Rajasthan
Land of Kings - majestic forts, opulent palaces, golden deserts, and rich royal heritage
Overview
Rajasthan, the "Land of Kings," is India's largest state, famous for its magnificent forts, opulent palaces, vibrant culture, and the Thar Desert. Once home to proud Rajput warriors and maharajas, the state preserves a rich legacy of valor, romance, and royalty. Each city has its own color and character: Jaipur (Pink City) with its grand Amber Fort, Udaipur (City of Lakes) with romantic lake palaces, Jodhpur (Blue City) dominated by Mehrangarh Fort, and Jaisalmer (Golden City) rising from golden sands. Beyond cities, experience camel safaris in the Thar Desert, attend the vibrant Pushkar Camel Fair, shop for colorful textiles and jewelry, and savor spicy Rajasthani cuisine. The state's desert landscape, folk music, traditional dances, and warm hospitality create an unforgettable experience.
Explore Cities
One Week Rajasthan Road Trip
Experience the best of Rajasthan in 7 days, covering major cities and desert landscapes. Total driving distance: ~1,100 km
Route
Jaipur → Pushkar → Jodhpur → Jaisalmer → Bikaner → Jaipur
Jaipur - The Pink City
Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. Evening at Chokhi Dhani for traditional dinner and cultural show.
Overnight: Jaipur
Jaipur to Pushkar (150 km, 3 hours)
Morning at Nahargarh Fort for city views. Drive to Pushkar, visit Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake. Sunset from Savitri Temple.
Overnight: Pushkar
Pushkar to Jodhpur (190 km, 3.5 hours)
Morning walk around Pushkar Lake. Drive to Jodhpur, visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Evening at Clock Tower market.
Overnight: Jodhpur
Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (285 km, 5 hours)
Morning at Umaid Bhawan Palace. Scenic drive through Thar Desert to Jaisalmer. Evening walk in the golden fort.
Overnight: Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer - The Golden City
Explore Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake. Afternoon camel safari at Sam Sand Dunes. Overnight desert camp with cultural performance.
Overnight: Jaisalmer (desert camp)
Jaisalmer to Bikaner (330 km, 6 hours)
Early departure to Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple), and Lalgarh Palace. Evening at local sweet shops.
Overnight: Bikaner
Bikaner to Jaipur (335 km, 6 hours)
Morning at National Research Centre on Camel. Drive back to Jaipur with stops at local villages. Evening shopping at Johari Bazaar.
Overnight: Jaipur
One Month Complete Rajasthan Experience
Comprehensive exploration of Rajasthan covering all major destinations, hidden gems, and cultural experiences. Total distance: ~2,500 km
Full Route
Jaipur → Ajmer → Pushkar → Udaipur → Chittorgarh → Kumbhalgarh → Ranakpur → Jodhpur → Osian → Jaisalmer → Barmer → Bikaner → Shekhawati → Jaipur
Week 1: The Pink City and Sacred Pushkar
Spend 4 days exploring Jaipur's forts, palaces, and markets. Visit the sacred Dargah in Ajmer, then 3 days in spiritual Pushkar for lakeside meditation, desert walks, and authentic Rajasthani village experiences.
Cities:
Jaipur, Ajmer, Pushkar
Highlights:
- Amber Fort light and sound show
- Jaipur Lit Fest (January)
- Albert Hall Museum
- Dargah Sharif pilgrimage
- Pushkar Camel Fair (November)
- Yoga retreats
Week 2: The Romantic Lakes of Udaipur
Experience the most romantic city in India with 4 days in Udaipur. Day trips to UNESCO Chittorgarh Fort, magnificent Kumbhalgarh (Great Wall of India), and exquisitely carved Ranakpur Jain temples.
Cities:
Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur
Highlights:
- Lake Palace sunset cruise
- Chittorgarh Fort history tour
- Kumbhalgarh wall trek
- Ranakpur Jain temples
- Maharana Pratap heritage
- Miniature painting workshops
Week 3: Blue City, Desert Safaris, and Golden Sands
3 days exploring Jodhpur's massive fort and blue lanes. Visit ancient Osian desert temples. 3 days in magical Jaisalmer with extended desert safari, visiting remote dunes and authentic desert villages. Explore Barmer's handicraft traditions.
Cities:
Jodhpur, Osian, Jaisalmer, Sam Dunes, Barmer
Highlights:
- Mehrangarh Fort zip-lining
- Blue city walking tour
- Desert temple circuit
- Multi-day camel safari
- Sand dunes camping
- Desert music festival
- Barmer textiles
Week 4: Royal Bikaner and Fresco Trail
3 days in Bikaner for forts, camel safaris, and unique Rat Temple. Explore Shekhawati region's painted havelis in Mandawa, Nawalgarh, and Fatehpur - open-air art galleries. Return to Jaipur for final shopping and farewell dinner.
Cities:
Bikaner, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Fatehpur
Highlights:
- Camel breeding farm
- Desert festival (January)
- Rampuria Haveli heritage walk
- Shekhawati fresco hunting
- Open-air art gallery villages
- Heritage stays
Best Time to Visit
October to March (pleasant weather, 10-27°C). Avoid May-July (extreme heat, 40-48°C)
Getting There
Closest Airport:
Jaipur International Airport (Sanganer) (JAI)
Central hub for Rajasthan, other airports: Jodhpur (JDH), Udaipur (UDR)
Must See
- ✓Amber Fort (Jaipur) - Magnificent hilltop fort with mirror palace and elephant rides
- ✓Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur) - One of India's largest forts with museum and zip-lining
- ✓Lake Palace (Udaipur) - Floating marble palace, now luxury hotel
- ✓Jaisalmer Fort - Living fort with houses, temples, and shops inside
- ✓Pushkar Lake - Sacred lake surrounded by 52 ghats and temples
- ✓Hawa Mahal (Jaipur) - Iconic pink palace with 953 windows
- ✓Thar Desert - Camel safaris, sand dunes, and desert camping
- ✓Karni Mata Temple (Bikaner) - Unique temple home to 25,000 holy rats
- ✓Chittorgarh Fort - UNESCO site, largest fort in India
- ✓Kumbhalgarh Fort - Second-longest continuous wall after Great Wall of China
Travel Tips
- •Book hotels 3-4 months in advance for peak season (Oct-Feb) and festivals
- •Carry light cotton clothes for day, warm layers for desert nights (drops to 5°C)
- •Drink bottled water only, avoid street food if sensitive stomach
- •Bargain at markets - start at 40-50% of quoted price
- •Hire private car with driver for flexibility - more convenient than buses
- •Respect photography rules at forts and temples - some areas restricted
- •Best way to experience Rajasthan: heritage hotels (converted palaces and havelis)
- •Avoid summer (April-June) - temperatures exceed 45°C
- •Try local experiences: turban tying, mehendi, puppet shows, folk music
- •Download offline maps - network can be poor in remote desert areas
- •Tipping: ₹50-100 for guides, ₹100-200 for drivers per day
- •Book camel safaris through reputable operators - avoid touts
- •Vegetarians have excellent options - Rajasthan has rich vegetarian cuisine
- •Modest dress appreciated - cover shoulders and knees at religious sites