Rajasthan is a land full of colors, traditions, and incredible beauty. Part of the Golden Triangle, India’s most popular tourist destination. It is rich in history and culture. This is why I have been absent for the past few days.

Rajasthan was on my bucket list for quite some time, and I finally got to visit this beautiful destination. It was a great experience to travel through Rajasthan. I did it on a road trip with my family. Here are ten travel tips and guidelines that I have compiled to help you experience our Rajasthan trip package.

1) The Duration of the Stay

Rajasthan is India’s largest state. Rajasthan has at least four major cities. These are Jaipur (Udaipur), Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur. You should consider staying at least two nights in these cities if you want to fully explore the city. Plan a road trip from these cities to add another day, as there are many sights you might want to see along the route.

Jaisalmer, the furthest away city, is Jaisalmer. It takes approximately 10 hours, 5 hours from Jodhpur, and 9 hours from Udaipur via road to reach Jaipur. If you plan to stay in Jaisalmer, be sure to factor in the distance. Here are some suggestions for Rajasthan itineraries.

2) Places to Stay

There are many hotels in all the major cities listed above. The Taj chain, which is located in Udaipur or Jodhpur, is a luxury hotel chain. These are heritage properties that have been converted into hotels. You can also choose smaller Havelis converted into hotels or homestays to enjoy a more affordable stay.

We chose the latter, and we have no regrets. The smaller Havelis offer traditional, beautiful accommodation. You can get a glimpse of Rajasthani culture through their food and decor. Like me, if you’re a frequent traveller, you might only return in the evening for dinner and sleeping. Jaisalmer is a great place to do this, as they are very comfortable and well-done.

You can also look into Zo Rooms for budget-friendly accommodation – we tried them in Jaipur, and they were very comfortable. Check out the different Rajasthan tour packages to see what kind of rooms they have. These stay options can be used to negotiate the price of your package.

Road Trip Vs. Other Options

Railways are a great way to spend more time in one city if you have limited time and travel between points. My favourite way to explore is by road. You will come across many smaller towns on your way to Rajasthan. This makes your road trip even more fun and colourful.

For example, take the route from Jodhpur to Udaipur. En-route, you can visit Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh. You can also travel from Jaipur or Jodhpur and stop at Pushkar or Ajmer on the way.

Rajasthan has good roads. However, the roads between cities such as Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur are only one lane. It is recommended to drive during daylight hours as many vehicles are on the roads, including trucks.

Important note: If you plan to visit all four major cities, the following circuit is recommended: Jaipur- Udaipur – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jaipur. You can choose to stop at Bikaner to shorten the distance between Jaisalmer and Jaipur.

It is easy to find a taxi to take you around these cities and return you to your hotel. Many hotels have an arrangement with cab companies that offer these services. The fare ranges from INR 12 to 15 per km, with a minimum of 250km per day. The vehicle you choose will determine the fare.

4) Local transport

There are many options for local transport, including tuk-tuks, battery-operated cars, regular auto-rickshaws and tourist buses. The autos are available at a range of rates. You can choose to have your auto dropped off at a specific point, or you can opt for a full day package that will take you to all the sights. Your hotels will give you an indication of the local rates and reviews.

5) Where can I eat in Rajasthan?

Rajasthan offers many dining options, whether you’re on a road trip to the city or in the city. Rajasthani cuisine is unique and well worth trying. In addition to traditional Indian food, many restaurants offer other Indian cuisines, such as Gujarati, South Indian, and others.

Learn about the many Rajasthani dishes you can try while visiting the state.

Multi-cuisine restaurants are available in larger cities. They offer international cuisine as well as Indian food like Pasta and Pizzas. Many hotels offer both Indian or Continental breakfasts. Rajasthan is a great place to eat vegetarian food. Non-Vegetarian options may be limited, but they are not uncommon.

6) Seeking out Forts and Museums

Rajasthan has a rich history. Each city and every town has its history and some impressive architecture such as Forts and Palaces. The majority of these places are tourist-friendly and well-maintained. There are enough signage and audio guides to help you explore each place’s rich heritage and culture. It is a joy to visit the museums, which are well-catalogued.

You will find many guides to all tourist attractions. It is best to have one guide to show you the attractions and tell you about the history. Make sure the guide has an ID from the State Government and Tourism Board. Many of these attractions provide guide rates at ticketing counters. These can be used as a benchmark for appointing one.

Particularly in Jaisalmer, I discovered a lot of fake guides. Everyone claimed to know the history and offered to guide you. We finally reached Jaisalmer Fort’s ticketing counter to locate an authorized guide.

A second tip is to ensure that the guide knows the attraction well. Ask lots of questions and insist that the guide explore areas that he might not have covered. Many guides charge by the hour for tours and skip a few corners to grab their next client.

One caveat about authorized guides: Some of them insist on taking customers to shops claiming that they are the only ones selling XYZ. However, this is not always true. Sometimes, the guides are commissioned to take clients to the store. Politely decline if you don’t want to shop or aren’t interested in the same fishy as the guide.

7) Shopping in Rajasthan

It is an enjoyable experience to shop in Rajasthan. You can find traditional Rajasthani clothes and traditional Indian artifacts such as lamps, decor pieces, bags, and traditional shoes. There will be a lot of street shopping near the main sightseeing spots. Remember to bargain with street vendors to get a minimum of 30-40% off.

Shopping in Udaipur

Several government-authorized handlooms and shops are recommended for costlier items like Pashmina shawls, Rajasthani bed-spreads, white metal artifacts, etc. You will get genuine stuff here that will last longer. Many of these are found within the main city, as in the case of Jodhpur and Jaipur, and have a Government-authorized sign-board displayed up-front. Ask your hotel staff for assistance in identifying the sign.

8) Cultural hotspots

Rajasthan is home to many cultural hotspots and shows. Examples are the Choki Dhani Cultural Village in Jaipur, Jaisalmer Desert Safari Camps, Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur. These centres are home to various performances, including puppet shows and Rajasthani folk songs and dances. These performances can be included in a package, or you need separate tickets. These performances are very similar, so if you’ve seen one, you can skip the rest, which will free up time in your schedule.

9) The Best Time to Visit

Between October and February is the best time to visit Rajasthan. You will find the weather in Rajasthan cooler and more enjoyable. It is best to avoid the summer months as the heat can sap your energy.

10) Rajasthani Clothing

Wear cotton clothing during peak tourist seasons, especially for the day. Evenings can get chilly in November and October and colder in December and January. Warm clothes are recommended. Because there are so many things to do in Rajasthan, flat and comfortable shoes will be necessary.

Rajasthan Tour is an Indian cultural experience that’s charming and unforgettable. You are sure to have a memorable holiday in Rajasthan.