7-Day Rajasthan Itinerary: Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Ajmer, and Bikaner
Day 1: Monday, August 14 - Arrival in Jaipur
Start your Rajasthan adventure in the Pink City of Jaipur. In the morning, visit the iconic Amber Fort, a magnificent hilltop fortress. Explore its intricate architecture and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon, head to the City Palace, a stunning blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. End the day with a visit to the vibrant bazaars of Jaipur, such as Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, for some shopping.
City Palace: Estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Shopping in Jaipur: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - Flexible
Restaurants
Masala Chai House: Start your day with a cup of traditional Indian chai served with a variety of delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Laxmi Misthan Bhandar: Indulge in a traditional Rajasthani thali for lunch at this renowned restaurant. Feast on a variety of vegetarian dishes and sweets. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Suvarna Mahal: Experience fine dining at this elegant restaurant located in the City Palace. Enjoy a regal dinner with a blend of Indian and international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 2000 INR per person.
Day 2: Tuesday, August 15 - Jaipur Exploration
Spend the second day in Jaipur discovering its cultural and historical gems. Start your morning at the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, known for its intricate honeycomb-like facade. Then, visit the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with fascinating instruments. In the afternoon, explore the Albert Hall Museum, housing an impressive collection of Rajasthani art and artifacts. In the evening, witness the grandeur of the Jal Mahal, a palace floating in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.
Hawa Mahal: Estimated cost - INR 50, Time spent - 1-2 hours
For breakfast, head to Tapri Central, a vibrant cafe known for its amazing tea selection and delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, try Spice Court, a traditional Rajasthani restaurant offering a wide range of flavorful dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.
For dinner, dine at Chokhi Dhani, a cultural village restaurant that serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine along with traditional music and dance performances. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Day 3: Wednesday, August 16 - Jaisalmer Explorations
Leave Jaipur and embark on a journey to Jaisalmer, the Golden City. Explore the Jaisalmer Fort in the morning, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow lanes and stunning architecture. Visit the Patwon Ki Haveli, a cluster of five grand mansions, in the afternoon. Enjoy a camel ride in the Sam Sand Dunes during the evening, as the sun sets over the golden desert.
Patwon Ki Haveli: Estimated cost - INR 100, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Camel ride in Sam Sand Dunes: Estimated cost - INR 600, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Desert Boy's Café, a cozy eatery located near Jaisalmer Fort. They offer a delicious spread of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Trio Restaurant, a popular spot known for its rooftop seating and panoramic views of the city. They serve a range of Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in Rajasthani flavors at Saffron Restaurant. Situated in a charming haveli, this restaurant offers a royal dining experience with live music and traditional Rajasthani dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Day 4: Thursday, August 17 - More of Jaisalmer and Drive to Pushkar
Continue exploring Jaisalmer by visiting the Gadisar Lake in the morning, a serene oasis surrounded by temples and ghats. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the city, admiring the exquisite havelis. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to Pushkar. Reach Pushkar by evening and relax by the holy Pushkar Lake.
Head to Ristorante Pizzeria Mangalam for breakfast, where you can indulge in delicious freshly baked pizzas and mouthwatering Italian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try out the Rajasthani Thali at Pushkar Palace Restaurant. Feast on a variety of traditional Rajasthani dishes and enjoy the stunning view of Pushkar Lake. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a satisfying dinner, visit the famous Sunset Café & Restaurant. Located on the rooftop, this restaurant offers a stunning view of the sunset and serves a range of international cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Day 5: Friday, August 18 - Spiritual Pushkar and Ajmer
Start your day in Pushkar with a visit to the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. Take a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake and explore the colorful Pushkar Market. In the afternoon, drive to Ajmer and visit the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a Sufi shrine. Enjoy the serene ambiance of the Ana Sagar Lake in the evening.
Ana Sagar Lake: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Honey Dew Cafe. They offer a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Laughing Bells Restaurant. They serve a wide range of Indian and international cuisines. Don't miss their mouthwatering thali. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Sunset Rooftop Restaurant. Enjoy the stunning views of Pushkar while relishing their authentic Rajasthani dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Day 6: Saturday, August 19 - Bikaner Sightseeing
Leave Ajmer and head to Bikaner. In the morning, visit the Junagarh Fort, an impressive fortress showcasing a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Explore the Lalgarh Palace Museum in the afternoon, housing an exquisite collection of artifacts. As the evening sets in, witness the stunning architecture of the Bhandasar Jain Temple.
For a hearty breakfast in Bikaner, head to Hotel Sagar, known for its delicious parathas and chai. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try the traditional Rajasthani thali at Chappan Bhog, offering a variety of authentic dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Gaj Kesri, a rooftop restaurant serving mouthwatering vegetarian and non-vegetarian Rajasthani delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Day 7: Sunday, August 20 - Departure
Spend the last day exploring more of Bikaner. Visit the National Research Centre on Camel in the morning to learn about the importance of camels in the region. Explore the beautiful Karni Mata Temple, known for its resident rat population. Bid farewell to Rajasthan as you depart from Bikaner.
National Research Centre on Camel: Estimated cost - INR 100, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Karni Mata Temple: Estimated cost - Free (donations appreciated), Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Haldiram's Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar. Enjoy a delicious assortment of traditional Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try the vegetarian thali at Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop & Restaurant. Experience a scrumptious spread of Rajasthani delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Gallops Restaurant & Bar. Indulge in a variety of North Indian, Rajasthani, and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Jaipur, don't miss the stunning Amer Palace, located near the Amber Fort. It offers magnificent architecture and breathtaking views. Another hidden gem is Panna Meena ka Kund, a stepwell known for its unique geometric patterns. Locals also love exploring the lesser-known havelis in Jaisalmer, such as Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, which showcase exquisite craftsmanship. In Pushkar, venture beyond the main market to discover charming cafes and rooftop restaurants with panoramic views of the town. Don't forget to sample the delicious local sweets, especially the famous Bikaneri Bhujia in Bikaner.