Exploring Rajasthan in December 2023

1. Day 1: Jaipur
   Jaipur International Airport to Nahargarh Fort - 45 minutes (16.1 miles)

   Begin your trip in Rajasthan's capital city, Jaipur. Start your morning with a visit to the stunning Nahargarh Fort, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, a stunning complex of courtyards, gardens, and palaces. End your day with a visit to the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, and watch the sunset from one of its many windows.

2. Day 2: Jodhpur
   Jaipur to Mehrangarh Fort - 4 hours 30 minutes (211 miles)

   Travel to Jodhpur, the Blue City. Spend the morning exploring the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. In the afternoon, visit the Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble cenotaph and the Mandore Gardens, which houses the ancient capital of the Marwar Kingdom. In the evening, stroll through the streets of the old city and explore the local markets.

3. Day 3: Jaisalmer
   Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Fort - 4 hours 50 minutes (234 miles)

   Visit the Golden City, Jaisalmer. Begin your morning with a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest forts in the world. In the afternoon, explore the Patwon Ki Haveli, a beautiful five-story mansion, and the Gadisar Lake, a man-made reservoir surrounded by temples and ghats. End your day with a camel safari into the Thar Desert and watch the sunset over the sand dunes.

4. Day 4: Udaipur
   Jaisalmer to City Palace - 8 hours 15 minutes (437 miles)

   Travel to the City of Lakes, Udaipur. Spend your morning exploring the City Palace, a stunning palace complex overlooking Lake Pichola. In the afternoon, visit the Jagdish Temple, a major Hindu temple, and the Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautiful garden with fountains and kiosks. End your day with a boat ride on Lake Pichola and watch the sunset over the beautiful surroundings.

5. Day 5: Pushkar
   Udaipur to Pushkar Lake - 4 hours 15 minutes (190 miles)

   Visit the holy city of Pushkar. Begin your morning with a visit to the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. In the afternoon, explore the colorful local markets and take a dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake. End your day with a hike up to the Savitri Temple for stunning views of the city.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Ranthambore National Park to spot tigers and other wildlife. You could also take a day trip to the Keoladeo National Park, a bird lover's paradise. For a unique experience, consider staying in a luxurious tent at the Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer.

Make sure to try the local cuisine, including dal-baati-churma, laal maas, and ghewar. Don't forget to shop for traditional handicrafts, such as block-printed fabrics, pottery, and jewelry.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Nahargarh Fort (2 hours, INR 300)
• City Palace (3 hours, INR 500)
• Hawa Mahal (1 hour, INR 50)
• Mehrangarh Fort (3 hours, INR 600)
• Jaswant Thada (1 hour, INR 30)
• Mandore Gardens (2 hours, INR 100)
• Jaisalmer Fort (4 hours, INR 500)
• Patwon Ki Haveli (1 hour, INR 100)
• Gadisar Lake (1 hour, INR 50)
• Camel Safari (4 hours, INR 1500)
• City Palace (3 hours, INR 350)
• Jagdish Temple (1 hour, INR 50)
• Saheliyon Ki Bari (1 hour, INR 30)
• Boat Ride on Lake Pichola (2 hours, INR 450)
• Brahma Temple (1 hour, INR 50)
• Pushkar Lake (2 hours, Free)
• Savitri Temple Hike (2 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 5,010 / USD 70 (excluding accommodation and transportation)