An AWESOME 1-Week Rajasthan Itinerary For First Timers
Are you looking for the perfect 1-week Rajasthan Itinerary for first-timers? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Rajasthan is the largest and one of the most beautiful states in India.
Often referred to as “The Land Of Kings” Rajasthan is best known for its royal heritage, stunning palaces, vast deserts, and vibrant culture.
I’ve not met a single person who has visited Rajasthan and hasn’t fallen in love with this beautiful corner of India.
Whether it is the grand palaces, the lakes, the desert of Jaisalmer or the tigers of Ranthambore National Park, there is something in Rajasthan for everyone!
As someone who is more of a nature lover than a city dweller, this 1-week Rajasthan Itinerary was the perfect amount of time to uncover the highlights of Rajasthan and experience the grandeur of its most famous cities.
So what’s Included in a 1-week Rajasthan Itinerary?
Read on below to find out!
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Prepare for your trip to Rajasthan
?️Accommodation: When you’re hunting for great deals, make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com! If you’re on a budget then make sure to check out Hostelworld.
✈️Flights: Check out the best flight deals with Skyscanner and Trip.com. I never search anywhere else!
?Transport: Need to book a bus or train whilst travelling? Check out your options on 12goasia.com, Bookaway.com and thetrainline.com.
?Rental Cars: Looking to rent a car for your adventures? Check out prices on Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com.
?Activities: Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for 100’s of activities whilst travelling.
?Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.
?Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. Download sims from either Airalo or Holafly for your time abroad.
About this 1-week Rajasthan Itinerary
Rajasthan is the biggest state in India, so there are probably 100 different Rajasthan Itineraries you could choose from.
This itinerary follows my exact 1-week route in Rajasthan, which ensures you see the highlights of the state, as well as uncover some lesser-known gems and also get a chance to relax amidst the chaos.
Your 7 days in Rajasthan will look like this:
- Day 1 – Jaipur
- Day 2 – Ranthambore National Park
- Day 3 & 4 – Pushkar
- Day 5 – Bundi
- Day 6 & 7 – Udaipur
Please note that this itinerary is quite jam-packed. If you want to take things at a slower pace I have suggested some alternative options at the end of this blog post.
Day 1 – Jaipur
Jaipur is probably the most famous city in Rajasthan, it’s part of the famous Golden Triangle route (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) and is often referred to as “The Pink City” thanks to the city being adorned with an abundance of pink terracotta architecture.
How To Get To Jaipur
This 1-week Rajasthan Itinerary starts in the city of Jaipur which is easily accessible by plane, train or bus.
Although Jaipur’s airport is international, it is highly likely that if you are flying in from Europe or Africa, you will first be landing in Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport.
From Delhi, you can either catch a connecting flight to Jaipur or make the 7-8-hour bus/train journey.
To decide the best option for you, To decide the best train/bus options for you, check out the IRCTC website (train), 12go Asia (train and bus) and the RedBus website (best for buses but also advertise trains). You can find the best flight deals through Skyscanner.
How To Get Around Jaipur
The simplest, and most cost-effective way to get around Jaipur is by hiring a Tuk Tuk driver for the day.
I paid around ₹800 for around 8 hours of driving and exploring.
I used this driver (whose name is Raj) during my time in Jaipur and he was such a nice lovely person, who made me feel extremely safe, especially as a solo female traveller in India.
I’m not sure if he is very active on that Instagram account anymore, so feel free to send me a message and I will be happy to share his number with you (I have permission to do so).
Where to stay in Jaipur
The best area to stay in during your time in Jaipur is the C Scheme Area. It’s home to some of the best, and most modern hotels as well as some of the best hostels in Jaipur.
I stayed at Moustache Jaipur (which is located in this area) and I loved it. It was one of my favourite hostels in all of India.
Other places to consider in the C Scheme Area include:
Other parts of the city that you can consider staying in are The Old City and Raja Park areas.
Jaipur Itinerary
Stop 1 – Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is one of Jaipur’s most iconic and beautiful city palaces made from red and pink sandstone built in 1799.
The palace was originally built with the sole purpose of enabling ladies of the royal family to observe the streets below, without being seen by the public.
This is one of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks, so definitely worth visiting. One of the best views of Hawa Mahal is from the Tattoo Cafe as it sits directly opposite.
Because of where it is the cafe is quite overpriced for what you get, but it really does have the best view in town, however, there are some cafes close by with a similar view and cheaper prices.
While the best view of Hawa Mahal is from the outside, you can also go inside the palace for the small cost of ₹50.
Stop 2 – Panna Meena ka Kund
Panna Meena ka Kund is a beautiful old stepwell that is 200 feet deep with 1800 symmetrical steps. It was originally built in the 16th century and was used for water storage.
Thanks to its symmetry, Panna Meena ka Kund is a photographer’s dream and although you’re not allowed to go down the stairwell it hasn’t stopped others from doing so in the past just to get “the shot”. Be warned that if you do attempt to go down the stairwell you risk the chance of being fined.
Stop 3 – Amber Fort/Palace
The Amer Fort is one of the most iconic spots in Jaipur and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in 1592 and named after Amba Mata, the fertility and earth goddess of the Minas.
The Palace is huge and you will need a couple of hours to get around, explore and soak it all in. I highly recommend getting a guide so that you can learn more about the history of the palace.
The entrance fee for foreigners is ₹200 and if you want a guide you are looking at an extra ₹2-300.
Stop 4 – Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is a stunning 5-story palace located on the waters of Man Sagal Lake in Jaipur.
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside the palace, so you’ll simply be admiring from afar. Although It’s worth it when you see the reflections of the palace on the water.
There is also a bustling and lively market and lots of things going on around the lake so it’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the chaos and colour of Jaipur.
Stop 5 – Nahargarh Fort
As a final stop for your first day on this Rajasthan Itinerary, I recommend heading to Nahargarh Fort for sunset.
The entrance fee to the fort for foreigners is ₹200.
The fort itself closes at 5:30 pm, however, the walls and the onsite Padao Restaurant are open until 09:30 pm.
The best sunset viewing spot, Kali Burj, is located close to the restaurant.
Day 2 – Ranthambore National Park
On this 1-week Rajasthan Itinerary, you will be heading to Ranthambore National Park as a day trip from Jaipur rather than staying overnight.
The journey from Ranthambore is roughly 3-4 hours one way, and the best way to do this is to book a day trip.
We got super lucky on our tour and managed to see 3 tiger cubs and their mother!
I recommend this tour!
Ranthambore National Park Tiger Safari
Price: $80
Rating: 4.2/5
Duration: 12 hours
Includes: Roundtrip transport, National Park fees
To explore more safari options check out tours from either Viator or Get Your Guide.
Just remember that there is no guarantee that you will see tigers so you need to assess whether this is worth the time investment for you.
If it’s not, then I recommend spending another day exploring Jaipur. There are plenty of things to do and see in Jaipur, so you can definitely fill up a second day with lots of activities.
Other activities to do in Jaipur
- Visit the Jaipur City Palace
- See the Patrika Gate
- Visit the Jaigarh Fort
- Visit the Royal Gaitor
- Visit Galta Ji
- Explore the Shri Jagat Shiromani Ji Temple
Day 3 & 4 – Pushkar
Located in the middle of the Thar Desert, Pushkar is one of India’s oldest and most sacred towns.
Pushkar is an important place of pilgrimage for most Hindus thanks to its connection to Lord Brahma who is said to be the creator of the Universe and also the creator of the stunning Pushkar Lake which is the spiritual centre of the town.
How to get from Jaipur To Pushkar
The best way to get from Jaipur to Puskar is either by train or bus.
Train journeys will take on average between 2 to 3 hours and prices start from ₹300.
Bus journeys will range from 2 to 5 hours depending on whether you book a public bus or a private coach journey and prices start from ₹200.
Most routes will drop you off in the neighbouring town of Ajmer and from there you will have to catch either a public bus or hop into a Tuk Tuk to get to Pushkar. Ajmer is approximately 35 minutes from Pushkar.
To decide the best train/bus options for you, check out the IRCTC website (train), 12go Asia (train and bus) and the RedBus website (best for buses but also advertise trains).
How To Get Around Pushkar
Pushkar is a very small town and the best way to explore it is on foot.
However, if you do need one, you can easily find a Tuk Tuk to take you where you need to go.
Where to stay in Pushkar
When booking accommodation in Pushkar, I recommend staying as close to the lake as possible.
Some of the best hotels and hostels in Pushkar include:
Pushkar Itinerary Day 3
Stop 1 – Pushkar Lake
The Pushkar Lake is the spiritual heart of Pushkar, where pilgrims bathe to cleanse sins.
I recommend spending some time here people-watching, and admiring spiritual rituals in action from afar.
However, please be mindful of scam rituals that take place by the lake. Some locals may approach you pretending to be priests who offer to perform a prayer ritual by the lake. After the ritual, they will demand a large fee or donation of around ₹800.
Stop 3 – Lord Brahma Temple
This rare temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is a must-visit, is one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma and is one of the top attractions in Pushkar.
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There is no entry fee to visit the temple, however, you can provide a donation if you so wish.
Stop 4 – Shopping
One of the best things to do in Pushkar is shopping!
In the markets, you can find beautiful clothing, handmade jewellery, journals, and so much more all at extremely affordable prices.
Ashamed to admit that I struggled to zip up my backpack after my trip to Pushkar.
Stop 5 – Arti Ceremony
At the end of every day, you can witness a beautiful Arti Ceremony that takes place by the lake.
An Arti ceremony is essentially a ceremony of light and is a prayer of gratitude to God that helps to remove evil.
The Arti ceremony involves waving lit wicks in front of sacred images to fill the flames with the Deities’ (gods and goddesses) love, energy, and blessings. Sadhus (Hindu monks) and pujaris (temple attendants) perform this ritual
Pushkar Itinerary Day 4
Stop 1 – Yoga & Meditation
Day 4 of your 1-week Rajasthan Itinerary is all about getting in some relaxation which is why some yoga and meditation have been added to this itinerary.
Sanatan Yog is one of the top-rated yoga studios in Pushkar. They hold 4-5 classes per day and also have a retreat space. The class welcomes people of all experience levels to practice in a safe and fun environment.
Other Yoga school options include the Pushkar Meditation Centre and Pushkar Yoga Garden.
Stop 2 – Get a Massage
Head to the Deepak Ayurveda Massage Centre for a relaxing massage shaped by the principles of Ayurveda. As well as the massage, you’ll learn more about the condition of your body and how you can use Ayurvedic medicine to improve it.
Stop 3 – Savitri Mata Temple for Sunset
The temple Savitri Mata Temple is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma. The temple is located on Ratnagiri Hill, providing stunning panoramic views of Pushkar town, the Pushkar Lake, and the surrounding desert and it’s one of the best places in Pushkar to watch the sunset.
You can either hike to the temple to take the cable car. If you decide to hike you can expect to trek 1.5 kilometres up the hill, and it should take you around 45 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can take the cable car, which is just a short 10-minute ride. A return journey will cost you ₹115.
Read my complete 2-day Pushkar Itinerary here.
Day 5 – Bundi
Bundi is a beautiful little town that often doesn’t see as many tourists as a lot of the other cities in Rajasthan which is why I think it’s the perfect hidden gem to add to this 1-week Rajasthan Itinerary.
How To Get From Pushkar To Bundi
The best way to get from Pushkar to Bundi is by bus.
First, you’ll need to travel from Pushkar to Ajmer. While public buses are an option, taking a Tuk Tuk is quicker and still quite affordable. The journey between Pushkar and Ajmer is 35 minutes.
From Ajmer, you can catch a direct bus to Bundi which will take between 4-5 hours. Prices start from ₹250 and can be booked on the RedBus website.
How To Get Around Bundi
The best way to explore Bundi is either on foot or by taking a tuk-tuk.
Where To Stay In Bundi
Bundi is a fairly small town, so you’ll find that most hotels are centrally located, close to all of the main attractions.
Some of the best places to stay in Bundi include:
- Bundi Inn – A Heritage Boutique Haveli
- Nawal Sagar Palace
- Zostel Bundi (Hostel Option)
Bundi Itinerary
Stop 1 – Taragarh Fort & Garh Palace
Perched atop a hill with panoramic views of Bundi, the Taragarh Fort and Garh Palace are two of the city’s most iconic attractions. Built in 1607 The palace (although crumbling away) is home to impressive paintings and spacious courtyards that give visitors a peek into the royal life of the past.
The entrance fee is ₹ 500 per person, which includes entry to both the Taragarh Fort and Garh Palace.
Stop 2 – Explore The Old Town
One of my favourite things to do in Bundi was to wander through the old town and watch locals go about their daily routines.
The narrow streets are full of life with markets, small shops and chai stalls. The locals here are also incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Stop 3 – Nawal Sagar Lake
The Nawal Sagar Lake is an artificial lake located in the centre of Bundi.
Despite being man-made it doesn’t make it any less beautiful. The lake is surrounded by the hills of the Aravalli mountain range and In the center of the lake a temple dedicated to the God of the ocean is partially submerged in the water.
Stop 4 – Raniji ki Baori and Dhabhai Kund Stepwells
Bundi is most famous for its step-wells and is home to approximately 50!
While I wouldn’t expect you to visit them all, two of the best and most picturesque ones to visit are the Raniji ki Baori and Dhabhai Kund Stepwells which are located just a short 18-minute walk (or 6-minute drive) from each other.
Stop 5 – 84 Pillared Cenotaph
The 84 Pillared Cenotaph is a must-see in Bundi. Built in 1683 the structure is named for its 84 pillars. The Cenotaph is extremely impressive especially when lit up by a golden hour sunset glow.
Entrance to the cenotaph is ₹350 but also includes entrance to the Raniji ki Baori stepwell.
Day 6 & 7 – Udaipur
Often referred to as “the city of lakes” and surrounded by stunning Aravalli mountains, Udaipur is often described as one of the most romantic cities in India and is definitely worth visiting during your 7 days in Rajasthan.
How To Get From Bundi To Udaipur
You can get to Udaipur from Bundi either by bus or by train.
You can catch an overnight direct bus to Udaipur which will take around 7 hours (there is only 1 bus a day). Prices start from ₹1500 and can be booked on the RedBus website.
If you want to catch the train the journey will take you between 4-5 hours and prices start from ₹300.
To decide the best train/bus options for you, check out the IRCTC website (train), 12go Asia (train and bus) and the RedBus website (best for buses but also advertise trains).
How To Get Around Udaipur
The best way to explore Bundi is either on foot or by taking a tuk-tuk.
Where To Stay In Udaipur
During your time in Udaipur, I really recommend staying in the Lal Ghat area.
Some of the best hotels and hostels in Udaipur include:
Udaipur Itinerary Day 6
Stop 1 – City Palace
The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built over 400 years ago and is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The Palace is actually a complex of 11 smaller palaces, each with its own unique architecture.
The City Palace sits on the eastern side of Lake Pichola, giving beautiful views of the lake and nearby mountains. The sunset views from the City Palace are also not to be missed.
The entrance fee to the palace is ₹400.
Stop 2 – Jagdish Temple
The Jagdish Temple is just a short walk from the city palace.
It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishu that was built in 1651. Inside the temple, you can find statues and shrines dedicated to Hindu gods such as Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva.
The temple is free to enter.
Stop 3 – Gangaur Ghat
Close to both the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat is one of the most famous and scenic locations in Udaipur best known for its beautiful views and tranquil ambience.
I recommend spending some time here soaking up the views and enjoying a spot of people-watching.
Stop 4 – Wander The Streets of Udaipur
The old streets of Udaipur are colourful and chaotic and there are lots of independent stores selling clothing, trinkets and lots of other handmade items.
You can easily lose an hour or two meandering through these streets, and this was easily one of my favourite things to do in Udaipur.
Stop 5 – Dharohar Folk Dance Show
The Dharohar Folk Dance Show is a well-known cultural event held at Bagore Ki Haveli in an old mansion by Lake Pichola.
It’s a wonderful display of traditional Rajasthani music and dance where you’ll get the chance to see 4 types of traditional dance including Ghoomer and Bhavai as well as listen to traditional instruments such as the Tabla.
The show takes place every evening from 7 pm and lasts for around 1 hour. Tickets cost approximately ₹90 for Indians and ₹150 for foreign tourists.
Udaipur Itinerary Day 7
Stop 1 – Sunrise Tour
One of the best things you can do during your time in Udaipur is to experience a sunrise lake tour, where you will drive out of the city to watch the sunrise in the Bahubali Hills and spend the rest of your morning visiting some of the best lakes in Udaipur.
I booked this tour through my hostel, Dreamyard Udaipur (I can really recommend staying here during your time in Udaipur).
Stop 2 – Kumbhalgarh Fort
Just a short trip from Udaipur, you’ll find the Kumbhalgarh Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for having one of the longest walls in the world, second only to the Great Wall of China and is often referred to as “The Great Wall of India”.
Visiting the Kumbhalgarh Fort with this tour is definitely worthwhile whilst you’re in Udaipur if you’re a fan of history and architecture.
Other Things To Do In Udaipur
If you prefer not to go to the Kumbhalgarh Fort then here are some other things you can do during your 2nd day in Udaipur:
- Visit Bagore Ki Haveli
- Explore Saheliyon ki bari
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola
- Visit the Jagmandir Island Palace
- Explore Ambrai Ghat
- Eating at a lake-view restaurant (I highly recommend Rainbow Restaurant)
Tips for Travelling Around Rajasthan
In order to get the most out of this 1-week Rajasthan Itinerary I would highly recommend booking overnight buses and trains so that you can get the most out of your days.
If that’s not a viable option for you (perhaps you want to travel during the day or take things at a slower pace) then you will have to skip one or two of the days listed on this itinerary.
If that is the case, then I would recommend either of the following options.
- Skipping the trip to Ranthambore National Park
- Spending 1 day in Pushkar
- Skip out the visit to Bundi
- Spending 1 Udaipur
Alternative Options For Rajasthan
Whilst pretty much all of Rajasthan was beautiful and fascinating I did experience something that I like to call “Fort Fatigue”.
If you’re not super passionate about architecture, with so many forts located around the state, it can get to an “if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all” point.
If you want to add more nature to your itinerary I would recommend heading to Jaisalmer where you will be able to do an overnight stay in the desert. Unfortunately, I was not able to visit Jaisalmer during my time in India but I had heard nothing but good things from everyone I had met who had been there.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Rajasthan?
The best time to visit Rajasthan is between November and March. This is when temperatures and climates remain mostly hot and dry. Visting between April and November you will likely experience extremely humid weather and powerful monsoon rain.
March is a really great time to come to Rajasthan as this is when the very famous Holi Festival is celebrated. Rajasthan is one of the best places in India to celebrate the Holi Festival so if you can come during this time you’ll be in for the experience of a lifetime!
Train Travel Versus Bus Travel In Rajasthan
Train travel is one of the main experiences that every traveller visiting India should try. With that being said, I did find that bus travel was far easier and used strictly overnight buses during my 2 weeks in North India.
I found that the booking process for trains was quite complex when booking through the official train website ( IRCTC) because I didn’t have an Indian mobile number. When booking trains (during my time in South India) I would either have to get my accommodation to help me book a train, or I would book through 12go Asia which meant I was paying more than I really needed to.
If you would prefer to travel by train then I would make sure to get an Indian SIM card when you arrive at the airport so that your booking process goes smoothly when booking through the IRCTC website. Alternatively, I would use the 12go Asia if you are happy to pay a little more for the convenience of it.
Also, a side not on catching overnight buses in India (especially for solo female travellers) the bus ‘stops’ and ‘stations’ were often random spots on the side of the road rather than official stations. When getting transport to these spots I would highly recommend asking your driver to wait with you until your bus arrives.
How Much Does A 1-Week Trip To Rajasthan Cost?
Naturally, your budget will depend on how budget or luxury you decide to make your trip. However, below I have listed how much you can expect to spend on a small to mid-range budget.
- Accommodation: ₹1000-₹5000 per night
- Food and Drink: ₹200-₹700 per meal
- Transport between cities: ₹300 – ₹1500 per journey
- Local Transport (Tuk Tuk’s & Taxi’s): ₹50 + per journey
- Tours and Activities: ₹50 – ₹6000 per activity
Scams To Be Aware Of In Rajasthan
There are quite a few scams you need to be aware of during your time in Rajasthan, here are some of the most common ones you might come across:
- Fake Guides: Unlicensed guides offer incorrect information or take tourists to overpriced shops for commissions.
- Gem Scams: Vendors sell fake or overpriced gems, claiming high resale value.
- Overpriced Camel Rides/Safaris: Tourists are overcharged, or the experience is underwhelming compared to the promises made.
- Fake Handicrafts/Antiques: Mass-produced items are sold as handmade or antique at inflated prices.
- Pickpocketing: Common in crowded spots like markets and tourist areas.
- Fake Holy Men: Spiritual figures offer blessings or readings, then demand money or sell overpriced items.
- Overpriced Transport: Drivers inflate prices, take longer routes or falsely claim destinations are closed to redirect you to commission-based places.
- Fake Charity Scams: Scammers pose as charity workers and pocket the donations.
- Commission-Based Drivers: Drivers take tourists to shops or restaurants where they earn a commission from inflated prices.
- Fort Ticket Scams: Locals sell fake or overpriced tickets near popular sites.
- Bait-and-Switch Hotels: Hotels show attractive rooms but offer lower-quality ones unless extra payment is made.
- Fake Tourist Offices: Scammers set up fake offices, overcharging for tours or tickets.
It’s important to have these scams on your radar so you can spot them easily and avoid losing out on any money!
You Might Also Enjoy…
- Is Pushkar Safe For Solo Female Travellers?
- The ULTIMATE 2-Day Pushkar Itinerary
- Is Udaipur Worth Visiting? – 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit
- The ULTIMATE 1-Week Kerala Itinerary For First Timers
Happy Exploring
I hope this itinerary has helped you to plan the most perfect 7 days in Rajasthan.
If you have any questions about anything included in this post then please do not hesitate to reach out.
