India is a massive country, and while we were there for just under 2 months, we saw a lot, but also barely even half the country. Click here to read about India! This itinerary covers the state of Rajasthan, which I’ve edited based on our visit and picked out the top spots, must do’s and must see’s for each place for the ultimate historic, cultural immersion into India!

Rajasthan state is also known as the ‘Land of Kings’ (rightfully so), it is a state full of stories of wars and victories, romance, misfortunes and glories. These folkloric tales of love and heroism are physically reflected in Rajasthan’s many monuments, magnificent palaces and forts. Rajasthan is also home to the vast Thar Desert, as well as an array of rare wildlife. This itinerary will encompass so many sounds, feelings, tastes, and sights of India – perfect for your first visit to this large country.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: JAIPUR
Day 2: JAIPUR
Day 3: JAIPUR – BIKANER
Day 4: BIKANER
Day 5: BIKANER – JAISALMER
Day 6: JAISALMER – THAR DESERT
Day 7: THAR DESERT – JODHPUR
Day 8: JODHPUR
Day 9: JODHPUR – (RANAKPUR) – UDAIPUR
Day 10: UDAIPUR
Day 11: UDAIPUR
Day 12: UDAIPUR – RANTHAMBHORE
Day 13: RANTHAMBHORE
Day 14: RANTHAMBHORE – JAIPUR

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Day 1: JAIPUR

You can arrive at any time, since flights mainly fly into Delhi, you will most likely be coming from there or Agra, both a couple hours drive so if you leave in the morning you should be in Jaipur by midday. Today i would recommend spending the afternoon in the old town area. Have a lovely lunch at one of the many restaurants, then head to the City Palace, and the Jantar Mantar. You may want to spend some time wandering around some local markets like Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar. I highly recommend making your way to see the iconic Hawa Mahal just before sunset, when it is at its most beautiful.

Day 2: JAIPUR

Start the day by visiting the outskirts of the city to see the magical Amber Fort. You’ll spend a good portion of the day exploring this 16th century attraction. If you want to see a ‘Step Well’ (they are everywhere in India) you can also walk 10min to Panna Meena Ka Kund. On your way back towards the city, stop for some photos at the beautiful ‘floating’ palace, Jal Mahal. For the afternoon visiting the ‘Monkey Temple’ Hanuman Ji Temple is a lot of fun, and if you want an action packed day, you may want finish it off with a visit to Nahargah Fort which has access to some stunning views.

Day 3: JAIPUR – BIKANER

Jawahar Circle Garden, is perfect to visit first thing in the morning (open as early as 6am), so stop off here to get some beautiful photos before leaving Jaipur city.
NEXT STOP: 335km – 5hours driving.
Arrive in Bikaner early afternoon. On your way in to Bikaner, stop off to visit the iconic Karni Mata Temple, better known as the Temple of Rats… which you will learn why very quickly. Find out my reason for not entering here (and trust me, i was going too).

Day 4: BIKANER

Today isn’t as jam packed, so maybe have a little sleep in, and start your day by visiting the informative Camel Research Center for an enlightening hour or two. Highly recommend spending a couple hours wandering the streets and looking at all the beautiful buildings here. Bikaner was a easiest city to explore as it wasn’t very crowded and a lot smaller than most. Then, spend your afternoon visiting the historic Junagarh Fort. Lastly, the Jain Temple, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautifully decorated temples you will see – be sure to get a classic selfie with the ceiling (once you visit, you will know!) Want more Bikaner? Read this post!

Day 5: BIKANER – JAISALMER

This morning head straight towards the desert and the city of Jaisalmer.
NEXT STOP: 311km – 5.5hours driving.
Again, you will have the afternoon here to explore, and I highly recommend some more ‘street wandering‘ as the houses, temples, and havelis are very different from what you would find in other regions of Rajasthan, or anywhere else in the world!

Day 6: JAISALMER – THAR DESERT

You might need to use the morning to pack for the desert, but after breakfast head to Jaisalmer Fort (I know you have seen many forts by now, but this was one of our favourite – the stories were so fascinating). Depending on how long you take, you may have time to visit Gadsisar Lake or a Jain Temple. In the afternoon it will be time to head out to your ‘Desert Safari Experience‘ – these can be booked directly in Jaislamer with so many companies offering the exact same experience (otherwise book this while in Jaipur). Depending on the expeience you book, they leave between 2pm and 5pm in the afternoon, and some may include jeep safaris, villages tours, or camel safaris. You will also have choices of sleeping directly under the stars (out in the open) or in little “tents”.

Day 7: THAR DESERT – JODHPUR

The next morning, you will say goodbye to the Thar Desert and head back to Jaisalmer, then I suggest heading straight on for Jodhpur.
NEXT STOP: 282km – 4.5hours driving. 
Arriving in Jodhpur in the late afternoon, spend the afternoon relaxing, and exploring the streets – highly recommend scouting out a restaurant for ‘dinner with a view’ (don’t worry – there are so many places offering this).

Day 8: JODHPUR

Start your day with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, which sits 120m high on a cliff. With several palaces, temples, and museums inside this will be sure to take up a good part of your morning. Next up is the must-see marble structure known as Jaswant Thada (or the Taj Mahal of Mewar). If you have time, you can also walk 10min to Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, a beautiful desert garden. Spend your late afternoon at the clock tower and Sardar Market, a great place to grab some food, go shopping, or just enjoy the bustling streets of India.

Day 9: JODHPUR – (RANAKPUR) – UDAIPUR

Only needing to leave around 9am, make your way from Jodhpur to Udaipur with a magical stop along the way at the Ranakpur Jain Temple.
NEXT STOP: 155km – 3hours driving.
The Ranakpur Jain Temple, only opens at midday making it a perfect pit stop. Spending a couple hours here, it is one of the most beautiful Jain Temples in Rajasthan state, read more about it here.
NEXT STOP: 95km – 2hours driving.
Arriving in the late afternoon to Udaipur, if you don’t want to do much, a walk along one of the beautiful lakes is rewarding.

Day 10: UDAIPUR

First up, you’ll be off to the City Palace, I recommend an audio guide (or hiring a guide), as there are so many interesting stories, facts, and overall history that is just so fascinating (even if you don’t like history – promise). Next, you can wander around the beautiful Bada Bazaar for any shopping needs. For your afternoon, all in the same area you can visit Bagore ki haveli and Jagdish Temple, both a short walk from each other. Finish your day with a walk around Lake Pichola for sunset, with a stop at the lovely Ambrai Ghat.

Day 11: UDAIPUR

Start your day by leaving the city to visit Ekling Ji Temple, and Ahar Cenotaphs for some fascinating history. Next head back in toward the city and visit Neemach Mata Mandir for spectacular views. If its your thing, check out Shilpgram, a cultural center exhibiting rural arts and crafts and showcasing much of India’s cultural (past and present). If you don’t want to visit Shilpgram you can spend longer at the first 3 places this morning. Then, finish off your day at the magical Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace for sunset.

Day 12: UDAIPUR – RANTHAMBHORE

Today is the only ‘right off’ with a full day of driving. I’d suggest leaving in the morning, giving yourself time to stop for breaks when needed.
NEXT STOP: 407km – 7.5hours driving.
Arrive in Ranthambore late afternoon, there isn’t much to do here and you will be up very early the next morning so relax and have an early night.

Day 13: RANTHAMBHORE

So depending on your budget (each safari is around 2300INR), and if this is your kind of thing, I personally would opt for doing 2 safaris today (morning, afternoon) and 1 safari tomorrow (morning), as this is a national park, seeing animals isn’t guaranteed (we only went once and didn’t see any tigers at all!), and overall safaris are a lot of fun. Click here for all your booking and information from the National Park. If you want a jam packed day, or only opt for one safari today you can also go check out the Ranthambore Fort.

Day 14: RANTHAMBHORE – JAIPUR

If you have decided to go on another safari this morning will be busy, otherwise if you haven’t you can check out the fort. Around midday set off back to Jaipur.
NEXT STOP: 168km – 3.5hours driving.
Arrive back in Jaipur in the late afternoon, if you are finishing your trip, you can go straight onto Delhi for your flight, or even fly from Delhi down to Mumbai and Goa.

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