Hello readers,
I have compiled a comprehensive itinerary based on my recent trip to Rajasthan. This 7 day itinerary should help you plan and execute your holiday well.
This was originally posted on my blog Little Detours of Life
Ideal time to visit : Winters. October to December
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Where to stay: Preferably on MI Road near Pink City. It's at a convenient distance from all the places you are visiting. You can find all types of hotels from regular ones to lavish ones. (Pink city is actually a name of the locality. Don't get confused)
Places to visit in 2 days: City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Birla Mandir, Shopping in Bapu Bazaar
Ideal start time: 9 AM
I assume you would arrive in Jaipur this day, so I recommend to arrive in Jaipur at least by 9 or 10 AM so that you have enough time to freshen up and leave for sightseeing!
City Palace is the place to start with, so you get that very feeling that you are in Rajasthan!
What it offers: Mughal, Rajput, and European architectural styles. Historical and cultural insight into the Raja-Maharajas' lives. Art gallery, and Arms gallery (must see)
Tour Guide: You can hire an authorized guide. Audio guide is also available for ₹100
Duration of visit: Spend about 2-3 hours.
Place where the scientists devised a mechanism to find out the local time of the day based on the position of the sun!
What it offers: Largest of the five astronomical observatories present in India. It has the largest sundial in the world!
Before you enter: Ask for a composite ticket (pass) at the ticket counter. This would be valid for 3 days and you can visit almost all the important places in Jaipur. Works out cheap, plus you don't have to wait in the queue at every place you visit.
Tour Guide: Authorized tour guide, or the audio guide. Preferably opt for an authorized tour guide if you are interested in the science behind the structures. You can roam around and click the pictures later.
After you enter: As soon as you enter, go straight ahead to the information/briefing center to understand the concepts and then visit different architectures within.
Duration of visit: Spend about 1.5 hrs to 2 hours.
3. Hawa Mahal
Entry ticket: The composite ticket you bought at Jantar Mantar would let you in.
Tour Guide: Hire a local guide for not more than ₹150-200
Duration of visit: Spend about 35 mins to 45 minutes
After the visit: When you get outside, if you are a photographer, you should definitely try few clicks from the low angle. You could also climb up the floors of building on the other side of the road to get front up shots!
Jal Mahal meaning Water Palace, is a palace built in the middle of Mann Sagar Lake. This lake is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Jaipur.
What it offers: A beautiful evening, with lots of pigeons flying around and other birds. At night, it's a great sight to watch the Jal Mahal glitter in artificial lights. Get clicked in traditional Rajasthani attire, with Jal Mahal in the backdrop.
Entry ticket: Free
Tour Guide: Not needed
Don't Miss: The glittering of Jal Mahal and its reflection in the calm waters around. Stick around if you are a photography buff.
Duration of visit: Spend about 1 or 2 hours
What it offers: Most beautiful views of the fort itself and the exquisite views of the nearby city from within the fort. Great stories of the fort. Various courtyards, Diwan-e-Khas aka Sheesh Mahal, and the lush green Char Bagh - a Moghul Garden
Entry ticket: The composite ticket you bought at Jantar Mantar would let you in
Tour Guide: Hire a local guide for not more than ₹200-300 or opt for an Audio guide
Duration of visit: Spend about 2 - 3 hours
After the visit: Visit the Radhakrishna temple near the fort, which is over 500 years old. Visit this place to see the architecture, and also for the temple. If you are a trekking enthusiast, you could walk/trek from Amber fort to Jaigarh Fort, and then to Nahargarh Fort. You could take a cab to Nahargarh fort if you do not want to trek.
Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the entire city.
What it offers: Stunning aerial views of the entire city on one side and hills on the other.
Entry ticket: The composite ticket you bought at Jantar Mantar would let you in
Tour Guide: Hire a local guide or opt for an Audio guide, you can even skip hiring any guide, as its mostly for the view.
Duration of visit: Spend about 1- 1.5 hours
What it offers: Jaigarh Fort hosts the world's largest cannon on wheels. Beautiful views of the Amber Fort and beyond
Entry ticket: The composite ticket you bought at Jantar Mantar would let you in
Tour Guide: Not needed.
Duration of visit: Spend about 30 minutes
A Lakshmi-Narayan temple, at the foot of Moti Dungri fort, which is built of white marble
What it offers: Peace and calm evening, watching the sunset. It's an amazing place
Entry ticket: Free
Tour Guide: NA
Duration of visit: 1-2 hours depending on your mood.
9. Shopping at Bapu Bazaar
On any of the evenings that you stay in Jaipur, head straight to Bapu Bazaar for all kinds of shopping. Be it souvenirs or any handicrafts, etc. Its a long way from the beginning of to the end of the Bazaar. Shops all along! Also, you can try different chats in Bapu Bazaar.
Where to stay: Try to find a hotel near Clock tower. It's at a convenient distance from Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhavan. Hotels are easier to find. If you are visiting only the Mehrangarh palace, then I would suggest staying at Sunshine Guest House, or any nearby hotels. It works out cheap and is very near to the Fort.
Pro Tip: The cabs go only till clock tower. If you are staying near the fort, you need to hire an auto to reach the hotel.
Places to visit: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan
Ideal start time: 9 AM if you are traveling overnight from Jaipur to Jodhpur
What it offers: A palace built in the 1940s, most part of which is converted into a luxury hotel. The museum is well maintained. Good collection of vintage cars.
Entry ticket: ₹30, camera fee would be around ₹200 for still camera
Tour Guide: No guide available. Just roam around.
Duration of visit: Spend about 1 hour.
What it offers: One of the largest forts in India, with great stories and history. It also offers exquisite views of the entire city from the parking area in front of the Fort, especially at night. Great stories about the fort. You would also find the marks left behind by the war that took place. Sunset is great to watch from here.
Entry ticket: ₹100, camera fee would be around ₹200 for still camera, audio guide will cost you around ₹300
Tour Guide: Hire a local guide for not more than ₹200-300 or opt for an Audio guide
Duration of visit: Spend about 2 - 3 hours
After the visit: Visit Jaswant Thada, which is less than a km from the fort.
What it offers: One of the most ornate white marble cenotaphs in Rajasthan, and is very popular among the tourists. A nice place to spend an evening.
Entry ticket: ₹30, camera fee would be around ₹25 for still camera, audio guide will cost you around ₹300
Tour Guide: Audio guide is not available. Hire a local guide for not more than ₹150.
Duration of visit: Spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Entry allowed only till 5PM.
Pro Tip: An overnight train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer leaves at 11pm and arrives in Jaisalmer at 6am next day.
Where to stay: Try to find a hotel near the fort area. Since its a very small city, it doesn't matter where you stay really.Places to visit: Jaisalmer Fort, Jain temples, Nathmal ji ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake
Ideal start time: 9 AM if you are traveling overnight from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Pro tip: Hire an auto only till the fort, as other places are in the vicinity of the fort.
What it offers: Jaisalmer fort has a unique history - The royal family that ruled, claim to be the descendants of Lord Krishna himself! They even have a family tree painted at the fort museum. Entry ticket: ₹200, camera fee would be around ₹200 for still camera
Tour Guide: Hire a local guide for not more than ₹200-300 or opt for an Audio guide (₹200)
Duration of visit: Spend about 2 - 2.5 hours.
Pro tip: Don't forget to get to the roof of the fort for stunning views of the city
What it offers: There are 7 temples in total which are built during 12th to 15th century. They are built of yellow sandstone which host some of the finest piece of engravings.Entry ticket: ₹50, camera fee would be around ₹50 for still camera
Tour Guide: Recommended to hire a local guide for not more than ₹200-250 or opt for an Audio guide (~₹200)Duration of visit: Spend about 1 - 1.5 hours.
Pro tip: Notice how the idols are smoothed at certain areas because of human touch over the years.
What it offers: Amazing architectures that reflect both Rajput and Islamic styles. Museums include various monuments ranging from weaponry to utensils to locks and keys.Entry ticket: ₹50, camera fee would be around ₹100 for still camera
Tour Guide: Audio guide is not available. Hire a local guide for not more than ₹200-250.Duration of visit: Spend about 2 - 2.5 hours in total for both Havelis
Pro tip: Its a private property. Before you head somewhere, ensure its open for public.
What it offers: Serene and calm evenings away from the hustle of the city. Boating is available at a cost. Otherwise, you can sit back and enjoy the evening here.
Entry ticket: Entry is free. Boating would cost you around ₹100
Tour Guide: Not Applicable
Duration of visit: Spend some time in the evenings here - about 1 hour
Day 5: Sam Sand Dunes
Where to stay: Try to spend a night at a tent in Sam sand dunes
Places to visit: Tanot Mata Temple, Longewala, Sam Sand Dunes
Ideal start time: 6 AM if you are traveling from Jaisalmer city
Pro tip: If you are a bike ride enthusiast, I recommend to hire a bike for this part of the journey (not more than ₹800-900 per day per bike).
What it offers: The journey to Tanot Mata temple is through the deserted areas. You would enjoy the never-ending desert on either side of the road. It's an absolute bliss to ride here. Temple has a great significance in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. International Border is just 15kms from here.
Food/ Water availability: Fast food like Samosa, tea and packaged water will be available at the army canteen.
Entry ticket: Entry is free. DSLR are not allowed inside the temple at the time of writing, but mobile phones are allowed.
Tour Guide: Ask the priest or the jawans if any. They would be happy to shed some light.
Duration of visit: Leave from Jaisalmer early morning, so it would take about 2 hours to reach here. It gets pretty hot even at 10am. Spend about 1 hour here.
Pro tip: There is a Border Outpost very near to the temple. You can acquire the permit from the HQs in Jaisalmer. This office will be open from 10am to 4 pm. Make sure you obtain this permit before you head to Tanot.
What it offers: This is exactly where the Battle of Longewala was fought. You would hardly find anyone on this road. (Tanot to Longewala) The road is beautiful. You will find one or two tiny villages with just 2 or 3 houses. You would enjoy the journey even more than the Tanot Mata Temple. Temple has a great history in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. It hosts a war museum with AV projection - short movie of 10 minutes about the war will be shown at a nominal fee of ₹25.
Food/ Water availability: Fast food like Maggi, Samosa, tea and packaged water will be available at the army canteen.
Entry ticket: Entry is free.
Tour Guide: The jawans would be happy to shed some light.
Duration of visit: Spend about 1 to 2 hours here. Longewala is at a distance of 60km from Tanot. It would take about 1 hour or 1.5 if you are making stops for photography in between
Pro Tip: Stock up some extra food items to give away to hungry and thirsty kids on the way to Longewala. Bring a smile on their face.
What it offers: Beautiful sunset, Camel ride, Jeep Safari, events at night at tents.
Food/ Water availability: Not to worry about food, everything is available.
Where to stay: Go and explore few camps rather than just believing the agents. Booking on the app is actually costlier. Try to bargain and include camel ride and jeep safari in the package itself.
What to do: Go for a camel ride for the sunset, stay overnight at the tent, and then go for a Jeep safari for the sunrise next morning. Stay overnight here.
Pro Tip: First look at the tents, and then book. Don't go by the photos in handbook the agents carry.
What it offers: You get to see the ruins of the Abandoned Village
Food/ Water availability: Not available.
Where to stay: No, DONT Stay here! Haunted!
What to do: Just roam around seeing the ruins. May be hire a guide, for not more than ₹200.
What it offers: Lots of cenotaphs built by Jaisingh II - a mixture of ancient architecture and a touch the modern science with all those windmills in the background. Must visit if you are a photography buff, or want to get some nice photos clicked.
Food/ Water availability: No food/water available.
Entry ticket: Entry fee is ₹50, and ₹100 for still camera.
Duration of visit: Spend about an hour here. May be more depending on your convenience.
READ ALSO: Leh Ladakh Itinerary
Day 7: Udaipur
Where to stay: You can find various hotels near Udaipole Circle. City palace is just less than 2kms from here.
Places to visit: Jagdish Temple, City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir Palace, Bagore ki Haveli
Ideal start time: 9AM
What it offers: Its the biggest temple in Udaipur. Built in the 16th century, its unique architecture is based on Indo-Aryan style
Entry ticket: Entry is free.
Tour Guide: If interested in the history of the temple, you can hire a tour guide.
Duration of visit: Spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
What it offers: A beautiful royal palace complex situated on the banks of Lake Pichola. The City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval European and Indian architectural styles.
Entry ticket: ₹300 for entry, and around ₹150 for still camera.
Tour Guide: If you are in a group, hiring a tour guide is better. Audio guide is also available at ₹150~200 from the ticketing counter.
Duration of visit: Spend about 2 hours here.
What it offers: Its an artificial fresh water lake located in the heart of the city just beside the City Palace. You can also spot it from the city palace. Lake Pichola hosts a luxurious heritage hotel by name Taj Lake Palace. You could go boating as well.
Entry ticket: Free to visit. Boating will cost you about ₹400 for adults and ₹200 for kids.
Tour Guide: NA
Duration of visit: Can easily spend an hour or two in the evenings.
What it offers: Its an old royal building situated infront of Lake Pichola. Built in the late 1800s by Amir Chand Badwa, the Chief Misiter of Mewar Royal Court, it has over 100 rooms and displays delicate artwork. Dance show in the evening is a must watch.
Entry ticket: ₹50 for entry, and ₹100 for Dance show.
Timings for Dance show: 7-8 pm
Tour Guide: Not required
Duration of visit: Spend about 2-3 hours.
Pro Tip: Come a little early to buy the tickets to Dance show.
If you found this interesting or want to know more about the trek, say hi in the comments below and let me know what you liked most. Or if you have any direct questions connect with me on my blog Little Detours of Life, or you could also connect with me on my Instagram handle @little_detours. Until next time, keep watching - keep traveling.
This was originally posted on my blog Little Detours of Life