People who dream of enjoying iconic holidays in India, often put Rajasthan on top of theIr must-visit list, and it is easy to understand why..
From its gorgeous palaces, legendary tiger reserves and mind-blowing desert safaris, no other place in the country can even come close to what Rajasthan can offer.
Whether you are a nature lover or more of a city dweller, this seven day itinerary to “The Land of Kings “ will be enough to explore the grandeur of its most famous attractions.
Best time to visit Rajasthan
November to January is the busiest but also the best time to visit Rajasthan as the temperatures are comfortable, making sightseeing easy. February is also fine, but if you plan a desert safari, it can get very hot in the Jaislmer desert.
Getting around in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a very large state but has an excellent network of road and rail connections. Air connectivity is available from Delhi, but not between internal cities.
This self-guided itinerary, though a bit tight, is crafted by using a combination of flights, train and a road trip in order to allow you maximum time to immerse in the activities and attractions that Rajasthan has to offer.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi will be the starting and end point of your itinerary, unless you want to extend it to any other part of India.
7 day Rajasthan itinerary
Day One: Delhi to Jaipur
Assuming your flight lands late night or early morning at Delhi, there will be a short layover before you catch your 45 minutes flight to Jaipur.
On arrival you can check into your preferred hotel for some rest and start your exploration of the Pink City in the afternoon. You can hire a tiki-tuk for around $10 and your driver cum guide will do the rest.
Take a tour of Hawa Mahal or the Wind Palace, an unmissable part of any Jaipur itinerary. Built in 1799, this impressive pink and sandstone building is the city’s most iconic landmark. You can enjoy best views from the Tattoo Cafe located on the opposite side. Overnight at Jaipur.
Day Two: Jaipur
After breakfast, head to the Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1592 and named after the goddess of fertility, Amba Mata.The palace is huge and you will need a few hours to explore it. Hire a guide for $5, it is worth it.
Your next stop is Jai Mahal, a palace surrounded by the Man Singh lake. There is a bustling market here which is perfect for immersing in the local culture.
Finally in the evening, head to the Nahargarh Fort and enjoy the surreal sunset views from the Kali Burj vantage point. Overnight Jaipur.
Day Three: Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur
There are several early morning trains that will bring you to Sawai Madhopur in under three hours.For many, the highlight of a trip to India is spotting the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and your best chance of spotting the animal is at the Ranthambore National Park, near Sawai Madhopur.
Seeing these magnificent creatures in a zoo or a safari park is one thing, but watching them prowling in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience, one that you are not likely to forget.
Being hunters, spotting these big cats is not always easy, but trying to track one down is equally thrilling. Ranthambore holds a high density of tigers, and going on an open jeep safari is the best way to see them.
You will go on two safaris to Ranthambore, one on your first afternoon early and the second early morning, in the company of a naturalist to maximize your chances of seeing the animal. Overnight catch the 2305 Mewar Express for Udaipur. Arrival 0725 hrs.
Day Four: Udaipur
Check into your hotel for some rest and after breakfast begin your Udaipur City exploration by visiting the City Palace, the largest of its kind in Rajasthan.
The palace was built over four centuries ago, and is actually a complex of 11 smaller palaces, each with their own unique style of architecture.
The palace sits on the banks of Lake Pichola, and offers breathtaking views of the waters and the mountains in the background.
A short walk away is the Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. Built in 1651, the temple is free to enter for all.
Enjoy the Dharohar Folk Dance show that takes place every evening at 7pm at Bagore ki Haveli, an ancient mansion on the shores of Lake Pichola.
The show offers a magical display of traditional Rajasthani music and four types of dances played on the traditional instruments, tabla. Overnight at Udaipur.
Day Five: Udaipur
Rise early to experience the best thing to do in Udaipur City by going on a sunrise tour to the Bahubali Hills, a short drive out of the city. Watch the sunrise here as it lights up the beautiful lakes of the city. You will be spending the better part of the morning here.
Since you are already down the road, a further distance away you will come across the Kumbahalgarh Fort, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its very long walls, second only to the Great Wall of China. In the evening return to your hotel. Overnight Udaipur.
Day Six: Udaipur to Jodhpur
Drive early morning along NH 27 to Jodhpur(240 km/4.5 hrs) and upon arrival check into your hotel.
Go on a sightseeing tour of the city and admire the many forts and palaces in the vicinity.
Enjoy a cultural program at the Raikabagh Pakace before heading to the railway station to catch the 2015 Runicha Express night train to Jaisalmer. The train arrives at 0230 hrs, so you have ample time to relax in your hotel.
Day Seven: Jaisalmer
On your last day of the trip check out the beautiful Jaisalmer Fort in the morning and the Jaisal carvings in the Patwa Haveli in the afternoon. Later on drive to Sam Sands for your desert safari.
To be truly awed with nature, a safari in the Thar desert offers some of the best sunset views in India. Ride on camel back to roam in this untamed wilderness for an adventure of a lifetime. Return to Jaisalmer.
On your last night you have the option to catch the early morning 0240 express train to Delhi(arrival 2150 hrs) or catch the 1330 Indigo flight to Delhi arriving at 1455 hours in case you plan to fly to your next destination immediately after the tour is over.
