Exploring the Colors of Rajasthan: A 7-Day Itinerary

Saturday, August 12: Arrival in Jaipur

Welcome to Rajasthan! Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Jaipur, known as the Pink City. In the morning, visit the magnificent Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its intricate architecture. In the afternoon, explore the bustling bazaars of Jaipur and shop for handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles. As the evening sets in, witness the enchanting sound and light show at the Amer Palace.

• Amber Fort: INR 200 (approx.), 2-3 hours
• Jaipur Bazaars: Varies, 2-3 hours
• Amer Palace Sound and Light Show: INR 200 (approx.), 1 hour

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious Indian breakfast at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar. This popular restaurant is famous for its pyaaz kachori and samosas. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar and treat yourself to a traditional Rajasthani thali. This restaurant offers a variety of authentic dishes like dal bati churma and gatte ki sabzi. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• In the evening, indulge in a luxurious dinner experience at Spice Court. This elegant restaurant serves a delectable range of Rajasthani and North Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Sunday, August 13: Jaipur City Exploration

Discover the architectural wonders of Jaipur today. Start your morning at the iconic Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, and admire its intricate latticework. In the afternoon, visit the opulent City Palace and explore its various museums and galleries. End your day with a visit to the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory.

• Hawa Mahal: INR 50 (approx.), 1-2 hours
• City Palace: INR 500 (approx.), 2-3 hours
• Jantar Mantar: INR 200 (approx.), 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Anokhi Cafe is a delightful breakfast spot located near Hawa Mahal. Enjoy their delicious array of freshly baked goods and refreshing beverages. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• Suvarna Mahal is a luxurious restaurant within the City Palace complex, offering a regal dining experience for lunch. Indulge in their exquisite Rajasthani cuisine and be captivated by the elegant ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 1500 INR per person.
• Chokhi Dhani is a cultural village and restaurant just outside Jaipur, where you can savor an authentic Rajasthani dinner experience. Enjoy traditional folk performances and a sumptuous feast showcasing the vibrant local flavors. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Monday, August 14: Jodhpur

Travel to the majestic city of Jodhpur, known as the Blue City. Start your day with a visit to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its ramparts. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant alleys of the Blue City and visit the iconic Clock Tower and bustling Sardar Market. Don't miss a visit to the beautiful Umaid Bhawan Palace, now a luxury hotel.

• Mehrangarh Fort: INR 600 (approx.), 2-3 hours
• Blue City Exploration: Free, 2-3 hours
• Umaid Bhawan Palace: INR 30 (approx.), 1-2 hours

Tuesday, August 15: Udaipur

Head to the romantic city of Udaipur today, also known as the Venice of the East. Start your morning with a boat ride on Lake Pichola and admire the picturesque Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent City Palace and explore its opulent rooms and courtyards. End your day with a visit to the serene Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautiful garden adorned with fountains and marble artifacts.

• Lake Pichola Boat Ride: INR 400 (approx.), 2-3 hours
• City Palace: INR 300 (approx.), 2-3 hours
• Saheliyon Ki Bari: INR 50 (approx.), 1-2 hours

Wednesday, August 16: Pushkar

Visit the sacred town of Pushkar, famous for its holy lake and Brahma Temple. Begin your day with a visit to the tranquil Pushkar Lake and take part in the ritual of offering prayers at the ghats. In the afternoon, explore the bustling streets of Pushkar and visit the Brahma Temple, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Don't miss the vibrant Pushkar Camel Fair if it coincides with your visit.

• Pushkar Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
• Brahma Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
• Exploring Pushkar Streets: Varies, 2-3 hours

Thursday, August 17: Jaisalmer

Travel to the Golden City of Jaisalmer, located in the heart of the Thar Desert. Start your morning with a visit to the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fort, and explore its narrow lanes and exquisite havelis. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling camel safari in the Sam Sand Dunes and witness a mesmerizing sunset over the desert. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp for a unique experience.

• Jaisalmer Fort: INR 250 (approx.), 2-3 hours
• Camel Safari in Sam Sand Dunes: INR 1,200 (approx.), 4-5 hours
• Luxury Desert Camp: INR 3,000-5,000 (approx.), Overnight

Friday, August 18: Return to Jaipur

Conclude your Rajasthan journey with a return to Jaipur. In the morning, visit the serene Birla Mandir and seek blessings. Spend the afternoon exploring the markets of Jaipur for some last-minute shopping, where you can find everything from textiles to gemstones. As the evening sets in, enjoy a delicious Rajasthani dinner at Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort.

• Birla Mandir: Free, 1-2 hours
• Jaipur Shopping: Varies, 2-3 hours
• Chokhi Dhani: INR 700-1,200 (approx.), 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Rajasthan, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the Stepwell of Panna Meena Ka Kund in Jaipur, a breathtaking stepwell with intricate geometrical patterns. In Udaipur, take a stroll through the beautiful streets of Chandni Chowk and indulge in some delicious street food. In Jodhpur, explore the lesser-known Toorji Ka Jhalra, a stunning stepwell surrounded by blue buildings.