Rajasthan is one of the most visited states in India. From majestic forts and palaces, golden sand deserts, colorful street markets, mesmerizing hilltop to tranquil lakes, Rajasthan has so much to offer to its visitors. The sagas and tales of the ancient kingdoms can still be depicted throughout the cities you visit in Rajasthan. Take your time to soak in the hospitality, royalty and the rich history of this wonderful state. Here’s a detailed 7-day itinerary to help you plan your visit to three of the most beautiful and major cities in Rajasthan – Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
Reaching And Getting Around Rajasthan
Rajasthan can be reached from any of the major airports in India, most conveniently from Delhi or Mumbai for international visitors. The cities in Rajasthan are well connected through flights, trains, and buses. You can also make last minute bookings for Volvo buses for moving from one city to another. This would be the cheapest mode of transportation. Hiring rental cars is another convenient option for short distance commutation between cities Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Uber cab services are also available through mobile apps in all the major cities of Rajasthan.
Jaipur Itinerary – 2 Days
Jaipur is famously known as the Pink City of Rajasthan. You will find all the major forts, palaces and street markets colored in the shades of pink. The warm hospitality, magnificent architectures, historical tales, traditional shows, indulgence in delicious Rajasthani cuisine, chaotic and lively street markets would prove to be an experience of a lifetime for you. Jaipur is a part of the Golden Triangle which covers the major cities in India: Delhi, Agra (known for the Taj Mahal) and Jaipur.
Day 1 – Things To Do In Jaipur
City Palace
Start your day by visiting the City Palace which is a huge complex consisting of courtyards, gardens, alleys, temples and intricately decorated royal premises. The royal family still resides in the gorgeous Chandra Mahal which is within the City Palace and accessible after paying an extra entrance fee.
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal also known as the Palace Of Winds is the most iconic and a must visit place in Jaipur. It is located at a short walking distance from the City Palace. Its unique architecture has about 953 miniature stained glass windows decorated with latticework at each floor. The exteriors of Hawa Mahal are the main attraction, but you can still enter inside and catch the views of this Pink City from those miniature windows.
Shop At Bapu Bazaar
Jaipur is very well known for it’s widely spread shopping market, Bapu Bazaar. You can find an amazing collection of gemstones, jewelry, block printed clothing, handcrafted bags, mojaris (Jaipuri designed shoes), bedsheets, carpets and a lot more.
Day 2 – Things To Do In Jaipur
Amer Fort
Visiting the magnificent Amer Fort overlooking the Maota lake is one of the best things to do in Jaipur. It is recommended to leave earlier for the Fort as it is located a bit farther from the city at approximately 10 km from the city center. The Amer Fort has a very picturesque landscape consisting of beautiful gardens, temples, royal premises decorated with impressive mirror works and wide courtyards.
Nahargarh Fort
Head to the Nahargarh Fort next for some spectacular panoramic views of the entire city of Jaipur. You can also stay there until evening to witness an enchanting transition of this city during the sunset time.
Jal Mahal Palace
The Jal Mahal is a palace located in the middle of Mansagar lake. Although entry is not allowed to the palace, you can still take a stop at the promenade there, get some pictures clicked and indulge in some delicious street food.
Jodhpur Itinerary – 2 Days
Jodhpur is an amazing city in Rajasthan where you are going to find the most majestic fort in India, the Mehrangarh Fort. Known as the Blue City of Rajasthan due to few blue colored buildings in the older parts, this city is an amalgamation of both enriching wanderings through the palaces and the more laid back local life at the busy street markets.
Day 1 – Things To Do In Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort
Start your Jodhpur trip by visiting the mighty Mehrangarh Fort which is one of the largest forts in India. This fort overlooks the entire Jodhpur city from where you can also witness the panoramic views of the blue areas as well. While you are in the fort, do not miss out the palace decorated with mirrors – Sheesh Mahal, palace having the unique collection of gold paintings – Phool Mahal and the luxurious interiors of Takht Singh Palace.
Jaswant Thada
Located on a small hill near the Mehrangarh Fort is Jaswant Thada, which is a cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. This shiny white marble built structure surrounded by a gorgeous lake and having a very symmetrically laid out garden is one of the most picture perfect places in Jodhpur.
Mandore Gardens
The lush green Mandore Gardens consists of an endearing collection of temples, memorials, and other monumental structures. These structures are actually ruins of the abandoned town Mandore which once used to be the capital of Rathores. The museum at the Mandore Gardens exhibits various ancient statues and artifacts.
Day 2 – Things To Do In Jodhpur
Umaid Bhavan Palace
This is one of the largest palaces in the world. The Umaid Bhavan Palace is divided into three portions, one is where the Rajasthani royal family resides, the second portion is a luxurious hotel where you can plan to stay and the third portion is a museum which exhibits porcelain artifacts, vintage cars, antique clocks and notable memorials of the royals.
Walking Tour Of The Blue City
You may expect the entire city of Jodhpur to be blue, but that is not the case. In the present time, only a few older areas have houses painted in the city’s traditional blue color. One such area is Navichowk. You will have to take an auto to Navichowk where you can wander through the narrow alleys having those blue painted houses.
Clock Tower and Sadar Market
The clock tower is a famous landmark of the city surrounded by the bustling Sadar market. You can shop all kinds of stuff from here including clothing, Rajasthani shoes, accessories, handcrafted bags and sweets at very cheap prices.
Udaipur Itinerary – 3 Days
Udaipur is known as the Venice of the East and is one of my favorite destinations. You could never get enough of the mesmerizing aura of this city. The charismatic lakes, surrounding Aravali hills, elegant palaces, breath-taking landscapes, easy going and chilled out vibes makes it one of the most charming and prettiest cities in India. Udaipur is the city that can never disappoint anyone.
Day 1 – Things To Do In Udaipur
City Palace
The City Palace located at the banks of Lake Pichola is one of the main attractions you must visit in Udaipur. It is much more incredible and expansive than the City Palace in Jaipur. The towers of the palace give amazing views of the lake and the city. City Palace comprises of intricately decorated royal premises including rooms, courtyards, domes towers, and arches. These exhibit the grandeur and culture of the royals through huge collections of paintings, weapons, artifacts, jewelry, glassworks, and decorated interiors.
Jagmandir Palace (Lake Palace)
Take a ferry ride from the City Palace to the fascinating Jagmandir Palace and witness it’s splendor up close. The entrance of the palace has a row of marble statues of elephants around the wall giving an impression of the palace being guarded by them. Spend some time wandering through the gorgeous gardens and capture some beautiful memories at this lake palace. You can also dine at the Darikhana Restaurant that is located within the palace.
Lake Pichola Banks
The peaceful and enchanting vibes surrounding the Lake Pichola are unlike anywhere else. Wander through the banks of Lake Pichola, find a spot to sit and enjoy the magical sunset. There are many restaurants and cafes offering stunning views of the tranquil lake too!
Day 2 – Things To Do In Udaipur
Jagdish Temple
Jagdish Temple is the most famous and oldest temple in Udaipur. Decorated with beautiful carvings, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of Universe. It is located just at the center of the market area and the City Palace.
Bagore Ki Haveli
The Bagore Ki Haveli is a royal mansion comprising of several rooms exhibiting the tales and culture of the Rajasthani royal kingdom. The visual depictions of the wedding rituals, games and other activities through statues are very intriguing. The Haveli also has a puppet museum which is set as a royal courtroom.
Mansapurna Karni Mata Temple
The Mansapurna Karni Mata Temple is located at Machhala hilltop which is a very popular point for observing sunsets over the Udaipur city. You can reach the hilltop through a cable car ride and get some amazing views of the entire city including the City Palace, Lake Pichola, Fatehsagar Lake, and Aravali hills.
Day 3 – Things To Do In Udaipur
Monsoon Palace
The Monsoon Palace is a hilltop castle which is known for fantastic panoramic of the Udaipur city. The castle itself is not very well maintained, but still, the scenic views of the lakes, mountains, and forests around Udaipur make it worthy of a visit. Due to the mountainous and steep route, it is highly recommended to travel to the Monsoon Palace by hiring a rental car.
Saheliyo Ki Bari
The Saheliyo Ki Bari is a very impressive garden comprising of well maintained lush green lawns, lotus ponds, fountains and elephant statues. It is said that the queen used to enjoy some peace and leisure time with her maids in this garden.
Fateh Sagar Lake
This is another prominent lake in Udaipur which is just as stunning as Lake Pichola. You can take a ferry ride or sit back while admiring the mesmerizing sunset while sipping in some delicious coffee prepared by the street side vendors.
Rajasthan’s welcoming hospitality, color vibrancy, landscapes, and marvelous architectures are bliss and one of a kind experience for its visitors. I hope your first time to Rajasthan is as magical as it has been for me always and I am sure it won’t be your last.