2 Weeks Rajasthan Itinerary
Rajasthan is truly a unique destination in India. Known as the land of kings, it boasts fortresses that rise from the desert, luxurious palaces, camel caravans, and tigers dwelling in the jungles. Yet, beyond its architectural marvels and royal heritage, what engages tourists the most is the blend of culture and festivals. The Rajasthan tour packages are popular for a reason.
Starting in Jaipur, the capital city, you will be greeted by the pink-shaded streets with bustling bazaars, splendid architecture, and massive forts. The serene town of Pushkar, with its soothing atmosphere and religious aura, offers a bold variance. Moving forward, Udaipur welcomes you with its lakeside charm. Here, sail alongside the charm of the City Palace with a car rental in Udaipur. And then there is Jodhpur, the Blue City, where you can wander through its puzzling streets beneath the Mehrangarh Fort.
● Day 1: Explore Jaipur
Begin your Rajasthan trip in Jaipur, the capital city, easily accessible from Delhi or Agra if you're touring the Golden Triangle. Start your day by strolling along MI Road to find breakfast. After a hearty meal, visit Jaipur's main attractions. The City Palace, located in the old city, is a must-see. It's a maze of gardens, courtyards, and buildings with pink outer walls. Nearby, explore the Jantar Mantar observatory, filled with geometric statues. For budget-friendly dining, consider Peacock Rooftop Restaurant, known for its diverse and affordable cuisine, especially the Rajasthani thali.
● Day 2: Discovering Gems Outside the City Center
The next day will be another busy day as you explore sights outside the city centre. After breakfast, take an Uber or taxi to Amer Fort. This fortress, made of pink and yellow sandstone with white marble, looks stunning, especially during the evening when the sun casts an orange and pink glow on it. On your way, ask the driver to stop for a short time near Man Sagar Lake for a distant view of Jal Mahal, the water palace. It is worth capturing a few photographs before heading to the fort.
If you are up for a short walk, take the rear exit of the fort and stroll downhill for about 10-15 minutes to reach the town of Amer. To reach our next destination, get another taxi or Uber. Nahargarh Fort, reaching the northern limits of Jaipur, casts a shadow presence over the city.
Day 3 - 4
● Explore Pushkar
Start your day by taking an early-morning train from Jaipur and then a tuk-tuk or taxi from Ajmer to reach Pushkar around lunchtime or early afternoon. Recharge at Cafe Nature, a wonderful spot for a meal. Spend your afternoon taking a leisurely walk around the central lake. Pushkar has fifty-two bathing ghats surrounding its holy waters, where holy men perform rituals, and pilgrims bathe.
The walk takes you to Sunset Point, where locals, travellers, and musicians gather to enjoy the mesmerizing sunset over the lake. As night falls, explore the temples. Consider taking the Vedic walking tour, a 2.5-hour exploration of a one-mile stretch of road featuring temples from all four major religions in India. End your day with dinner at a nearby cafe.
● Relax in Pushkar
Today will be a more relaxed day in your itinerary. Spend the morning and afternoon immersing yourself in the local atmosphere. Consider practising yoga or going some shopping at Sadar Bazaar, Main Market Road, where shops offer a variety of Indian souvenirs, touristy trinkets, and locally crafted jewellery. Many of these charming shops boast beautiful hand-painted signs.
About an hour before sunset, take a leisurely walk from the lake towards Savitri Mata Temple. Positioned on a hilltop, this temple provides panoramic views of the town on one side and plains and mountains on the other. For dinner, visit Sixth Sense, the restaurant nestled inside the cosy Seventh Heaven Hotel, and enjoy a delightful evening meal.
Day 5 - 6
● Arrival in Udaipur
Reaching Udaipur after a 5-hour train ride from Ajmer, you may arrive late in the day. Start your adventure with a quick stop along the waterfront. Enjoy a coffee and cake while observing people splashing, swimming, and bathing at nearby Gangaur Ghat. Feeling refreshed, cross Daiji Bridge to Hanuman Ghat and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the narrow streets and art galleries in this peaceful and welcoming neighbourhood.
As evening falls, head to Ambrai located on Ambrai Ghat. This restaurant offers a wonderful waterfront terrace with perfect views of the city skyline and Jagmandir Island. While you can usually find a seat at the bar for a beer or cocktail, it is recommended to book in advance if you plan to dine, especially if you want to experience the beautiful sunset.
● Explore Udaipur
Begin your day in Udaipur with a visit to the City Palace. Standing tall at 30m and stretching over 200 meters along the lakeside, the City Palace is the largest and most impressive of all the palaces in Rajasthan. Inside, you will discover a collection of colourful, decorated rooms with mirrors, tiles, and lavish fittings, as well as beautiful courtyards, pavilions, and terraces.
Do not miss the chance to visit Rameshwar Ghat within the Palace grounds, from where you can take a boat trip around Lake Pichola and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Taj Lake Palace and Jagmandir Island on the east side of the lake. As evening falls, head to rooftop restaurants where you can enjoy a delightful dinner with spectacular views of Lake Pichola.
● Day 7: Relax and Explore Udaipur
On your last day in Udaipur, take it easy and explore the lake and its many ghats. Start your day with a visit to Teej Ka Chowk, a bustling market located about a 20-minute walk from the lakeside. Here, vendors sit on the floor surrounded by colourful fruits and vegetables. Explore the tea and spice market in the surrounding alleyways, where you can find an array of spices, chillies, and pre-packaged selections of leaves and powders, perfect for souvenirs. Also, give a try to delicious street food.
For a spectacular sunset view, head out of the city centre to Sajjan Garh, also known as the Monsoon Palace. Perched atop a mountain, this palace offers panoramic views from a distance. Originally constructed as an astronomical centre, it later became a palace retreat and hunting lodge. This is a serene spot to end your day.
Day 8: Visit Ranakpur Jain Temple
Today, make a stop at Ranakpur, located halfway between Udaipur and Jodhpur, nestled on the slopes of the Aravalli Hills. Here, you will find one of the most significant Jain Temples. Built-in the 15th century and dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar, the temple is a marvel of architecture and artistry. Constructed from pristine white marble, it boasts 29 halls supported by 1444 complexly carved pillars. While not essential on a Rajasthan itinerary, the beauty and tranquillity of the Ranakpur Jain Temple are bound to leave a lasting impression.
Day 9 - 10
● Explore Jodhpur
Begin your day in Jodhpur by having breakfast at one of the omelette stands near Sardar Market. These stands, facing each other, offer a competitive variety of delicious omelettes for the hungry passers-by. After breakfast, head to the main attraction, Mehrangarh Fort. Perched 120m above the Jodhpur skyline, it is considered one of the most magnificent forts in the country. A short walk from the fort leads you to Jaswant Thada, a stunning white marble monument dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh, which is well worth a visit.
Next, explore the nearby Jao Jodha Desert Rock Park, a 72-hectare area with native flora and fauna species. As evening falls, enjoy the atmospheric dining options in the city. Consider dining on the candlelit rooftop of the Pal Haveli Hotel, where you can savour your meal with a view of the illuminated Mehrangarh Fort on one side and the clock tower of Sardar Market on the other.
● Explore Jodhpur City Center
Today, take a leisurely stroll through the city centre. Begin your day with a coffee and light breakfast outside the northern gate of Sardar Market. Dive into the bustling market square, even though it might be a bit chaotic and filled with vendors eager to make a sale. Be sure to visit the Shri Mishrilal Hotel just inside the southern gate of Sardar Market. Despite its exterior, this 90-year-old eatery is renowned for serving one of the best makhaniya lassis in the state.
A delightful diversion awaits at the nearby Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell, built in 1740. Recently restored, the stepwell now attracts local kids who perform daring leaps into the pool below. Enjoy the spectacle from the balcony of the nearby cafe while sipping on coffee or beer. Wrap up your day with a mouth-watering Rajasthani thali.
Day 11 - 13
● Explore Jaisalmer Fort and City
Arriving in Jaisalmer after lunchtime, grab the opportunity to explore the city and its fort before your desert camp adventure tomorrow. Unlike many forts in the state, Jaisalmer Fort remains a living city, with over 3,000 residents inhabiting its narrow, winding lanes.
Start your exploration from the east gate, following the paved road and passing through four grand gateways leading to the central square, Dashera Chowk. Along the way, you will encounter cafes, handicraft shops, and temples offering interesting diversions. The Fort Palace, towering over the square, is a highlight. Catch a glimpse into the lives of rulers across centuries from a museum in the 5-storey façade of the fort. Wrap up your day with dinner at an atmospheric restaurant on the spacious roof terrace of the Nachana Haveli Hotel. Enjoy the evening with a delightful meal overlooking the city.
● Jaisalmer Camel Safari in the Thar Desert
Many travellers venture to this northern Rajasthan outpost specifically for a Jaisalmer camel safari. Explore the barren sands of the Thar Desert and experience the romance of sleeping under the stars in remote desert camps. Although these trips can vary in duration from 2 to 4 days, one night is usually sufficient. Tours typically depart from Jaisalmer early in the morning and return to the city by noon the next day.
Make sure to choose a safari that includes a 4WD ride to a less crowded area for a more authentic experience. Get your own camel, ample blankets, food, water, and a campfire. This way, you can enjoy the serenity of the desert, away from the bustling crowds, and immerse yourself fully in the magic of the Thar Desert.
Day 14: Depart or Continuing Your Rajasthan Adventure
You have the option to leave Rajasthan today or after exploring the Bikaner. For those extending their Rajasthan adventure, consider taking the overnight train from Jaisalmer to the vibrant and off-the-beaten-track desert town of Bikaner. The train departs at 11.55 p.m. Bikaner, though less spectacular than Jaisalmer. This makes it an ideal destination for a hassle-free camel safari. Enjoy the tranquillity of the desert landscapes and immerse yourself in the local culture of this lesser-known gem in Rajasthan.
Conclusion
A tour of Rajasthan takes you to royal palaces, ancient forts, and bustling streets. This well-curated itinerary will surely help you make the best of your holidays in Rajasthan. Contact us and leave the tour planning to our experienced team.
