5-Day Rajasthan Itinerary

1. Day 1: Jaipur
   From Jaipur International Airport: 20-minute drive (11 km)

   Visit the Amber Fort to immerse yourself in India's rich cultural heritage. This hilltop fortress, built with red sandstone and marble, offers stunning views of the nearby Maota Lake. Afterwards, head to the Hawa Mahal, the iconic palace of Jaipur with its intricate pink facade. End the day at the Jal Mahal, an ornate palace that appears to rise from the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

2. Day 2: Jodhpur
   From Jaipur to Jodhpur: 5-hour drive (337 km)

   Start the day by visiting the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest forts, and explore its immense courtyards and intricate carvings. Stroll through the Blue City and its famous azure buildings. Then, head to the Jaswant Thada, a peaceful marble cenotaph that serves as the cremation ground for the royal family.

3. Day 3: Jaisalmer
   From Jodhpur to Jaisalmer: 4.5-hour drive (283 km)

   Explore the Jaisalmer Fort, built-in 1156 by Rajput ruler Jaisal and his descendants, and marvel at its intricate carvings. Wander through the Patwa ki Haveli, an ornate mansion that offers insight into the life of wealthy merchants during the 19th century. Take a camel ride into the nearby desert and enjoy a sunset view over the Sam Sand Dunes.

4. Day 4: Udaipur
   From Jaisalmer to Udaipur: 9-hour drive (500 km)

   Start the day with a peaceful boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit the famous Jag Mandir Palace. Stroll through the City Palace and marvel at its intricate architecture, then head over to the Saheliyon Ki Bari, a gorgeous garden complex that once served as a retreat for the royal ladies. End the day by watching the sunset from the Monsoon Palace.

5. Day 5: Pushkar
   From Udaipur to Pushkar: 6-hour drive (300 km)

   Begin the day by visiting the Brahma Temple, one of India's few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. Then, wander through the Pap Mochani Temple, an ancient shrine that serves as the Hindu version of a Holy Spirit Church. Stroll through the vibrant streets of Pushkar and visit the various street markets or admire the Pushkar Lake and its many temples.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Amber Fort (2 hours, ₹1000)
• Hawa Mahal (1 hour, ₹50)
• Jal Mahal (1 hour, ₹100)
• Mehrangarh Fort (3 hours, ₹600)
• Blue City (1 hour, free)
• Jaswant Thada (1 hour, ₹50)
• Jaisalmer Fort (2 hours, ₹250)
• Patwa ki Haveli (1 hour, ₹200)
• Sam Sand Dunes (3 hours, ₹2500 for camel ride)
• Lake Pichola boat ride and Jag Mandir Palace (2 hours, ₹600)
• City Palace (2 hours, ₹300)
• Saheliyon Ki Bari (1 hour, ₹50)
• Monsoon Palace (1 hour, ₹80)
• Brahma Temple (1 hour, free)
• Pap Mochani Temple (1 hour, free)
• Pushkar Streets and Markets (2 hours, free)
• Pushkar Lake (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹6,960

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, visit the City Palace Museum in Jaipur for a deeper dive into the city's history. In Jaisalmer, take a day trip to the Khuri Sand Dunes for an alternative viewpoint of the desert.

If you have less time, consider skipping Pushkar or reducing your time there. Additionally, if you are prone to motion sickness, be prepared for long car trips on winding roads.