you as you step foot in this majestic state. Inviting you with camels plodding over soft sands of Thar, Rajasthan itinerary beckons you to come and explore its myriad sights. 

The glimmering lakes, carved temples and decorated havelis present a glimpse into the glorious past of this state of Maharajas and Rajputs! Rajasthan is a state that will surprise you at every turn and each place you visit, will capture your heart.

With so many reasons to visit, is it any question that this place serves as the perfect destination to introduce your kids to the wonderfully rich past of their country? A Rajasthan itinerary is an ideal way to bond with your loved ones and have a memorable time.

Getting around

You can travel across Rajasthan by air, train or road, and each option is enjoyable. The major airports are in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. Trains connect almost all cities in the state. Highways are in excellent condition and the scenery of the rugged Aravalis and golden Thar Desert, sprinkled with green forests, make for enjoyable drives.

If you wish to drive around the state you can hire a self-drive car from every major city. You can also hire taxis for the same. Prices start at ₹8/km, exclusive of fuel charges, toll charges and other miscellaneous expenses.

What to expect from your Rajasthan itinerary

Enthralling, mystical and historical Jaipur is the perfect place to start your sojourn in Rajasthan. Jaipur is the perfect mix of chaotic streets intermingled with towering palaces. City Palace is the beating heart of the city while Amber Fort, the star attraction of Jaipur, stands menacingly on the edges. This lively city is best explored on a cycle rickshaw or in an auto!

What to see

1. Start your journey with a visit to the enchanting City Palace and learn all about the history of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Entrance fees is ₹35 and opening time is from 9.30am to 5pm.

2. Jal Mahal is a palace built in the middle of Maansarovar Lake. Surrounded by water hyacinths, and adorned with quintessential Rajput architectural styles, the palace is a sight to behold. Entrance is free, however, and now that this is a luxury resort, you can stay for tea and enjoy the views.

3. Spend the evening shopping for some amazing block-print cloth pieces at Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing.

City Palace, Jaipur. Credits: MaxPixel

Start your second day early and continue your journey through Jaipur. Today visit Jaipur's most admirable fort, Amber and roam around the city exploring unending sights.

1. Start your day by a visit to Jaipur's star attraction, Amber Fort. Entrance fee is ₹10 and camera fee is ₹50 for still and ₹100 for video camera. It is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, all days.

2. Visit Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest astronomical observatory in Northern India. Entrance is free.

3. A five-storey high red sandstone structure complete with over 950 windows is the formidable Hawa Mahal. The pink monument is a gem in Jaipur's cityscape. Entrance fees is ₹5 and you can visit it between 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur. Credits: Pixabay

Shop here: Johari Bazar (for jewellery), Nehru Bazar (for some gorgeous juttis ) and Bapu Bazar for everything else.

Eat here: Chokhi Dhani for the most authentic and traditional Rajasthani meal; Ambrosia for some multi-cuisine fine dining; Natraj for some lip-smacking thalis; Anokhi Cafe for some organic sandwiches and home-baked cakes.

Sleep here: Jaipur has some amazing options to chose from. Check out The Lalit for unmatched luxury or Umaid Bhawan for a heritage stay. For more options, check here .

Bikaner is a dust-swirling town where you go for a true Arabian Nights experience. It has the charm of a village, but the facilities of a city. Mostly unexplored by tourists and still far from the hustle of overbearing crowds, Bikaner is a bustling, vibrant city with enough to keep you amused for a day or two. Start early morning from Jaipur and reach Bikaner by lunch.

1. Start your Bikaner exploration with a visit to the Bikaner Camel Research Centre and learn about the various breeds of camels! Also, try the camel milk ice-cream here. Open from 2pm to 6pm, entrance to this place is ₹30. Camera fees is ₹50 and a ride on a camel costs ₹50 per person.

Camels at Bikaner Camel Research Centre. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Start your second day early and spend it visiting the famous sights that make Bikaner a must-visit Rajasthan city.

1. Visit one of India's oldest forts, Junagadh Fort, one of very few that was never beseeched. It houses a museum as well where you can learn about the life of Bikaner's royal family. Entrance fees is ₹50 for adults and ₹30 for students carrying valid student id proof. You can visit the fort between 10am to 4.30pm.

2. Visit Laxmi Niwas Palace, the former residential palace of the former king of erstwhile Bikaner state. Now converted into a luxury hotel, Laxmi Niwas Palace is a true example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

3. For those looking for some adventurous spiritual learnings, head to Karni Mata temple, a mere 32km from Bikaner. This is a temple where the goddess is worshipped right alongside thousands of rats!

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Eat here: Bhujia Bazar for some unmatched street food, Heeralal's for a multi-cuisine experience, Chappan Bhog for the best rajkachori in town (according to most foodies) and Cafe Indra for some good old pizza, burgers and coffee!

Sleep here: Experience the best of luxury at Narendra Bhawan or enjoy some pampering at Vesta Bikaner Palace . For more options, check here .

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan's Golden City, evokes the imagery of the exotic camel ruled villages and ancient trade routes. Shrouded in the golden hue of the adjacent Thar Desert and the high-rise fort, Jaisalmer truly is a city that will leave you reliving the bygone era. It is not just the Jaisalmer Fort that is built using the golden-honey sandstone, but every haveli in town, big or small, is made from the same material, washing the entire city with a mellowed, yellowed tinge. Here you feel like you are forever in the 'sepia' filter! Reach Jaisalmer by lunch, and start your siesta with the city after some rest.

1. Start your exploration of Jaisalmer with a visit to Gadisar Lake. A 650-years-old lake, it is still the major source of water for the city. Entry is free, but the boat rides are chargeable at ₹10, ₹50 and ₹100 for a row boat, a paddle boat and a shikara respectively. You can visit the lake from 8am to 8pm.

2. Explore the narrow streets with renovated houses and havelis , all sporting intricately carved front doors and windows.

Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Start your second day in Jaisalmer with an early morning visit to the Sam Sand Dunes. End the day with dinner at one of the many cafes inside the Jaisalmer Fort.

1. Visit the Sam Sand Dunes and witness the sun rise among the massive desert dunes. Go for an early morning sand dune safari today. You can opt for a camel or a jeep safari. Safaris generally begin at 5am, and include a pick up and drop off at the hotel. A camel safari starts from ₹850/person and a jeep safari costs around ₹1250/person.

2. Come back and go straight to the Jaisalmer Fort. The fort is unlike any other in Rajasthan, with numerous families, businesses and restaurants still inside the fort. It almost feels like another city in there. Entrance fees is ₹50 and closing time is 5pm.

3. Visit one or all of the seven Jain temples, located inside the fort itself. There is no entrance fee, but you are expected to pay a small amount inside the temples. Closing time is 5pm.

4. Visit Patwa-ki-Haveli, a complex of five houses built in the 19th century. The havelis today evoke the richness and grandeur of the century and each room demands your attention as you walk by. Entrance fees is ₹50 and closing time is 6pm.

Jaisalmer Fort. Credits: Koshy Koshy for Flickr

Eat here: Desert Boy's Dhani for a good Rajasthani meal and some traditional performances accompanying your dinner; 1st Gate Home Fusion for a rooftop restaurant and stunning views of the city; Saffrom for a multi-cuisine, fine-dining experience.

Sleep here: Check out Heritage House for a decent family stay or stay at Suryagarh for a real royal experience. For more options, check here .

A sea of blue rooftops, Jodhpur is magnificent. The second largest city in Rajasthan, the blue city takes your breath away with every corner. The domineering Mehrangarh Fort sits atop the city and frames the city skyline with pride. At the base of the fort lie blue houses in all shapes and sizes in a tangle of winding, glittering, medieval streets. Jodhpur is endearing and intimidating at the same time and no Rajasthan itinerary is complete without visiting this rare gem!

1. Start with a visit to Jodhpur's robust Mehrangarh Fort. A magnificent spectacle and an architectural masterpiece, the fort gives you a glimpse into the luxe lifestyle of the kings and queens of bygone eras. The timings to visit the fort are between 9am to 5pm. The entrance fees is ₹100. Still camera fees is also ₹100 while video camera fees is ₹200.

2. Visit five uniquely different areas of the fort, Moti Mahal (pearl-coloured), Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors), Phool Mahal (hall of flowers), Zenana Deodi (the queen's chambers) and Chamunda Mataji Temple (the temple of the queen's favourite goddess).

3. Jaswant Thada, royal cenotaphs built in marble are just a kilometre walk from the fort. You can visit the picturesque location by paying a mere ₹30 as entrance fees. Camera fees is ₹25 and it is open from 8am to 6pm.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

On day two, explore the city at length. Visit the numerous lanes near the clock tower and hunt for the best bandhej (English translation) in the city. Also some adventurous activities can instantly enhance your day!

1. Start your day with a visit to the nearby Bishnoi Villages. Gorgeously-clad womenfolk and charming men in pretty head gear make for some compelling conversations.

2. Get your blood pumping as you zip out of Mehrangarh Fort, through the sea of blue houses and land in the old quarter of Brahmpuri. There are six different types of zip lining available, with the shortest being 70m and the longest being 300m. Flying fox offers zip lining in Jodhpur starting from ₹1,600 for children and ₹1,900 for adults.

3. For those looking for even more adrenaline-filled fun, paragliding in Jodhpur is a must do. Sky Ventures offers tandem paragliding, where you get a chance to see the dunes of Thar from high in the sky! It costs around ₹2,990 per person.

Blue city of Jodhpur. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Shop here: National Handloom (for the best quality rugs and handicrafts), Thar Handloom (for premium quality, traditional cloth and sarees), Suncity Spices (for spice mixes for everything, from biryanis to meats) and Bishnoi Village Art (for sourcing authentic and reasonably-priced traditional handicrafts and textiles).

Eat here: Indique is a candlelit rooftop restaurant at the Pal Haveli serving amazing Indian delicacies and superb views of the fort, Clock Tower and Umaid Bhawan. Jhankar Choti Haveli is a traveller's favourite and famous for whipping up yummylicious vegetarian delights. Cafe Frespresso at Clock Tower for some vegan-friendly and gluten-free organic delights!

Sleep here: The Ajit Bhawan Palace is a great place for some luxury and pampering, whereas the Kothi Heritage offers a comfortable stay at a reasonable price. For more options, check here .

Lakes, palaces, forts, temples and romantic backdrops frame the beautiful city of Udaipur. The tranquility of boat rides in its many lakes, the colourful ancient bazaars, the old-world feel of its hotels and homestays and spectacular countryside makes Udaipur one of the most beautiful destination in Rajasthan. A favourite among travellers from India and abroad, Udaipur has served as a backdrop for many films as well, from Ye Jawani Hai Deewani to the James Bond film, Octopussy .

1. No visit to Udaipur is complete without a visit to the City Palace. The white marbled structure rises above the shimmering Lake Pichola and is one of the best places for an unobtrusive view of the white city. The entrance fee is ₹250 and the camera fee is another ₹250.

2. Inside the City Palace complex are many small and big palaces, museums and gardens, all encompassing a rich blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, medieval, European and Chinese architecture. Do visit the Amar Vilas, Badi Mahal, Krishna Vilas, Durbar Hall, Manak Mahal, Peacock Square and Sheesh Mahal among others.

3. Head down to Lake Pichola and spend a leisurely evening on its banks. You can also take a boat ride on the lake and admire the many havelis , now converted into hotels, on its banks. The cost of a regular boat ride is ₹325 per person. However, you can also take a private boat tour for up to six people, which costs around ₹3,000.

4. After you are done with Lake Pichola, head to 1559AD, a beautiful rooftop restaurant on the edges of the lake and have a tasty dinner while you enjoy the lit up lake and the palaces all around.

City Palace, Udaipur. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

The next morning, begin your day with a visit to one of the many gardens in Udaipur. Proceed towards the old city and shop to your heart's content here.

1. Start your day at Saheliyon ki Badi. It has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants and is a perfect place to just chill under the shade of trees for a while. The entrance fees is a mere ₹5 and the park is open from 9am to 7pm.

2. Visit Jagdish temple, an iconic structure visible from almost all corners of the Old City. The temple walls and the shikara or tower are decorated with carvings of Vishnu, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life and figurines of nymphs or apsaras .

3. Proceed towards the Old City lanes and explore the narrow bazars for some amazing leheriya dupattas and sarees. Also among many shops, you can find intricately designed gota patti lehengas and amazing leather jootis (footwear) and bags.

4. Head to the Sajjan Garh fort for the most beautiful sunset views. Perched on top of a distant hill like a fairytale castle, this melancholy palace may seem in a neglected state, but the views of the city from here are unmatched.

5. End the day at Sukhadia circle. The illuminated, three-tired fountain in the middle of this circle is now a popular landmark. Enjoy street food such as dabeli and pao bhaji at one of the many stalls around Sukhadia circle.

Lake Pichola, Udaipur. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Shop here: Bambino Arts for granite etched portraits and artwork, Hathipole for juttis , Jagdish Chowk near the Jagdish temple for traditional kurtis and leather bags.

Eat here: 1559 AD near Lake Pichola for some amazing views accompanied with delicious food, Apni Dhani for traditional Rajasthani meal at affordable prices, Ambrai for a romantic dinner date sans the kids and O'Zen for decent coffee, cold beer and amazing street views!

Sleep here: Udaipur is known for its palatial resorts as well as cozy homestays. Check out Karohi Haveli for a heritage stay or go all out and splurge for a luxe stay at The Oberoi Udaivilas. For more options, check here.

Rajasthan is a desert state, so summer months here get really hot and it's unadvisable to book a Rajasthan itinerary during this time of the year. However, winters here are pleasant with chilly nights and sunny days! This is actually one of the most perfect vacation destinations in the months of December and January.

How to reach

It's easy to reach Rajasthan from all major cities in the country.

By Air: Flights from Delhi to Jaipur start from ₹2,100 per person, one way. Flights from Udaipur to Delhi start from ₹2,500 per person, one way.

By Train: There are around nine trains from Delhi to Jaipur and the average price of the ticket is ₹800 per person . There are three trains from Udaipur to Delhi and the average price of the ticket is ₹1,500 per person. You can book your tickets online on IRCTC .

By Road: There are many state transport buses running between all major towns of Rajasthan and Delhi. Multiple private operators also run on this route. Alternatively, you can drive to Jaipur via NH8.

How did you enjoy your Rajasthan itinerary? Share your experience on Tripoto and help other travellers plan their next vacation.

Also read:  city mall kota , rajasthan holiday packages ,  Banswara Rajasthan , Bhangarh fort haunted

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The Only and Best Rajasthan Itinerary (2024) – 2 Weeks in Rajasthan!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories RAJASTHAN , INDIA

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I can guarantee you this is the best Rajasthan itinerary out there for planning your trip to India. As someone who’s been to Rajasthan over twenty times in a year, I’d like to say I know my way around.

India has my heart but Rajasthan truly has my soul. Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s my favourite state and I would even go as far as to say; if you don’t stop here, you really haven’t experienced the country at its finest!

This diverse part of India is full of music, colour, turbans, sarees, camels, chai, tuk-tuks, forts, palaces, lakes, shopping, curry and a whole lot more.

You’ll meander from the pink, white, blue and yellow cities and each time you visit a new one you’ll say “that one’s now my new favourite”. Personally, I love them all in equal measure.

Like you, I was not really sure where to start in planning my trip. Where did I begin? How do I get from city to city? Where are the best places to go and when? So, I’ve decided to help other travellers out.

I’m going to take you the parts of Rajasthan worth seeing, how to get there and what I recommend you see and do, where to eat and sleep and some top tips! Here we go!

This Rajasthan itinerary is ideal for the traveller that has 2-3 weeks in Rajasthan.

Things to know before you travel to Rajasthan

To enter India, even if you’re spending 2 weeks in Rajasthan, you must have a visa in advance. There’s no buying one at the border, so be prepared for that if you’re travelling around other countries before landing here.

For the UK, you can get an e-visa application a minimum of 4 days in advance which is valid for 30 days and will set you back $25 USD. But, if you’re here for longer you can get a year visa for $40USD!

Personally, if you’re intending on travelling extensively in India, I would go for the regular  tourist visa.

Not only will this allow multiple entries (by selecting that option when applying), so you can come back and forth freely, it gives you a bit extra time. As, you know, this is India and things take time (you’ll get to know that when you get here).

Be warned: you cannot travel overland to India with this and you must land in the airport that you stipulated on your e-visa. I know this as I’ve been to the overland border from Nepal and have seen people drive all the way from Kathmandu airport only to be turned away.

Getting here and getting around Rajasthan

Flights in rajasthan.

Luckily, as most tourists will be landing in Delhi (India’s capital city) this is right on the gateway to Rajasthan. What this means is, you’ll only have to get a short train, bus or plane ride to get into the state of Rajasthan.

If you wanted to skip Delhi and just head straight on in, you can easily catch an onward flight from the Indira Gandhi International Airport .

Flights to the likes of Jaipur are only one hour away and save time. Reputable airlines with competitive prices are JetAirways, Vistara and Air India. You can search for flight times and prices via Skyscanner .

Rajasthan trains

If you’re up for more of an adventure and want to travel the local way that definitely opts for trains and buses. These are no doubt cheaper and give you more of the Indian travelling experience. Jaipur is only a 3-hour train ride away on an express train from Delhi.

I would highly recommend using Cleartrip for booking all your train travel in India.

Although you pay a premium, it’s worth it to not have to deal with the horrendous government train system. But, you will have to book your journey’s in advance. It’s not a ‘show up on the day’ kind of train system unfortunately and due to the population, they book up fast!

For more top tips on Indian train travel, see my article on India Train travel here. 

Rajasthan Buses

If you’re not a planner, then I would also recommend buses. You can pick local government buses or air-conditioned buses through travel booking agencies that will get you around easily.

The roads in Rajasthan are very well laid so it won’t be a crazy ride. This was pretty much the only way I got around as they were more convenient with bookings. Let’s say, I’m not a planner! You can use Redbus.in to book bus travel.

Have the perfect trip with the best Rajasthan itinerary

Situated a short 2-hour drive from Delhi, Neemrana Fort Palace is the perfect stop to start you on your Rajasthan adventure.

Built in the 15th century in the Aravalli hills and serving the royal families of Neemrana, it’s now in recent years been transformed into a modern hotel by the Neemrana Hotels Group for the likes of you and me!

It has 74 rooms and suites, 2 pools, an amphitheatre for daily performances and is a whopping 14 tiers high! I would highly recommend staying the night or just popping by for lunch and having an explore around. The fort lit up at night is spectacular.

There are also a wealth of things to do in the fort. You can take a vintage car ride, attend the iconic night gala dinner or, for all you adrenalin junkies out there, you can try your hand at ziplining! Neemrana was the first place in India to bag itself a zipline! It’s really an exhilarating experience.

If you want to read a bit more about Neemrana Fort Palace, see my complete review here . For dates and rates, click here.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Next up is Sariska tiger reserve which is a short drive from Neemrana Fort Palace and on the way to Jaipur on the highway! This is where you can set off on a Jeep Safari and be on the hunt for a tiger in the wild.

It’s best to start off early for the morning safari’s which take place around 6.30 am. Although it’s at the crack of dawn, it’s actually the best time to try and catch a Tiger as it’s cooler in the mornings. Alternatively, you could go on the afternoon safari which starts at 2 pm, but your chances are a little lower.

Sariska is located near a small Rajasthan city called Alwar in the Alwar district. You can rent a car or taxi to take you there.

When you arrive at the reserve, you buy tickets for a shared jeep which will take you on a 3-hour safari.

Out of all the places to get a safari in India, Sariska is the cheapest at around 1200 per person excluding guide fees which is a bargain compared to the likes of Ranthambore!

But, you do battle with the fact your chances are much lower here as Ranthambore has the highest concentration of Bengal Tigers.

Luckily, we did get to see one just near the end of our Safari which made it all worth it! It was an incredible experience coming face to face with a Bengal Tigress. It was around 4 pm in the afternoon so we got really lucky.

For more information on Sariska Tiger Reserve, you can see my article here.

After your safari, if you did want to explore Alwar a bit further, you can take a look around the ancient city.

But, I will stress there isn’t much to do here beyond an afternoon or so. The water well is probably the most impressive part of the city and the fort.

If you wanted to have a look around Alwar, you can see my guide here with all the places to visit in Alwar! 

Every traveller that hits Rajasthan has to visit the capital city of Jaipur.

It’s nicknamed the Pink City because of its statement peach paint that licks the architecture. It’s one of the liveliest, chaotic and downright rambunctious cities you’ll ever have the pleasure of visiting in your life and you won’t forget it (or the monkey’s) in a hurry!

I love Jaipur for its history, its forts, palaces, temples and the culture that oozes out of every corner. Make sure you schedule in at least 2-3 days here to make the most of it!

Here you can get a birds-eye view of Jaipur from the Am ber Fort Palace, sit with the iconic gateways at the City Palace, see the mesmerising Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds).

Jal Mahal is a water palace by the lake, get a birds-eye view from Jagah and Nahargarh fort, see the astrological Jantar Mantar.

Please do not ride the elephants up to the Amber Fort, they are made to work long hours and their treatment is extremely poor.

Where to stay in Jaipur

For hotels, you have a wide range from cute little boutique Haveli’s (my personal favourite) like Umaid Bhawan that I stayed in all the way up to the super luxurious 5* Rambagh Palace .

If you’re backpacking there are also modern hostels too like Zostel and The Hosteller  in Jaipur that is cheap, clean and cheerful.

There is a wide range of hotels and so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to rest your head.

Where to eat in Jaipur

If you’re looking for places to eat, drink and party then I would suggest the Instagrammable Café Palladio and Bar Palladio . 

Or, if you’re looking for more of a Rajasthan cultural evening, I would check out Chowki Dhani and try some traditional Indian Thali.

How to get around the pink city

If you’re looking for a way to get around the city in style, I would highly recommend the Pink City Rickshaw Company.

Not only do you get to travel around the city in your own hot pink tuk-tuk, but you will also be doing a good deed by helping underprivileged ladies make a career for themselves.

For more details and how to book, see my Pink City Rickshaw Review here !

Read more about Jaipur

Check out my articles for some more detail about Jaipur;

A first timer’s guide to Jaipur

Pink City Rickshaw company review; travel around Jaipur in style

Café Palladio, Jaipur’s prettiest café

6 reasons you have to visit Bar Palladio in Jaipur

A photography guide for Jaipur

How to visit the Patrika Gate

Why you must visit Panna Meena Ka Kund stepwell

A city that should be on more traveller’s lists in Rajasthan is Bundi.

It’s a small peaceful city that really gives you a taste of the ‘ real India ‘. I absolutely fell in love with it when I paid a visit.

I loved walking through the colourful streets and seeing all the sarees and turbans – it felt like I was walking through a movie set!

Here you can visit the beautiful Bundi lake which has a mirror reflection of the city, The fort viewpoint which has some captivating views.

You can visit the step-wells that create an optical illusion or pay a visit to the Bundi fort and palace which has the most spellbinding colours!

Or, visit the neighbouring city of Kota and visit all seven wonders of the world.

You can get to Bundi by train or by bus. The bus is the best option from Jaipur and is a smooth 3-hour ride. For places to stay, I would recommend Shivam’s tourist guest house .

It’s decorated in a traditional Haveli style with lots of murals and colour. Shivam and his family are really sweet and run a tasty restaurant upstairs on their rooftop serving traditional Rajasthani cuisine. It also didn’t give me Delhi belly ;) which was a massive bonus!

If you would like to read more about this Shanti, Shanti city, you can read my article all about Bundi here .

Another peaceful city that is almost criminal not to leave Rajasthan without visiting is Pushkar. Situated in and around the beautiful Brahma Lake , you will love the good vibes and friendly hospitality here.

To get to Pushkar, you will need to get the train to Ajmer Junction and then a tuk-tuk or bus over the Aravalli hills.

Alternatively, you can get the bus into the Ajmer bus station then switch to a tuk-tuk or bus to Pushkar. You can easily do this from Jaipur or Bundi and the journey time is around 3-5 hours depending on traffic.

Here you can visit the Brahma temple which is the only one of its kind in the world, you can do a sunrise trek up the Savitri temple  and the view from the top is absolutely stunning. You can go for a ride on a camel to the desert or even stay overnight if you wish to.

If you’re here around October/November time don’t forget to pay a visit to the world-famous Camel festival which turns this place upside down. It’s ultimately a festival around livestock but it’s so much more than that.

You can ride the Ferris Wheels at the funfair, see beard competitions, shop for handicrafts and all sorts of bits and pieces.

For a place to stay, I would recommend Moti Mahal which is a beautiful mid-range Haveli overlooking Brahma lake.

For places to eat, you can eat from the amazing falafel wrap vendors on the street. It’s the best food in Pushkar and it’s incredibly cheap.

I would also recommend checking out the U-turn café above Coffee Temple and La Pizzeria which serves up some of the best Indian pizza I’ve had.

If you would like to read more about Pushkar;

10 reasons why you will fall in love with Pushkar

The ultimate guide to the Pushkar Camel Fair

Next up is one of the most underrated cities in Rajasthan that a lot of people skip (hint: DON’T SKIP IT); Jodhpur.

It’s also nicknamed the blue or sunshine city and it’s not to be missed when you visit Rajasthan.

As you wander through all the blue-washed walls you will wonder whether you’re in India or you’ve landed some beautiful fairytale. Some say that blue is the colour of royalty and others say it’s blue to ward off mosquitoes, either way, it’s extremely pretty.

The city is centred around the epic Maharangarh fort which provides aerial views of the Blue city and beyond.

You can also visit Umaid Bhawan Palace which is still a royal residence today and a 5* luxury hotel.

Visit the scenic  Jaswant Thada for a beautiful view of the fort and you can shop in the trendy new area Stepwell square. Don’t forget to pick up a few textile souvenirs at the Clocktower Bazaar.

For food, I would always say that you should pick one of the many traditional Indian restaurants with a spectacular fort view like Indique or RAAS for cocktails. Or, if you’re looking for food on the cheaper end you can visit the famous omelette shop.

Hotels I would recommend would be RAAS within the walled city but it’s quite expensive, or Om Heritage is a cheap and cheerful option.

If you’re looking to go traditional I would also recommend Rani Mahal . Or, if you’re looking to splurge you can stay in the Umaid Bhawan palace – but it will cost you a pretty penny.

To read more about Jodhpur, see my articles below;

A quick guide to Jodhpur, India’s blue city

A luxury seekers guide to Jodhpur

This probably tops the list for me as one of my all-time favourite cities in Rajasthan! Jaisalmer is the golden city where everything looks like it’s been dipped in honey!

You’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to an ancient kingdom and wander around a real-life giant sandcastle. All the sights, colours, culture and the mystery of the desert will make you fall head over heels in love with it.

First up head on over to the Jaisalmer Fort and have a look around the markets and beautiful viewpoints and cafés that look over the whole city.

Visit the Fort Palace Museum to see some of the apartments of kings and queens.

Then head on down to the Patwa Haveli’s to see some beautiful Jaisal carving work and end the evening at Gadisar Sagar Lake and take a ride in one of the swan boats.

It’s almost mandatory to do a Camel Safari in the Thar Desert here and camp overnight – it’s an experience that cannot be missed!

My favourite part of my visit was Bada Bagh. This is a viewpoint with golden cenotaphs to remember Rajasthan royalty!

If you’re looking for places to stay than please don’t book inside the fort. Lonely Planet has now stopped recommending it as it’s destroying the fort year by year as the structure cannot handle the number of tourists that are staying there.

I would recommend Helsinki House , the Zostel there or Suryagarh .

For tasty cuisine hit up the Restaurant Romany or First Gate Fusion restaurant for yummy pizza and dramatic views of the fort. Enjoy a good coffee at Cafe Kuku’s within the fort at sunset.

For more on Jaisalmer;

Top tips for Jaisalmer; discover the best-kept secrets

Important tips for a kick-ass Camel Safari in Jaisalmer

A complete guide for Bada Bagh sunset viewpoint

Why you must visit Patwon Ki Haveli Museum

Saving the best until last we have Udaipur and you will be whisked away with its magic as you walk around Lake Pichola .

Its beautiful breeze is a respite from the Indian heat and the white washed walls add to the glamour of this romantic city. Nicknamed the Venice of the East , this is the city that traveller’s love the most as it’s downright stunning.

Head up to the City Palace to visit some of the most colourful royal rooms you’ve ever seen, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit the beautiful Jal Mandir in the lake as you ride by Taj Lake Palace .

Monsoon Palace is the place to go for a sunset view and it was one of the best I viewed while in India.

Check out the Jagdish Mandir for some Hindu culture and sing along with the traditional dance show at Patwon Ki Haveli. Or, visit the Ahar Cenotaphs below!

From here you can also take a day trip to Khumbalargh fort and the Ranakpur Jain Temple .

Or head to Chittogarh fort to check out one of the largest living forts in India.

For food you have to check out Neelams Thali or splash out by dining in the beautiful rooftop restaurant of Upre.

You must get a hotel with a view Lake Pichola like Panorama Guesthouse or stay on the lake itself and sleep like a Queen (or King) in the magical Taj Lake Palace .

For more on Udaipur;

12 things you cannot miss in Udaipur

What Instagram doesn’t tell you about the Ahar Cenotaphs

Checking in at Taj Lake Palace

After you’ve finished this best Rajasthan itinerary…

If this is the end of your Indian adventures, I’m sure that this jam-packed itinerary will have given you enough memories to last a lifetime and a piece of Rajasthan will always be in your heart.

But, I will say one thing, don’t try and pack too much in. India has its way of taking a looooong time. So, you don’t want to be cut short and have to rush through.

If you plan on spending more time in Rajasthan, you could try travelling to Bikaner near Jaipur! It’s famous for the Rat Temple nearby.

If you still have more of India to explore then you can head to Mumbai by flight or train from Udaipur to explore the south of India.

Or, you can head back to Delhi and experience the magic of the Taj Mahal in Agra . Either way, India has countless amazing places to explore.

You’ll never forget the magic of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is truly the soul of India and, for me, it took a little piece of my heart with it too. India really gets under your skin and you won’t forget this spectacular country in a hurry.

It’s beautiful chaos, a wild wonderous ride and it will whip you up into a frenzy at times but, that’s Rajasthan!

The memories you make will be priceless, the people you meet will leave their footprint and it will be like nowhere you have ever visited before in your entire life!

You have to promise me that you won’t leave India without visiting the crazy, hypnotic, vibrant and awe-inspiring state that is Rajasthan! But, saying that, don’t blame me if you want to stay there forever…

Read more of my India articles

A complete guide for Dharamshala

Why you should visit Rishikesh

Things to do in Manali

The ancient city of Hampi

Why you should visit Varanasi

Exploring Leh Ladakh

North East India bucket list

7 days in Kerala

Things to do in Munnar

Fort Kochi guide

Pondicherry travel guide

Places to visit in Amritsar

Save this Rajasthan Itinerary for later!

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

Hi Sophie, This is very useful information, plus well written, thanks!

I wonder whether you could help us with the following: We are 2 women in our fifties who would like to visit Rajasthan with a FEMALE Indian tour guide in December 2023. 2 to 3 weeks. I guess a private tour will be expensive, so we would like to join a small group, if possible.

Is there any guide or organisation you (or anyone else reading this) can recommend, please? With love from Belgium :-)

Sophie Pearce

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Hi Hilde, I'm glad I could help. I don't have a recommendations for tour guides but there are many out there. I did most of the travelling through India self-guided as I love the flexibility. Sophie x

Gemar Singh

Saturday 20th of May 2023

Namaste! Sophie, Thanks for writing interesting and informative travel article about my desert-land Rajasthan and its colourful cities Jaipur the pink, Pushkar a holly, Udaipur the lakes and Jodhpur the famed blue houses and Thar desert. Your travel articles helps travelers (i can see many comments) and also people like me who is small local travel organiser from Rajasthan – Keep up the good work. thanks

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

Thanks so much Gemar, I hope you're well there in Rajasthan! I miss it so much and want to go back haha! Sophie x

rajasthan tour and travel

Thursday 6th of October 2022

The history of Rajasthan is rich in culture, tradition and craftsmanship, which can be best experienced when traveling through the state. The city of Jaipur is the best place to begin your tour of this region and for those who love architecture, there are numerous buildings and places around Jaipur that offer architectural marvels. Apart from its buildings, Rajasthan also has several important tourist attractions to offer visitors including national parks, hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries.

Saturday 22nd of October 2022

Hi there, totally agree! Love Rajasthan! Sophie x

Tuesday 20th of September 2022

I'm glad you mentioned to avoid the elephant rides at the Amber Fort in Jaipur, but then you shouted out Elefantastic, a 'sanctuary' that offers elephant riding. No matter how well the elephants are cared for, elephant riding is basically animal abuse. Doesn't matter if it's India or Thailand or wherever. I'd urge you to remove the link for an outfit that promotes elephant riding.

Monday 26th of September 2022

Hi Chris, I completely understand your concerns and it is a sensitive subject. There has been a lot of research made about elephant conservation and safety. I agree that elephant riding is not acceptable and it isn't ethical. I will edit my post. Sophie x

rajasthanyatra

Monday 25th of July 2022

Rajasthan is a wonderful place for vacation. It is too famous for its forts and other historical places. we provide bookings for hotels cabs as your comfort. Visit Rajasthan's most attractive place now in your budget with us. Explore Rajasthan with rajasthanyatra.

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

Yes, I love Rajasthan! Sophie x

For Outbound Tours: (Indian nationals visiting outside India)

For Domestic Tours: (Indian nationals visiting within India)

Rajasthan Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Rajasthan

R ajasthan, the very name evoke images of bejeweled maharajas riding ornamented elephants, mighty forts and palaces, and stories of valor romance and chivalry.

• Capital City: Jaipur
• Average Climate: 25°C in Winters & 35°C in Summers
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Major Airports: Jaipur International Airport
• Ideal Durations: 7-10 Days

Rajasthan Travel Guide

“Padharo Mhare Desh” (Welcome to My Land) is a Marwari message for all travelers from all across the world to visit Rajasthan and revel in the state’s warm hospitality and the real essence of India. The land of sand dunes, legendary forts, and luxury palaces, Rajasthan has an enriching history of the various clans in the one half of Rajasthan, whereas the second one is all about the rural flavors of the state.

Endowed with natural beauty and rich history, the cities of Rajasthan like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and more are famed for their architecture and city structure. From the ancient palaces of Jaipur to the sand dunes of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan has a treat for everyone. Moreover, the state houses some of the best structures in the world. The Amber Palace, Castle Mandawa, Fort Delaware, Hawa Mahal, City Palace in Udaipur, Khimsar Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, and Umaid Bhawan Palace are the few on the long list of archaeological marvels of Rajasthan.

Besides creations of human civilization, Rajasthan is also acknowledged as a spiritual gateway. Be it the ancient temples of Mount Abu and Dilwara or the rare yet sacred Brahma temples in Pushkar, Rajasthan gets a whole new range of pilgrims every year.

Through this Rajasthan travel guide, explore the places to visit, things to do, and activities in Rajasthan to familiarize yourself with the people, culture, cuisine, tourist attractions, and shopping centers of Rajasthan. Know how to plan a Rajasthan trip and then, get a peek into the vibrant culture and rich history of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan - The Incredible State of India

Languages spoken in rajasthan .

The main language spoken in Rajasthan is Hindi. When the state was founded, many princely states were combined, which led to the emergence of different dialects. The Marwaris dialects are widely spoken in the state of Rajasthan.

Where is Rajasthan located?

Rajasthan is a large state and is located in the northwestern part of the Republic of India. It shares its borders with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Sindh in the northwest. Also, it is bounded by the Indian states of Gujarat in the southwest, Madhya Pradesh in the southeast, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab in the northeast.

Why should you visit Rajasthan?

If you want to witness grand palaces, ancient temples, savor authentic Rajasthani delicacies and enjoy camel safaris, visit the ‘Land of the Kings’, Rajasthan. Visit here and embrace the culture of new cities and learn more about the states’ famous folktales and traditional art forms.

Despite India being a melting pot of flavors, Rajasthan offers one of the richest cuisines in the country. So all the foodies must head to Rajasthan and try dal bati churma, laal maas, and more mouth-watering delicacies. In addition, Rajasthan hosts a number of festivals, some of them being known worldwide like the Pushkar Camel Festival, Jaipur Literature Festival, and more.

For architecture lovers, Rajasthan has an array of marvels, including Amber Fort, Amer Palace, Jaisalmer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, and Chittorgarh Fort. Wildlife can be explored at one of India's most famous national parks, Ranthambore National Park.

Apart from all this, staying in a royal palace or heritage hotel for a night or two and feeling royalty is one of the best experiences you will ever have.

This comprehensive Rajasthan tour guide will help you get more Rajasthan travel information about one of the largest states in India and plan your trip accordingly .

• Wildlife in Rajasthan - Ranthambore National Park , Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Sariska National Park , Mukundra Hills National Park
• Shopping in Rajasthan - Mewar, Bundi, Kota, Marwar, Bikaner, Jaipur, and Kishangarh for jutti or mojari, lampshades, shields, vases made out of camel hide, musical instruments, blue pottery
• Adventure in Rajasthan - zorbing, cycling, ATV bike ride, hot air ballooning, sand dune bashing, camel ride, parasailing
• Religious Places in Rajasthan - Brahma Temple, Deo Somnath Temple, Jagdish Temple , Kunj Bihari Temple, Karni Mata Temple, Kaila Devi Temple, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, Ranakpur Jain Temples , Dilwara Temple
• Local Food in Rajasthan - Moong Dal and Pyaaz ki Kachori, Bikaneri Bhujia, Bajre ka khichda, Kher Sangri, Lehsun ki Chutney, Churma, Lapsi, Malpua, Ghewar, Alwar ka Mawa, Gond ke Laddoo
• Royal Hospitality - Leela Palace, Taj Lake Palace , Umaid Bhawan, Jal Mahal Palace

How to Reach Rajasthan

Being a popular destination in India, Rajasthan is well connected with the major states of the country. Here is how you can easily how to reach Rajasthan via air, rail, or road-

• By Flight: The main airports in Rajasthan are located in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. These airports operate both domestic and international flights. They are also well-connected to major states in India like Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Trivandrum.
• By Train: To reach Rajasthan by train, take trains to major railway stations in Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. These are well-linked to prominent cities in the state itself like Kota, Bikaner, Alwar, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, and more.
• By Road: Rajasthan has a great network of roads connecting all the major cities within the state and with other states as well. Many national and state highways connect Rajasthan via NH8 to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.

How to get around Rajasthan

From trains to buses, auto-rickshaws to jeeps, there are many ways to move within the state of Rajasthan. There is a well-connected railway network in the state and also regular train services of Indian Railways. Inter-state and intra-state buses also operate regularly, which makes traveling more convenient. You can also use jeeps and jeep cantors (open jeeps) to have a unique experience. For short distances, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are quite famous. Also, cycling tours in Rajasthan are quite famous for exploring the state on your own terms.

Best time to visit Rajasthan

A beautiful state, Rajasthan is frequently visited by architecture lovers, history buffs, and simply keen travelers. It experiences a sub-tropical climate, which is what you need to know before planning a trip to Rajasthan. Let us see the weather of every season in this Rajasthan travel guide.

• Summer (April to June) - Summer in Rajasthan starts in April and lasts till June. During this time, the temperature ranges from 24°C to 48°C, making it extremely uncomfortable to roam around and enjoy sightseeing or any activity. Therefore, avoid visiting Rajasthan during the summer season.
• Monsoon (July to September) - Starting in July, Rajasthan receives heavy rainfall, and the temperature hovers from 21°C to 35°C. You can visit during this time and enjoy a stay at a heritage hotel. It is a good time to visit Rajasthan but remember the heavy rainfall may hinder your plans.
• Winter (October to March) - Winter is the best time to visit Rajasthan. It begins in October and ends in March, and between these months, the temperature fluctuates from 13°C to 30°C. The weather is extremely favorable, and you can enjoy sightseeing tours and other activities to their full potential.

Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Dreamy, magnificent, and royal, the places to visit in Rajasthan are not just attractions but an experience. There is much to learn, look at, and explore while visiting tourist places in Rajasthan. From hill stations to deserts and heritage cities to small charming villages, the cities in Rajasthan exhibit elegance, romance, adventure, and more.

Some famous cities to visit in Rajasthan are Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Mount Abu, Sawai Madhopur, Jodhpur, Pushkar, etc. These tourist places are not only limited to beauty but also have plenty of adventures. And you can feel the royal essence of Rajasthan in every nook and corner of the famous spot.

Things to do in Rajasthan

One of India’s historically and culturally rich states, Rajasthan offers ample things to enjoy. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, an adventure lover, or a history buff, you will find a lot of activities as per your interest. Some of the best things to do in Rajasthan are - stand in awe of majestic forts, marvel at the beautiful lakes, visit the ancient temples, explore the wildlife, explore off-the-beaten-path places, savor authentic Rajasthani thali, and much more.

Where to Stay in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is known for its royal hospitality and rich experience, and to live like a royal, many havelis and heritage hotels have been converted to provide you with the best experience. From ultra-luxurious palaces like Umaid Bhavan Palace or Shiv Niwas Palace to mid-range and budget-friendly ones, you can find a lot of accommodation options throughout the state. These hotels/resorts/homestays offer luxury to decent amenities depending upon your budget and requirements and give you a lifetime experience.

What to Eat in Rajasthan

Rajasthani cuisine is consumed by many people across India and is one of the most flavorful cuisines. Due to the lack of resources back in the day during hunting expeditions, the local warriors gave rise to a whole range of dishes and ingredients. Thus, many lentils, beans, milk, and buttermilk are commonly used in cooking. On your Rajasthan tour, you cannot miss a few foods in Rajasthan: Dal baati churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Laal maans, Ker sangri, papad ki sabzi, Bajre ki roti with lehsun chutney, Onion kachori, and more.

Festivals and Fairs in Rajasthan

The state is cheerful and celebrates all its festivals with much enthusiasm. This gives a chance to tourists to get to know the culture, art, and glaring fairs and festivals. Out of all such festivities, the major festivals and fairs in Rajasthan are Pushkar Fair, Gangaur Festival, Kite Festival, Bikaner Camel Festival, Mount Abu: Winter Festival, Mahashivratri, Holi, Urs Fair, and many more.

Nightlife in Rajasthan

From low-cost drinking bars to dim-lit lounges and exquisite bards to unique dance clubs, there are many options for enjoying the nightlife in Rajasthan. The state is packed with countless options for traditional folk music performances, puppet shows, sound and light shows, a movie hall/ theater, and more lively nightlife. You can have the best time of your trip in Rajasthan at night time. So, next time you are planning to go to Rajasthan, make sure to head out at night and choose to have a blast.

Is it safe to visit Rajasthan?

Yes, Rajasthan is a safe place to travel. It is also a safe place for solo female travelers. Just do not roam alone in quiet places at night, and you will be fine.

How to save money on a Rajasthan trip?

• Travel to Rajasthan during the monsoon as you will get discounts at the hotels.
• Book your flights to the state in advance and take an early or a late flight.
• Use shared or public mode of transport like a bus or jeeps.
• Choose to stay at affordable accommodations like guesthouses or budget-friendly hotels.
• Dine-in at locally owned or small restaurants.
• Explore off-the-beaten tracks to save some money.
• Go on a backpacking tour.
• Avoid buying unnecessary things.
• Visit places that do not charge a penny, like temples, museums, etc.

Rajasthan Travel Tips

• Respect the local culture, the art, the food, the clothing, etc.
• Famous tourist attractions can be quite crowded. If you want to avoid that, visit early.
• If you get stuck somewhere, ask the locals for help, they are very friendly.
• Remember to book hotels and flights in advance, especially during winter. The state is jam-packed during winter.
• If you wish to extensively explore some of the sightseeing locations of popular cities in one trip, then you can plan your schedule accordingly.
• The overall experience will depend on the type of stay you choose. So, choose wisely.
• If any significant document gets stolen or lost, immediately inform local police. Your documents can be misused.
• Do not overpack if you are on a backpacking trip.
• Hindi is spoken widely, but in smaller regions, people speak the local language. So, try to learn a few local phrases for better communication.
• Go with a registered tour guide, if needed. Local tour guides can charge you extra with inauthentic information.

Things To Do in Rajasthan

Art and crafts, shopping in rajasthan, rajasthani cuisine, entertainment, cultural centers, best time to visit rajasthan, forts & palaces, rajasthan haveli, lakes & gardens, religious sites.

• Fairs and Festivals

Rajasthan Tour Packages

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Cities of Rajasthan

• Sawai Madhopur
• Chittorgarh
• Hanumangarh
• Rajasthan Honeymoon Packages
• Rajasthan Family Tour Packages

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How to plan your Rajasthan trip

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Rajasthan , the “Land of Kings”, is India’s largest state by area and it comprises most of the wide and practically inhospitable Thar Desert. Rajasthan is also one of those states that has one of the most historical significances in India. It is home to the chivalrous Rajputs, and its battle-scarred heritage has bestowed legacies of pride and tradition. As an impact of all these characteristics, Rajasthan offers so much to see. But with long travel distances between major sites, a trip here requires careful and detailed planning. We had spent multiple weeks in planning, re-planning, fine-tuning, and finally fixing our trip itinerary. Hence, we thought it will be helpful for everyone to share the plan of Rajasthan trip .

Rajasthan is the jewel in India’s crown. From fairy-tale palaces and epic forts to colourful festivals and wildlife encounters, this is India at its vibrant best. …perfect intro to Rajasthan given by Lonely Planet .

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Rajasthan is also the land of great battles and one of the best places to visit in India , which we grew up reading the stories in our high school history books. The place with its ethnic beauty exemplifies grandness and as the locals sing “ Padharo Mhare Desh ” (English: welcome to our land..), our hearts melt into the culture and tradition of Rajasthan, the Rajputs. With magnificent forts, marble temples and each city painted in its own color, the state also hosts an immense number of foreign tourists with local Rajasthani delicacies as well as western cuisines.

So, in December 2017, we went on a 10-day trip to Rajasthan, and trust me, it was beyond ‘amazing’!! Although there’s a lot to share, we thought that we should start with the most important thing – How to plan your Rajasthan trip . In this article, you will find:

Best time to visit rajasthan, how to reach rajasthan.

• Best places to visit in Rajasthan

Modes of transport within Rajasthan

• Our travel itinerary

ALSO READ: ? 25+ Breath-taking Travel Photos of Kerala to inpire you

Summers in Rajasthan last from March to June and are particularly harsh with temperatures rising up to 48-50°C during the day. That being said, if you do plan to visit Rajasthan trip in the summer, head to places like Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh or Ranakpur. The weather there will be pleasant and the views offered are breathtaking.

Monsoon is a far more pleasant experience, the temperatures tend to drop across the state and the rain showers transform the arid landscape of Rajasthan. July to September is a particularly good time to visit if you wish to avoid the crowds you’d usually find during peak tourist season. Flora and Fauna offered by Keoladeo National Park during monsoon is picturesque and a must-visit if you plan to travel to Rajasthan during the Monsoon.

The temperatures continue to drop once the monsoon has passed, and come October winter sets in that lasts till February. During December and January, there can be a severe variation in temperatures during the day and the night. In fact, temperatures are known to drop as low as 0°C and below. This is the best time to visit Rajasthan as the desert sun is not as intense and the days are pleasant. Most of the festivals held in winter are planned as tourist attractions, with visitors coming in from different parts of the world.

Tip: If you plan your Rajasthan trip during October-February, you should start planning 3-4 months in advance to get good deals on accommodation and commuting.

Rajasthan is a tourist hub and therefore well-connected by air. Whether you’re flying in from within the country or from another one, you’ll find that there are a host of options you can choose from based on your itinerary. The three major airports of Rajasthan are in Jaipur (international), Jodhpur (domestic) and Udaipur (domestic).

Rail is one of the better ways to travel to Rajasthan from anywhere within India as it is both, comfortable and economical. The state is well-connected to all the major cities across the nation and there are several routes to opt from. Overnight trains from Delhi and Mumbai reach most of Rajasthan’s major cities.

ROAD (Rajasthan Road trip)

Rajasthan has 20 national highways passing through the state, spanning a distance of 6300+ kms. The NH-8 ( one of the most gorgeous highways of India ) which connects Mumbai to Delhi is the busiest national highway in Rajasthan and runs through Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur and Chittorgarh. You can very well choose to drive to Rajasthan (just like we did) or hop onto a bus operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation.

TIP: if you are coming from outside India, it might be a good idea to land in Delhi international airport, and then head to Rajasthan via road or rail.

Places to visit in rajasthan.

Rajasthan, being the largest state in India, has the best places to visit . Some of them are Jaipur , Ajmer, Pushkar, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur .

These are the top 4 cities of Rajasthan (click on each to open the individual city guide)

ALSO READ: ? Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh – 7 Himachal Destinations That Must Be On Your Bucket List

There are 2 ways of travelling within Rajasthan.

• Booking a cab for the entire trip from any of the tour operators. The major cities in Rajasthan are quite distant from each other and it takes a minimum of 6-7 hours to reach one city from another, which can be quite tiresome! The highways are smooth and maintained well but will be dusty due to sand and dry weather. Hence, rent-a-car or rent-a-cab for a comfortable ride.
• For solo/couple backpackers or travelers on a long exploration, using autorickshaws, local buses or trains will make it a relishable local experience.

We had rented a cab for the entire trip from an online tour operator. There are a lot of travel operators in Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat who offer taxi service for the Rajasthan tour planner . We were just 2 of us; however, we preferred to book a Toyota Etios for a comfortable journey. It should also be kept in mind that the car you choose should have sufficient trunk-space to carry luggage as you go on a long trip.

Taxi charges in Rajasthan: Taxi fares (in 2018) are around 11 Rs/km for a 4-seater (like Etios etc) and around 14 Rs./km for a 7 seater (like Innova). A minimum amount has to be paid for 250 kms per day excluding driver charges, which is around 250 Rs. Per day. Also, these fares increase as the peak season arrives. So it’s better to get your deal done at the earliest.

Alternatively, if you wish to go on a luxury trip, you can take a look at Palace on wheels, Maharaja express which as the name would suggest, is a Palace inside a train!!

Our Rajasthan travel itinerary

After a lot of homework, many weeks in planning and fine-tuning, we finalized this as our trip itinerary:

Apart from the one mentioned above, here are some additional tour itineraries which will help to plan your Rajasthan road trip :

1. For people traveling from nearby states, a short trip of 5-6 days to Rajasthan can be planned which may include the cities of Jaipur-Ajmer-Pushkar-Udaipur and back. The next trip may include Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner and back. You can even do only Jaipur and Udaipur. There are plenty of things to do and places to see in Udaipur and Jaipur. 2. Mount Abu is at the border of Gujarat and it takes nearly 9-10 hours to travel from Jaipur. So it is recommended to visit the place during a trip to Gujarat. 3. We could not cover the Ranthambore National park, Bharatpur Bird sanctuary, and the Kumbalgarh fort. 4. To visit the beautiful Kumbhalgarh fort and experience the evening light and sound show, it is required to stay at Kumbhalgarh for a night. Also, it can be reached from Udaipur, which is only 100 km from Kumbhalgarh. 5. A 14-15 day trip can also be planned which will be sufficient to cover the National parks as well as the Bird sanctuaries.

ALSO READ: ? Why Bhutan is the Ideal Choice for an Indian traveler’s First Foreign Trip

More travel itineraries can be found here  and here to inspire you further.

We hope all the information provided here will help to plan your Rajasthan trip. Feel free to contact us , in case you need any additional information to plan your Rajasthan road trip . Look out for our upcoming blogs about our visit to each of the cities of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan trip Planner – PIN IT to read later

reference: ( 1 ), ( 2 ), ( 3 )

48 thoughts on “How to plan your Rajasthan trip”

excellent and impressive blog site. I really want to thank you, for providing us much better details.

Wow very nice. Photography excellent.

thank you so much 🙂

That really helpful for me thanks for sharing as an amazing blog about Rajasthan.

Thanks for putting up this informative post. Planning a trip to Rajasthan this winter, and this has been incredibly helpful. 🙂

Thank you so much Dona… we are glad that you found it so helpful.. feel free to contact us if you need any further information.. Have a great trip!

Wow nice…

Informative post.Thanks for sharing this post with us.

Thank you! 🙂

Such a nice and informative post. I have spent months backpacking in Rajasthan and just love this state for its sheer grandeur and majestic aura.

Thank you so much anshul. 🙂

Wow great article! Would be a fun trip.

This is a great place to visit to experience such a rich culture.

Indeed, Rajasthan is rich in culture and history.

Looks amazing. And the photos are incredible, keep up good work!

Thank you 🙂

I recently visited Rajasthan last March and loved everything about it. The history, the architecture, and the amazing people. Your pictures capture the beauty that is Rajasthan. Very informative post.

Thank you so much Paul.. I am sure you would have had a great trip too!

Wow, very informative post. Would love to India soon. Those are great photos. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance you are interested on doing collaborations, you can check out the collaborations portal of Phlanx.com and connect with amazing brands!

Xoxo, Tiffany

Thnak you Tiffany… I would definitely check out the Planx. 🙂

that is a hefty itinerary.

After reading this article, I will visit Rajasthan as soon as possible ! keep it up !

Thank you sooo much.. we are glad that we were able to insiopire you! 🙂

Rajasthan is indeed a beautiful place. It is always in my bucket list. Will visit Rajsthan soon.

Yes, it’s indeed a beautiful places and an absolute must visit for all travel enthusiasts… Cheers!

Such a detailed post on Rajasthan. Lovely pictures. Book marking this post, will be helpful when I visit.

Hello Ishani.. Thank you so much.. we are glad you liked it.. Cheers! 🙂

Well written and also it’s good to have this information while travelling there…!! 🙂

Thanks a lot 🙂

Very thorough content. Im sure there would lots of unique interesting experiences there for many to enjoy.

Thank you so much 🙂

Very well organized content and easy to navigate.

Bookmarking this for my Rajasthan trip.

As always, love the pictures!

Keep travelling!

Thank you Dona! feel free to share your rajasthan adventures on our blog! Cheers!

This looks absolutely magical! would love to visit here.

Yup.. it’s a must visit for every travel enthusiast.

Wow that is so beautiful!

Beautiful pictures and such thorough information. Thank you! Very helpful!

Thank you Stacy! 🙂

Great article. I don’t know why I found it so late. I’m planning to visit Ranthambore this summer. I just hope I don’t scare away the tigers and get to see some ;P . Btw, Mt. Abu is very close to Udaipur. It took me around 3hrs by road.

Thank you Spidey! we actually got a little late in publishing this article. Enjoy Ranthambore.. feel free to share your travel story on our blog with some great pictures! 🙂

Good read .. I loved the way the article captures the nitti gritties of planning for a trip to Rajasthan .. map of the journey route gives a visual clarity..

Quick suggestion: Addition of detailed places to visit at each location would have added value to the article.

Kudos to the ‘Minion-Padharo maro desh’ .. It’s hilarious ..

Thank you Nitu.. we are glad that readers like you appreciating the details.. 🙂 Regarding your suggestion – yes, we are planning something of that sort, and in a visually attractive way! 🙂 cheers!

Nice photography n well written…..

Super informative …!!! ??

Thank you bhaai! 🙂

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Highlights of India: A 1 Week Rajasthan Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Looking for an easy-to-follow itinerary for Rajasthan? Read on for some essential travel tips for this vibrant state!

Rajasthan lies in northwest India and is one of the country’s most popular tourism regions thanks to its accessibility from Delhi (the main entry point for most international visitors), diversity in landscape and rich cultural history and monuments.

Putting together your perfect Rajasthan tour plan? Here’s what you need to know: not only can you visit centuries-old UNESCO-listed hill forts and palaces, you can also explore ancient Hindu and Jain temples, go on desert safaris, taste mouthwatering street food and sail on peaceful lakes – there’s something on the Rajasthan tourism itinerary for every type of traveler!

Because of its proximity to the country’s major international airport, most first-time visitors opt to spend 1 week in Rajasthan, taking in the state’s wondrous sights; however, if you have more time you can easily bundle a trip to Rajasthan with the classic India Golden Triangle Route that also encompasses Delhi and Agra.

Looking for the best places to visit in Rajasthan in 1 week? Read on for some essential travel tips to make your trip a breeze, and a 7 day Rajasthan itinerary that will cover a handful of the major cities in the state.

Quick Rajasthan travel tips

• Best time to visit Rajasthan: In general, India’s peak tourism season runs from around October/November to March. If you visit during the other months, the midday heat can be fairly unbearable, and you’ll need to get an early start if you want to beat the soaring temperature. However, the crowds thin out significantly so you’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons of visiting during peak versus off-peak season.
• Currency in Rajasthan: The local currency is the Indian Rupee or INR. The exchange rate is approximately 60 INR to 1 USD – cash is king in India, and you should get your hands on a few thousand Rupees for the duration of your trip. The good news is that major hotels and tourist restaurants will accept credit cards.
• Tipping in Rajasthan: Tips, as always, are not expected but very much appreciated by people in the hospitality and service industries – it seems that most people tip their guides 1000 – 2000 Rupees per day, and their drivers 500 – 1000 Rupees per day. Obviously there is no fixed rule on how much to tip, so exercise your own best judgment and tip what you are comfortable with!
• Dress code in Rajasthan: In general, both male and female travelers should aim to dress on the conservative side in India. I recommend covering your shoulders and knees, so pack loose pants, skirts, dresses and tops to go sightseeing in Rajasthan. However, don’t let the warm midday sun lull you into a false sense of security, as the temperature can plunge well below 10 degrees Celsius in the early mornings and evenings so make sure you pack a warm sweater or jacket as well. For those going on a morning safari in Ranthambore or another national park in Rajasthan, pack a down jacket and scarf as the wind chill can be seriously bitter!
• Water in Rajasthan: It is not safe to drink tap water in India. You should boil water before drinking or use a water purifier bottle.
• Staying connected in Rajasthan: You can purchase a local SIM card at the airport in Delhi upon arrival, and most hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
• Visa requirements for India: If you hold a passport from one of the countries on the “approved” list then you are eligible to apply for an e-visa. The official e-visa website is located here .
• How to get to Rajasthan: There are several domestic airports in Rajasthan, so you can, for example, fly into Jaipur to begin your Rajasthan tour. However, if you are traveling to Rajasthan state from Delhi then the easiest way is to drive to Jaipur to kick off your 1 week in Rajasthan as it only takes 4 hours or so (and domestic air travel can be pretty hectic).
• How to get around Rajasthan: Once you have arrived in Rajasthan, skip the internal flights – it’s much easier and quicker to drive from city to city. Alternatively you can also take local trains or buses to move around.
• What to bring to Rajasthan: Plenty of sunscreen, refillable water bottle, wet wipes and/or hand sanitizer, a few packets of pocket tissue (for the public toilets), comfortable walking shoes or sandals. I used my Canon 6D for most photos, though these days many smartphones can take incredible travel photos as well. If you are a drone hobbyist I wouldn’t bother packing a drone as India has strict drone laws.

Planning a trip to India? Check out this collection of India destination guides and travel tips!

How to plan a perfect Rajasthan tour itinerary

Rajasthan is a big state with lots of historic cities to visit, which is why you’ll need to be selective about where to go in Rajasthan if you only have a week or two. Getting around Rajasthan is also time-consuming (despite being relatively well-connected by highways), so you’ll need to set aside plenty of travel time between cities.

While I typically prefer to travel on my own instead of through tour companies/agencies, our private tour through Rajasthan was made complete by the knowledge of the Top Indian Holidays’ guide, Yuvraj, and experienced driver, Ravi. A private Rajasthan tour may be right for you if:

• You are traveling alone or with young/elderly family members
• You’re short on time and don’t want to faff around with public transportation
• You do not enjoy group travel with strangers
• It’s your first time to India
• You want a guide to explain the history and cultural significance of the monuments, but don’t want to be babysat and coddled
• You don’t mind spending more to make sure the trip goes off without a hitch

However, it’s probably not for you if you prefer slow travel and have time to spare. I was traveling with my mum and only had 1 week in Rajasthan, so we had to make the most of our time on the ground. That being said, despite the long drives between cities we typically got an early start at 8 or 9 AM to beat the crowds, and were finished with our Rajasthan sightseeing by 4 PM which gave us plenty of time to explore on our own in the evenings or relax by the hotel pool.

There are tons of options when it comes to private India tours and reputable tour companies – I understand that it can be overwhelming. I highly recommend getting in touch with Top Indian Holidays for their incredible guides, helpful customer service representatives and experienced drivers. You can read more reviews from other travelers here or e-mail them at info [at] topindianholidays.net. We have used their company twice so far (a nd already hoping to plan a third mother-daughter trip with them to Kerala! ) – the first time was to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in 2018, and the second time was when we enlisted them once again in 2020 to put together our Rajasthan tour plan to Jaisalmer , Jodhpur , Udaipur and Pushkar.

For those planning an independent trip to Rajasthan there are a plethora of transportation options for you to pick from: you can book trains online in India , or check this website for bus schedules and tickets. Alternatively you can also ask your hotel to book point-to-point inter-city transfers for you, and take local transportation or Uber within select cities.

* Quick note: If you’re a longtime Yoga, Wine & Travel reader then you’ll know that I only recommend services, hotels and experiences that I have had positive personal experiences with. Just so you know, we were paying customers with Top Indian Holidays and I was not compensated for this article.

1 week Rajasthan itinerary

I fell in love with Rajasthan when we visited earlier this year – I had my first taste of this colourful state back in 2018 when we visited Jaipur as part of the classic Golden Triangle itinerary, and knew right there and then that I had to go back to experience more. Rajasthan has a sophisticated and well-established tourism infrastructure which makes it a fantastic destination for first-time visitors to India, and though it receives far more tourists than places like Karnataka in south India the crowds at major landmarks and attractions are still fairly manageable.

In my opinion, the best itinerary for Rajasthan for first-time visitors should span at least a week if possible, as there is a lot to experience and see. Read on if you are looking for a Rajasthan travel itinerary for 7 days and some recommendations on what to do and where to stay.

Note: This 1 week itinerary for Rajasthan covers Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur, and is also do-able in reverse – this is a rough guide to help you decide how many days to spend in each city. Wondering where to go in Rajasthan? Keep reading!

Days 1 and 2: Jaisalmer

Your 1 week Rajasthan itinerary begins in Jaisalmer on the far west of Rajasthan. Due to its more far-flung location it can be a hassle to reach, but you have several options if you are traveling from Delhi to Jaisalmer: either take a domestic flight straight to Jaisalmer, or if there are no flights available you can fly to Jodhpur and embark on a 5 hour drive. You will need at least 1 full day in Jaisalmer, ideally 2 to account for travel time.

In Jaisalmer, don’t skip the Sonar Quila , a “living fort” which to this day is home to approximately 4000 residents who live in the havelis, and operate shops and hotels; visit the merchant havelis ; see the man-made Gadisar Lake reservoir; explore Bada Bagh ; and check out the dunes of the Thar desert . Read this guide for the best things to do in Jaisalmer.

Where to stay in Jaisalmer: Suryagarh is one of the best luxury hotels in all of India – the desert-set hotel was designed to resemble an ancient palace and features elegant courtyards and gardens. Click here to see current rates and availability for Suryagarh Jaisalmer! Alternatively, Mandir Palace is the perfect hotel in Jaisalmer for a truly authentic heritage stay – the palace is more than 200 years old and has been home to the royal family of Jaisalmer for generations. Click here to see current rates and availability at Mandir Palace!

Day 3: Jodhpur

Get an early start on day 3 of your Rajasthan tour and embark on the 5-hour journey from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. You should arrive in Jodhpur at about 1 PM which gives you plenty of time to go sightseeing in the Blue City. In general you should be able to get a good taste of the city and visit the major Jodhpur tourist attractions within 1 day.

Jodhpur features the 15th century UNESCO-listed Mehrangarh Fort , built from red sandstone and visible from almost all corners of the city. Once you have explored the fort, head to the neighboring Jaswant Thada monument before making your way over to the Old City to see the Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell and wander around the iconic blue buildings. I also highly recommend setting aside an hour or two to wander around the bustling Sardar Market , one of the oldest street markets in Jodhpur. Read my guide to spending 1 day in Jodhpur here!

Where to stay in Jodhpur: Ajit Bhawan was the home of the Maharaja’s brother, and is a splendid former royal palace featuring lush gardens, luxurious rooms and a private pool for steamy hot afternoons. Click here to see current rates and availability for Ajit Bhawan Palace! Looking for some other options for your 1 night in Jodhpur? Here are some other highly rated options!

Days 4 and 5: Udaipur

Udaipur is a 5-hour drive away from Jodhpur so get an early start and hit the road. About mid-way between Jodhpur and Udaipur is the majestic Ranakpur Jain Temple – make sure you stop here to explore the 15th century temple as it is one of the most significant temples for Jains in India. The intricately designed temple is said to have appeared in a dream to the architect, and visitors can enter with a detailed audio guide that describes the history and architectural elements. There is a strict dress code so you’ll need to make sure you dress appropriately and cover your arms and legs.

After spending an hour to 90 minutes in the Ranakpur Jain Temple, it’s time to move on to the “White City” or “City of Lakes” – Udaipur is yet another spellbinding city that you must have on your Rajasthan trip itinerary. Unlike the dry desert landscape of Jaisalmer, Udaipur resembles a lush oasis with its seven sapphire-shaded lakes and towering emerald hills.

During your 2 days in Udaipur tour the Ahar Museum ; wander through the massive City Palace ; take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola ; and walk around Jagmandir island . Foodies also absolutely need to set aside 1 night for a wonderful traditional Rajasthan cooking class. Udaipur is also the perfect place to take it easy and immerse yourself in the laid-back, breezy atmosphere of the city. Click here to read my quick Udaipur travel guide!

Where to stay in Udaipur: The Trident Udaipur is conveniently located on the banks of Lake Pichola. The hotel features dreamy traditional architecture and design, and is surrounded by sprawling landscaped gardens. Click here to see current rates and availability for Trident Udaipur! Looking for some other options for your stay in Udaipur? Here are some other highly rated options.

Days 6 and 7: Jaipur

Jaipur is a UNESCO-listed city, one of the top places to visit in India and a permanent fixture on the Rajasthan tour itinerary. If you’ve visited India before and toured the Golden Triangle that spans Delhi, Agra and Jaipur then you may have already explored the Pink City; that being said, this magical destination is one of those places that you’ll want to re-visit time and time again.

The city’s nickname is derived from the fact that a large portion of the city was painted a unique shade of pastel pink to welcome the Prince of Wales from Britain in the late 19th century. Jaipur has a dozen-or-so must-see landmarks and attractions: don’t miss the splendid City Palace ; tour the hilltop Amer Fort ; watch the sunset from Nahargarh Fort ; see the glittering Jal Mahal lake palace; explore the intricate astrological instruments at Jantar Mantar ; and check out the Hawa Mahal’s facade. Read my guide to spending 2 days in Jaipur!

Where to stay in Jaipur: The ITC Rajputana is one of the best luxury hotels in Jaipur offering spacious rooms, a poolside bar and mesmerizing evening cultural performances. Click here to book your stay at the ITC Rajputana , or click here for other highly rated hotels in Jaipur !

After your whirlwind 1 week in Rajasthan you can head back to Delhi via expressway in just over 4 hours.

2 weeks in Rajasthan

You can experience some of the best of Rajasthan state’s beauty and heritage in a week. Looking to spend more time in Rajasthan and want to cover even more ground? I don’t blame you! Here are some additional destinations that you might want to add to your Rajasthan itinerary!

Ranthambore National Park: Ranthambore National Park is approximately 3 hours away from Jaipur. This wildlife reserve is one of the biggest national parks in India, and is popular with visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of an Asian tiger in the wild.

Chittogarh : The Chittor Fort or Chittorgarh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest in India. The fort is approximately 3 hours away from Udaipur and is “ strongly associated with Rajput history and folk lore. Furthermore the sheer number and variety of architectural remains of early date (ranging from the 8th to the 16th centuries) mark it as an exceptional fort in its scale and monumentality comparable to very few other Indian forts. ”

Kumbhalgarh : Kumbhalgarh, or the Kumbhal Fort , is the second most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the region. Located about 2 hours from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh dates back to the 15th century and features fascinating ruins as well as a 30-plus-kilometre stretch of wall.

Bikaner: Bikaner is on the far northwest of Rajasthan known for its array of opulent forts and palaces. It’s believed that the founder of Bikaner, Bikaji, established the city after leaving his father – the founder of Jodhpur.

Pushkar: Pushkar is a small, religious hub and a popular destination for hippies from India and beyond. The sacred city is dominated by Pushkar Lake and its 50-plus ghats that devotees use for religious rituals including cremation, and is also known for being home to one of the only Brahma temples in the world. Pushkar is also well known for the annual Pushkar Camel Fair that attracts camel and cattle traders from around the country. As the city is sacred, no alcohol and meat is served.

The city is about 3 hours west from Jaipur or 5 hours north from Udaipur. A word of warning: be mentally prepared for severe hassling in Pushkar as scam artists run rampant – it can be exhausting when you can’t walk 100 metres without someone trying to tie a bracelet to your wrist or sell you a trinket.

Ready to go sightseeing in Rajasthan? I hope this 1 week Rajasthan itinerary helps you plan your trip more efficiently – it is a massive state and you will be absolutely enchanted by the sights and sounds of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and beyond.

You might also find these guides helpful:

• Want to embark on the classic Golden Triangle route? Read this  India Golden Triangle guide and itinerary
• You might also want to head south to explore the state of Karnataka. Here are some of the best places to visit in Karnataka
• Head on over here  for even more India travel tips and destination guides

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An Honest Rajasthan Travel Guide: What to See & What to Skip

This post may contain affiliate links. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. I don’t endorse any services I don’t personally use or recommend.

This Rajasthan travel guide is the “need to know info” without all the fluff. Rajasthan is the most visited state in India and therefore one of the most written-about travel destinations in the world. Even people spending a week in India (an absolutely wild endeavor) choose to explore Rajasthan 9 times out of 10. 

The truth is…not everything is worth your time and money in Rajasthan. With every single city boasting ancient forts, a handful of temples, and trinket markets your day-to-day can get monotonous and slowly it all starts to blur together.

Obviously, this post is filled with my own personal opinions— but objectively some forts are just prettier than others. Traveling in Rajasthan should be about *experiencing* (and eating) not just seeing and photographing. Your time WILL NOT be best spent seeing everything there is to see in Rajasthan. It’s easy to get sucked into a huge to-do list of sights in each city because most blog posts outline everything you could possibly do rather than telling you what they think is actually worth it . 

People who love Rajasthan often see less — not more. 

The purpose of this quick Rajasthan travel guide is to help you determine what to see and what to skip. Because your time in India is limited and there are so many more regions you could add to your itinerary. 

Rajasthan Travel Guide: What to See + What to Skip

For easy digestion— I’ll go city by city starting with Udaipur. This is the closest destination to Mumbai (one of the main International Airports in India). But if you’re coming from Delhi, you’ll do these destinations in the reverse order. 

The one thing missing from this Rajasthan Travel Guide is where to eat! I actually wrote an entirely separate “ Best Places to Eat in Rajasthan ” post. I included a few really exceptional or unique eats on this Rajasthan travel guide but hit that post for all the rest!

Udaipur (See) 

This is the cleanest, calmest, and most relaxing version of India. Udaipur is the city that even those who hate India can love. That doesn’t mean it’s clean or quiet by any means, it is still India after all, but it’s a beginner-level India that’s comfortable enough for all solo women and new travelers. 

Temperatures are mild here, unlike the vast desert regions of Rajasthan, and that makes wandering the many lakes and palaces the city is known for easy. Udaipur’s biggest flaw is its food scene. Or lack thereof. You have to really depart from the trodden tourist areas here to get any kind of culinary experience.

Udaipur “Wow” factor: 10/10 

Ideal Number of Days in Udaipur: 3 days 

Important things to consider for udaipur.

• Udaipur is a great place to shop. Places to choose from are plentiful and the vendors are much more reasonable and willing to haggle. 
• Rooftops are a big deal in Udaipur. The city is best viewed from a roof near the main lake — or within the old city. I highly recommend you choose a hotel with a rooftop restaurant to enhance your experience in the city. My favorite mornings were spent with a scenic sunrise breakfast. 

Best Guesthouses with a Roof-Top View

Madri Haveli

The Kesar Niwas

Must See Destinations in Udaipur

Sunrise or sunset destinations: royal cenotaphs & bahubadi hills. .

Both these destinations require a rickshaw ride. 

The Royal Cenotaphs are technically closed to the public. But for a small bribe the guard who is always there is more than happy to open the gate for you. This is very typical in India. Here are a few other places you should make a point to visit during your stay.

• City Palace 
• Jagdish Temple 
• Wander across the bridges near the ghats to the other side of the city. 

Getting from Udaipur to Jodhpur 

Bus is the only option and you can expect it to take around 5.5 hours.

Booking transportation in India is a NIGHTMARE. It’s my single least favorite thing about the country. I started using 12.goAsia for buses just so I wouldn’t have to deal with all the touts overinflating the price. Definitely read my Beginner’s Guide to India for more tips on booking buses and trains within the country.

Jodhpur (See) 

The “not-so-blue-city”. If you’re visiting because of the bright blue Instagram shots the city is famous for, you’re probably gonna be disappointed. But if you’re visiting to enjoy incredible views of one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan, savor a truly ancient city with great street food, and relax at a scenic stepwell then maybe Jodhpur is for you! 

Jodhpur “Wow” factor: 9/10 

Ideal number of days in jodhpur: 2 days .

Obviously, a few extra days in the city would allow you to spend some time relaxing and uncover some hidden gems in this sprawling Indian city. But this is just a general guide for those on a time crunch in India.

Important Things to Consider for Jodhpur

• Choose a place to stay with rooftop views of the fort. This is one of the best parts of the city. 
• The city is not all that blue outside one small corner. If you’re hoping for blue then you should book a stay at the very simple but comfortable and cheap Cosy Guesthouse. 
• You’ll have to haggle at an expert level here. It’s not an ideal place for rickshaw rides or shopping. 
• It is most definitely the desert. This means you’ll want to do most exploring in the morning and evening when temps are low. 

Must Visit Destinations in Jodhpur 

• Clocktower Market in the evening. Just be prepared for chaos. 
• Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell. It’s empty early morning. But midday people sometimes leap from the high point into the well. 
• Mehrangarh Fort. This is one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan and is definitely on my must-see list. 

Sunrise or sunset destinations:  Photography Point for Sunrise (technically closed to visitors— but I have a blog for that ).

Potential skip destinations in jodhpur.

• Jaswant Thada. If you do my semi-illegal sunrise hike (linked above and below) you’ll see it from the best view. The inside is not all that impressive. 
• Pachiaga Hill sunrise point. Again not as good as my spot but a decent alternative if you aren’t up for a sneaky adventure. 
• Mandore Gardens. It’s a bit far out of town and the “gardens” are really just some ancient-looking temples. It’s very pretty and a great place to see LOTS of Hanuman Langurs up close if that interests you. 

My biggest disappointment about Jodhpur and honestly, much of Rajasthan, was the amount of sewage and trash everywhere. Sanitation is basically at 1800s levels. I suppose when you visit 500-year-old cities that’s to be expected, but it’s still worth noting. 

How to get from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer 

Bus or Train (bus is cheaper). A/C is probably a must since you’re going between deserts. The journey will take at least 6 hours. If you want to book a train you can use my Beginner’s Guide to Travel in India. (*Coming Soon*)

Jaisalmer (Skip) 

Jaisalmer is where I began to distrust many of my fellow bloggers in India. A quick Google of the city returned countless 2-3 day itineraries and glowing reviews of the golden city. But I was disappointed shortly after arrival. 

Jaisalmer is a tiny desert city near the border of Pakistan. Its main attractions are the camel safaris into the semi-nearby Thar desert and the large “living fort” in the center of the town. We have been blessed to experience camel rides and one of the most impressive deserts in the world during a recent trip to Wadi Rum, Jordan . Based on the shaggy scrubland desert of India filled with sickly-looking camels and garbage…we assumed we would be let down by a “safari”. Most of these tours include visits to local villages and song/dance performances at camp that we were not keen to participate in. So, we skipped it. And I don’t regret that. That left us to explore the town of Jaisalmer itself. But there is very little of any value or cultural significance here. 

Why we didn’t love the city…

The fort is little more than one giant tourist market. It does have people living in it, yes, but I have never seen more group tours and pushy trinket shops in one small area than in Jaisalmer. The “Jain temple” requires a 250 rupee entrance fee which after visiting the holy city of Palitana (home to the most impressive and stunning Jain temples in India) I was immediately suspicious of. When the “holy men” inside were seen sweeping up insects and not wearing the traditional Jain monk attire of white robes, I suspected this was not a functional temple and these weren’t devout Jain followers. When each one then asked for “donation” in a demanding and expectant way and put the money directly into their pocket…this theory was confirmed. Jaisalmer was overall a huge letdown. Yes, the fort is pretty and gold. But that’s not worth the massive detour required to reach the city. 

If you are not going to do a camel safari to sleep overnight in the desert, I do not recommend adding the city to your itinerary. Also, you’ll find better camel experiences in other parts of the world—both ethically and scenically. 

Jaisalmer “Wow” factor: 4/10 

Ideal number of days in jaisalmer: 0 days , getting from….

Jaisalmer to Bikaner

If you found yourself in Jaisalmer…

Jodhpur to Bikaner

If you take my advice and skip Jaisalmer…

Bikaner (See) 

Considered by many travelers to be “off the beaten track,” Bikaner is often left off visitor’s itineraries. Admittedly, it doesn’t have a wide array of attractions but the few that it does have are unique enough to warrant a visit. 

Another perk of Bikaner is it is small. It’s quiet. The streets are decidedly less chaotic than other Rajasthan destinations. It’s a good place to take a breather. 

Bikaner “Wow” factor: 7/10 

Ideal Number of Days in Bikaner: 1-2 days 

Must-see attractions in bikaner .

These 4 attractions are truly unique in Bikaner. They make the small city well worth visiting. 

• Rampuria Havelli.  A stunning red Haveli on narrow streets.
• Seth Bhandasar Jain Temple.  A very cool Jain temple with a foundation made of Ghee. (You can’t see it, just smell it.)
• ICAR Camel Center. 
• Shree Karni Mataji Temple (Rat Temple).  It’s exactly as it sounds. A little gross, but so interesting.
• Tanvi Cafe. This restaurant inside a family home is definitely worth a mention and was my favorite place to eat in Bikaner.

What to Skip in Bikaner 

• Junagarh Fort. It’s just not as impressive as the other forts of Rajasthan for the price. 

Where to Stay in Bikaner: The Prince Haveli (Walk-ups Welcome)

Getting from bikaner to pushkar.

This route is best serviced by bus. Transport options between the two destinations are limited.

Pushkar (See or Swap with Bundi) 

A placid lakeside holy city, Pushkar is another *maybe* for most itineraries. From what I can tell it has two purposes and one truly worthwhile attraction. For starters, Pushkar is one of the best places to purchase souvenirs. The entire city is basically one long street crowded with local shops charging some of the lowest prices in Rajasthan. We bought rings for $3, a thick woven shawl for $6, and a brightly colored pashmina for $6. The other reason to visit is the laid-back atmosphere. It’s a small town and has far less traffic than even other small cities on this list like Bikaner. 

I think the main reason most of us like Pushkar is that it offers a scenic place to relax in Rajasthan with pretty lake views. 

Pushkar “Wow” Factor: 7/10

Ideal number of days in pushkar: 2 days , important things to consider in pushkar .

• Don’t accept any offerings from “holy men” by the lake. They are trying to extort money from you. If they follow you to the water just tell them you aren’t going to pay them and they will disappear rapidly. 
• There is no meat or alcohol allowed in the city limits. It’s a holy city.
• You’ll have to take your shoes off within 30 feet of the lake. Again— holy city = holy lake. 

Guesthouse of Choice in Pushkar

Hotel rising star..

Not only was the room comfortable, the food home-cooked and affordable, it was also close to the local bus station and walkable to everything in town. 

Must See Attractions in Pushkar 

Sunset or sunrise: savitri devi temple..

This was the only attraction we loved in Pushkar. You can either walk the staircase to the summit for free for panoramic sunset views or ride the ropeway for 150 rupees (ticket for both ways), which is about $1.80 at this time. We rode it up and walked down because we were feeling lazy. There are loads of monkeys at the top but they didn’t seem too concerned with people. It’s also less than a mile from town so it’s another lovely walk. No rickshaw needed. 

What to Skip in Pushkar

I mean, if you’re here maybe you don’t have to skip it BUT I would not label any of these things as “must-see”. 

• Brahma Temple. Pretty underwhelming. But I understand it is one of the only temples dedicated to Brahma. 

Getting From Pushkar to Jaipur

This one is a short ride (for India) and is easily done on a bus.

Bundi (See or Swap with Pushkar) 

Bundi is another remote, lakeside, slow-moving destination. It’s big perk— VERY few visitors. Consider it a little like Pushkar without all the tourist markets. It has some beautiful old temples and it’s much greener than the rest of Rajasthan. 

We chose Pushkar over Bundi for our Rajasthan travel guide although I feel that either place is a great addition to your itinerary. But you *probably* don’t need to visit both. 

Bundi “Wow” Factor: 7/10

Ideal number of days in bundi: 2 days .

Since I haven’t personally visited Bundi, I’m going to leave the recommendations to other blogs.

Jaipur (See) 

Jaipur is like Delhi in that it is such an astronomically huge city you would be a fool to pretend you know the best places to eat and visit after a week-long stay. And most people stay far less than that. Known as the “pink city” although again — keep in mind this is really just referencing a very small historic neighborhood of the mega-city, Jaipur is a must-see on most travelers’ list because there are many things to do in the area. It is part of the Golden Triangle of India. 

But just because there are a lot of sights doesn’t mean they are worthwhile to visit and shell out the cash. In fact, Jaipur is the perfect example of why you should pick and choose your attractions rather than committing to seeing everything. 

Where to Stay in Jaipur

One thing is 100% certain though. You NEED to stay at Home of the World Guesthouse. It is one of the best guesthouses we have ever stayed at. The host is the warmest most helpful man in India. You get free chai, free family-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner AND it’s a really friendly communal atmosphere, unlike most guesthouses with private rooms. We met the best people there. Including the family who runs the place. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Sometimes they aren’t taking reservations on booking.com but feel free to book them on other sites like Agoda.

Luxury Stay + Day Trip in Jaipur

My other BIG suggestion if you have the budget for it— go visit Dera Amer Wilderness Camp for a luxury overnight glamping stay or a quick walk/lunch at their elephant sanctuary. It’s a great way to support happy elephant lives, see some elephants, and enjoy the serene nature of the 180-acre property. It was my favorite thing we did in Jaipur. 

Jaipur City “Wow” Factor: 7/10

If you visit dera amer : 10/10 , ideal number of days in jaipur: 2-3 days , important things to know for jaipur .

• It’s the most expensive city on this list. 
• It’s also known for the most scams in Rajasthan. 
• You DO NOT want to stay inside the pink city portion of the city. It’s way too chaotic and loud to actually get any sleep. 
• You do however want to stay in the northeastern-ish portion of Jaipur because the city is massive and attractions are so far apart. Home of the world was in the perfect position. 

Must see in Jaipur 

• Hawa Mahal. Lives up to the hype and gives you a chance to see the true pink portion of the city. We didn’t pay to go inside, just stood on the street and looked at it. 
• Amer Fort/Amber Fort. But only from the outside. It’s set on the hillside and really impressive but the inside is totally abandoned and empty. A real disappointment after paying 500 rupees. This is also where they offer elephant rides and have all the sad captive elephants. Please don’t support that. 
• Do hike up to the wall behind it for the best sunset view, however. You can get up onto the wall near the stepwell. Specifically at Kheri Gate. Just climb on top and follow the wall up the mountain.
• Raj Mandir Cinema for a real Bollywood film. 
• Dera Amer Wilderness Camp.
• Patricka Gate. Just go early in the morning before the crowds. 
• The Little Coffee Shop. This became a favorite spot of ours and the coffee is exceptionally good. Not the cheapest at $2 a latte — but totally worth it for those of you missing real coffee at this point. 

I highly recommend joining the Home of the World day tour if you want to see *all* the sights in Jaipur. It’s 1,500 rupees per person (~$18) and unless you plan on taking 5 days and 1-hour bus rides to each place in Jaipur you won’t save much by doing it yourself. You’ll also have the added context of explanations and get to make friends with people at the guesthouse. I don’t recommend tours unless I know they are going to be great. Home of the world tours are. They also have cooking classes if that’s more your thing. 

Places in Jaipur to Skip

• Monkey Temple or Galta Ji Temple.  It’s expensive, far away, poorly maintained and the monkeys are mean to each other. 
• City Palace. The one in Udaipur is more impressive. If you aren’t going to Udaipur then consider it. 
• Going inside Amber Fort. Horrible. Not worth it. 
• Museums. Unless that’s your thing. 
• Block Printing Factory. People will try to get you to go here. It’s a scam.

Getting From Jaipur to Agra

You can easily take a train from Jaipur to Agra (and yes, you want to visit Agra before Delhi). But if you do want to take a bus that you can book online…

Rajasthan Travel Guide: My Recommended Itinerary 

Rajasthan is in no way my favorite part of India. But it is an important historical region that most travelers cannot pass up. I’m not advocating anyone skip Rajasthan, just that they limit the time spent in the region since it’s mostly chaotic cities. I think most travelers can get away with this quick 12-ish day itinerary before moving on to other regions. 

3 days in Udaipur, 2 days in Jodhpur, 2 days in Bikaner, 2 days in Pushkar, 3 days in Jaipur.

Those who have more time and love cities ( this is really the key here ) feel free to add more.

Overall, I spent nearly 2 months in Rajasthan and I am NOT a city person. The reason I tell travelers that they should opt for a quick trip to Rajasthan (or as quickly as possible) is because the trash-filled crowded cities of India can leave you feeling jaded very quickly. India is an incredible destination. There’s nowhere else like it in the world. But it’s also an overwhelming destination for those not accustomed to the sheer volume.

Save This Rajasthan Travel Guide For Later!

Further Reading...

Wagah Border Crossing Tips (India to Pakistan on Foot)

A Beginner’s Guide to India: Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors  

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Prapti Sharma

This Rajasthan travel guide cuts through the clutter, providing essential insights without the fluff. As the top destination in India, Rajasthan can be overwhelming. This guide is a lifesaver, helping travelers navigate the myriad forts and temples, ensuring your time and money are well-spent. A must-read for anyone exploring this enchanting state!

Thank you so much for writing this article. Super helpful for first time travelers to India like me!

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• India Tourism
• rajasthan tourism

Rajasthan Tourism Guide

India’s most colourful destination is found in its desert state, Rajasthan. With a unique geography, a long-lasting royal history and a vibrant local culture, it is truly one of the country’s gems when it comes to tourism for national and international visitors alike. A Rajasthan tour can take you anywhere from lively bazaars to epic sand dunes to exquisite forts and palaces, from one town to the next. And not to mention the wildlife spotting opportunities, monuments to go sightseeing and a host of spirited festivals that will leave you thrilled.

If you’re looking for to experience the royal treatment, there’s no place better in all of India than the land of Maharajas. Spend your days by a sunny lake, under symmetrical palace archways, watching over brightly painted towns, on a lively jungle safari and devouring generations-old recipes. While nights couldn’t be any better, soaking in a folk performance or dining al fresco under a canopy of stars. Rajasthan tourism promises to leave you feeling enchanted, enlightened and full of eclectic experiences to carry back home.

Rajasthan has thrived as a tourist destination in India, and every third foreign visitor to India visits Rajasthan. Rajasthan is known worldwide for its fascinating culture, ancient craftsmanship, and royal elegance. Use this Rajasthan tourism guide to explore the tourism in Rajasthan and plan your next vacation here.

Rajasthan Overview

Rajasthan geography.

The state of Rajasthan is located between the Thar Desert and the Aravalli Mountains, making it one of India’s standout geographies. Its capital is Jaipur, which along with six other cities make up its main provinces. These are then further divided into thirty-three districts. Geography has played a big part in shaping the state in almost all spheres of life, as you’ll discover to your delight on a Rajasthan tour.

Head out to the sand dunes and you can do everything from camel riding or dune surfing by day and camping under the stars at night. Visit the jungles and you’ll see beautiful creatures big and small. Look up craggy hillsides and you’ll see beautiful forts clinging on. And discover reflections of this colourful state, no matter which of its lakes you peer into.

As the largest state in India, Rajasthan has more physically diverse areas than any other state. There are rolling dunes in the west rocky mountains in the middle and fertile plains in the east. Tourism in Rajasthan capitalizes on these geographical features.

In the state, surface water resources are only about 1% of the total surface water resources in the country, making it one of the driest states in the nation. A system of rain-fed rivers in the state comprises 14 significant basins subdivided into 59 sub-basins.

Luni River, which derives from the western slopes of the Aravalli Range at Ajmer, flows through semi-arid transitional plains into the Rann of Kutch and the Indian Ocean, and Banas and other streams rise on the eastern slopes of the Aravalli range and join the Chambal.

Rajasthan Climate

As India’s desert state, climatic conditions can get quite extreme at different times of the year in Rajasthan. There’s the blistering heat of summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 50 degrees. Though early mornings and late evenings can still be pleasant, this is still one of the shoulder seasons for Rajasthan tourism. Though you can always head up to the cooler climes of Mount Abu, if this is your preferred time of visit.

Meanwhile July to September sees the much-needed arrival of the monsoon, breathing fresh life into this usually semi-arid land. If you’re looking to go birding, this is the best time to visit Rajasthan . Winters arrive by mid-October and stay till around March, offering ideal day temperatures and expectedly cold nights — but with a few layers you’ll be fine! This is also when most outdoor activities and festivals come to life, promising a fulfilling getaway.

The summer season in Rajasthan begins in March. The climate remains dry and hot during the summer months, and temperatures gradually rise in April, May, and June. A few regions of Rajasthan, such as the western and eastern Aravalli Range, and other areas, such as Bikaner, Phalodi, Jaisalmer, and Barmer, experience temperatures of levels. It even reaches a maximum temperature of 49°C during the summer. Winter nights in Rajasthan are cold, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 29°C.

Fortunately, Rajasthan has a few places like Udaipur and Mount Abu, which are great places to escape in summer to avoid the hot, blazing sun. The summer temperatures at these destinations are 38°C and 31.5°C, respectively. As night falls, temperatures drop down to 25°C or 22°C.

The most severe heat is experienced in the state's arid west and semi-arid midwest parts in June.

Rajasthan Culture

Culture has just the same appeal as any other facet of Rajasthan tourism. Arguably the country’s most vibrant and welcoming society, with roots that travel back to ancient times, the Rajasthani people are a mix of communities, beliefs and backgrounds. There are royal descendants on one hand and wandering nomads on the other. There’s growing urban districts within the same cities that hold the most antiquated landmarks. There are folk arts, crafts, dance, music — you name it! This is a place that cherishes its heritage, displays it with pride and offers experiences of it in the most intimate ways. And rest assured that all age groups will be greatly entertained throughout.

Pushkar, Teej, Makar Sankranti, with their many kite festivals, Diwali, Diwali, Teej, and Makar Sankranti are all places to savor in terms of culture. Jaipur's bazaars provide a window into the state's rich handicraft tradition, such as bandhani (tie and dye). Besides attracting big names in publishing, the Jaipur Literature Festival has also made its mark in literature. Dance and folk music are essential aspects of the culture here. Daal Baati Churma, the lentil dish with an explosion of flavors, and Laal Maas, a mutton specialty, are popular dishes.

Rajasthan Tours

Take your pick as to how you’d like your Rajasthan tour to be with perfectly crafted itineraries and packages from SOTC.

Hope from one beautiful town to the next, from Jaipur to Jodhpur and Ajmer to Pushkar. Each of them offers something special — exquisite palaces, vibrant bazaars, monuments, museums and folklore.

Go on a wildlife adventure, exploring the many sanctuaries like Ranthambore or Keoldeo Bird National Park. Families, couples or groups — who wouldn’t love the chance to spot the much elusive tiger, see mother dear look after her calf, or catch a glimpse of a rare bird!

Follow the spiritual path and visit some of the most revered temples and pilgrim sites in the world. Places that bring together people of all faiths, like the Ajmer Sharif Dargah or Brahma Temple.

Experience the desert in all its glory. Riding the sand dunes, petting a camel, mingling with traditional communities, perhaps even a meal out under the clear desert sky — these are all activities that you could have in your itinerary.

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Rajasthan Tourism Tips

A top tourist destination in India, Rajasthan is among the most popular globally. Various sightseeing locations can be found in the state. There is no good time of the year to visit Rajasthan, and you can take advantage of your visit whenever it suits you. Before visiting the region of Rajasthan, make sure to go through these Rajasthan tourism trips.

Make sure that you follow some travel tips when traveling to Rajasthan. An agenda does not need to be planned by a travel agency. With these Rajasthan travel tips, you will be able to plan the perfect trip to Rajasthan with the help of the information below.

Plan the duration of your stay

Among the most important cities in Rajasthan are Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer. Each of these places deserves a minimum of two nights' stay. Your itinerary can account if you wish to travel to some nearby sightseeing destinations in greater detail.

Jaisalmer is the furthest away from the capital and other nearby cities out of all four mentioned above. To get discounts and avoid disappointment at the last minute, you should book hotel rooms well in advance.

Where To Stay: Choosing The Right Accommodation

Unless you plan to travel all day, you shouldn't book an expensive room for your stay when you want to sleep. It is possible to share a room with others in many hotels that offer bunk beds. Sharing a room can be very economical and hygienic. A few of the most exquisite and heritage hotels in the state offer suite rooms for honeymooners planning to visit Rajasthan for their honeymoons.

Utilize local transportation

There are various options available for getting to the local area. Several types of auto-rickshaw are available and tourist buses, tuk-tuks, and taxis. There are several ways to reach Rajasthan from major Indian cities, and the stations of Rajasthan are easily accessible from these major cities.

A whole day's hire of an auto-rickshaw is also available. It is best to inquire about the current rates at your hotel if you wish to have an idea of them. There are several cab companies in Rajasthan, including Uber and Ola. You can also rent bicycles to get around the area.

Visit Rajasthan to shop

Handicrafts and other items are among Rajasthan's most famous products. Make sure you shop for colorful clothes from street vendors in Rajasthan if you like to wear these types of dresses. If you are good at bargaining, you can obtain the clothes at 30-40% lower prices. Several government-approved shops sell items with geographic indications, such as Pashmina Shawls.

Get to know the food of Rajasthan

You will be drooling just by looking at a plate full of food in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is renowned for its delicious vegetarian offerings. The best part is that these dishes don't cost an arm and a leg. Suppose you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, no worries about food. Gujarati and South Indian cuisines are also available for you to sample. Rajasthan cuisine is also one of the state's most popular tourist attractions.

There is a wide selection of continental cuisine in Rajasthan's major cities for less than you think. From sweets to Indian bread, you should try several types of food items in Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, food made of millet is becomin

The following are some travel tips, do's and dont's to keep in mind during your Rajasthan trip.

• Take a pre-paid taxi wherever possible
• Pack a nice mix of clothing — for the warm days and cool nights. If it’s a winter tour, you’d be better off with that second layer
• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be spending many hours and walking many miles in them!
• Pre-book the tickets to sites and experiences
• Do not visit shops right outside popular tourist sites, explore a little further and you’ll get better prices
• Do not leave your belongings or valuables in any public vehicle or place
• Avoid isolated or unknown places and venturing out too late at night by yourself

Once you scratch the surface of Rajasthan tourism, you’ll only be inclined to dig further, to experience more. That’s why SOTC crafts exclusive Rajasthan tour packages  with brimming itineraries covering all aspects of this special destination. Get in touch to sign up for one of the world’s most desired journeys, today.

What is the best time to visit Rajasthan is?

Rajasthan is at its most beautiful between October and February. Winter is the best time to visit. Except in the deserts, winters in Rajasthan don't get too cold.

What do you need when traveling to Rajasthan in the summer?

A refillable water bottle, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, and sunglasses should always be carried. Clothing made of pure cotton is recommended.

Is traveling to Rajasthan safe?

You can travel to Rajasthan very safely. But it's always good to be careful about your belongings wherever you go.

What should one do if they want to travel within a budget in Rajasthan?

Spending time at dhabas, traveling by train, and staying in shared room spaces are a few budget-friendly hacks.

10 Days Rajasthan Tour Plan – An Impeccable Journey

Something you will adore progressively about India is its diversity. Also, it has wildernesses, deserts, mountains, urban areas, and seashores and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Moreover, each state is so one of a kind in looks, food, culture and more. Moreover, a bigger number of vacationer consistently mark this Indian state to their can list, that is Rajasthan. It has that old India superb enchant blended in with dust, dirt, jackasses, and camels. Pickyourtrail wishes to tell you the best way to design an ideal 10 days Rajasthan tour plan that covers all the top traveller places.

Rajasthan Tour

Welcome to the “Spot that is known for Kings”. The Land of Rajputs has the royal residences of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, and desert strongholds of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer, etc. While you’re cruising the deserts and riding the grand elephants in Rajasthan in your fantasies, take a quick look at this 10 days Rajasthan tour plan! Befuddled why 9Nights and 10 days Rajasthan visit plan? Practically all the top attractions in Rajasthan are all around associated with the move, and even the outbound day trips are arranged near the city. To have the option to get a cut of culture, adventures and culinary experience, 9 nights 10 days Rajasthan tour plan is sufficient and to spare!

Also read: Things to do in Rajasthan: The Complete Guide

Day-wise Itinerary:

Day 1 – arrival, jaipur.

• day 2 – Jaipur city tour
• Day 3 – Bikaner sightseeing

Day 4 – Bikaner to Jaisalmer

Day 5 – jaisalmer sightseeing.

• Day 6 – Jodhpur Tour

Day 7 – Jodhpur to Udaipur

Day 8 – udaipur sightseeing, day 9 – udaipur to mount abu.

• Day 10 – Mount Abu sightseeing

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India’s pink city! Once you arrive at the Jaipur international air terminal situated in Sanganer, take a taxi or a rental vehicle to check into your assigned inn.

Freshen up, rest for quite a while and start your day by visiting the famous Birla sanctuary and head directly to the Nahargarh Fort to get astonishing dusk to see over the city. Moreover, end your day by having a customary supper while viewing the authentic Rajasthani dance and music

Activities covered: – Birla sanctuary – Nahargarh Fort – Rajasthani Dinner

Day 2 – Jaipur city tour

On the second day of your 9 nights 10 days Rajasthan visit, go on a touring journey around the best tourist spots and places to visit in Jaipur City. Once you are done having traditional breakfast at the hotel, hire a car and start your exploration.

Jaipur will intrigue you with its architectures to dazzling handiworks. Pressed with history, workmanship and culture, day 2 is tied in with seeking after the best wonders like City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.

Ensure to relish an elephant ride at the doors of Amber Fort. Also go through your night by watching the Light and Sound Show at Amber Fort or at the Jantar Mantar

Activities covered: – City Palace – Jantar Mantar – Hawa Mahal – Amber Fort

Day 3 – Jaipur to Bikaner

In the wake of having your morning meal at the inn, lock in your safety belts and head to an adrenaline-surging camel safari village in Bikaner.

Leave your sacks at the town Raisar and head directly to the town Bamblu to see traditional town life, delightful mud houses and brilliant outfits. When you’re finished with the lunch, visit the town Panpalsar and head back to the camp before nightfall to appreciate a tea and tidbits breaking while at the same time viewing the dusk time. Followed before supper with campfire and people music, overnight stay at camp.

Activities covered: – Camel safari – Panpalsar village

After a great breakfast, drive down for a solid 4 hours from Bikaner to Jaisalmer. Moreover, the fourth and the fifth day of your 9 nights and 10 days Rajasthan tour plan has such huge numbers of energizing activities to do in Rajasthan.

Also, when you arrive at the lodging, snatch a speedy feast in the inn itself or leave space for the enticing wayside food stalls. After your meal, visit the Sunset Point of Gadisar Lake (Fort View) and shop a few gifts at the Jaisalmer Fort.

Activities covered: – Gadisar Lake – Walking tour

Jaisalmer is also popularly known for its adrenaline-rushing Camel Ride at Sam Sand Dunes. Ride a camel through the moving sand ridges of the Thar Desert and appreciate this action which keeps going around 20 mins.

Moreover, the fun doesn’t end there. Fix your safety belts and prepare for a remarkable thrill ride in the Thar Desert. Dune Bashing implies driving at speeding up over sand rises. Moreover, you will completely love this journey which goes on for about 60 minutes. Spend some time at the astonishing town in Jaisalmer, Kuldhara. Honour a couple of mixed drinks and get an excellent perspective on the nightfall.

Activities covered: – Camel ride in Thar desert – Dune Bashing – Kuldhara village

Day 6 – Jaisalmer to Jodhpur

Breakfast at an inn in Jaisalmer, checkout from the hotel in Jaisalmer and your next stop is Jodhpur. In transit, you will visit Mehrangarh Fort.

Rambling gardens and complex specifying on the walls are an incredible sight. After that, visit the glorious nineteenth-century cenotaph, Jaswant Thada. Moreover, the spot is encircled by lavish green trees and roosted close to a little lake. An ideal spot to click pictures of provincial and true Jodhpur. At night, go for a walking tour into the core of Jodhpur to find the tight rear entryways specked with blue shaded houses.

Activities covered: – Mehrangarh Fort – Jaswant Thada – Walking Tour

On your day 7 of 9 nights 10 days Rajasthan Tour plan, checkout from the lodging in Jodhpur in the wake of eating and head to Udaipur. Other than the extraordinary ride from Jodhpur to Udaipur, your seventh day in Udaipur doesn’t include any other significant plan. But, that ain’t going to go without you from deciding to explore Udaipur city all alone. Also, go for a walking tour to explore the market that sells some customary garments, Udaipur tidbits and tea or get a few souvenirs.

Activities covered: – walking tour – Souvenir shopping

Also read: 9 Best Weekend Getaways From Udaipur Which Cannot Be Missed

Udaipur is also popularly known as an ideal destination wedding spot. Moreover, Udaipur is famous for its lakes and royal forts, hence it is called the ‘Venice of the East’.Start day 8 by visiting the Udaipur City Palace, the old origin of Kings. See the obsolete works of art, illustrious clothing, souvenirs from celebrated battles, and significantly more while on the visit.

Next, head to the Bagore Ki Haveli Museum that sits on the banks of the Lake Pichola. Also, visit the Lake Pichola, “the Venice of India”. Continue to Bagore Ki Haveli and witness the Rajasthan Cultural Dance Show. Watch the 7 customary dance of Rajasthan, alongside a melodic exhibition. Get dropped off at your picked inn come 8:00 pm.

Activities covered: – Udaipur City Palace – Bagore Ki Haveli Museum – Lake Pichola – 7 customary dance show

Also read: Know these tips before planning your visit to Udaipur

9 nights 10 days Rajasthan tour plan is incomplete without visiting Mount Abu. Once you drop your packs in your hotel, head to the delightful Nakki Lake. Arranged in the midst of the Aravali slopes of Mount Abu, it is an enjoyment for nature sweethearts. Moreover, it is one of the five popular hill stations in Rajasthan that offers a refreshing escape from the heat.

While visiting Mount Abu and Nakki Lake, the Sunset Point can’t be missed. Additionally, it adds the ideal final touch to an extraordinary outing in nature’s heaven. Also, you will be rewarded for your rendezvous with some astonishing photograph openings, and can likewise select to go for a walk around to relish the ideal tranquillity of nature. Also , there are likewise a few gift shops close by selling toys, knickknacks, etc.

Activities covered: – Nakki Lake – Sunset Point

Day 10 – Au Revoir, Mount Abu

On the last day of your 9 nights and 10 days Rajasthan tour plan, gorge on some beautiful Mount Abu food before preparing to head back. Leaving the first half of the day for you to set things up.

Moreover, you can appreciate the second of the day looking for souvenirs in Mount Abu before stopping your 10 days Rajasthan tour and leaving on your flight or train back home. The time has come to say “Au Revoir” to “Land of Kings”, yet that doesn’t imply that you ought not to visit once more. Rajasthan as a vacationer spot will encourage you to continue visiting over and over. Eventually, you will wind up arranging a more extended Rajasthan tour plan.

Quick Recap

India is a massive country and it takes a lot of time, money, and effort to ensure you cover the right destinations offering variety with value for your money. An expert planning you’re domestic tour will ensure your dream vacation goes on without any hassle. So if you are planning for a domestic or an international tour checkout the Rajasthan tours packages offered by Pickyourtrail. Pickyourtrail will help you customize your Rajasthan trip according to yours. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and take up the dream vacation to Rajasthan!

Additionally, you can also refer to the guides page and also download the Pickyourtrail app from Play Store or IOS. In the meantime have a look at some of our International tour packages for a great vacation.

FAQ’s

3 days is ideal for a short trip, while on the other hand, 7 to 8 days would be perfect for a long trip to Rajasthan.

A 5 to 6 days trip to Rajasthan would cost around Rs.35,000/-.

The months from October to March is ideal for visiting Rajasthan.

The month of June is the hottest month in Rajasthan. You can experience very high temperatures during the month of June.

The months from April to September is considered the off-season for visiting Rajasthan.

141 Posts Published.

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• Rajasthan Tour Itinerary For 4 Days

Rajasthan Trip Plan For 4 Days Rated 4.1 /5 (based on 595 reviews) Rajasthan Trip Plan For 4 Days

Rajasthan Saga: Of Forts, Palaces and Sand Dunes 4 Days & 3 Nights

Early morning view in the beautiful city of Jaisalmer

The royal Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur

Patwon ki Haveli in Jaisalmer mesmerises you

Glimpse at the greatness of Thar Desert through a camel ride

The lovely Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer

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• Jaisalmer (3D)

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Rajasthan Trip Plan For 4 Days

As you step into the land of royalty on your Rajasthan itinerary for 4 days, the State will charm you with its unmatched hospitality and extraordinary attractions. Every place is different then the other narrating a beautiful story of the era gone by.

Visit numerous Havelis and forts and try some of the most delicious food while on this Rajasthan trip plan for 4 days. A thrilling camel ride amidst the dunes and a night camping under the stars make this a perfect desert sojourn.

The colorful and vibrant state of Rajasthan has something for everyone - from imposing forts and lip-smacking food to desert camping and camel safari all make your Rajasthan itinerary for 4 days a memorable travel experience.

Jodhpur: Arrival & Sightseeing

• Jaswant Thada
• Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum

Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Transfer to the hotel and Check-in. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum along with local markets.

Jaisalmer: Sightseeing

• Gadisar Lake

Drive to Jaisalmer and check-in at the hotel. Explore Jaisalmer Fort and the shopping lanes inside. Explore the Gadisar lake.

Jaisalmer: Sightseeing and desert camping

• Desert Camp

On this day of your Rajasthan 3 Nights 4 Days Package Itinerary , explore Bada Bagh, Kuldhara and Khaba Fort. Visit ‘sam’ dunes, experience camel safari, desert camp, with live folk music.

Jaisalmer: Sightseeing and Departure

Visit the famous Patwon ki Haveli known for their extraordinary carvings. Departure for the homeward journey in the evening.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

Ranbanka palace

Circuit House Road Circuit House Road, Jodhpur - 342001, Rajasthan

• Babysitting or childcare
• Elevator/lift
• Swimming pool - outdoor
• Iron/ironing board

Hotel rang mahal

5, Hotel Complex, Sam Road, Post Box No. 50, 345001 Jaisalmer, India

Village Kanoi, Jaisalmer Kanoi Village, Jaisalmer - 345001, Rajasthan

• Breakfast at hotel
• Cultural Program at Camp
• Breakfast and Dinner at Camp
• Pick up and Drop
• Dinner at hotel
• Lunch at hotel & camp
• English speaking driver
• Trip supplements

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FAQs for Rajasthan

What are the best cities to include in the rajasthan tour itinerary for 4 days or more.

Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer are the best cities to include on your Rajasthan itinerary.

What souvenirs can we bring back from Jodhpur?

Tie and dye fabrics, wood & metal handicrafts and embroidered leather shoes.

What is the best time to visit Rajasthan?

October to March is a good time to plan your Rajasthan trip.

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