Feel the rhythm of “PadharoMhareDesh,” a welcoming Rajasthani melody, as it sets the tone for your journey through Rajasthan—the driest but most popular state in India. The true charm of the 10-Day Rajasthan Road Trip lies in its grand forts, palaces transformed into luxurious hotels, and the allure of delightful train rides that captivate thousands of visitors each year. Wandering through the lively streets, you will be amazed by the tales of brave Rajput warriors, captivated by the beauty of Havelis, calmed by soulful folk music, tempted by vibrant handicrafts, and treated to the flavours of delicious local dishes.
Book tempo traveller on rent in Delhi for Rajasthan trip and get ready for a 10-day road adventure where you will uncover the heart of this state and have some mouth-watering Rajasthani thalis along the way.
RAJASTHAN 10-DAY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Starting our journey, we kick off the itinerary in Bikaner. We explore the deserts of Jaisalmer, wander through the artistic lanes of Chittorgarh, stroll the offbeat streets of Udaipur, and get a taste of North India in Mount Abu. Keep reading to learn how you can make your Rajasthan road trip truly unique! The given plan is initiated from Bikaner which can be customized according to your initial destination. You can book car on rent in Delhi to plan a splendid trip to Rajasthan.
Day 1: Exploring Bikaner
Rajasthan Road trip kicks off just 30 km from Bikaner. Begin your day with a late breakfast of puri sabji at one of the stalls along the road leading to Karni Mata Temple. Afterwards, head back to the city to explore the magnificent Junagarh Fort. This complex, crafted from red sandstone and Carrera marble, is protected with 37 bastions and seven gates. Do not miss the Har Mandir, the private temple of a royal family, located near the Tripolia Gate. Nearby the Daulat Pol, you can observe hand imprints of the Maharanis who committed sati—a solemn experience.
Within the fort, there is the Pracheena Museum, which houses a wealth of period furniture, costumes, décor, textiles, arts and crafts, crockery and cutlery, and jewellery used by the royal family. Following lunch, make your way to the Bhandasar Temple, one of Bikaner’s two Jain temples. Take some time to visit Rampuria Havelis, a collection of seven havelis built by three brothers. In the afternoon, explore the old city, where a labyrinth of winding alleys reveals fantastic havelis, temples with intricate carvings, shops selling local artisanry, and eateries serving mouth-watering local fare.
Day 2: Driving to the Golden City
Start your day early and set out for Jaisalmer, the next stop on the trip. Begin with a cup of kesari chai and a sweet ghewar before hitting the road. The journey takes 5 to 6 hours through flat, taupe, and ochre landscapes with little to no trees. Keep the windows down, but be mindful of the dust settling on your face, lashes, and tongue if you move your lips. For those interested in haunted places, take a detour to the abandoned Kuldhara village, believed to be cursed in the 1800s. Locals claim that the voices of the deceased villagers can still be heard among the ruins.
Stop for a lunch of dal-bati-churma before heading to the famed Patwan ki Haveli. This haveli is a masterpiece carved from golden rock. In the evening, visit Bada Bagh, where the soft colour of the setting sun adds drama to the magnificent cenotaphs in the garden. For dinner, head to one of the rooftop cafes, offering a view of the brightly illuminated Jaisalmer Fort under a star-lit sky. Choose a place with local folk music and regional delicacies.
Day 3: Sonar Kella and Desert Safari
Begin your day at daybreak by visiting Gadisar Lake. The chattri in the middle of the lake looks magical in the golden hour. Enjoy the sound of wavelets on the steps, the gentle breeze, and the golden touch of the rising sun. Have a quick breakfast of mirchipakoda and jalebi at Hanuman Chowk before heading to the golden fort of Jaisalmer, the Sonar Kella, made famous by the Oscar-winning director Satyajit Ray, who filmed a movie with the same name here. After lunch, proceed towards the roaring sands of the Thar Desert, where you will spend a night at a desert camp.
Day 4: Drive to Jodhpur
On Day 4 of your road trip, start your morning by returning to the dunes to witness the mesmerising sunrise. After having breakfast at the camp, head towards Jodhpur, the next. If you have an extra day, consider driving to the Desert National Park to observe local and migratory birds, as well as mammals like foxes and chinkaras.
The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city, and in the late afternoon light, it takes on an ethereal appearance. Check-in at your hotel and then explore the old city. Get a tempo traveller in Jaipur to make your travel experience comfortable as well as luxurious. With its blue-walled houses, narrow lanes bustling with everyday life, stalls selling chai and pakoras, wandering cattle and dogs, and interesting typography, the old city offers a photogenic experience and has graced many magazine covers.
Day 5: Mehrangarh Fort
Kick off your morning with a breakfast of pyaz kachori, mirchi vada, and jalebi before making your way to the Mehrangarh Fort. From the fort, you can revel in breathtaking views of the city. After enjoying the panoramic sights, savour the best of Rajasthani cuisines.
Next, head to the Jaswant Thada in the afternoon. This monument, constructed from polished white marble, features intricate carvings all over its surface. Under the light of the full moon, the glow creates a sight to be remembered. On your way back to the city, make a stop to admire the grand Umaid Bhavan Palace, known for its vintage clocks and cars.
Day 6: Chittorgarh via Kumbhalgarh
Check out early at 6 am, as the total travel time is estimated to be between 8-9 hours. Your destination is Kumbhalgarh, and if you detour near Rajasamand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Inside the fort, discover magnificent Jain temples, including one with 52 chattris, and Hindu temples. The views of the forested hillside from the fort are truly mesmerizing!
Following your visit to Kumbhalgarh, continue your journey for another 4 hours on winding roads, and you will arrive at the ruins of Chittorgarh. From the road, the fort appears like an endless rampart running along the edge of the hill. Although most of the Chittor Fort is in ruins, some structures are still visible today.
Day 7: Drive to Udaipur
Make your way to the picturesque lakeside city of Udaipur! Begin your morning by exploring the charming streets of the city, and later, enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Sajjan Garh to witness the sun setting over the serene lakes that surround the white city of Udaipur.
As the sun sets, lights begin to twinkle in the palaces around the lake. The reflection of palaces, hotels, and restaurants in the calm waters of Pichola Lake adds to the enchantment. Underneath the deep blue sky filled with millions of stars, the city comes alive with dazzling lights. To soak in the royal magnificence of Udaipur, take a stroll along the lakeside. For a perfect end to the day, enjoy a rooftop dinner overlooking the lake. As you savour your meal with glittering lights and stars as your backdrop, you will understand why Udaipur is renowned as one of the most romantic cities in India.
Day 8: Exploring Udaipur
Start your morning with prayers at the Jagdish Temple. Afterwards, make your way to the magnificent City Palace. Inside the palace complex, explore various buildings such as Mor-Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Badi Mahal, Krishna Vilas, and Shambhu Vilas. Admire the intricate mirrorwork, murals, coloured-glass inlays, marble carvings, and silver work.
Following lunch, visit the enchanting Sahelion ki Baari to stroll through its beautiful gardens and fountains. Next, explore the Vintage Car Museum, where you can marvel at a collection of vintage cars. In the evening, head to the jetty and purchase tickets for a 20-minute sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. As the sun sets, the chabutaras, havelis, and ghats surrounding the lake take on an ethereal glow. The distant Sajjan Garh atop a hill seems to shimmer in the fading light. For the rest of the day, strolling through the bazaars of the old city is recommended.
Day 9: Mount Abu
Witness the sunrise from Gangaur Ghat, where pigeons gather in the early morning hours. As the purplish twilight transforms into a pinkish-orange hue, the Jal Mahal and Jag Mandir appear as glistening jewels on the serene waters of the lake. Grab a quick breakfast before visiting the Bagore Haveli to admire traditional Rajasthani crafts and handiwork.
Bid a fond farewell to the captivating city of Udaipur and make your way to Mount Abu, the sole hill station in this land of sand and sunshine. Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants along the main street, check into your hotel, and then drive directly to Guru Shikhar to gaze at the sunset. A short but steep hike from the parking lot will lead you to the peak, where you can offer prayers at a temple. The gold-lit chiaroscuro unfolding on the land below creates an unforgettable sight.
Day 10: Dilwara Jain Temples
Start your day with a hike to Toad Rock to witness the sunrise. This uniquely shaped rock provides excellent views of Nakki Lake and the town. Following breakfast, take a stroll around Nakki Lake before setting sail to the Dilwara Jain Temples. Every inch of these temples, decorated with complex marble artwork, is impossible to replicate with modern machinery. The sheer beauty of these temples will leave you awe-inspired. The 10-day Rajasthan road trip comes to an end in Mount Abu. Travel back to New Delhi by train.
Conclusion
The splendid architecture, the rich heritage, cuisine, and unique traditions of Rajasthan, make it an intriguing destination. While the state boasts numerous renowned sites, there are equally breathtaking offbeat destinations easily accessible by road. Planning a road trip during the festive season, from October to February, is a perfect opportunity to explore the hidden treasures. Rajasthan invites travellers to pack their bags, hit the roads, and experience a journey like never before.