With its magnificent forts, beautiful palaces, vibrant culture and rich history, the state of Rajasthan is one of the top travel destinations in India. If you’re asking me, a trip to India isn’t complete without visiting this colourful state. Rajasthan is huge, however, and there is a lot to see here. Therefore, it can be a little overwhelming to start planning an itinerary. But that’s exactly where this guide comes in handy – this Rajasthan itinerary for 1 or 2 weeks covers the highlights and it’s perfect for first-timers.
Some of the places included in this itinerary are the holy city of Pushkar, the so-called blue city – Jodhpur and the city of lakes – Udaipur. It will bring you along architectural marvels like the Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort and the Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell.
If you’d like to see more of India, this itinerary can easily be combined with a visit to Delhi and the Taj Mahal.
But without further ado, let’s dive into this Rajasthan itinerary for 7 or 14 days!
>> Read next: 16 Facts About Rajasthan
Rajasthan Itinerary for 1 or 2 Weeks
In the first section of this post, you will find all the places included in these itineraries. I also added a note saying in which of the itineraries the place is included.
Next, you will find the 7 and 14-day Rajasthan itineraries and a map showing you where the places are located. Keep in mind that Rajasthan is huge and that it would take nearly 11 hours to get from Jaipur to Jaisalmer.
>> Read: South India VS North India: 9 Differences
Places to see in Rajasthan
So, let’s start with the best places to see in Rajasthan in 1 or 2 weeks! From the astonishing Hawa Mahal in Jaipur to the photogenic blue houses of Jodhpur, Rajasthan offers an abundance of beautiful sights!
Jaipur
*Included on 7 and 14-day itinerary
Both of these itineraries start with two days in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and India’s so-called Pink City. Jaipur is easily reachable from Delhi by train, the ride takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Here, you will find some spectacular sights like the marvellous Hawa Mahal, the enormous Amer Fort, the beautiful Monkey Temple and the colourful Patrika Gate.
Jaipur is also one of the stops on the popular Golden Triangle tourist route, which connects the Pink City to Delhi and Agra (where you will find the Taj Mahal).
With its beautiful palaces, forts and temples, this is a city that cannot be missed on any Rajasthan itinerary!
🛕 Highlights of Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal: This stunning palace is famous for its 953 windows. These were used by the royal women, who could not appear in public. They used to peek out of the windows to catch a glimpse of everyday life.
- Amer Fort: This is my favourite fort in Rajasthan! It was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and you will find some pretty impressive architecture within its walls. One of its most famous sights is the Sheesh Mahal, which is often called the “Glass Palace”.
- City Palace: Built in 1727, the City Palace is the place where the Maharaja reigned until 1949. You will find some beautiful courtyards, gates and rooms inside.
- Jantar Mantar: Located right across the street from the City Palace, Jantar Mantar is an ancient astronomical observatory that’s worth visiting as well.
- Patrika Gate: This colourful gate was built in 2016 and serves as an entrance to Jawahar Circle Garden. It’s one of the most photogenic places in Jaipur so don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit it!
Pushkar
*Included on 7 and 14-day itinerary
The next stop for both of these itineraries will be Pushkar – one of my favourite places in India. This is one of Rajasthan’s oldest cities and also one of its holiest ones, making it one of India’s top cultural destinations.
Pushkar is located by the holy Pushkar Lake, which is surrounded by numerous ghats. Apart from the lake and ghats, some of Pushkar’s most famous sights are the Brahma Temple, the Pap Mochani Temple and the Savitri Temple. The last two are located on top of a hill and they offer a magnificent view over Pushkar.
It’s believed that Pushkar Lake was created when Lord Brahma vanquished the demon Vajranash using a lotus flower. When this flower fell to the ground, it created Pushkar Lake. Today, the city is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
🛕 Highlights of Pushkar
- Ghats: Strolling along the ghats by the holy Pushkar lake is one of the best things to do in Pushkar. You will see that rituals and offerings happen here regularly.
- Brahma Temple: Being a holy city, Pushkar is home to many temples, but the Brahma Temple is the most important one. It’s located close to the lake and it’s one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma.
- Pap Mochani Temple: It’s a short hike up a hill to get to this temple, and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view over Pushkar once you reach the top!
- Savitri Temple: To reach the top of this hill, you can either take the cable car or hike and once again, you will be rewarded with an amazing view over Pushkar.
- Gurudwara Sahib: This famous Sikh temple was built in 1549 after Guru Nanak Dev visited Pushkar. It’s a stunning white temple that’s definitely worth seeing.
Jodhpur
*Included on 7 and 14-day itinerary
Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan and another one of my favourite cities in India! It’s dubbed the Blue City because of its many blue houses that make the city incredibly photogenic.
But there is more to Jodhpur than the blue houses alone!
This city is also home to the enormous Mehrangarh Fort, which was built by the founder of Jodhpur in the 15th century and overlooks the blue city. Just a 15-minute walk from here, you will find Jaswant Thada – a beautiful memorial that was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singhjill and is made entirely out of white marble.
Other things you cannot miss on a visit to Jodhpur are the Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell, Pachetia Hill for sunset and the Clock Tower and Sardar Market – which are the heart of the city.
🛕 Highlights of Jodhpur
- Blue Houses: One of the best things to do in Jodhpur is to stroll around the old town in search of the beautiful blue houses.
- Mehrangarh Fort: Built by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, in 1459, this incredible fort is Jodhpur’s most famous landmark. It’s quite spectacular, to say the least, and it overlooks the blue city.
- Jaswant Thada: Just a 15-minute walk from the fort, this beautiful memorial consists entirely of white marble. It was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singhjill.
- Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell: Rajasthan is famous for its step wells and this one is very easy to reach, as it’s located in the middle of Jodhpur. The Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell used to be the main source of water for the city.
- Pachetia Hill: Pachetia Hill overlooks the blue city and it’s the best place to watch the sunset over the blue houses.
- Clock Tower and Sardar Market: This is the heart of the old city. It’s a nice area to stroll around, shop at the market and drink a delicious lassi.
Udaipur
*Included on 7 and 14-day itinerary
After visiting the blue city, it’s time to head to Udaipur – the City of Lakes or the Venice of the East. This city is often dubbed India’s most romantic city and it’s easy to understand why!
Udaipur is famous for its mesmerizing lakes, floating palaces, beautiful temples and stunning viewpoints. It’s also a great place to relax on one of the many rooftop terraces.
There are many great things to do in Udaipur, from soaking up the atmosphere at the ghats of Lake Pichola to visiting the City Palace and the beautiful Ahar Cenotaphs. If you’re a sucker for beautiful viewpoints, you will want to take the Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway too. This ropeway will bring you to the Sri Karni Mata Temple, which offers a spectacular view of the city.
Udaipur is also famous for hosting the Dharohar Dance Show at Lok Dharohar Haveli. This is said to be the most spectacular traditional Rajasthani dance show in all of Rajasthan!
🛕 Highlights of Udaipur
- Jagdish Temple: This Hindu Temple’s architecture is stunning! You will find numerous statues of elephants, horsemen, musicians and dancers on its beautiful facades.
- Lake Pichola and Ghats: Strolling along Lake Pichola while enjoying the view is one of the best things to do in Udaipur. Make sure not to miss Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat while you’re there.
- City Palace: Constructed in 1553, the City Palace of Udaipur is the largest royal complex in the state of Rajasthan. You will find stunning palaces and halls inside!
- Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway: This cable car ride will take you to Machhala Hill, from where you will have a spectacular view over Udaipur.
- Ahar Cenotaphs: These empty tombs are a unique place to visit in Udaipur. They’re a must-see for history buffs and lovers of architecture.
- Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli: A spectacular show with Rajasthani dance performances and a puppet show.
Jaisalmer
*Included on 14-day Rajasthan itinerary
If you have two weeks in Rajasthan, then it’s time to head to Jaisalmer next. This small desert city is located northwest of Rajasthan, not so far from the border with Pakistan.
Jaisalmer is home to India’s only living fort, where you will find plenty of beautiful Havelis. You will also find the peaceful Gadisar Lake here, which used to be the city’s only water source.
What Jaisalmer is most famous for, however, is its desert safaris. Although I did enjoy the desert safari, it’s good to know that the Thar Desert only has small sets of dunes and most parts are scrubs.
This being said, I still think checking out the Thar Desert is worth it! Just don’t expect it to be all sand dunes as this is not the case.
If you’re looking for a good agency to book a desert safari (because believe me, there are many and they’re not all good), I can recommend Trotters Jaisalmer. I went on an overnight desert safari with them and it was amazing! We were a small group of three people and there was no one else in the set of dunes they brought us to.
🛕 Highlights of Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer Fort: This living fort is full of beautiful temples and golden Havelis. You will also find multiple viewpoints from where you can watch the sunset here.
- Gadisar Lake: This lake was built around the 12th-13th by the first king of Jaisalmer. It’s a peaceful place that’s surrounded by ghats and shrines.
- Bada Bagh: Here, you will find the funerary cenotaphs (empty tombs) that were built to commemorate the royalty of Jaisalmer. They’re beautiful pieces of architecture that are very common in the north of India.
- Desert safari: Spending a night in the desert dunes is an amazing experience that you won’t forget! Don’t be afraid to ask around before booking a tour though, as there are plenty of operators and they all claim to be the best. I booked my tour with Trotters Jaisalmer and can recommend them.
Bikaner
*Included on 14-day itinerary
The last stop on the 14-day Rajasthan itinerary is Bikaner, a city that is most famous for its proximity to the unique Karni Mata Temple or the Rat Temple. In order to reach this temple, you will have to take the local bus to Deshnok, which is 30 km (18.6 mi) from Bikaner.
As you might have guessed, what makes the Karni Mata Temple so special is that it’s full of rats. In fact, it’s the only temple in the world that worships rats! Over 25,000 black rats and a few white ones live within its doors. It’s considered good luck if you can spot one of the white ones, as these are considered the incarnations of the Hindu deity Karni Mata and her sons.
But why rats? I hear you ask.
Well, there are two legends associated with why rats are being worshipped at the Karni Mata Temple:
- The rats are soldiers who deserted a nearby battle. Although this was punishable by death, Karni Mata decided to spare them and turned them into rats instead.
- When one of the sons of Karni Mata’s sister drowned, Karni Mata begged Yama, the god of death, to bring him back. Yama told her this would interfere with the cycle of birth and death but told her he could reincarnate all the family’s sons as rats. Karni Mata then promised the rats would serve at her temple forever.
Although we can’t be certain which of these legends led to the creation of the Rat Temple, one thing is certain – bringing a visit to India’s Karni Mata Temple will be an unforgettable experience! This is one of the most unusual landmarks in Rajasthan.
🛕 Highlights of Bikaner (besides the Rat Temple)
- Junagarh Fort: This beautiful fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century. You will find stunning palaces, courtyards, pavilions and balconies inside.
- Rampuria Haveli: Rampuria Haveli was constructed in the 15th century for the wealthy merchant family with the same name. Although you cannot visit it on the inside, the outside alone is worth checking out and there are some other beautiful Havelis on the same street.
>> Read: How to AVOID Getting Sick in India: 10 Tips You Need
7 days in Rajasthan itinerary and map
You can find the itinerary and map for the 7-day Rajasthan itinerary below. Seven days is just enough time to see the state’s highlights.
Day 1-2: Jaipur
Day 3: Travel from Jaipur to Pushkar (2,5 hours) and visit Pushkar
Day 4: Travel from Pushkar to Jodhpur (5 hours)
Day 5: Jodhpur
Day 6: Travel from Jodhpur to Udaipur (5,5 hours)
Day 7: Udaipur
14 days in Rajasthan itinerary and map
If you have more time to spare and are planning a 14-day long trip to Rajasthan, then Jaisalmer and Bikaner are two extra places that you can visit. You can find the map and Rajasthan itinerary for 2 weeks below.
Day 1-2: Jaipur
Day 3-4: Travel from Jaipur to Pushkar (2,5 hours) and visit Pushkar
Day 5: Pushkar
Day 6-7: Travel from Pushkar to Udaipur (6 hours)
Day 8: Udaipur
Day 9: Travel from Udaipur to Jodhpur (5,5 hours)
Day 10: Jodhpur
Day 11: Travel from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (5 hours)
Day 12: Jaisalmer
Day 13: Travel from Jaisalmer to Bikaner (5,5 hours)
Day 14: Bikaner
>> Read: The Cost of Travel in India
Best time to visit Rajasthan
The best time to visit Rajasthan is during the winter months, from October to February. At this time of the year, the temperature won’t be too high.
It’s not recommended to visit Rajasthan during the summer months, which are from April to June. It will be scorching hot at this time of the year with temperatures rising up to 48°C.
Rajasthan can also be visited during the monsoon season, from July to September. This is the time of the year that I visited the state. There’s no denying that there is rain during the monsoon (and that it’s still quite hot) but it doesn’t rain every day. Overall, I think the monsoon season is a good time to visit Rajasthan if you want to travel outside of the peak season.
How to get around in Rajasthan
There are multiple ways to get around Rajasthan, depending on where you’re going. Trains and tourist buses are perfect for longer distances, while local buses and rickshaws are great for short distances.
- Train: Rajasthan’s major cities are well connected by train. This is an easy and reliable way to get around the state. Note that there are many different types of trains in India, so make sure to do some research in advance.
- Bus: Another easy way to get around Rajasthan is by taking the bus. There are plenty of local buses for short distances and tourist buses for longer distances.
- Private driver: The most comfortable way to get around is by taxi or private transportation but this is also the most expensive one.
- Rickshaw: You will find plenty of rickshaws in the cities. These are perfect for short distances but be prepared to haggle as rickshaw drivers tend to charge foreigners ten times the normal price. A great way to get a fair price is by downloading the Ola app, though. It works just like Uber but includes bikes and rickshaws.
Tip: When you’re travelling in Rajasthan, it’s better to book your bus and train tickets in advance. This way, you will know for sure that you have a seat. I used 12GoAsia to book my tickets, this is the only website I could find that accepts payments with non-Indian credit cards.
Rajasthan itinerary FAQs
How many days are enough for Rajasthan?
1 to 2 weeks is perfect to cover most of Rajasthan’s tourist sites. Although you could go on a short 2 or 3-day trip to Jaipur, for example, there are many beautiful places to see in Rajasthan, so I would recommend staying in this state for at least 1 week.
Which is the best month to visit Rajasthan?
The best time to visit Rajasthan is during the winter months, from October to February. At this time of the year, the temperature won’t be too high.
>> Read: Solo Travel in India: A Guide (Best Places, Tips & Safety)
Tips for travelling in India
India can be a little overwhelming and confusing for first-time visitors. It may not be the easiest country to visit, but it sure is one of the most fascinating ones.
In order to get the most out of your trip to Rajasthan, there are some things you need to be aware of. So here are some useful tips to help you adjust to India easily.
- Dress appropriately: India, and especially the state of Rajasthan, are conservative so be mindful of the culture and dress modestly. It’s okay for women to wear Western clothes but this is not the right place for hot pants and spaghetti tops. I’ve written a detailed post about the subject here: What to Wear in India: Tips + Outfit Ideas. Make sure to check it out to prepare for your trip.
- Be wary of scams: Unfortunately, scams are common in India, so be wary of them. Research common scams of the place you’re heading to in advance. This way, you won’t be fooled by them.
- Learn how to haggle: The price is always negotiable – in many shops, the vendor will quote a high price and expect you to offer a lower one. This will go back and forth until you find a price that works for both of you.
- Buy a local sim: A local sim doesn’t cost much and this way, you will have access to the internet to look things up at any time.
- Take off your shoes before entering temples: If you’re going to visit many temples, it’s a good idea to wear flip-flops, as these are easy to take off.
- Know the Indian head bobble: While people in most countries nod by moving their heads up and down, Indians nod in a different way – they shake their heads from side to side. This can be a little confusing at first, so it’s good to be aware of it.
- Avoid PDA: Avoid public displays of affection if you’re travelling in India with your partner as this is considered inappropriate in Indian culture.
- Have an open mind: If this is your first visit to the country, you might experience some culture shock. Be prepared for this and accept the fact that things won’t be like they are at home.
- Bring traveller’s diarrhoea medication: Even when they’re careful, many travellers experience the so-called Delhi Belly, so it’s good to be prepared.
>> Read next: What to Pack for India as a Woman
Rajasthan itinerary: Final thoughts
I hope you love the colourful state of Rajasthan as much as I do. India is one of my favourite places in the world and I truly loved exploring Rajasthan – it’s simply magical!
If you have more time in India after finishing your Rajasthan itinerary, you could head to the Taj Mahal next. You could also head back to Delhi or go to Mumbai for a day and visit Goa – the possibilities are endless.
Other itineraries for India:
– 15 Days in South India: An Itinerary
– Golden Triangle Itinerary in India: 4, 5 or 6 Days
Read more about India:
– Indian Landmarks to See on Your Trip
– The Ultimate India Travel Bucket List: 34 Ideas
– Souvenirs from India That Don’t Suck
– What is India Famous For? 28 Interesting Facts
– Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal
India Travel Planning Guide
🛫 Find the cheapest flights to India on Skyscanner.
🏨 Find the best accommodation via Booking or Hostelworld.
🛺 Download the Ola app to order a rickshaw or a taxi.
🚃 Use 12GoAsia to book trains and buses in India.
🚗 Rent a car with Discover Cars to get the best rates.
💰 Get travel insurance via VisitorsCoverage, one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies.
👘 Check out my complete India packing list for females.
📋 Don’t forget to check if you need a visa to visit India.
Pin it for later:
Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.
