19. Mai 2023
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Welcome to Jaipur, a city of colors, culture, and history! Located in the state of Rajasthan in northern India, Jaipur is a must-visit destination for
A Captivating Journey Through Rajasthan: 9 Stops From Delhi to Agra
Welcome to the majestic state of Rajasthan, where history, culture, and architectural wonders come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. This itinerary will take you on a remarkable journey through some of the most iconic destinations in Rajasthan, including Delhi, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Jaipur, Pushkar, and Agra. Get ready for a different road trip experience than you’re used to!
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1. Basic Information about Rajasthan
The most convenient way to get around is by a private driver. It’s not easy to find a good one as there will be so many offers for you to choose from. We can recommend our driver to 100% and if you need a driver, just contact us via Instagram or WhatsApp and we’ll send you his number.
The average price for a private driver is somewhere between 35-50€ (40-60$) per day when booking with an agency. This includes the driver’s salary, the car, fuel, toll, and the driver’s food and accommodation. Be sure to negotiate that all of this is included in the price. Anyways, it’s better to spend a bit more money on a better car and driver as you’ll sit in the car for many hours.
Also, it’s very common that tour agencies want to sell you a bigger package, meaning you book all hotels and activities with them as well. We can not recommend that as hotel platforms like booking.com work properly and it’s way cheaper.
As you plan your trip, keep in mind that Rajasthan experiences extreme temperatures, with scorching summers and chilly winters. The best time to visit is during the winter months, from October to March when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring the region. We’ve been there in March and the temperatures reached up to 40 degrees Celcius (105 degrees Fahrenheit).
To make your trip more comfortable, arrange for accommodation in advance. Rajasthan offers a range of options, from luxurious heritage hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Experience the regal hospitality of former palaces and havelis (palatial residences of wealthy – mostly Muslim – long-distance traders in northern India back in the days), where you can unwind in opulent surroundings and enjoy traditional Rajasthani hospitality.
Remember to respect the cultural norms and customs of the places you visit. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local traditions and practices. Rajasthan is a treasure trove of history and heritage, and by respecting and preserving its cultural heritage, we can contribute to its sustainability.
Also, we want to talk about food. Rajasthan often offers vegetarian cuisine but also some classic Indian dishes. We loved the Paneer Masala (special cotton cheese) and the Butter Chicken. But we had some stomach issues as the food is very spicy and hygienic standards are low. So be sure to bring some medicine in case you have stomach problems. We recommend bringing charcoal pills from your home country.
2. New Delhi: The Gateway to Rajasthan
Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as the perfect starting point for your Rajasthan adventure. Explore the historical wonders of Old Delhi, including the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk and the magnificent Jama Masjid. Visit the impressive Red Fort and take a serene stroll through the beautiful Mughal Gardens. Other iconic landmarks are India Gate, Qutub Minar, and the Lotus Temple.
Do you want a detailed insight into how to start your Indian adventure? Make sure to read our article about India’s vibrant capital!
3. Bikaner: The Desert Gem
From Delhi, make your way to the city of Bikaner, located in the heart of the Thar Desert. Explore the imposing Junagarh Fort, known for its exquisite architecture and intricate artwork. The fort was built in the late 16th century and it’s one of the few forts which is not built on a hilltop. The admission fee is 300 Rupees (3,50€/4$).
We haven’t seen it but another famous sight is the Karni Mata Temple, home to thousands of rats, considered sacred by the locals. Take a walk through the bustling lanes of the Old City, known for its colorful bazaars and delicious snacks.
We stayed at Hotel Sagar Bikaner for 12€/13$ per person per night including breakfast. It was nothing special. You can also have dinner here which was pretty decent.
4. Jaisalmer: The Golden City
Continue your journey to Jaisalmer, famously known as the Golden City of Rajasthan. Get lost in the narrow lanes of the ancient fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the intricately carved havelis adorned with golden sandstone. It is one of the few forts in the world where people are still living. Don’t be fooled by the tour guides which say that it’s mandatory to have a guide when walking through the fort. You definitely don’t need one!
In Jaisalmer, we stayed at the Royal Villa Jaisalmer for only 9,60€/11$ per person and night. The location is good as you can walk up to the fort in only 10 minutes. The owner is really nice and happy to help you with everything.
It’s also possible to experience a magical sunset amidst the sweeping sand dunes of the Thar Desert and enjoy an unforgettable camel safari. Our provider wasn’t the best. Although we could sleep on a mattress in the desert, it wasn’t really secluded and we could hear the music of the neighboring village.
5. Jodhpur: The Blue City
Next, head to Jodhpur, often referred to as the Blue City of Rajasthan due to the indigo-colored houses in its old town. Explore the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a hill and offering panoramic views of the city. The admission fee is 600 Rupees (6,70€/8$). Discover the vibrant bazaars of Jodhpur, where you can shop for traditional textiles, handicrafts, and spices. Don’t forget to savor the local delicacies, such as mirchi vada and makhaniya lassi.
We stayed at the Heritage Kuchaman Haveli for 14€/15,50$ per person and night including breakfast. The location is decent as you can walk to the city center in 10 minutes. When it comes to restaurants, you have to try Shahi Samosa and the Blue Turban for a nice rooftop view.
6. Ranakpur: Tranquility Amidst Nature
A short detour from Jodhpur to Udaipur will lead you to the tranquil village of Ranakpur, renowned for its extraordinary Jain temples. You need to visit the majestic Ranakpur Jain Temple, an architectural marvel known for its intricate marble carvings. Built in the 15th century, this temple complex is a peaceful oasis surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene ambiance for meditation and reflection. Admission fee is 300 Rupees (3€/3,50$) including an audioguide.
7. Udaipur: The City of Lakes
The next stop is the romantic city of Udaipur, set amidst the Aravalli Mountains and multiple lakes. The biggest attraction is the City Palace, a splendid complex of 11 palaces, courtyards, and gardens overlooking Lake Pichola. The Admission fee is 300 Rupees (3,50€/4$). It took nearly 400 (!) years of construction!
Another activity in Udaipur is to take a boat ride on the lake to visit the serene Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace. Explore the charming streets of the old city, filled with artisan shops and rooftop restaurants.
In Udaipur, we stayed at The Sierra – By The Lake which was one of our best hotels in Rajasthan. We paid around 20€/22$ per person and night including breakfast. The rooms are modern, they have a pool to cool down and a really nice rooftop restaurant.
Once in the city center of Udaipur, have a break for lunch at the Yummy Yoga, where you also have a panoramic view of the city.
8. Pushkar: The Sacred City
Halfway from Udaipur to Jaipur, make a stop in Pushkar, a sacred city nestled beside the serene Pushkar Lake. Visit the famous Brahma Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. It’s possible to take a holy dip in the sacred waters of Pushkar Lake. We didn’t do that as it was really dirty there. Explore the colorful ghats and bustling bazaars surrounding it. If you’re lucky, you might witness the vibrant Pushkar Camel Fair, a cultural extravaganza that attracts travelers from far and wide.
We stayed at the Zostel Pushkar for 6€/7$ per person and night. Unfortunately, it made the same impression as the entire city of Puhskar: worse than we imagined as we didn’t like the Hostel or Pushkar.
9. Jaipur: The Pink City
As you continue your journey, reach Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City and also the capital of Rajasthan. Admire the magnificent architecture of Hawa Mahal, a stunning palace with intricately carved windows. Explore the opulent City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Amber Fort, located on a hilltop and offering panoramic views of the city. Jaipur is also a shopper’s paradise, known for its vibrant markets offering handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and more.
Jaipur was our favorite city in India. Of course, we had to write an article about the pink city! Don’t miss this!
10. Agra: The Epitome of Love
Conclude your Rajasthan journey with a visit to Agra. Agra is not in the federal state of Rajasthan but in Uttar Pradesh. It’s home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, so you definitely can’t miss this. This mausoleum is simply stunning, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Explore the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the beautiful fusion of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.
Do you want to know secret tips on how to visit the Taj Mahal? Avoid crowds, check out how to buy tickets, and much more in our Taj Mahal article!
11. Conclusion
Let’s finish with our honest opinion: India can be exhausting. We’ve been to over 50 countries but we had the biggest cultural shock in India. You will experience so many different impressions from tastes, smells, people, and much more, it can be overwhelming. So take your time and don’t forget to rest when it’s getting too busy.
Apart from that, a 3-week trip through Rajasthan, India, can be an unforgettable adventure filled with rich history, breathtaking architecture, colorful traditions, and warm hospitality. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the golden sparkle of Jaisalmer, and from the grandeur of Jaipur to the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal in Agra, each destination has a different vibe.
So pack your bags, embark on this enchanting journey, and dive deep into a totally new adventure when traveling to Rajasthan.
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