The land of maharajas and havelis, of tranquil lakes and a glorious heritage, Rajasthan is like a jewel in the crown of India. There are few places in the world that boast a culture, architecture and a past as magnificent as the majestic Rajasthan. While the popular conjecture remains that a trip here will cost you a fortune, the truth is that you can explore the beauty of Rajasthan to its fullest even on a budget.
Here’s our guide to exploring Rajasthan in less than Rs 10,000.
The Itinerary:
Here are the must-visit seven cities that you can cover in a span of seven days in Rajasthan:
Day 1: Kota
This commercial city on the banks of the Chambal river has more to it than just coaching classes and industries. With a fair share of Rajasthan’s forts, palaces and gardens, Kota has plenty of stories for those who are keen to listen.
How To Reach: There are over 40 trains running from New Delhi that take you to Kota in around 4 hours 30 minutes.
Where To Stay: Hotel Khajanchi (Prices starting at Rs 375 for one night),
Where To Go: Garadia Mahavir Temple, Kota Garh Museum, 7 Wonders in Kota
What To Eat: Lachha paratha and lassi at Amar Punjabi Dhaba, kachori at Sualalji and Jodhpur Namkeen, Panna Lal ke pakode, kesar angoori petha at Shankar Petha Bhandar.
Day 2: Chittorgarh
Known as the largest fort complex in India, Chittorgarh has a Rajputana history that is very dear to Rajasthan. Sitting atop a hill, this city has a restored beauty that gives glimpses of its glorious past.
How To Reach: Take a bus from Kota (Rs 250-Rs 300) to Chittorgarh. The journey takes around 4 hours.
Where To Stay: Hotel Kumbha Retreat And Spa (Prices starting at Rs 700), Naman Palace (Rs 700 and above).
Where To Go: Chittorgarh Fort, Fateh Prakash Palace, Rana Ratan Palace, Rani Padmini Mahal.
What To Eat: Dal bati churma at Chokhi Dhani Garden, Rajasthani thali at Gangaur Restaurant.
Day 3: Udaipur
From the tranquil lakes, and ornate havelis, to the century-old temples, Udaipur has an old-world charm that is unparalleled. Drop by at this city, aptly called the most romantic spot in India, on the third day of your Rajasthan tour.
How To Reach: There are around ten trains from Chittorgarh that take you to Udaipur in 1hr 44m.
Where To Stay: Thamla Haveli (Rs 950 per night), Backpacker Panda (Rs 399+ for dormitory), Nukkad Guest House (Rs 700), Moustache Hotel (Rs 299 for dorm), Greco House (Rs 600)
Where To Go: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Lake Fatehsagar, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, Ahar, Ambrai Ghat, Sajjangarh Palace, Kumbalgarh Fort.
What To Eat: Dahi kachori at Pratapgarh Chaat Wala, tandoori omelette at Chetak Circle, mini mirchi bada at Bhuwana-Sukher road.
Day 4: Jodhpur
On your fourth day in Rajasthan, treat yourself to the extravagance of the Blue City. The beauty of the city lies in its architectural brilliance and medieval streets. The show stealer, however, is the mammoth fort of Mehrangarh that lies over 400 ft above the city.
How To Reach: Take a bus from Udaipur (Rs 500) and you will reach Jodhpur in 4hr 30m.
Where To Stay: Singhvi’s Haveli (Prices start at Rs 1000 per night), Zostel (Prices starting at Rs 600)
Where To Go: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Balsamand Lake, Kailana Lake, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Mandore Garden, Siddhanth Shiv Temple, Masuriya Hill Garden
What To Eat: Mawa kachori at Ghanshyam Das Munnilal shop, gulab jamun at Chaturbhuj Rameshchandra, gatte ki sabji and gulab jamun ki sabji at Shandaar restaurant, thali at Gypsy restaurant.
Day 5: Bikaner
What attracts travellers to the vibrant city of Bikaner is the long stretch of desert, camel-safari, and the magnificent fort.
How To Reach: Take a bus (Rs 300) or a train (Rs 188) from Jodhpur. A bus ride will take you 6hr 30m and a train ride will take around 5hr 20m.
Where To Stay: Hotel Harasar Haveli (Prices starting at Rs 974), Tanisha Heritage Haweli (Prices starting at Rs 542)
Where To Go: Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple, Lalgarh Palace, Bhandasar Jain Temple
What To Eat: Laal maas and Rajasthani thali at Heeralal Restaurant, gatte ki sabji at Laxmi Niwas Palace, kesar fini at Kishan Sweets, ghewar at Bhikaram Chandmal Bhujiawala.
Day 6: Pushkar
The Hindu pilgrimage town of Pushkar is also known for its mind-blowing camel fair, countless ghats, and the bazaar selling everything one could fancy.
How To Reach: There are no direct trains or buses between Bikaner and Pushkar. Take a bus from Bikaner to Beawar and then take a taxi from Beawar to Pushkar (Rs 1544).
Where To Stay: Kanhaia Haveli (Prices starting at Rs 312), The Narayan Resort (Prices starting at Rs 1100), Hotel Pushkar Legacy (Rs 926)
Where To Go: Pushkar Lake, Mahadeva Temple, Merta, Naga Pahar, Rose Garden, Sarafa Bazar, Kishangarh, Man Mahal.
What To Eat: Dal baati churma at The Aroma Hotel, malpua at Radhey Ji Restaurant, Rajasthani thali at Kanri Maa restaurant.
Day 7: Jaipur
Though the star attractions of the city are the Amber Fort and the City Palace, there’s also a certain charm about Jaipur’s chaotic streets that draw travelers towards them.
How To Reach: Take a bus from Pushkar to Ajmer (Rs 410). The bus ride will take you 3 hours.
Where To Stay: Nahar Singh Haveli (Prices starting at Rs 700), Hathroi Palace (Rs 569), Rani Mahal (Rs 432).
Where To Go: Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Lakshmi Narayan Temple
What To Eat: Pyaaj kachori at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, pav bhaji at Pandit’s, masala omelette at The Sanjay Omlette.
Pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty and heritage of Rajasthan without worrying much about your bank balance.
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