Rajasthan Tour Packages

Rajasthan is India’s regal showpiece—an evocative canvas of honeyed forts, shimmering lakes, rippling dunes, painted havelis, and vibrant bazaars. From the rose-hued lanes of Jaipur to Udaipur’s mirror-still lakes, from Jodhpur’s cobalt maze to Jaisalmer’s golden citadel rising from the Thar, every city tells a storied tale of Rajput valor, palatial romance, and timeless craftsmanship. Expect camel bells at sunset, folk songs under star-salted skies, incense-laced temples, and plates piled high with rich, hearty Rajasthani cuisine. It’s a destination that feels at once grand and intimate—perfect for culture lovers, photographers, families, and seekers of slow, soulful travel.

Type of Destination

• Cultural & Heritage: Monumental forts, palaces, stepwells, living forts, and royal museums.
• Nature & Wildlife: Tiger reserves (Ranthambore, Sariska), bird sanctuaries (Keoladeo), Aravalli hills.
• Desert & Adventure: Dune safaris, camping, ziplines, treks in the Aravallis.
• Pilgrimage: Pushkar (Brahma Temple), Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Dilwara Temples (Mount Abu).
• Luxury & Wellness: Iconic palace hotels, boutique havelis, spa retreats.

Prime Season and “Snow” Season

• Prime Season: October to March. Pleasant days, cool nights—ideal for sightseeing, safaris, festivals, and desert camps.
• Snow Season: Rajasthan is largely arid and plains-based; there is no reliable snow season. Mount Abu can get very cold and occasionally frosty, but snowfall is rare and not a travel draw.

Languages Spoken

• Hindi and English are commonly used in tourist areas.
• Local dialects: Marwari, Mewari, Dhundhari, Shekhawati, Hadoti, and Rajasthani variants.
• Urdu in pockets (e.g., Ajmer, Tonk). Learning a few greetings like “Khamma Ghani” adds warmth to interactions.

Local Transport Options

• Auto-rickshaws & e-rickshaws (always ask for meter or agree a fare).
• App cabs (Ola/Uber) in major cities; taxis for day trips.
• Jaipur Metro along key corridors; city buses in Jaipur/Udaipur/Jodhpur.
• Car rentals with driver (popular for multi-city itineraries).
• Bicycles/scooters in tourist towns; jeeps/camel carts for desert areas.

How to Reach

• By Air:
  • Jaipur (JAI) – the main international gateway.
  • Udaipur (UDR), Jodhpur (JDH) – strong domestic connectivity.
  • Kishangarh/Ajmer (KQH), Jaisalmer (JSA), Bikaner (BKB) – seasonal/limited routes; check schedules.
• By Rail:
  • Major junctions: Jaipur (JP), Jodhpur (JU), Udaipur City (UDZ), Ajmer (AII), Bikaner (BKN), Jaisalmer (JSM), Kota (KOTA).
  • Iconic luxury trains (e.g., Palace-on-Wheels) operate seasonally.
• By Road:
  • Excellent highways from Delhi–Jaipur–Ajmer–Udaipur (NH 48, ex-NH 8) and Agra–Jaipur.
  • Inter-city drives: Jaipur–Ajmer (2–3 hrs), Jaipur–Udaipur (6–7 hrs), Jodhpur–Jaisalmer (4–5 hrs).

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (April–June):
  • Avg temps: 35–45°C (nights 25–32°C); hottest in May–June.
  • Weather: Dry heat; desert wind.
  • Crowd: Low; major discounts on hotels and tours.
  • Budget: $$ (good deals on luxury stays).
  • Packing: Light cottons/linens, hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, electrolytes, scarf for dust; plan early morning/evening sightseeing.
• Monsoon (July–September):
  • Avg temps: 25–35°C; intermittent showers, greener Aravallis, fuller lakes.
  • Crowd: Moderate; romantic atmosphere in Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh, Mount Abu.
  • Budget: $$–$$$ (still value-friendly).
  • Packing: Quick-dry layers, light rain jacket/umbrella, waterproof footwear, insect repellent.
• Winter (October–March):
  • Avg temps: 8–28°C; nights can dip to 4–10°C; desert nights can be near 0–2°C.
  • Crowd: High; festival season and peak safaris.
  • Budget: $$$ (book well in advance).
  • Packing: Warm layers, light woolens, scarf/hat for evenings, closed shoes for dunes.

Places to Visit

1. Jaipur – The Pink City
   Amber Fort’s ramparts, mirrored halls at Sheesh Mahal, royal collections at City Palace, and the lacy façade of Hawa Mahal. Bustling bazaars for block prints and blue pottery.
2. Udaipur – City of Lakes
   Lake Pichola boat rides at sunset, the sprawling City Palace, Gangaur Ghat, and tranquil Saheliyon-ki-Bari; romance and heritage everywhere.
3. Jodhpur – The Blue City
   The mighty Mehrangarh Fort towers over indigo houses; Jaswant Thada, stepwells like Toorji ka Jhalra, and artisan markets around the Clock Tower.
4. Jaisalmer – The Golden City
   Living Jaisalmer Fort, intricately carved havelis (Patwon-ki-Haveli), and Sam/Khuri dunes for camel rides and starry camps.
5. Ranthambore National Park
   Tiger safaris amid ancient ruins and lakes; best from October to June (park zones vary by season).
6. Chittorgarh Fort
   One of India’s largest forts—tales of valor, Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower), and panoramic ramparts.
7. Kumbhalgarh Fort & Wildlife Sanctuary
   Home to the 36-km-long fort wall and wild trails in the Aravallis; combine with Ranakpur Jain Temples.
8. Pushkar & Ajmer
   Sacred Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple; Ajmer Sharif Dargah draws devotees from across faiths.
9. Bikaner
   Junagarh Fort, old city havelis, and the unique Karni Mata Temple (Deshnok).
10. Mount Abu
    Cool hill station vibes; serene Dilwara Temples and sunset at Honeymoon/Toad Rock.

Things to Do

• Boat at golden hour on Lake Pichola (Udaipur) for dreamy palace reflections.
• Heritage walks through Jaipur’s walled city and Jodhpur’s blue lanes with local guides.
• Camel or jeep safari across the Sam/Khuri dunes at sunset.
• Block-printing workshop in Bagru/Sanganer—create your own scarf or tote.
• Wildlife safaris at Ranthambore/Sariska; dawn drives are prime.
• Attend a folk performance (Kalbelia dance, Manganiyar music) under the stars.
• Stepwell-hopping in Jodhpur, Abhaneri (Chand Baori), and small towns en route.
• Stay in a heritage haveli—courtyards, frescoes, and old-world hospitality.

Adventure Activities

• Zipline over Mehrangarh (Jodhpur) for fort-and-city panoramas.
• Hot-air ballooning over Jaipur/Pushkar at sunrise (seasonal).
• Dune bashing & ATV rides near Jaisalmer; add sandboarding where available.
• Aravalli treks & cycling around Kumbhalgarh–Ranakpur, Udaipur countryside.
• Leopard safaris in Bera/Jawai granite hills—great for photography.
• Rock climbing at Mount Abu and Alwar escarpments.
• Camping & stargazing in the Thar—crystal-clear winter skies.

Cuisines to Try

• Dal Baati Churma (the quintessential trio)
• Laal Maas (fiery mutton curry) and Jungli Maas
• Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker-Sangri, Bajra roti with garlic chutney
• Pyaaz Kachori (Jaipur), Mirchi Vada (Jodhpur), Mawa Kachori (Jodhpur)
• Sweets: Ghewar (monsoon/Teej), Malpua, Churma laddoo, Rabri

Dining Places

• Jaipur:
  • Suvarna Mahal (Rambagh Palace) – royal fine-dining experience.
  • 1135 AD (Amber Fort) – regal ambience, fort-top dinners.
  • Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) – legendary sweets and thalis.
  • Rawat Misthan Bhandar – iconic pyaaz kachori.
  • Chokhi Dhani – village-style Rajasthani feast and folk shows.
• Udaipur:
  • Ambrai (Amet Haveli) – lakefront classics with palace views.
  • Upré by 1559 AD – rooftop sunsets over Pichola.
• Jodhpur:
  • On The Rocks – multi-cuisine with a lively bar.
  • Café/Bar at RAAS (Darikhana) – fort views and cocktails.
• Jaisalmer:
  • Trio – local specialties and fort panoramas.

Resorts & Stays

• The Oberoi Udaivilas (Udaipur) – ultra-luxury on Lake Pichola.
• Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur) – floating icon of romance.
• Rambagh Palace (Jaipur) – former royal residence, opulent suites.
• RAAS Jodhpur – chic design facing Mehrangarh.
• Suryagarh (Jaisalmer) – desert fortress luxury and curated experiences.
• Also consider: Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur), Alila Fort Bishangarh, RAAS Devigarh, Samode Haveli (Jaipur), The Serai (Jaisalmer), SUJÁN Jawai.

Nightlife

• Rooftop sundowners in Udaipur (Ambrai/Upré) with palace silhouettes.
• Bar Palladio (Jaipur) – design-forward cocktails and courtyard vibe.
• On The Rocks (Jodhpur) – garden bar with music and grills.
• Light & Sound Show at Amber Fort – dramatic evening storytelling.
• Desert camp bonfire near Jaisalmer—folk music, starry skies, and chai.
• Night bazaars & late lassi runs (e.g., Lassiwala, MI Road, Jaipur).

Shopping

• What to buy: Block-printed textiles, Bandhani tie-dye, Jaipuri razai quilts, blue pottery, mojari juttis, Kundan/Meenakari jewelry, miniature paintings, dhurries, camel-leather crafts, lac bangles.
• Where to shop:
  • Jaipur: Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Rajasthali (fixed-price).
  • Jodhpur: Sardar Market (Clock Tower), Nai Sarak for textiles.
  • Udaipur: Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar for art and miniatures.
  • Jaisalmer: Sadar Bazaar for embroideries and leatherwork.
  • Bikaner: Kote Gate Market for sweets and handicrafts.
• Tip: For big-ticket jewelry/textiles, prefer reputed showrooms or government emporiums; always ask for a bill and hallmark/certification.

Off-beat Places

• Bundi – Frescoed havelis, Taragarh Fort, and atmospheric stepwells (baoris).
• Abhaneri (Chand Baori) – one of the deepest, most intricate stepwells in India.
• Bera/Jawai – Leopard country among pink granite hills; boutique camps by the river.
• Shekhawati (Mandawa/Nawalgarh) – open-air gallery of painted havelis.
• Osian – Ancient temples and quieter dunes; great for sunset.
• Kuldhara – Abandoned village near Jaisalmer wrapped in legend.
• Garadia Mahadev (near Kota) – jaw-dropping gorge views over the Chambal (“mini Grand Canyon”).
• Sambhar Salt Lake – India’s largest inland salt lake; surreal mirror-like landscapes.

Festivals & Events

• Jaipur Literature Festival: late January.
• Desert Festival (Jaisalmer): February.
• Nagaur Cattle Fair: January/February.
• Mewar Festival (Udaipur): March/April (spring).
• Gangaur: March/April; women’s processions across cities.
• Teej (Jaipur): July/August; swings, sweets like ghewar.
• Pushkar Camel Fair: October/November (around Kartik Purnima).
• RIFF – Rajasthan International Folk Festival (Jodhpur): around October (Sharad Purnima).
• Magnetic Fields (Alsisar Mahal): December.
• Mount Abu Winter Festival: late December.

Key Experiences (Must-Do)

• Watch sunrise at Hawa Mahal and wander Jaipur’s walled lanes.
• Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola with City Palace aglow.
• Zipline at Mehrangarh and explore blue alleys of Jodhpur.
• Camel ride and campfire on the Sam dunes under a Milky Way sky.
• Tiger safari in Ranthambore at dawn.
• Block-print your own stole in a Bagru studio.
• Walk a stretch of Kumbhalgarh’s great wall for views and history.
• Savor a traditional thali and end with piping hot malpua or ghewar.

Travel Tips

• Book early (Nov–Feb): hotels, trains, safaris, and festival dates fill fast.
• Hydrate and pace in summer; plan indoor sights for midday heat.
• Dress modestly for temples/dargahs; carry a light scarf and slip-on shoes.
• Cash + UPI both work; ATMs common in cities, sparse in desert areas.
• Bargain politely in street markets; verify quality and ask for bills.
• Licensed guides enhance context; consider audio guides at major forts.
• Road safety: Night highway driving is best avoided; hire reputable drivers.
• Wildlife etiquette: No flash, no loud calls, no litter; keep distance.
• Health: Sunscreen, hat, electrolytes, basic meds; consider travel insurance.
• Respect local customs: Always ask before photographing people, especially performers and in sacred spaces.

Interesting Facts

• Rajasthan is India’s largest state by area, home to the great Indian Thar Desert.
• Kumbhalgarh’s fort wall runs ~36 km—second longest continuous wall after the Great Wall of China.
• Jaisalmer Fort is a “living fort,” with thousands of residents, temples, cafés, and homes inside.
• Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for migratory birds.
• Jaipur (founded 1727) is among India’s earliest planned cities, designed with Vastu Shilpa principles.
• Sambhar is India’s largest inland salt lake; its shimmering flats are a photographer’s dream.
• Churu and Ganganagar record some of India’s hottest summer temperatures.
• Rajasthan’s folk arts—Ghoomar dance, Kalbelia, and Manganiyar music—are globally celebrated.

Plan your circuit smartly—Jaipur–Ajmer/Pushkar–Udaipur–Kumbhalgarh/Ranakpur–Jodhpur–Jaisalmer–Bikaner makes a graceful loop—and leave room for serendipity. In Rajasthan, the magic often arrives unannounced: a cup of chai in a blue alley, a song at sunset, a breeze through an ancient jharokha. Happy travels!