We made a long list of places we could travel to during the 2017 holiday season. Both of us were itching to finalize a destination and get the ball rolling. The best thing about the holiday season is that the work pressure comes down and a few days off from work doesn’t hurt. So we knew we had to go ‘somewhere’.
Off the many options, we zeroed in on Rajasthan. The desert state of India gets very hot in Summers and hence December was the right time to head to Rajasthan. We knew we were in for the culture and experience that the colorful state brings to travelers.
Like the 12 days in Ladakh, we wanted to drive in Rajasthan and get to know the state. Road trips are an addiction. The more you set out to venture on your own, the more trips you want to take. Unlike the one to Ladakh, we were aware that the drive in Rajasthan would be long but smooth. The state highways are one of the best in the country.
So we flew to New Delhi and started our drive from Kurukshetra. By now, you know that a food-loaded Maruti Alto K10 was our companion.
Day 1: Kurukshetra to Jaipur
Some stats:
- Distance covered: 440 kms
- Major cities en route: Panipat, Rohtak, Neemrana, Jhajar
- Total driving time: ~7 hours
It was foggy when we left Kurukshetra and winters had set in the North. When we started, we did not know that the first couple of hours would be slow due to the dense fog. Google maps are the best when traveling to this state. #LookBeforeYouLeave is a good thing. We were able to avoid major traffic snarls and were good on time. Tea and breakfast breaks had set us rolling.
We reached during the day and after checking in the hotel, set out for some sight-seeing. Amer fort, Albert Hall, a quick drive by the Hawa Mahal, Birla Temple and then the last stop at Jal Mahal. We knew we would come back to Jaipur so Jantar Mantar and City Palace was on the cards but during the last days of the trip.
Day 2: Jaipur – Ranthambore – Jaipur
Some stats:
- Distance covered: 340 kms
- Major towns en route: Lalsot, Savai Madhopur
- Total driving time: ~7-8 hours of round trip
This was going to be a long day. We left good on time to be able to grab our safari tickets that we had booked in advance and of course the much needed lunch. Green fields full of yellow mustard flowers is something that catches attention as you leave Jaipur towards the Savai Madhopur district.
Once in Ranthambore, we met the folks who were to help us with our tickets. We had taken up seats on a canter for the drive in the national park. This was going to be our first experience in a national park and amidst the wilderness. Though we did not spot a tiger over the three hours that we spent in the jungle, we have now been bitten by the bug to explore all national parks. The birds, antelopes, wild boars and the charisma of a jungle is something that doesn’t let you sit tight back home.
Day 3 : Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Some stats:
- Distance covered: 560 kms
- Major towns en route: Lalsot, Savai Madhopur
- Total driving time: ~9.5 hours
Of all our days, this stretch was the longest for the distance that we had to cover. The roads were good and two breaks were good enough to keep us on the go. Though this is a long journey, a lot of travelers frequent this national highway. Not a lot of food joints that are good for family, but you will see a few big ones where it seems safe to stop.
Due to the distance that we had to cover, after reaching Jaisalmer there was nothing much we could do. It was dark but we tried boating in the Gadisar lake which was a good decision. The Sun had set so the sky was getting dark and the pigeons had returned home. Pedalling the boat on our own was fun and tiring at the same time.
Day 4 -5 : Exploring Jaisalmer
I loved Jaisalmer. If I were to go back to Rajasthan, it would be for Jaisalmer. The city has a charm. The stories that surround it are royal and intriguing. The sand dunes, the only living fort of India, the colors, trees and sunsets – all things that made me feel I was destined to visit the place.
The two full days that we had in Jaisalmer were relaxing as well as touristy. We were able to visit the deserted village of Kuldhara, went on a desert safari at the Sam Sand Dunes, rode a camel and watched the Sun set. We also visited Tanot mata temple and the Longewala war memorial. The cherry on the cake was BOP 609, the India-Pakistan border that we got the permission to visit. It is an experience that I will not forget.
Day 6 : Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Some stats:
- Distance covered: 290 kms
- Major towns en route: Chandan, Pokhran, Keru
- Total driving time: 5 hours
As much as I wanted to stay back in Jaisalmer, we wrapped our bags and drove towards Jodhpur on day 6. We started early and were able to catch the Sun rise. It wasn’t foggy and the weather was clear. Enroute was Pokhran and it seemed that the roads were even better for logical reasons. By 11 am, we had checked in the hotel.
Since we only had the remainder of the day to explore Jodhpur – we had to get going after a cuppa. Mehrangarh Fort, Umed Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada and Ghanta Ghar were the highlights of the day. Mehrangarh Fort gives a beautiful view of the blue city of Jodhpur and not worth missing at any cost.
Day 7 : Jodhpur – Kumbhalgarh – Udaipur
Some stats:
- Distance covered: 300 kms
- Major towns en route: Pali, Kumbhalgarh fort
- Total driving time: 4 hours to the fort and another 2 to Udaipur
Most of our travels, I go with the flow. I usually don’t research much prior to the trip and that’s when there are chances that I am flattered with what I see. I like it this way. Kumbhalgarh fort was one such surprise. It was huge and grand. So big that the next time I visit, I would love to stay there. It sure needs a day or more.
Multiple views, photography opportunities and of course the history of the fort was fascinating. After exploring Kumbhalgarh, we reached Udaipur in around 2 hours and that’s when the trip came to an end.
I got sick in the last leg of the journey and we could not explore Udaipur and Jaipur as planned. Ajmer Sharif was touch and go enroute Jaipur.
Rajasthan is a unique state. History, architecture, culture, colors, food and nature feels to be blended in one. Though incomplete, this trip brought to us many experiences that were new and now a part of my album.
Documenting our 7-day Rajasthan road trip and this is first of many posts to come. We are grateful to HVK and the CHD team for their support on this road trip. Stay tuned for more.
happiness and food 
Road trips are a very good way to do this. We had done this with Chittor instead of Jaipur a couple of years ago..
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Good to know. We will have to go back again. So much to see and so little time 🙂
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I read this at the right time. I’m presently in Rajasthan.
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That’s lovely to know.
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Perfect timing. I’m in Rajasthan.
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Awesome! Let me know if you have questions. Have fun!
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Great trip you had it looks. We recently did a Gujarat road trip and next, we are planning Madhya Pradesh.
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Wow! I’d love to know about MP. Never been there.
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Visiting Rajasthan is on my bucket list, and your post has just bumped it higher on there. But I don’t think I will be able to plan a long leisurely trip like this one (though you tempt me to). Nonetheless, this was very informative, so thank you for sharing. Also, I adore the pics, especially the one where the sun peeks out from the clouds. How do you manage to capture such awe-inspiring shots?
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I understand. Living away from India makes it harder but you can try road trips in US 🙂
I just look up and click. Thanks Shantala for your thoughtful comment. ❤️
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I love road trips. You guys chose the best time to visit Rajasthan and covered quiet a lot during the 7 days. The pictures are awesome, Parul. Jaisalmer is on my bucket list for a long long time—eagerly waiting for it but doubtful if it can happen anytime in the near future. 🙂
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Jaisalmer was the best. If we were to go again, it would be for Jaisalmer. 🙂 I hope you get a chance to go.
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I would love to do this trip… But over 500km on one day… That must be very exhausting. You two are rockstars 😀 Yes, road trips can be very addictive. Plus you get to explore the place in your own way. Beautiful captures 😊
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If the roads are good and breaks are adequate, it’s not as hard as it looks. Thank you!
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lovely.. Reminds me of my trip to rajasthan but that was a lok long time ago and now this post is making me wanting to go back again …
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If you get a chance, travel 🙂 All you need is a trip to India!
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Reading this post I was transported to the trip I took my parents from Delhi to Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Udaipur and back and all the sightseeing we did there. Your post is incredible Parul and so well documented that I am inspired to do a similar one on my blog to compile all the places I visited in Rajasthan. Its one of the most beguiling states of India in my opinion and yes I am biased as I am from there 😉
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Oh really? Never knew that! You should go again. I don’t think it’s a place that one can cover in a single trip.
Thanks Shalini!
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Ah! Rajasthan has its charm. I loved every bit of the trips I have done there and wouldnt mind another too. Your post is an exhaustive one, detailing the right aspects of what to see.
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Thanks Ramya!
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This reminds me of the NE itinerary you had asked for. So sorry, I forgot!
No one can document travel the way you do, Parul. Why don’t you write for Tripoto or Trip Advisor? I’m serious.
Rajasthan has been on my bucket list since forever. Cal has already been there, but I’m yet to see the wonders there. The weather makes it tough I’ve heard, but I do want to visit it someday.
Your pictures are so damn beautiful and all of them have the Parul-touch 🙂
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Thank you so much Soumya! You are so kind and I loved your comment. Made me think I should continue documenting my travel tales. 🙂
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And yes, December is the right time to go. Plan it 🙂
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Beautifully written and documented! I’d love to do this trip ❤
Thanks for sharing!
http://www.beautyandthebeing.com
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Thanks Ankita!
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We did this as a family when I was 13 yrs. We didn’t do the desert part, I don’t know why. I remember our drives to Ajmer, Pushkar, Mt. Abu and Udaipur was indeed a city of lights. Recollected some memories from this post. Keep travelling Parul!
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Wow! That’s a long time back. Thanks Nandhini!
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Having lived in Rajasthan for so many years, it’s so good to see Rajasthan through your eyes. You covered a lot in a short time. Your pictures are amazing.
Wish we had met during this trip of yours. Hopefully, next time!
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Next time, we will meet. Thank you so much. Appreciate your words. Means a lot coming from you 🙂
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I love road trips, too! And travel with my own food even though I love sampling local foods when I can. Jodhpur looks beautiful with the blue buildings, and that fort is lovely! I would have enjoyed all the same places. 🙂
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You would have Shannon! It wa amazing. hope you get a chance to travel 🙂
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Wow, thank you!
This brought back so many memories of when I solo-backpacked around the world and spent one month in India, mostly in vibrant Rajasthan, back in 1985!
I would love to return. One day I’ll get around to digitising my travel journals. You may appreciate some of my ‘unusual’ photos form back then: http://www.nillasphotography.com/galleries/india-1985
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Wow! Such an ‘unusual yet real’ collection. I am so glad you shared. Thank you! 1985? wow! I am surprised that in those days you traveled Solo. I am so glad to meet you ❤
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Rajasthan is one of my favourite states and a road trip around it is the BEST way to explore it:) You covered most of the gems in 7 days 🙂 And so glad you loved Ranthambore. The forest is addictive!
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Thank you Divyakshi. We tried our best and would love to go again. I think a it is still pending. Thank you for stopping by!
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