2-Week Rajasthan Itinerary: Best First-Timer’s India Itinerary

Rajasthan is the perfect destination for first-timer visitors in India. This guide includes perfected 2-week and 3-week itineraries as an introduction to India’s cultural highlights.

Few countries are more overwhelming, overstimulating, and overtiring to travel to than India. But, having spent nearly 3 months exploring in-depth, I can say without hesitation that travel in India is undoubtedly worth the effort. And the perfect place for first-timers to begin their adventures in India is unequivocally Rajasthan. This comprehensive 2-week itinerary for Rajasthan is the ultimate resource for planning a first-time visit to the big, beautiful country that is India.

Rajasthan is one of India's most popular tourist destinations and for a good reason. It's a vibrant Indian state steeped in rich history and cultural heritage with a seemingly endless array of exquisite palaces, mammoth forts, and breathtaking landscapes. Before visiting Rajasthan (or India in general) for the first time, it's always a good idea to be armed with travel tips from someone who’s been there! I’ve crafted this 2-week itinerary so that it includes some of the essential things to know before you go. I’ve included transportation options, local customs, an extensive packing list, and information about the best time to visit.

I’ve curated this itinerary to be a condensed version of my own 3-month journey across Rajasthan. I’ve sprinkled in Rajasthan highlights and hidden gems and, of course, made sure it includes the state’s most iconic cities: Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur. Read on for the perfect first-timer’s 2-week and 3-week itineraries for Rajasthan!

how long to spend in Rajasthan, India ↴

India is a massive country. It would take a lifetime to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny. As someone who advocates for slower travel, I’m always a fan of spending more time in a single destination. That’s part of the reason why I traveled full-time for years on end. However, travel is a privilege and most people do not have the luxury of spending months at a time to adventure at their leisure, one country at a time.

I recommend spending a minimum of two weeks in Rajasthan. Even with two weeks, you’ll have to move relatively quickly from city to city to see the highlights.

how to get around Rajasthan, India ↴

Below is a list of the many places I visited in Rajasthan during my three months in India, but you might be wondering how I got to each dot on the map. This is usually one of the most tricky logistical parts of any trip-planning process. Luckily for you, I’ve linked the websites I used to get from place to place, and alternatives to suit your travel style preferences.

The train is the classic way to move throughout Rajasthan. I used 12goAsia to book my train tickets and recommend it for first-time visitors to India. Taking the train in India is a quintessential part of the Indian travel experience. Train tickets are broken down into classes, starting with the most expensive tickets in AC First Class (the best, most “luxurious” tickets) and ending with Sleeper Class tickets, which are the cheapest. There are also AC2 and AC3 classes in the middle.

Alternatively, consider booking a bus! Bookings can, again, be made on the 12goAsia website. It’s not necessary to book a bus in Rajasthan, as the region is highly connected by trains, but it is an option for those who prefer.

Controversially, I used some private transfers. Since I was traveling with my husband through India, it often cost us the same to hire a private transfer as it would have to get an Uber from our hotel to the train station, pay for a train ticket, and then pay for another Uber at the final destination to take us to our new accommodation. We were also traveling with big rolling luggage (do not recommend), so a private driver made everything just a bit less stressful.

Flights are also an option and are relatively cheap across India. I don’t think flying throughout Rajasthan is necessary, but we did fly from Udaipur to Delhi at the end of our three-month India trip and from Delhi to Varanasi to save time at the beginning of our trip.

when to visit Rajasthan, India ↴

The best time to visit Rajasthan for most travelers is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant for exploring the state's rich cultural and historical heritage. However, if you're interested in unique experiences like monsoon tourism or local festivals, you may consider visiting during the other seasons, but be prepared for specific weather and travel conditions.

Winter (October to March) | This is the most popular and recommended time to visit Rajasthan. The weather is pleasant with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). I visited Rajasthan from the middle of January through the end of March, and the temperatures were comfortable. In January, we often needed our jackets in the morning and evenings, but by mid-morning, the sun was out and I was usually ready to find shade and a place to cool off.
Summer (April to June) | Summers in Rajasthan are extremely hot, with temperatures soaring well above 40°C (104°F) in many places. If you can tolerate the heat, you might find good deals on accommodations, but overall I would avoid traveling in Rajasthan during this time of year.
Monsoon (July to September) | Rajasthan receives a limited amount of rainfall during the monsoon season, but it can be a beautiful time to visit, with the landscape turning lush and green. However, some rural areas can become inaccessible due to flooding, so it's important to plan accordingly.
Festivals | Rajasthan is home to a number of lively festivals. If you want to witness one of these unique celebrations, plan your visit around major festivals like Diwali, Holi, Pushkar Camel Fair (usually in October/November), or the Jaipur Literature Festival (usually in January).

what to pack for 2 weeks in India ↴

I always say this, but I do not enjoy creating packing guides. What you bring with you anywhere depends entirely on what you plan to do there. My packing lists might not suit all of your needs. Still, I’ve created this packing checklist so that if you follow this itinerary, you’ll have all you need to enjoy everything it includes.

clothing for India

clothing that covers your shoulders, cleavage, and legs
long sleeve shirt for safari— if you’re going on a safari, I think this is an absolute must for protecting yourself from bug bites and sunburn
swimsuit— between waterfall pools and the beaches, Sri Lanka will have you getting wet
sun hat— a baseball cap was my saving grace here
rain jacket— a lightweight rain jacket is your best bet, since it will still be hot when it downpours
hiking shoes— many of the places I most highly recommend visiting in Sri Lanka require steady footwear

electronics + camera kit

power bank with multiple charging ports
correct charging adapter for your electronics— India uses plugs
backpack— make sure it’s a good fit, with comfortable straps
dry bag— in case your backpack doesn’t fair well in the rain, I recommend getting a dry bag that you can pop your camera kit into to ensure it stays safe and dry

other odds + ends

sun protection in all its many forms— hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
LifeStraw water bottle or Hydro Flask— cut down on your plastic consumption, ensure your water is clean to drink, and keep it refreshingly cold
bug spray— prevent yourself from getting eaten up with an all-natural repellent from ethical companies like Primally Pure
first aid kit— it’s never a bad thing to carry when you’re traveling
packing cubes— game changers that make traveling from place to place easier
quick dry towel— perfect for beach dips and waterfall swims

2-week itinerary for Rajasthan, India ↴

The following two-week itinerary is for travelers who are short on time and want to make the most of every second. I highly recommend slowing down and spending three weeks in Rajasthan. A two-week itinerary will give you enough time to see the highlights, but it’s likely you’ll have to skip some recommended activities. I include an expanded itinerary and information about each destination further along in this blog post!

Day 1 | Delhi

Land in Delhi. Spend your first afternoon in India exploring Delhi’s highlights and acclimating to the overstimulation of this beautiful country. Enjoy a good meal and get some sleep before you head to Agra in the morning.

Day 2 + 3 | Agra

Start day two by traveling from Delhi to Agra. This takes roughly 4 hours by car (private transfer) or 3.5-8+ hours by train. Spend sunrise on day three marveling at the Taj Mahal, possibly the most iconic of Rajasthan’s landmarks. After breakfast at one of Agra’s cafés, take a rickshaw to Agra Fort, the city’s second most impressive landmark and the former residence of the Mughal Dynasty. After lunch, hit the road to Jaipur.

Day 4 + 5 | Jaipur

You’ll have plenty to keep you busy for three days in Jaipur! After a good night’s sleep, start day four bright and early at Patrika Gate, then walk to Albert Hall Museum before continuing on to Masala Chowk food court for a delicious Indian breakfast. Once you’ve fueled up, take a rickshaw to Jaipur’s stunning City Palace. The palace opens at 9:30 AM, and it gets hectic with crowds. Make sure to roam the entirety of the palace grounds and its exhibits before walking across the road to Jantar Matar, a complex comprised of giant sandstone astronomical instruments. In the evening, make your way to Nahara Fort for golden hour. Cap off your perfect first day in Jaipur with a cocktail at the unimitable Bar Palladio.

Start day five (your second day in Jaipur) at Amer Fort, the jewel of Jaipur! Amer Fort is worth spending some time at, so plan to be there for a few hours. Getting to the fort at opening (8 AM) will help you beat the crowds and the potential heat. After wandering the fort, walk down the hill to Panna Kund Stepwells. This architectural gem is a beautiful photo opportunity.

Day 6 + 7 | Ranthambore

Travel to Ranthambore and jump on an afternoon tiger safari. While spotting tigers (and wildlife in general) is never guaranteed, Ranthambore has a good reputation for tiger spotting. On day 7, partake in a sunrise tiger safari before traveling to Pushkar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel or hostel and eat a delicious meal at one of the lakeside cafés.

Note: If a tiger safari isn’t of interest to you, consider adding a third day in Jaipur and a second day in Pushkar.

DAY 8 | PUSHKAR

Welcome to Pushkar! I’m of the unpopular opinion that 1-2 days in Pushkar is really all anyone needs if they make the most of their time. Start day 8 of your 2-week itinerary with morning yoga. From yoga, hunt down a healthy breakfast before exploring Ranji Temple before visiting Brahma Temple. Be sure to catch the evening aarti ceremony at sundown around the lake.

DAY 9 + 10 | UDAIPUR

Feeling rested and refreshed in Pushkar, continue with calmness by traveling to Udaipur, the “Venice of the East.” Udaipur was one of my favorite destinations in Rajasthan, and it’s easy to see why; it’s a remarkably peaceful place by Indian standards and every sunset left me speechless. For your first day in Udaipur, Finish your first day in Udaipur by attending the Dharohar Cultural Show! I recommend buying tickets as soon as you can and grabbing a seat when the theater opens.

Start your second day in Udaipur with a stop at Jagdish Temple, before walking up the road to the City Palace, which opens at 9 AM. Grab a lunchtime dosa at the nearby Shree Nath Dosa. Wander the winding streets to Gangour Ghat located along the lake. If you have time, spend a few hours at art school, learning to paint the detailed miniature paintings that Udaipur is famous for. Cap off your time in Udaipur with a sunset boat cruise around Lake Pichola. Alternatively, take a rickshaw to Bahubali Hill for a golden hour hike.

Day 11 + 12 | Jodhpur

Travel from Udaipur to Jodhpur, “The Blue City.” While the city itself isn’t entirely blue, there are, in fact, sections of Jodhpur that are tinted blue and slathered with murals. Once you arrive in Jodhpur and check in to your accommodation, I recommend heading to Sardar Market. You can grab lunch at the Lonely Planet famous omelet stand. Don’t miss the Clock Tower! From the Clock Tower, booking a rickshaw for a ride to the Mandore Gardens, a collection of landscaped gardens and temples should be easy. The gardens are free to enter and are close to Umaid Bhawan Palace, your next destination. After you’ve wandered the Palace grounds, enjoy dinner at one of Jodhpur’s rooftop homestyle restaurants for an evening view of Mehrangarh lit up.

Start your second day in Jodhpur bright and early with breakfast at Sam’s Art Café before popping over to Toorji-ka-Jhalara, the city’s famous free stepwell. From there, walk up the stone streets to Mehrangarh Fort to be there when it opens at 9 AM. Once you’ve successfully explored the fort and its museum, walk 15 minutes to Jaswant Thada. Alternatively, you can take a rickshaw from the carpark at the fort to the cenotaphs. It’s approximately a three-minute car journey, so negotiate accordingly. Cap off your time in Jodhpur with another lovely rooftop dinner at Gopal Homestay.

Day 13 | Jaisalmer

Travel from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, “The Golden City” early in the morning! To be completely transparent, Jaisalmer is one of my least favorite cities included in this itinerary. Jaisalmer is primarily known for its Camel Safari. These camel excursions aren’t known for their ethical animal care, so I avoided them entirely. Jaisalmer has some beautiful architecture, like other destinations in Rajasthan, but the sand dunes and camels are the city’s main attraction.

Note: If you’d rather skip Jaisalmer, consider heading to Delhi a day early so that you have a second day in Delhi to explore before flying out on day 14.

Day 14 | Delhi

Return to Delhi, then travel onward!

3-week itinerary for Rajasthan, india ↴

If you have extra time in India, you can extend the 2-week itinerary as I outlined below. I would recommend the 3-week version of my itinerary if you have the time. It will allow you more time for excursions and book-in activities like art school, cooking classes, and hot air balloon rides. Traveling slower is optimal anywhere, but in India, moving slowly allows you to really soak in each city’s unique culture and history.

Day 1 + 2: Delhi
Day 3 + 4: Agra
Day 5, 6, + 7: Jaipur
Day 8 + 9: Bikaner
Day 10 + 11: Ranthambore
Day 12 + 13: Pushkar
Day 14, 15, + 16: Udaipur
Day 17 + 18: Jodhpur
Day 19 + 20: Jaislamer
Day 21: Return to Delhi, then travel onward.

With an expanded itinerary, you can add a stop in Bikaner. Bikaner is famed for Karni Mata, also known as the “Rat Temple.” Inside the temple, rats are worshipped like gods. Temple visitors buy milk to feed the rats, similar to making an offering to holy deities.

You can also add a day trip to Ajmer from Pushkar. This can be done via car, and your ride can be arranged through the reception at most hotels in Pushkar.

Dehli

Delhi, India's capital city, is a vibrant and exciting destination that is sure to captivate any traveler. During your first two days exploring this bustling city, there are countless things to see and do. With so much to explore and discover, your time in Delhi is sure to be unforgettable.

WHERE to stay in Delhi

Delhi is a behemoth of a city, so it’s important to find the right hotel or hostel. I would advise you not to stay near the Delhi train station if it’s your first time in India. While hotels in this area are conveniently located near the Red Fort and other main attractions, this part of the city can be especially overwhelming and is a nesting area for scammers. I recommend staying in the South Delhi (modern accommodation with contemporary amenities), Connaught Place (lots of chain hotels with reliable WiFi and clean rooms), and North Delhi (for budget travelers) areas of this sprawling city.

Shangri-La | Delhi’s Shangri-La is surprisingly affordable (compared to other Shangri-La hotels), so if you’re looking to splash out, Delhi might be the place to do it!
Radisson Blu Connaught Place | The Radisson Blu Connaught Place is in the newer part of Delhi, so the facilities here are more modern.

things to do in Delhi

Red Fort | You can’t go to Delhi without visiting the Red Fort, an emblem of the city with walls measuring over 100 feet tall.
Humayun’s Tomb | Humayun’s is the resting place of the former Mughal Emperor and a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jantar Manar| A giant observatory complex contains 13 astronomical instruments commissioned by the Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur
Qutub Minar | Renowned for being the oldest UNESCO Heritage Site in Delhi.
Lodhi Colony | Lodhi Colony is an open-air art museum showcasing over 54 murals that cover the entirety of this cultural epicenter.
Chandni Chowk | Delhi’s most iconic market, with shops and stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to street food delicacies.
India Gate | A massive archway was built in 1921 as a tribute to the Indian and British soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and the Anglo-Afghan War.

Where to eat in Delhi

Some of the most delicious food in Delhi can be found at street food vendors. Many of these vendors don’t have signposts in English, but you can guarantee if locals are lining up near a stall that the food is unmissable. Below are some of my favorite restaurants and cafés in Delhi that have English signposting, making them easy to find on Google Maps.

Sagar Ratna Restaurant | Sagar is a clean restaurant chain that serves South Indian dishes at locations throughout the city.
Bukhara | Bukhara’s behemoth naans and signature slow-cooked dal are adored legendary (and adored by celebrities).
Burma Burma | Famed for its Samosa Soup— a must-try for visitors in Delhi.
Karim’s | An eatery famed for its Mughal including mutton bara and brain curry.
Blue Tokai | I enjoyed breakfast one morning at the Khan Market location, and it started my day off with a bang!
Jugmug Thela | A beautiful café located in one of my favorite areas of Delhi, the ever-artsy Champa Gali neighborhood.

Agra

Traveling to Agra to see the Taj Mahal should be on everyone’s bucket list! The iconic landmark in India has attracted visitors from all over the world for decades. Its white marble shines brilliantly in the sun and looks particularly breathtaking in the early morning light.

WHERE to stay in Agra

I highly recommend Joey’s Hostel in Agra. The rooms are incredibly basic, but they’re clean and close to the Taj Mahal (arguably the main attraction in Agra). Joey’s offers both private and dorm-style rooms at affordable rates.

Things to see + do in Agra

Taj Mahal | The Taj Mahal is simultaneously the backdrop and the centerpiece of the entire city of Agra, and one of the Seven World Wonders.
Agra Fort | Agra Fort is so giant, it took eight years of back-breaking construction to complete. The fort served as the residence of the Mughal Dynasty until the capital was moved from Agra to Delhi in 1638.
Tomb of I’Timād-Ud-Daulah | Often known as the Baby Taj or the Bachcha Taj, the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is another Mughal mausoleum in Agra. Completed in 1628, this mausoleum was one of the first Mughal structures to have ever been built entirely in white marble.
Chini Ka Rauza | The final resting place for Shukrullah Shirazi Afzal Khan ‘Allami’, a Persian scholar and poet.

Where to Eat in Agra

Joney’s | A tiny café steps from Joey’s Hostel serving great pancakes.
Sheroes Hangout | A must-visit restaurant that supports acid attack survivors.
Peshawri | An upscale restaurant that’s considered to be one of Agra’s best luxury dining experiences.
The Hippie Café | The rooftop café on top of Joey’s Hostel, in perfect view of the Taj Mahal.
Pinch of Spice | A sophisticated eatery that serves classic Indian cuisine done to perfection.

Jaipur

Jaipur blew me away! The city’s architectural wonders make every rickshaw ride through the city feel like you’re zooming through a Bollywood movie set. There is so much to see and do in Jaipur, I could have easily spent weeks dedicated to exploring the “Pink City.” Some of my favorite memories in Jaipur were moments spent watching a movie at Raj Mandir, grabbing a cocktail at Bar Palladio, and spending an entire morning at Amber (Amer) Fort! I’m sure once you’ve spent some time in this popular Rajasthan destination, you’ll fall in love with India as a whole.

WHERE to stay in Jaipur

Sajjan Niwas Hotel | in a quieter part of the city near general stores, includes a swimming pool + rooftop restaurant (this is where we stayed)
The Hosteller | a highly-rated hostel with private and dorm rooms
Chokhi Dhani | luxury hotel that prides itself on an immersive, cultural experience for guests
Raj Palace | a taste of royal life, accommodation decorated with historical artifacts
Hilton Jaipur | an upscale chain
Rambagh Palace | the high-end luxury stay for those willing to pay heftily
Oberoi Rajvilas | A gorgeous, luxury hotel.

Things to see + do in Jaipur

Shop at all the bazaars | Jaipur is ripe with opportunities to shop. From textiles and jewelry to homewares and handicrafts, the many marketplaces in Jaipur have something for everyone. Make sure not to miss Chandni Chowk.
Galta Ji “The Monkey Temple” | Galta Ji, known also as the Monkey Temple, is a Hindu pilgrimage. The temple complex is located outside the city in a mountain setting that makes it feel a bit surreal. You can expect monkeys waiting outside the temple to steal bits from you, so come prepared to hold your bags tightly!
Jantar Mantar |A collection of 19 astronomical instruments used to calculate time and chart the stars and planets.
Albert Hall Museum | The oldest museum in Jaipur and the official museum of Rajasthan.
Amber (Amer) Fort | Looming above Maota Lake, this giant sandstone fort has sprawled across the Aravalli hills since 1592. Amber Fort, sometimes referred to as Amer Fort, was the Jaipur attraction that surprised me the most. I spent hours walking through every archway, getting lost in the maze of narrow marble staircases that opened up to room after room of visual delight.
City Palace | Located in the heart of Jaipur, the City Palace usually sits at the top of most tourists’ bucket lists, and for good reason. The palace grounds are comprised of a number of painted rooms, mini museums, and detailed courtyards. Every inch of the palace is beautiful, and it’s easy to spend a few hours here. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh commissioned the construction of the palace in 1729, and the royal family still reside here.
Nahargarh Fort | You simply cannot miss a sunset at Nahargarh Fort. Built by AMaharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1734, the fort was meant to be a retreat space for the royals. The painted frescoes, 360 views, and giant pinky fort wall all make Nahargarh Fort unmissable on a trip to the city.
Patrika Gate | A quick 25-minute drive outside the city center will get you to Patrika gate, a relatively new focal point for Jaipur. The gate is meant to be the entrance to a local park, but it tends to be the centerpiece thanks to its detailed paintings depicting Rajasthan’s state history.
Hawa Mahal | Hawa Mahal epitomizes Jaipur’s exemplary architecture. It exudes the kind of grandeur Jaipur is known for. In 1799, Hawa Mahal, also known as “The Palace of Winds”, was built for royal women to watch the dramas of the day unfold on the city streets without being seen themselves.
Raj Mandir | One of the very best things I did in Jaipur was watch a Bollywood film at the Raj Mandir Cinema, an art deco cinema rated the “third best movie theater in the world.” Crowds are lively, making every movie a unique experience.

Where to Eat in Jaipur

Curious Life Coffee Roasters | There’s no better brunch in the city + the café is owned by an Indian military veteran
Gulab Ji Chai Wale | known for having the best chai in Jaipur + famous for its bun samosa
Half Light Coffee Roasters | excellent food complimented by coffee roasted to perfection
Masala Chowk | classic Rajasthani street food served in a clean open-air market
Bar Palladio | an upscale cocktail experience in the most beautiful setting

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park promises to be some of the most breathtaking. With your sights set on taking in the natural beauty of the park, nothing will compare to the moments you'll spend watching tigers roam freely. While Ranthambore boasts a wide array of wildlife, there's no denying that the tigers steal the show. If animals aren’t really your thing, you might be captivated by the diverse fauna and flora in the national park area.

Pushkar

Surrounded by desert, Pushkar is a zen oasis. The holy city is built around a small lake where locals can be seen bathing in the sacred waters. Pushkar was once considered a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Today, it is a favorite destination for yoga enthusiasts, budget backpackers, and digital nomads.

Where to stay in Pushkar

Hotel Radhika Palace | A family-owned hotel with a restaurant on-site and in-room AC.
Zostel | A reputable hostel chain with locations throughout India.
Moustache Hostel | An affordable hostel located only steps away from Bramha Temple.

Things to see + do in Pushkar

Walk around Pushkar Lake | Pushkar Lake, also referred to as Holy Lake, is the centerpiece of the entire city. Its origin story makes it sacred to Hindus who travel far and wide to wash in its water. It’s believed that Lord Brahma, the god of creation, dropped a lotus from his hand and the lake magically emerged. Walking around the entirety of the manmade lake doesn’t take long, but it’s a perfectly pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Yoga class | India is the birthplace of yoga and, as one of the hippest cities in Rajasthan, it comes as no surprise that yoga classes can be found all over Pushkar. I took a class with Pushkar Yoga Garden, and though it is located a bit out of the way, I do recommend it!
Rangji Temple | Rangji Temple is dedicated to Lord Rangji, a form of Lord Vishnu. While foreigners aren’t allowed to enter the temple, it’s free to walk around the grounds and the exteriors are, in true Indian fashion, absolutely spectacular.
Brahma Temple | You can’t miss a visit the Brahma Temple in Pushkar as it’s the only temple in India dedicated to the Hindu creator god, Lord Brahma, and dates back to the 14th century.
Savitri Malta Temple | Spending a sunset at Savitri Malta Temple is one of the most popular things to do in Pushkar, and for good reason. The views at golden hour are pretty unbeatable thanks to the yellow glow of the desert in the distance.
Aarti | Aarti is a Hindu ceremony dedicated to a selected deity. Ceremonies are held daily just shortly after sunset. The aarti we witnessed in Varanasi along the Ganges was quite different from Pushkar’s iteration. The smaller setting makes Pushkar’s aarti a more intimate experience, and it’s much shorter, lasting only around 20-30 minutes. You can witness aarti in Pushkar every evening near Jaipur Ghat taking place at 7 PM, except during the winter months when it starts at 5:30 PM.

Where to Eat in Pushkar

Pushkar is home to a laidback café scene that matches its relaxed setting. You can find its best cafés in my guide “12 Cafés in Pushkar You Won't Want to Miss: The Best Cafés in Pushkar, India”

Udaipur

Udaipur is a city that will take your breath away. I spent over two weeks in “The White City,” and I fell in love with the comparative calm it offered. Udaipur was a breath of fresh air compared to other Indian destinations we visited, where noise was constant and the overstimulation was at an all-time high. If you need a taste of “India Light” or, as some call it “Diet India”, then idyllic Udaipur will likely be your favorite stop on this India itinerary.

Where to stay in Udaipur

Lassi Guest House | The best decision we made was to spend part of our time in Udaipur at Lassi Guest House. Not only was it beautiful, but it was also clean, cool, and in a quiet, more local part of town. Breakfast was included with our deluxe room stay and we were within walking distance from the art school and cooking class we took.
Udai Kothi | The most Instagrammable hotel in Udaipur with deluxe rooms starting at £60 per night.
Amet Haveli | A lakeside luxury hotel with rooms starting at £95 per night.
The Oberoi Udaivilas | If you’re willing to spend upwards of £500 per night, The Oberoi Udailvillas is the epitome of Indian luxury.
Lake Pichola Hotel | One of the city’s heritage hotels known for its stellar lakeside breakfast buffet.

Things to do in Udaipur

Jagdish Temple | Constructed over 25 years during the 17th century, Jagdish Temple stands tall above Udaipur’s old town.
City Palace | Udaipur boasts Rajasthan’s largest palace, Udaipur City Palace.
Bahubali Hill| Bahubali Hill was one of the highlights of our time in Udaipur, which is a big call given how deeply we fell in love with Udaipur. Located beside Badi Lake (Tiger Lake), the hill lookout is considered a bit of a local gem that most tourists don’t make it to, and it’s wildly popular with Indian wedding photographers.
Ahar Cenotaphs| The Ahar Cenotaphs are a collection of more than 250 cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar.
Dharohar Cultural Folk Show | The Dharohar Folk Dance show was one of the best things we did in Udaipur. Days later we were still talking about the traditional outfits, the music, and the incredible dancing.
Sunset at Gangaur Ghat | Each night the steps of Gangaur Ghat fill with people waiting to watch the sun sink down behind the Aravalli Mountains.
Boat cruise | Udaipur’s sunsets are the stuff of legend. You can enjoy the city’s epic sunsets for free from the ghats around the lake, but a boat cruise on Lake Pichola at golden hour is something that simply cannot be missed.
Art Class | Udaipur has a world-class reputation for its miniature paintings. We took a family-owned art class with Lucky Art School in Chandpole (across the bridge). Our teacher has been a miniature painter his whole life. Generations of his family have mastered the fine lines and delicate hand strokes, making them true experts. We spent two hours layering detail onto detail with our tiny paintbrushes until we finally had beautiful animal images in front of us.
Sunrise yoga | Trying yoga in India is on most visitor bucket lists, and Udaipur is an ideal place to “tick it off”. Udaipur’s morning rooftop yoga scene is booming, thanks in part to the impossibly beautiful sunrises that awaken the city.
Ropeway to Karni Mata Temple | Take the ropeway (cable car) to Karni Mata temple.

Where to eat in Udaipur

For the very best places to eat in Udaipur, read my guide “The Best Places to Eat in Udaipur: 15 Best Restaurants in Udaipur, India”

Jodhpur

As you wander the streets of Jodhpur, you'll find calm in its stretch of blue buildings and famous stepwell. The city's mesmerizing atmosphere is unique, making it a must-see destination for any traveler. Despite its popularity, Jodhpur manages to maintain its authentic charm and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. You can easily fill two days in Jodhpur.

Where to stay in Jodhpur

I recommend staying in the Old City, close to the market and the stepwell. This will give you walking access to many of Jodhpur’s top attractions, saving you the hassle of haggling with rickshaw drivers.

Umaid Bhawan Palace | Jodhpur’s city palace triples as a museum, palace, and hotel that offers classic luxury amenities.
Gopal Homestay | Named after the owner’s grandfather, Gopal Homestay is in a prime location steps away from the stepwell + in perfect view of the city’s fort.
Zostel | A hostel with both dorms and private rooms located next to the city’s stepwell.
The Hosteller | Budget travelers rave about the atmosphere, cleanliness, and convenient location of The Hosteller.

Things to do in Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort Museum | A behemoth fort, regarded as one of the most well-preserved forts in India.
Jaswant Thada | A complex of white marble cenotaphs that was constructed in 1899 for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park | A public park was built to conserve and highlight local desert ecology.
Maa Jwalamukhi Devi Temple | A less frequented temple also known as Mahadev Temple.
Mandore Gardens | A collection of landscaped gardens and temples, located near Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Umaid Bhawan Palace | Part museum, part hotel, part palace; Umaid Bhawan Palace is the world’s 6th largest private residence made of the same marble as the Taj Mahal was constructed from.
Sardar Market | An open-air market surrounding the city’s famous clock tower.

Where to eat in Jodhpur

Sam’s Art Club | A funky café serving affordable breakfast options and filled with antiques.
Omelette Shop | The city’s favorite omelet shop is not to be missed!
Gurunanak Lassi Bhandar | The absolute best lassi in Jodhpur.
Gopal Homestay Rooftop Restaurant | Homemade Rajasthani specialty curries (Gulab Juman is a must-try).

Jaisalmer

Distinguished by its golden sandstone architecture, ornate Jain temples, and looming fort, Jaisalmer earns its nickname “The Golden City." Most tourists traveling through Rajasthan have Jaisalmer on their itinerary for its incredible sand dunes.

where to stay in Jaisalmer

Helsinki House | A 3-star hotel with a view of the fort and the desert.
Zostel | A trusted chain of hostels for budget travelers.

Things to do in Jaisalmer

Thar Desert Camping | A can’t-miss experience!
Jaisalmer Fort | Another mammoth Rajasthani fort made of golden sandstone.
Gadisar Lake | The city’s peaceful lake is spattered with temples and shrines.
Kothari’s Patwon ki Haveli | Heritage houses built in the 19th century by wealthy merchants.

BIKANER

Bikaner is a fun, offbeat addition to any Rajasthan itinerary. Surrounded by the golden sand of the Thar Desert, it’s a destination that often gets overlooked by travelers in India.

where to stay in Bikaner

The Laxmi Niwas Palace is a gorgeous property with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

Things to do in Bikaner

Deshnok’s Karni Mata Temple | The only temple in the world where visitors worship rats. It’s believed to be home to over 25,000 rats.
Junagarh Fort | Another behemoth Rajasthani fort that stands in the middle of the modern Bikaner city
Bhanda Shana Jain Temple | Possibly Bikaner’s most underrated temple, Bhanda Shana is a Jain temple (different than Hinduism) that was built in the 15th century.