A 7-Day Trip to Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the India that you see in travel brochures. It has beautiful palaces that reflect in still lakes, harsh deserts, folk art, and colourful festivals. This seven-day journey of the royal state has been meticulously tailored to capture its numerous characteristics.

The first day is spent in Jaipur.
Arrive in town.

Jaipur is a must-see for most visitors because it is the gateway to Rajasthan. Expect the city to be congested, and in certain areas, claustrophobic. Later, Head to Mandawa, a three-hour journey away, after a quick look around the much-photographed City Palace, a fascinating mix of Rajasthani and Mughal design, and the fairy tale pink Hawai Mahal. The off-the-beaten-path village is packed with forts and Havelis from the 18th and 19th centuries, each with vibrant murals. You can take a stroll around the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli and the Murmuria Haveli, both of which have a rich history. Return to Jaipur and eat delectable Rajasthani cuisine in the beautiful dining room or on the grounds of your heritage hotel. A lively puppet show will keep the kids entertained for quite some time. The state emporium, Rajasthali, is nearby, and you may do some shopping there before supper.

Day 2: Pushkar/Devgarh
420 kilometres
By car, it takes 7 hours.

This is not the day for a snooze. As a result, get up and get going early in order to accommodate the distances to be covered. Your first stop on the way to Udaipur is Ajmer, which is home to the famed Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti’s shrine and is one of Rajasthan’s most important Muslim pilgrimage centres. After a silent prayer, travel to Pushkar, a sacred village that is encircled by a lake. Pushkar, part pilgrim town, part hippy hangout, has its own distinct vibe. The air is filled with the sounds of chanting, gongs, and temple bells. The Brahma Temple, which is supposed to be the only one in the world, is the most well-known. Take a trip to the ghats. Continue to Udaipur, where you’ll see Devigarh, an 18th-century palace in the Delwara hamlet that has been converted into a heritage hotel. It is located in the shadow of the Aravali range and allows you to experience the lifestyle of Rajasthan royalty for a day or two. The guest suites are provided with every modern convenience, but they maintain the sensation of being in a bygone era.

Udaipur, Day 3
30 kilometres
By car, it takes 45 minutes.

Prepare to explore the area surrounding your luxurious residence when you wake up. The hotel can organise a trip to Delwara village, where you can observe inhabitants going about their everyday lives in a relaxed manner. Another short drive will take you to Bapparawal, where you may take in the spectacular majesty of the Aravalis from a little lake located in a woodland area. Then it’s on to Udaipur, which is just a 45-minute drive away. The city of palaces, lakes, and gardens, created by Maharana Udai Singh, is a tourist attraction located on the Pichola lake. The Lake Palace and the City Palace, both hallmarks of the region’s beautiful architecture and frequently photographed are well worth a visit. Return to Devigarh and have sundowners at the gorgeous outdoor bar where you can watch the sunset. If you’re on a romantic getaway, we recommend dining in one of the palace’s secluded recesses, which are lighted by candles and have jalatarang playing softly in the background.

Jodhpur, Day 4
260 kilometres
Travel time: 4-5 hours by car

The first thing you’ll notice about the Blue City is that it’s the colour of the sky. At the foot of the majestic and regal Mehrangarh fort, the ancient city is a tangle of blue-painted houses. The ancient city, which is surrounded by a 16th-century wall, is a maze of narrow alleyways and bazaars, a combination of smells, sounds, and views that add to your experience. Wander the streets of old Jodhpur, taking in the atmosphere. The Mehrangarh Fort, which rises from a rocky hill and dominates the Jodhpur skyline, is considered one of India’s most spectacular forts and is well worth a visit. The Umaid Bhavan Palace, a sandstone building that reflects all of the splendour of Rajasthan’s former kings, is only a short ride away. Wander out towards the Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh, which is walking distance from the Mehrangarh Fort, as the sun sets. It’s calm here, which is a wonderful change from the hustle and bustle of the ancient city. Plus, there’s more. The vistas are breathtaking. Stop visit the Sambhali Boutique, a women’s self-help shop that sells clay bead jewellery, block printed muslin scarves, and silk purses, before retiring to your accommodation.

Jaisalmer, Day 5
280 kilometres
Travel time: 4-5 hours by car

From the Blue City to the Golden City, which is honey-coloured. The Jaisalmer fort will take your breath away, even if you’ve seen a lot of forts in Rajasthan. It rises above the sand dunes and encircles a maze of narrow, winding streets bustling with activity. Touts eager for a fast profit abound in shops selling bejewelled embroidery and handicrafts. As a result, proceed cautiously. Despite commercialisation and the entrance of busloads of package tourists, this desert castle continues to enchant. Spend some time touring the fort and the Fort Palace that it encompasses. The Thar desert is also interesting, conjuring up images of ancient camel trains and desert mystery. It is currently a tourism destination where visitors can take long camel rides through the desert. If you’re up for it and haven’t done it before, jump on one. Near the Tourism Office is the Desert Cultural Museum, which offers a glimpse into a unique way of life.

Bikaner (Day 6)
330 kilometres
Travel time: 4-5 hours by car

It’s off to Bikaner today. Stop at Pokaran, which is also the site of another beautiful fort, despite its reputation as a nuclear test site. Explore the plum-coloured walls and pause for lunch at the Pokaran Fort Hotel, a popular pit stop. You can also purchase some of the famous clay items. Check into the Desert Winds hotel in Bikaner, which is adjacent to the fort and has well-furnished rooms. Bikaner, unlike Jaisalmer, is less touristy and has its own desert mysticism. Camels are a common sight here, and this is a fantastic area to book a desert safari. Get a glimpse of what it’s like to ride one of these lumbering beasts. Take a stroll through the old walled city and pay a visit to the Junagadh Fort. If you’re not scared of rats, go to the Karni Mata Temple, which is about an hour distant, and join the devout in worshipping Durga while surrounded by hundreds of rats. Chotu Moti Joshi Sweets, near the train station, serves a Bikaneri lunch. Pick up some pooris and methi daana sabji, as well as namkeen to take home.

Gajner Sanctuary, Day 7
32 kilometres
By car, it takes 40 minutes.

Get up early and prepare for a day in the woods with another Bikaneri-style breakfast, which might include kachoris, rabri, and other artery-clogging delicacies. The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only a short drive from Bikaner town, is a terrific place to visit when visiting this desert outpost. It is now a protected region and home to a variety of flora and animals, including black deer, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar, and many more. It was once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Bikaner and afterwards for the British elite. Bird watchers will be able to see a variety of species, including the elusive Imperial sand grouse. Migrating flocks arrive during the winter months. A lake in the heart of the wildlife sphere is a nice place to unwind in between excursions. Camel safaris, jeep safaris, and nature walk allow you to get up and personal with nature while also providing plenty of photographic opportunities.

Stay
Choose The Serai desert camp near Jaisalmer for a luxurious vacation in Rajasthan.
Eat
In Jaipur, try the dal-bati-churma. Look for dhabas around the central bus station.
Shop
In Jaisalmer’s ancient city Bazar, look for jootis and leather puppets.
At Sadar Bazar in Pushkar, look for gorgeous camel leather duffel bags.

Street shopping at the Hawa Mahal’s entrance is a must-do. Beautiful blankets and quilts can be purchased, as well as lovely imitation jewellery and gol gappas and chaats. If you’re planning a destination wedding, Jaipur is the most magnificent city in the world, and it will do right to your most important day.

When to go: Summer is the worst time to visit the desert state when temperatures rise above 40 degrees. Plan your Rajasthan trip between October and March, keeping in mind that the weather in the middle of the year can be harsh.

It’s good to know.

Because Rajasthan is such a popular tourist destination, it’s only inevitable that touts and fly-by-night companies abound. Choose your taxi services carefully and refuse offers from random jeep drivers.

Bargain: From rugs to carpets, tapestries, jewellery, and leather products, Rajasthan’s cities are famed for their lively art and workmanship. Shopping in government stores is usually a good idea. Be prepared to haggle hard when buying in the old city neighbourhoods and bazaars.

Festival calendar: When it’s festival season, the desert comes alive. Keep an eye on the calendar for Teej, which is celebrated in Jaipur with much fanfare, as well as the Pushkar Fair and the Camel Fair in Bikaner.

Wildlife safaris should be done with the assistance of a licenced guide. The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary charges Rs. 1,000 admission fee for jeeps.

Best selections
Adventure Nation’s hot air balloon ride: This provides a bird’s eye view of Jaipur’s forts and palaces.

Camel safaris in Bikaner: While it may appear like every tourist in Rajasthan is posing atop a camel, this is the greatest way to see the desert.