Rajasthan with its gracious hospitality, a plethora of striking forts and palaces, colourful markets and fantastic stay options makes for an easy introduction to India. There is a good reason why visitors prefer to visit Rajasthan on their first trip to India. So many amazing places to visit in Rajasthan that freezing a Rajasthan Itinerary is no mean task! Take a look at these suggested Rajasthan Itineraries for 5 days and 7 days to help you finalise your trip. You can extend this Rajasthan Itinerary easily to even 10-14 days.
Rajasthan – India’s largest state by area – is located on the northwestern side of the country. It is my home state and I may be a bit biased. But the Rajasthan tourist attractions, architectural points of interest, local life, good road and rail network all go a long way towards a memorable holiday for anyone.
Your Rajasthan itinerary would involve one or more of the large cities – Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. But I urge you to combine these with some of the smaller destinations in Rajasthan. There are several to explore: Jaisalmer, Mandawa, Bikaner and Ranthambore to name a few.
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Travel Tips for Rajasthan
If this is your first time visiting Rajasthan, or India, here are a few things to know before you go:
- Rajasthan is the largest state in India in terms of area. Getting around Rajasthan via train or road takes time, so it is not possible to put everything on your Rajasthan itinerary.
- The best season to visit Rajasthan is winter, from mid-October until mid-March. The weather is pleasant during days and cold in nights. But do note that this is also peak tourist season, so hotel prices will be high and tourist attractions in Rajasthan will be crowded.
- Rajasthan is a hugely popular destination on the domestic and international tourist circuit, yet it is a conservative state. Local women dress modestly and are rarely seen on roads after dark. So do dress accordingly and be mindful of your behaviour. If you are travelling to Rajasthan as a couple, do note that as per local customs, it is frowned upon if couples kiss or touch each other frequently.
- When you visit a temple or other religious sites, understand the norms to be followed. You need to take off footwear before entering the site. And you need to dress conservatively at these places. Make sure your legs and upper arms are covered. There may be a need to cover your head at few religious sites so do carry a scarf or a stole.
- Rajasthan is not just a vast desert. There are interesting cities with famous tourist attractions, colourful markets, and good food. There is also a national park worth visiting in Rajasthan.
- A Rajasthan trip can be done at every possible budget. You will find the most expensive of accommodation at palaces run by the Oberoi or Taj or ITC group, or by some of the international hotel chains like Marriott. And you will find cheap guesthouses and home stays across Rajasthan. There are expensive bars and restaurants in main cities and cheap local eateries.
- Be prepared for chaotic traffic on roads. There will be two-wheelers, stray animals, cyclists, rickshaw-guys and everyone else on the road. Indian road are not designed for pedestrians so be extra careful if you need to cross one.
- Be prepared for noise and air pollution. It is not just honking by cars on roads, but the noise level is above average throughout Indian cities. You will notice the smog in the air the minute you get out of the airplane. And when you reach main areas in a city, the noise level may be higher than what you are used to.
- Haggling is required at markets. It is a reality that when an Indian shopkeeper at a market near a tourist attraction will see a foreigner, he will quote a higher price. You can do some good natured haggling where you quote a lower price and eventually end up paying something midway.
Getting in and around Rajasthan
Rajasthan has good road network and decent train connectivity. Train connections would need pre-booking, and much before your travel dates.
The main cities of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, are all connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and others by air.
Within each city, you have Uber and Ola (local version for Uber) in most cities. So you can download the app and pay by linking your card. Else there is always an auto-rickshaw to roam around for short distances in the city (3-wheeled vehicles open on the sides). You can also rent a car to travel between cities, say from Delhi to Agra or Delhi to Jaipur. Car rental in India conveniently come with a driver at a decent price.
Places to visit in Rajasthan: Known jewels
Jaipur ‘The Pink City’
The capital city of Rajasthan is on most travellers’ first-time trip to India. It is also visited by those who are doing the Golden Triangle route – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This city got the name of ‘Pink City’ since most of the government buildings and old markets are painted a pleasing shade of pink!
The City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind), Jantar Mantar (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Jal Mahal are the top attractions to visit in Jaipur. Amer Palace, located on hills about 11 km from Jaipur makes for a fabulous day trip from the city. This rich ornate palace surrounded by large, imposing fort walls is another UNESCO heritage site. Another impressive fort on the ridge of Aravalli hills is Nahargarh Fort. A trip here late evening offers glittering view of the city lights. There are many places to visit in Jaipur.
How to reach Jaipur: If you are going to Delhi or Agra earlier, then a road trip to Jaipur makes sense. Jaipur is well connected by air and train to Delhi and Mumbai, and also to other key Rajasthan destinations.
Udaipur ‘The White City’
If there is one city where guests are treated like royalty, it is Udaipur. At least if you are staying at a luxury property like we did! This ‘City of Lakes and Palaces’ is one of the greenest in Rajasthan. The white palaces against the backdrop of lakes and greenery puts romance in mind. No wonder the city is considered a delight for couples.
The top sightseeing attractions here is the City Palace – don’t miss the gorgeous views of Lake Pichola from the palace. The Vintage Car Museum and Bagore-ki-haveli are fun to visit too. Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola one evening. You will get a view of the City Palace on one side and Jagniwas island on the other.
Monsoon Palace or Sajjan Garh makes for a good day trip outside the city. This 19th century palace is located just outside Udaipur, and offers panoramic views of the city and the area around it. Check this post on more things to do in Udaipur.
How to reach Udaipur: There are daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Dabok airport (also known as Maharana Pratap airport) in Udaipur. Udaipur is well-connected by trains to all the Rajasthan points of interest and several other cities in India including Agra, Delhi and Mumbai. The road network between these cities is also very good.
Jodhpur ‘The Blue City’
The old town of Jodhpur has most houses painted in shades of indigo, perhaps the reason for its name Blue City. There are so many places to visit in Jodhpur.
This is my favourite city in Rajasthan. I can’t exactly put my finger on the reason. The imposing Mehrangarh Fort that looms over the city and can be seen practically from anywhere could be one reason. Seeing the Mehrangarh Fort with its expansive courtyards and museums makes for a great half-day trip. You get lovely views of the old town of Jodhpur from various vantage points of the Fort.
Add to that other architectural marvels such as Jaswant Thada, Toorji ki baoli (an ancient step well) and Clock Tower in the heart of the city and you have a fine day for cultural immersion.
I love Rajasthani food and have enjoyed it in all cities, big and small in Rajasthan. But the Rajasthani food in Jodhpur is particularly delicious. It is also more spicy, so ask for less chillies if your palette cannot take the heat.
How to reach Jodhpur: Jodhpur is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur by trains / roads. There is also flight connectivity from Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur to Jodhpur.
Jaisalmer ‘The Golden City’
Jaisalmer is not really a hidden gem and gets its fair share of domestic and foreign tourists. But it is on the western border and far less connected by road and train than other places to visit in Rajasthan.
This Golden City gets its name because of the stone used in making Jaisalmer Fort and some other buildings in the old town area. But unlike the sanitised and well-kept environ of other Rajasthan Forts, a visit to Jaisalmer Fort – the largest ‘Living Fort’ – is different. You should also visit some of the Havelis or merchant houses in Jaisalmer old town and admire intricate carvings. Another interesting place to visit especially during sunset is Bada Bagh, a cenotaph where some of the royals were buried. See this Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days.
One of the best experiences to be had outside Jaisalmer is a night in Thar desert. This is a must-do on your Rajasthan itinerary. You can enjoy a camel ride over rolling sand dunes, view a spectacular sunset with an unending horizon in the desert, do sand boarding if you are keen for an adventure activity and sleep under a thousand stars,
How to reach Jaislamer: Till recently, there was no air connectivity to Jodhpur but the flights are few and far in between. The best option to reach Jaisalmer is a road trip from Jodhpur or Bikaner.
Places to visit in Rajasthan: Off-beat destinations
Bikaner
If you are looking for true-blue Rajasthani hospitality and the best preserved fort in a small town not on the tourist circuit as yet, Bikaner would not disappoint.
Junagadh is definitely one of the most beautiful forts I have been to in Rajasthan. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort. The Fort contains palaces, pavilions and Hindu temples. Rampuria havelis (merchant houses) on Heritage road are another attraction to visit in Bikaner.
How to reach Bikaner: Bikaner has good road connectivity from Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. There are not-so-frequent flights as well from Delhi and Jaipur.
Mandawa
If you are looking for a smaller, off-beat destination in Rajasthan, consider the Shekhawati region. Mandawa, part of the Shekhawati region, is best known for its stunning havelis. These are merchant houses with lovely decorations that beckon the past. Grand mansions, baoris (step wells), forts and shrines are scattered all over the Shekhwati region. A stay in Mandawa makes for a pleasant small town experience filled with colour, mythology and ancient tales.
How to reach Mandawa: Mandawa is connected to Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner by road.
Ranthambore
One can’t blame you if your ‘fort-ed’ out after a few days in Rajasthan and want a different experience, especially if you are a wildlife and nature enthusiast. One of the prominent national parks in the country and important for tiger conservation is set up near Sawai Madhopur. There are many stay options from heritage properties to glamping sites near the national park to budget options not too far from the park.
How to reach Ranthambore: You can reach there by road or train. Jaipur is the closest airport.
Rajasthan Itinerary for 5 days extending upto 2 weeks
The starting point of these Rajsthan Itinerary suggestions is mostly Delhi or Jaipur. If Rajasthan is the focus of your India trip, I recommend booking international flights in and out of Delhi.
You should look at spending 2 to 3 nights at each destination depending on the pace you want (perhaps 1 night would suffice at the smaller points of interest in Rajasthan like Mandawa and Bikaner).
Rajasthan Itinerary #1: Options to extend the Golden Triangle route (see map 1)
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Jodhpur: One option of extending Golden Triangle circuit of Delhi – Agra – Jaipur is to visit 2 other cities in Rajasthan, say Udaipur and Jodhpur. This would make for a Rajasthan itinerary for 7 to 8 days. This is best suited for couples and families who are seeking more luxurious stays, cultural immersion and easy connectivity via flights.
Day 1: Start in Delhi
Day 2: Travel to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal and other attractions
Day 3, 4: Visit Jaipur and see what the Pink City offers
Day 5,6: Travel to Udaipur and indulge in sightseeing, food, hospitality here
Day 7,8: End your trip in Jodhpur and enjoy the Blue City of Rajasthan
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Mandawa – Bikaner: If you are looking to extend the Golden Triangle circuit with further smaller and off-beat locations for cultural immersion, my recommendation would be to add Mandawa and Bikaner. This is best covered by a road trip from Delhi and would be a Rajasthan travel itinerary for 7-8 days.
Day 5 (post the Golden Triangle Circuit): Visit Mandawa and enjoy the frescoes there
Day 6,7: End your Rajasthan trip in Bikaner
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Ranthambore: If you wish to extend the Golden Triangle with a wildlife experience, you could take a train or a road trip from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur and finish off the trip with a stay for 2/3 days at Ranthambore National Park.
Day 5,6 (post the Golden Triangle Circuit): Enjoy Ranthambore national park and forest safaris
Rajasthan Itinerary #2: Classic Cultural Triangle (see map 2)
Jaipur – Udaipur – Jodhpur: The classic Cultural Triangle route would showcase the main places of interest in Rajasthan – again suited for travelers who want the cultural highlights and flight connectivity. This classic route would make for a Rajasthan travel Itinerary for 5 days, 7 days or even 10 days, depending on the time spent in each city.
Day 1: Start in Delhi
Day 2, 3, 4: Visit Jaipur and see what the Pink City offers
Day 5,6,7: Travel to Udaipur and indulge in sightseeing, food, hospitality here
Day 8,9,10: End your trip in Jodhpur and enjoy the Blue City of Rajasthan
Rajasthan Itinerary #3: Beautiful Gems (see map 2)
Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer: This would be a mix of large and small destinations in Rajasthan, and is best done via trains or a rental car. This is best suited for a 7 to 10 day itinerary for Rajasthan.
Day 1: Start in Delhi
Day 2, 3, 4: Visit Jaipur and see what the Pink City offers
Day 5: Visit Bikaner
Day 6,7: Travel to Jodhpur and enjoy the Blue City of Rajasthan
Day 8,9,10: End your trip in Jaisalmer, the Golden City of Rajasthan
Rajasthan Itinerary #4: The full circuit (map 3)
Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Ranthambore – Jaipur: Cover several points of interest in Rajasthan if you have 2 weeks to spend.
Day 1: Start in Delhi
Day 2: Visit Mandawa
Day 3: Travel to Bikaner and enjoy this beautiful city
Day 4,5: Visit Jaisalmer, the Golden City of Rajasthan
Day 6,7: Travel to Jodhpur and enjoy the Blue City of Rajasthan
Day 8,9: Go further to Udaipur and enjoy the sightseeing, food here
Day 10,11: Enjoy the forest safaris at Ranthambore national park
Day 12,13,14: End your Rajasthan trip in Jaipur
Note: All photos in this blogpost have been sourced from Pixabay.
[This post was originally published in 2018, and last updated in 2024.]
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Wow! such a great post, I think this is a must save for anyone interested in Rajasthan…well done!
Thanks Raj, the season for Rajasthan is starting in a month. Hope this post would be useful to many.
The pictures are amazing and the brief background you gave for each of the places is great. Found the post very informative. Thanks.
Thanks. The photos are not taken by me, but sourced from Pixabay. I have been to all these places and wanted to give a quick overview for each destination.
Ah okay. Nevertheless you have experienced the amazing canvas that this place is. So hopefully you have the pictures right there embossed in your mind which is more important. We can always find pictures on the internet. I hate people who spend time and attention clicking a zillion pictures instead of experiencing the beauty of a certain place.
I like to do both, spend time imbibing the atmosphere at a new place and take some nice photos. Like you said, it’s imp to get the images embossed on mind. Plus take a few good shots. These were all family holidays and I don’t have too many decent shots.