12 Days Rajasthan Trip Plan : A Personal Itinerary
When you are dreaming about a trip to palaces, deserts, and colorful bazaars, I would like to tell you about my amazing 12 Days Rajasthan Trip Plan. It was a rainbow of colour, history and food that really lived to its name, the Land of Kings.
This itinerary includes the key cities: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and a wildlife adventure in Ranthambore.
The Itinerary: Cities, Days, and Highlights
| Day | City/Location | Key Highlights | Travel Notes |
| 1-2 | Jaipur (The Pink City) | Amer Fort (Elephant/Jeep ride), Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar. | Start with the capital, easily accessible by flight/train. 2 Nights. |
| 3 | Jaipur -> Ranthambore | Drive to Sawai Madhopur, Check-in, evening leisure or Ranthambore Fort visit. | Approx. 4-5 hours drive. Prepare for an early start on Day 4. 1 Night. |
| 4 | Ranthambore -> Jodhpur | Morning Jungle Safari (Tiger spotting!), Drive to Jodhpur (The Blue City). | Full-day journey. Approx. 7-8 hours drive including stop. Arrive late evening. 1 Night. |
| 5 | Jodhpur (The Blue City) | Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, explore the blue lanes and Sardar Market. | A full day to absorb the indigo charm. 1 Night. |
| 6 | Jodhpur -> Jaisalmer | Drive to the Golden City, Evening Gadisar Lake. | Approx. 5-6 hours drive. See the city turn gold in the sunset. 1 Night. |
| 7 | Jaisalmer (The Golden City) | Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila), Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli. | Explore the living fort and intricate mansions. 1 Night. |
| 8 | Jaisalmer (Desert) | Drive to Sam Sand Dunes, Sunset Camel Safari, Cultural Program, Overnight Desert Camp. | Essential desert experience! Book a reputable camp. 1 Night (Camp). |
| 9 | Jaisalmer -> Ranakpur -> Udaipur | Early drive to Udaipur (The City of Lakes), Stop at Ranakpur Jain Temple en route. | Long drive, but Ranakpur breaks it up beautifully. Approx. 8-10 hours total. 1 Night. |
| 10-11 | Udaipur (The City of Lakes) | City Palace, Lake Pichola Boat Ride (sunset), Jag Mandir, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bagore Ki Haveli (Cultural Show). | Two full days of relaxed, romantic exploration. 2 Nights. |
| 12 | Udaipur | Departure from Udaipur Airport/Railway Station. | End of a majestic journey. |
Cost Estimates (Per Person)
This is a personal estimate based on a mid-range travel style (mix of 3-star/Heritage hotels and private car travel for intercity).
Approximate Hotel Prices (Per Night)
| City | Budget Option (INR) | Mid-Range Option (INR) | Luxury/Heritage Option (INR) |
| Jaipur | 1,500 – 2,500 | 3,500 – 6,000 | 8,000 – 15,000+ |
| Ranthambore | 2,000 – 3,500 | 5,000 – 8,000 (Resort) | 10,000 – 20,000+ |
| Jodhpur | 1,200 – 2,000 | 3,000 – 5,000 (Haveli Stay) | 7,000 – 12,000+ |
| Jaisalmer | 1,000 – 2,000 | 3,000 – 5,000 (Camp/Hotel) | 7,000 – 15,000+ |
| Udaipur | 1,800 – 3,000 | 4,000 – 7,000 (Lake View) | 10,000 – 25,000+ |
Total Estimated Accommodation Cost ( for 11 Nights, Mid-Range): Approx. ₹45,000 – ₹70,000 (for 2 people, i.e., ₹22,500 – ₹35,000 per person).
Approximate Monument Fees (For Indian Nationals)
| Monument | Location | Approx. Entry Fee (INR) | Pro Tip |
| Amer Fort | Jaipur | ₹100 – ₹200 | Jeep ride approx. ₹500-600 extra (highly recommended). |
| Hawa Mahal | Jaipur | ₹50 | Best viewed from the outside for photos. |
| City Palace | Jaipur | ₹200 – ₹500 | Check for combo tickets which may save money. |
| Mehrangarh Fort | Jodhpur | ₹100 – ₹200 | Includes the museum; Zip-lining is a major paid activity here. |
| Jaisalmer Fort | Jaisalmer | Free (Entry) | Museum and Haveli entry is separate (approx. ₹50 – ₹100 each). |
| Ranthambore Safari | Ranthambore | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | Varies by zone, type (Jeep/Canter), and booking urgency. Must book in advance! |
| City Palace | Udaipur | ₹300 – ₹500 | Don’t miss the beautiful views of Lake Pichola. |
Total Estimated Monument Fees (Indian National): Approx. ₹ 3,000 – ₹ 5,000 per person (excluding camera fees and extra activities like boat rides/safaris). Foreign national fees are significantly higher.
12 Days Rajasthan Trip Plan Tips & Experience
Jaipur: The Grand Introduction
- A Must: Hire a jeep to go up to Amer Fort—it was a truly regal start to the trip! We did the light and sound show in the evening, which brought the history alive.
- Hidden Gem: The small shops right outside Hawa Mahal are perfect for capturing that iconic facade without the crowds inside.
Ranthambore: The Thrill
- The Chase: My heart was pounding on the morning safari! We were lucky enough to spot a massive Bengal Tiger from our canter. Tip: Always book the safari zones (1-5 are best) weeks or even months in advance. Zone availability changes daily.
Jodhpur: The Blue Labyrinth
- The View: Mehrangarh Fort is simply magnificent. The view of the entire blue city spilling out beneath the fort’s walls is breathtaking. I spent hours wandering the vibrant blue alleyways below.
- Local Treat: Try the delicious Mirchi Vada (a spicy snack) from a local vendor near the Clock Tower.
Jaisalmer: The Golden Desert
- The Fort: What makes Jaisalmer Fort unique is that people still live within its walls! It felt like stepping back in time.
- Desert Camping: The night in the Sam Sand Dunes was the highlight. The star-filled sky, the traditional folk dance (Kalbelia), and the quiet desert morning made it unforgettable. Be wary of tourist traps—research your camp thoroughly.
Udaipur: The Romantic Conclusion
- The Sunset: The Lake Pichola boat ride at sunset is non-negotiable. As the light hit the City Palace and the Lake Palace, I understood why Udaipur is called the Venice of the East.
- Evening Culture: The cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli (especially the puppet show and the traditional dance) was the perfect way to wrap up the evenings.
Disclaimer & Important Notes
- Disclaimer: All the prices (Hotel, Monument Fees, and other activities) quoted are approximate and might change according to:
- Season: High tourist season (October to March) will be very expensive.
- Travel Style: It can be significantly cheaper to be a backpacker (hostels, public transportation) or it can be significantly expensive to travel in pure luxury (5-star palaces, flights on a plane).
- National status: Foreign Nationals usually pay a 10 to 20 times more as entry fees than Indian Nationals.
- Booking Process: Online/direct booking, group rates, and last-minute availability are all factors that influence the ultimate price.
This 12 Days Rajasthan Trip Plan is a royal treat for the senses. Do a little research, pack your bags, and get ready for a truly majestic adventure!
