Offering a bouquet of experiences that combine the best of nature and royal culture - Rajasthan is a destination where travellers can indulge in soulful gastronomic delights.
I am a Bengali and what originally drew me to the desert state was the 'Sonar Kella' (The Golden Fort, Jaisalmer), thanks to the beautiful movies of Satyajit Ray that I grew up watching. My fascination didn't end there though, I imagined myself walking around the streets of Pink City and eating delicious pyaaz kachoris, sitting on a rooftop café in Jodhpur whilst soaking in the colors of dusk, and exploring the local miniature painting art in Udaipur before dining at a lakeside bistro!
Well, I did manage to tick off all these from my travel bucket list, and here's how I swayed my way through Rajasthan's food trail.
Day 1: Gurgaon to Jaipur (via Alwar)
Starting off at around 8am Gurgaon, the plan was to reach Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar, before lunch. Tucked away from the highway above a hill, overlooking the nearby villages , this heritage hotel symbolizes a new blend of restoration, rebuilding, and revitalisation of ruined architectural wonders.
Lunch at Neemrana For Palace (Rs 1700+tax) per person for lunch buffet
After exploring the fort palace, I walked straight to the restaurant that was oozing with royalty! They had a buffet lunch that combined the best of both worlds -- continental cuisine as well as Rajasthani items. While the food was generally good, the laccha parantha with laal maas won my heart, and so did the desserts that ranged from rabdi and shahi tukda to kulfi falooda.
After a sumptuous lunch, we drove straight to Jaipur and checked into the Hari Mahal Palace hotel. It was late afternoon, so we planned to step out and explore the Hawa Mahal as well as the adjacent markets.
Evening snacking at Wind View Café (Rs 300 for 2)
To get the perfect photos for the ‘gram, we walked into the Wind View Café, which offers a breathtaking view of the Hawa Mahal along with a choice of coffee. This is a terrace café where you will find a number of travellers (especially foreigners) chilling in the evening while having endless conversations.
Our next stop for the evening was Patrika Gate, after which we returned to our hotel since we wanted to have dinner at the Spice Court (which is in the premises of the Hari Mahal Palace).
Dinner and desserts at Spice Court & Dzurt respectively (Rs 2500 for 2)
As the name suggests, we were offered a delicious spread of 'spicy' Rajasthani food that combined everything from Dal Bati Choorma to Kair Sangri, Papad-ki-sabzi, Pulau, and Gatte-ki-sabzi. I was in love with their Keema Bati which is bread stuffed with mutton keema, dry fruits, and spices. After all that spicy explosion, my heart was craving something sweet, so we hopped off to Dzurt Patisserie (right next to Spice Court). Their blueberry cheesecake and choco-fudge pastry were perfect endnotes to our super long day!
Day 2: Exploring Jaipur
Early morning, we had breakfast at the hotel and set out to explore the Amber Fort (located about 12 km in the outskirts of Jaipur), built by Raja Man Singh. It is said that Emperor Akbar's wife, Jodhaa Bai, was born here. Ever since this marvelous fort has been showcased in Bollywood movies, the footfall has increased immensely. We also covered the City Palace, Jal Mahal, and Albert Hall Museum in the morning, before the sun started getting heavy on us!
Lunch at Bar Palladio (Rs 45oo for 2)
Heading back to the hotel, we freshened up and left for lunch at Bar Palladio -- one of the most gorgeous restaurants in Jaipur, located within Narain Niwas Palace Hotel.
Designed by Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, this place combines history spanning both Italian and Arab cultures. With the various shades of blue that fill the walls with warmth, the food served here is delectable.
We ordered the prawn risotto and margarita pizza. They also have a great selection of wines to refresh you on a summer afternoon!
Dinner at Chokhi Dhani (Rs 1000+tax per person)
For dinner, I chose to go for an authentic Rajasthani experience, and what could have been better than Chokhi Dhani? The mock-village setup in the heart of the city has become a popular tourist attraction, and the dance performances held every evening are totally worth watching. Enthusiastic travellers from across the world also joined in for some thumkas, so you too can bust a move or two while there!
Of course, we ordered the famous thali and it left us overwhelmed!
While we could only manage to eat at these places, here's a list of other best restaurants in Jaipur that you must add to your list.
Day 3: Jaipur to Jodhpur via Ajmer
Breakfast at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar (Rs 500 for 2)
We checked out in the morning and stopped at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar for breakfast. How could we miss savoring some Kachori, Ghewar, and Lassi while in Jaipur?
The roads in Rajasthan are impeccable and it was a delight to drive down this route.
Lunch at Madeena Hotel, Ajmer (Rs 800 for 2)
By the time we were crossing Ajmer, it was noon, so we decided to stop at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Madeena Hotel. The hotel has been running for decades and has gained fame for serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with specialties such as chicken mughlai and rumali roti. To add to our surprise, we figured out that this place had been listed in the Lonely Planet as well.
We checked into Karni Bhawan, Jodhpur - a gorgeous property that's located at a distance of about 5km from Mehrangarh Fort and within 2.1km of Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Since we were quite exhausted that day, we chose to unwind at the hotel and dined there.
Dinner at Karni Bhawan, Jodhpur (Rs 2000+tax for 2)
Karni Bhawan’s exclusive cuisine from the ‘Kitchens of the House of Sodawas’ is a special highlight and it simply took our tastebuds on a joyride!
Day 4: Exploring Jodhpur
Breakfast at Karni Bhawan (included with stay)
After breakfast, we headed out for a city tour -- starting with the Mehrangarh Fort, which was built around 1460 by Rao Jodha. The fort is situated 120 meters (400 ft) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. If you're keen to try out ziplining, you must go for it! The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well curated museums in Rajasthan and is a must-visit.
Lunch at Darikhana, Jodhpur (Rs 3500 +tax for 2)
For lunch, we had a couple of options but finally, we decided to go to Darikhana, located in Raas Hotel. While the food satiated our hungry souls, the views of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort left our eyes shining.
This fine-dine restaurant uses ingredients sourced from local farmers, and the seasonal vegetables and herbs are home-grown in Raas’ own organic garden.
Post lunch, we took a walk down the blue lanes of Jodhpur and clicked some Insta-worthy photos. The town mellows down in the afternoon, as the temperature soars high, but our energy meter didn't seem to die down!
Later, it was time to explore the famous Umaid Bhawan Palace, followed by Jaswant Thada, and Mandore Garden.
Evening snacking at Open House Café (Rs 650 for 2)
To soak in the sunset (and also to give our legs some rest!), we stopped at a gorgeous café for some munchies and lemonade. This café is built near a step well which gives a scenic view of the Mehrangarh Fort. The interior walls are coloured with white and blue colors, giving Santorini vibes to the place!
Dinner at Latitude (Rs 4000+tax for 2)
After a relaxed evening and some souvenir shopping, it was time for dinner and we couldn't skip Latitude, a place that was recommended by many! Indeed, this place offers a treat for the senses, as it fuses rich flavors and aromas with the sound of live cooking and artistic displays.
A perfect amalgamation of traditional design with splashes of colors and trendy pieces of furniture, their ambiance matched up to the delicious food served as well. The Jodhpuri dahi kebab was an unmissable treat and deserves a special mention.
If you're staying in Jodhpur for longer, then here's a list of the best places to eat in Jodhpur that you must check out!
Day 5: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Breakfast at Karni Bhawan (included with stay)
Bidding goodbye to Jodhpur, it was time to set out for the 'Golden City' -- Jaisalmer. On the way, we stopped to see Balsamand Lake, and later continued with the journey. It was noon by the time we reached Jaisalmer and checked into our gorgeous Airbnb, which was tucked inside the fort.
There are quite a few other spots that comes on the way to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur and if you're in a mood to explore them, you can take a little detour as well.
It felt like a dream, as I walked into this haveli that dated back to the 15th Century - and our host was the 18th generation in his family, living here! The afternoon passed by the wink of an eye, listening to his stories as we explorde the entire property.
Well, one of the most unique things about this fort is that it is a living urban center. The walls of this fort house approximately 3000 residents of Jaisalmer, who have been living here for ages. When we stepped out, the hustle and bustle caught our attention, and my subconscious kept reminding me of the scenes from the movie -- Sonar Kella!
Lunch at Jaisal Italy (Rs 1200 for 2)
As we were nearly starving, we decided to hop inside this cute eatery inside the fort to garb a bite of pizza! But we ended up eating a lot! After all, they had amazing coffee and their bruschetta was delicious.
We sat there until dusk, admiring the beauty of the fort as the colors of the sky kept altering.
In the evening, we walked the narrow lanes that had shops on both sides selling handmade goodies. We had booked tickets for the Light & Sound Show at the Jaisalmer War Museum, which was from 7.30 PM - and it’s known to be the country's first light and sound show narrating the tales of soldiers in the Indo-Pak war.
Dinner at Wyra – The Rooftop Restaurant (Rs 2000+tax for 2)
For dinner, we chose Wyra - one of the elegant rooftop restaurants in Jaisalmer with outdoor seating and private dining feature. This surely is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Jaisalmer that offers live counters serving world-class cuisine and a range of drinks. We sat under the stars, enjoying the mesmerizing view of the beautiful city of Jaisalmer.
As we walked back to our stay, our eyes were dazzled by the sight of the fort!
Day 6: Exploring Jaisalmer & Off to Sam Desert
Breakfast at the stay (included)
We had a long day ahead so, without wasting much time, we stepped out to explore Jaisalmer right after breakfast.
Our first stop was Gadisar Lake, an artificial water tank made by Maharwal Jaisal in 1156 A.D. There were musicians playing folk music, and tranquility lingered in the air. From there we headed to Patwaon Ki Haveli - an architectural marvel that once belonged to a rich business of Jaisalmer. We also visited a couple of other havelis including Salim Singh Ji Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli.
If you are a Bengali craving for some comfort food, then I've a good news for you! Walking down the streets of Jaisalmer, I found an authentic Bengali restaurant called Hotel Prince , thanks to the hundreds and thousands of us who have a soft corner for this city!
When in Jaisalmer, how could we miss Bhaang Lassi? This government-legalised shop (with 49 yrs of experience in making the top quality bhang items) has gained much fame, not just in the country but also among the foreigners! A perfect drink to quench our thirst on a sunny afternoon, we were quite happy to try the famous cannabis-infused yogurt drink that has a slight hint of sweetness.
Bhang Lassi (Rs 60 per glass)
Lunch at The Trio (Rs 1500+tax for 2)
For lunch, we headed to The Trio, a modest, upscale age-old restaurant that features a high ceiling tent and windowed walls and we got to enjoy some amazing views of the old bazaar.
Warm and smiling waiters in uniform, impeccably laid linen napkins, and snap shots of the desert life added a regal charm to this restaurant which serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine. A wholesome meal of spicy Dal Tadka with Roti and Chana ka Achaar filled our souls.
After lunch, we set out for Sam Sand Dunes located at a distance of about 40 KM from Jaisalmer. The drive was beautiful, and the vast stretches of yellow sands on both sides greeted us as we headed towards the far west of the country.
We opted for dune safari followed by a camel ride to the sunset point.
After sunset, we headed to the camps we had booked for the night, and there was folk show organised for us. It was treat to watch the kalbeliya dancers and the stories they narrated through songs.
Dinner was served at the campsite and later, we took a walk in the desert, feeling the chills in the air!
Dinner at the camp (included with stay)
Day 7: From the desert to the City of Lakes - Udaipur
Breakfast at the camp (included with stay)
Wrapping up early in the morning, we set out for our final destination -- Udaipur! Although we wanted to explore the village of Kuldhara, known to be a mystical land, we had to skip it. It was going to be a long day on the roads and we were quite prepared for it.
Lunch at Brahman Food Plaza (Rs 500 for 2)
We stopped at Barmer for lunch at this place where we had vegetarian thali. The food was quite decent and the service was good. Satiating our hunger and stretching our legs a bit, we hit the roads again.
It was around 7'O clock in the evening when we finally reached Udaipur and checked into Zostel, located by the lake side!
After checking in, we freshened up and took some rest, before stepping out for dinner. We took a stroll down the Hanuman Ghat, and then walked to Amet Haveli - located on the other side of the lake.
Dinner at Ambrai (Rs 2000+ tax for 2)
So many of our friends had suggested this restaurant that we just couldn't skip this fine dine restaurant by the banks of Lake Pichola. Walking inside, we felt that this place is totally worth the hype! We experienced a gastronomical bliss while gazing at the gorgeous views of Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, City Palace and Lake Palace.
Returning to our room, it was time to call it a day!
Here is a complete list of things to do in Udaipur that you must check out before you plan your trip.
Day 8: Exploring Udaipur
Waking up to see the gorgeous views of the lake and the Aravallis at a distance felt absolutely enchanting. We got ready and stepped out to grab breakfast before our adventures began!
Breakfast at a German bakery (Rs 400 for 2)
Popularly known as 'German Bakery', Café Edelweiss is a tiny place with just 3 tables but their coffee and cinnamon rolls are to die for! Another reason why we chose to eat here was that we wanted to get the tickets for the evening dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli, which is right opposite this café!
Note: The tickets get sold out very fast, so it's better you buy them in the morning, as soon as they open the counters!
Walking up the lanes, we crossed Jagdish Temple and headed straight to the City Palace. We had already visited the one in Jaipur, and couldn't hold on to our excitement to see this one as well!
The extravagant architecture comprising of ornate halls, royal courtyards, and the central garden speaks for the royalty! To tell you the truth, each of these palaces hold tales that will take you back in time and in case you are a history buff, you'd absolutely love it here.
Midday snacking at Palki (Rs 1500+tax for 2)
As the sun got really harsh, we needed to cool down a bit after exploring the trails of the museum , hence, it was time for some beer! Palki Khana is tucked inside City Palace, and you can sit here and enjoy the views of the grandeur around you.
We took a walk around the market right outside the city palace where they sell beautiful paintings, cotton clothes, postcards and more!
Later, we went to see the Ahar Cenotaphs, followed by Saheliyon-ki-bari and Fatehsagar lake.
Lunch at 1559 AD (Rs 2000+tax for 2)
Close to Fatehsagar, this gorgeous restaurant serving lip-smacking Indian cuisine is known to be one of the best places to eat in Udaipur. We ordered some Kadi Pakora, Mewari egg curry and rice and the flavors left us drooling for more!
Post lunch, we drove to Sajjangarh Fort - also known as Monsoon Palace. It's located in the outskirts of Udaipur, at a higher altitude and you can enjoy a picturesque view of the lake city from there!
We watched the sunset from Sajjangarh before driving back to the city, and headed straight to Bagore Ki Haveli for the show. It was a full house - and I wasn't surprise at all - the folk dancers were outstanding and totally worth a watch!
Dinner at Rainbow Restaurant (Rs 1500 for 2)
For dinner, we went to this multi cuisine rooftop restaurant closeby and ordered some fish'n chips with beer. Later, we ordered a Rainbow Special Pizza and Aglio Olio Pasta - and everything was so good!
We took a walk around Laal Ghat before heading off to Zostel.
Day 9: Bidding goodbye to Udaipur & friving back to Gurgaon
Finally, our journey in Rajasthan came to end and on the last day, we decided to wake up early to catch the rising sun! We went out for a walk by the lakeside and ate Chole-Poori from a roadside shack next to Fatehsagar.
Breakfast at roadside shack near Fatehsagar (Rs 100 for 2)
Coming back to Zostel, we checked out and loaded our luggage in the car. Our hearts still craved to stay here for a little longer and we walked up to Hanuman Ghaat, and sat there for a while. The usual crowded places were pretty peaceful in the morning and I am glad we didn't miss the chance to soak in Udaipur's tranquility.
We left Udaipur at around 9:30 AM and stopped in between for food and toilet breaks - and reached Gurgaon late at night.
Although it has been a couple of years since I took this trip, the memories are still afresh in my mind. Rajasthan is a state that should be on everyone's bucket list and if you are planning a road trip then you are in for quite an adventure! The Land of Kings is all about exquisite ambiance with countless places to visit, rich culture to soak in and the yummiest flavours to taste.
Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto.