Forts, palaces, lakes and bazaars - our favourite eight-day route through the Pink City, the Blue City and the City of Lakes, with ideas for extending to Jaisalmer.
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Rajasthan is India at its most regal: hilltop forts, lakeside palaces, painted havelis and bazaars bursting with colour. This eight-day route links its three most celebrated cities - Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur - at a pace that leaves time to enjoy them.
Days 1 - 2: Jaipur, the Pink City
Arrive in Jaipur and begin with the honeycomb facade of Hawa Mahal, built so that royal women could watch street life unseen. Wander the old city bazaars - Johari Bazaar for jewellery, Bapu Bazaar for textiles and mojari shoes.
The next morning, drive up to Amber Fort, a golden fort-palace famous for its mirror-work Sheesh Mahal. Then visit the City Palace, with its four ornate seasonal gateways, and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar observatory. End the day watching the sunset over the city from Nahargarh Fort.
Days 3 - 4: Jodhpur, the Blue City
The drive to Jodhpur takes about six hours. Rising 125 metres above the city, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most impressive forts in India, with superb museum galleries of palanquins, armour and miniature paintings. Visit the white marble Jaswant Thada memorial, then lose yourself in the blue-washed lanes of the old town below the fort, ending at the busy Clock Tower market.
Day 5: Via Ranakpur to Udaipur
On the way to Udaipur, stop at the Ranakpur Jain Temple, a masterpiece of white marble with 1,444 intricately carved pillars - no two alike. Arrive in Udaipur in time for dinner by the lake.
Days 6 - 7: Udaipur, the City of Lakes
Udaipur is Rajasthan's most romantic city. Explore the vast City Palace on the shore of Lake Pichola, visit the Jagdish Temple and the gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari, and take an evening boat ride past the island palace of Jag Mandir as the lights come on.
On your final evening, watch the traditional folk dance performance at Bagore ki Haveli, or simply relax at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake.
Day 8: Depart
Fly out from Udaipur's Maharana Pratap Airport, or continue by road or rail.
Want More Time?
- Jaisalmer (add 2 - 3 days): the golden fort and a night at a desert camp with camel rides in the Thar.
- Chittorgarh (add 1 day): India's largest fort, rich in Rajput history, on the way from Udaipur.
- Agra and Delhi (add 2 days): combine with the Golden Triangle for the Taj Mahal.
Our Royal Rajasthan Tour follows this route with handpicked heritage hotels, and we can add Jaisalmer or the Golden Triangle on request.
Nepal Trip Holiday Travel Desk
The same team that plans and operates our tours across Nepal, India and Bhutan. Questions about this guide? Call or WhatsApp us on +91 63071 02408 - we are happy to help.
