A journey through Rajasthan is a colorful ride through royal forts, golden deserts, vibrant bazaars, and timeless traditions. Aashh Subba / Unsplash
How to Explore Rajasthan on a Budget
Here guide you on how to explore Rajasthan on a budget friendly top city, culture & cuisine under ₹15,000. Daciana Cristina Visan / Pexels
In December 2018, I traveled to Rajasthan with my friends, experiencing the journey through a mix of train rides, road trips, and cab rides. I must say it was one of the best experiences of my life, and I should really love to visit again.
Luckily, we found a person online who provides tour packages and essential information for each location in Rajasthan, India. I covered Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, and Jaisalmer in 8 days. I’d love to share my itinerary here as a handy guide for anyone looking for how to explore Rajasthan on a budget.
- Quick itinerary: Jaipur (4N) → Alwar → Jaisalmer (2N) → Jodhpur (1N)
- Our Budget: 15000 Rs/person
Here’s a quick breakdown of our journey:
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: We started our journey by train from Bandra Terminus, Mumbai, on 12th Dec 2018 by DEE Garib Rath in 3A; it had charges of around 1000 Rs per person. We had 16 persons, so we booked 4 cabs to reach the station. The train leaves Mumbai station at 12:00 PM and reaches Jaipur the next day at 5:55 AM.
Day 2: Arrival in Jaipur
We had pre-booked a travel to reach our hotel, which was just 2 km from the station. We started our first morning in Jaipur with breakfast at Hotel Nirwana Hometel, where we stayed for ₹3,000 per person booked through Agoda. After freshening up, we left for Jal Mahal, Amber Fort and the Central Museum. Nighttime is best to see Hawa Mahal. We enjoyed a lively rooftop musical performance at Jaipur Adda, located within the same hotel. The entry fee was ₹500 per person, and the vibrant ambiance made it a memorable evening. The next day we left the hotel at 10 AM.
Day 3: Jaipur Sightseeing & Local Flavors
We spent the entire day soaking in the lively vibe of Jaipur’s markets. In the afternoon, we took a relaxed stroll through the colorful Johari Bazaar, famous for its sparkling jewelry, traditional textiles, and vibrant energy, perfect for some window shopping and souvenir hunting.
At Chokhi Dhani, women in traditional attire perform graceful Rajasthani folk dances that bring the village to life. Photo Gallery
By evening, we headed to Chokhi Dhani, a cultural village experience that gave us a true taste of Rajasthani hospitality. The entry was ₹3,000 per person, and it was totally worth it! Our group especially loved the dal baati churma, along with a collection of other traditional dishes served in the grand Rajasthani style.
After a fun-filled evening, we boarded our overnight travel and rested up for the next day’s adventure.
Day 4: Exploring the Mystique of Bhangarh Fort
We started our journey to Alwar early in the morning and reached the iconic Bhangarh Fort by around 7:00 AM, one of the most mysterious and fascinating historical sites in India. Bathed in the soft morning light, the fort’s ancient ruins and surrounding Aravalli hills created a magical and slightly eerie atmosphere perfect for soaking in its folklore and mystery. The entry fee was just ₹50, making it a budget-friendly yet unforgettable experience. After exploring the fort and its surroundings, we headed back to Jaipur for an overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with adventure and heritage.
Day 5: Discovering Jaipur’s Royal Heritage
Day five was dedicated to uncovering the vibrant cultural essence of Jaipur. We began with a visit to the majestic City Palace, a beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture that offers a glimpse into the royal lifestyle. The intricate courtyards, museums, and royal artifacts left us in awe.
Next, we walked over to the nearby Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fascinating astronomical instruments. It was truly impressive to see how advanced timekeeping and celestial calculations were centuries ago.
Day 6: Exploring the Historic City of Jaisalmer
The next leg of our adventure took us to the majestic desert city of Jaisalmer. We checked in at the beautiful Narayan Niwas Palace, a heritage hotel that instantly transported us to a royal era with its regal architecture and grand interiors.
Our sightseeing began with a visit to the awe-inspiring Jain temples inside the Sonar Quila (Golden Fort), an architectural marvel made entirely of yellow sandstone, glowing golden under the sun.
Next, we wandered through the lanes of Jaisalmer to explore its historic Havelis, including the stunning Patwon Ki Haveli. With its delicately carved façades and artistic lattice windows, it offered a peek into the opulent lifestyle of Jaisalmer’s wealthy merchants. (Entry fee: ₹100)
We ended our day with a peaceful visit to Gadisar Lake, a serene, picturesque spot with no entry fee, perfect for relaxing, watching birds, and capturing beautiful sunset photos.
Day 7: Jaisalmer Sightseeing & Desert Adventure
This was easily one of the most memorable days of our trip! We started the morning by visiting the iconic Jaisalmer Fort (entry fee ₹50), also known as Sonar Quila. Later, we hopped on a local bus to Khuri, a small village about 50 km deep into the Thar Desert. From there, we headed toward the stunning Sam Desert for our desert adventure. There’s no entry fee to visit the dunes, but you can enjoy a camel safari (₹20–₹200) or a jeep safari (₹500–₹1,500) for a thrilling ride across the sands.
By evening, we arrived at Helsinki Desert Camp, run by Badal Singh. The package cost ₹1,000 per person and included a cozy stay, delicious meals, and a camel ride. As the sun set, the magic began; folk music, traditional Rajasthani dance, and live singing around a bonfire created the perfect desert vibe. We spent the night under the open sky, stargazing in the freezing December cold.
Note: Don’t miss any activity in the desert.
City Palace houses courtyards, museums, and royal artifacts that showcase Jaipur’s royal heritage. Danielle Barnes / Unsplash
Day 8: From Haunted Legends to the Blue City
We began our day with a visit to the mysterious Kuldhara Village, located about 22 km from Sam Desert. Known for its eerie silence and abandoned charm, it gave us a fascinating glimpse into Rajasthan’s legends. After soaking in the ghost-town vibes, we hit the road and made our way toward the vibrant city of Jodhpur, ready for the next adventure.
Day 9: Royal Welcome to Jodhpur
Our journey continued from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, where our first stop was the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace, famous not just for its royal charm but also as the wedding venue of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. We then explored the serene Jaswant Thada and the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, both offering breathtaking views and a deep dive into the city’s regal history.
Day 10: Wrapping Up the Journey
On the night of 21st December 2018, we made our way back to Jaipur and caught our train to Mumbai, taking with us lasting memories of Rajasthan’s vibrant colors, rich culture, warm hospitality, and the kindness of its people.
The official tourism portal for Rajasthan is Tourism Department, Government of Rajasthan – tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
Additionally, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) offers travel packages and accommodation at heritage hotels: rtdc.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Rajasthan is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is at its most pleasant. With temperatures ranging between 10°C and 27°C, the cool, comfortable climate makes it ideal for exploring Rajasthan’s rich heritage, vibrant cities, and vast desert landscapes.
Our experience was a horribly cold weather night in December in the Sam desert. It is also the peak tourist season, bringing events like the Pushkar Camel Fair, the Jaipur Literature Festival, and the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer, which showcase the state’s culture and traditions.
Winter is perfect for camel safaris in Thar Desert Jaisalmer, sightseeing at Jaipur’s Amber Fort, and boat rides on Udaipur’s serene lakes. Winter remains the most favorable for a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
Budget Friendly Backpackers
How Much it Cost to Travel Rajasthan?
If you prefer luxury travel, Rajasthan offers opulent heritage hotels, fine dining, and premium experiences such as private guided tours and luxury train rides like the Palace on Wheels. Daily expenses in this category can range between INR 10,000 and 25,000 or more, depending on the level of indulgence. Overall, Rajasthan caters to all budgets, making it an accessible destination for every traveler.
Money-Saving Tips for Your Rajasthan Trip: Budget-Friendly Advice
Traveling During the Off-Season
Planning your trip to Rajasthan during the off-season is one of the smartest ways to save money and enjoy a unique travel experience. With fewer tourists around, accommodation and transportation costs drop significantly compared to the peak season, which typically runs from October to March.
The reduced crowds also give you better bargaining power, whether in bustling markets or when negotiating room rates. Traveling during the monsoon brings a refreshing twist to exploring Rajasthan, transforming its usually arid landscapes into lush, green scenery and offering a calm, enchanting atmosphere that’s unlike any other season.
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