OT Travel Itinerary: Your 7-Day Guide To Offbeat Places In Rajasthan

From the lakes of Udaipur to the great ramparts of Kumbhalgarh, explore offbeat places in Rajasthan with our thorough 7-day itinerary
7-Day Offbeat Rajasthan Itinerary
A vibrant Rajasthani dancer twirls on the sand dunes of JaisalmerShutterstock
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6 min read

Expansive fort premises, wild shrubs of the Aravallis, dry deciduous trees, wild animals, and old and forgotten cities—these are the places that make Rajasthan dazzle. It is a land where history breathes through sand dunes and ancient temples echo tales of valour and romance. Rajasthan is not just a state but a living museum of grand Rajputana heritage where every corner is adorned with intricate art, culture and a timeless allure. From the majestic palaces of Jaipur to the serene lakes of Udaipur, the region captivates with its royal charm, inviting travellers to step into a world where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present.

Explore the best of Rajasthan's offbeat places with this complete 7-day itinerary.

Day 1: Jaipur – The Pink City

A view of the beautiful Jal Mahal, Jaipur
A view of the beautiful Jal Mahal, JaipurShutterstock

Start your adventure in Jaipur with a traditional Rajasthani breakfast at LMB (Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar), where you can indulge in kachoris, samosas and sweets. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the majestic Amber Fort, exploring its grand halls, intricate carvings and the stunning Sheesh Mahal. On your way back to the city, stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal for some memorable photos.

For lunch, head to Spice Court and savour a traditional Rajasthani thali. Spend the afternoon at the City Palace where you can immerse yourself in the royal heritage of Jaipur at the museum. Continue to the Jantar Mantar, the fascinating astronomical observatory, before heading to The Terrace Grill for a rooftop dinner with views of the Nahargarh Fort.

A hilltop view of the Nahargarh Fort
A hilltop view of the Nahargarh FortShutterstock

As the evening sets in, explore the bustling Johari Bazaar, known for its exquisite jewellery and handicrafts. Wrap up your day with a visit to Chokhi Dhani, a village-themed resort where you can enjoy a cultural show with traditional music, dance and local cuisine.

Day 2: Jaipur to Pushkar – The Holy Town

Pushkar Lake at sunset
Pushkar Lake at sunsetShutterstock

Leave Jaipur after an early breakfast and drive to Pushkar, three hours away. On arrival, check into your hotel and have a leisurely breakfast at The Laughing Buddha Café. Visit the Brahma Temple, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Spend the morning walking around Pushkar Lake and participate in the serene aarti (prayer ceremony). For lunch, head to Honey & Spice to enjoy local Rajasthani dishes before exploring the vibrant Pushkar Bazaar, filled with colourful textiles and unique souvenirs.

In the afternoon, take a trip to Savitri Temple which is perched atop a hill and offers panoramic views of Pushkar. For dinner, The Sixth Sense provides a delightful mix of local and international cuisine. End your day with a traditional music and dance performance at Sunset Café, followed by a camel ride to witness the breathtaking sunset over the sand dunes.

Day 3: Pushkar to Bundi – The City of Stepwells

Mural paintings at Chitrasala in Bundi Palace
Mural paintings at Chitrasala in Bundi PalaceShutterstock

Depart Pushkar after breakfast and drive to Bundi, which will take you 4 hours. On arrival, have lunch at the Baori View Restaurant. Spend your afternoon exploring Bundi Palace which is known for its exquisite murals and frescoes, and then venture to Taragarh Fort which offers stunning views of the city. For dinner, Morgan’s Place offers a delightful mix of Italian and Indian cuisine. In the evening, visit Sukh Mahal, a small palace by Jait Sagar Lake.

Day 4: Bundi to Chittorgarh – The Fort City

Chittorgarh Fort and the sacred body of water called Gaumukh Kund
Chittorgarh Fort and the sacred body of water called Gaumukh KundShutterstock

Leave Bundi after breakfast and drive to Chittorgarh, a 2-hour affair. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and have lunch at Gangour Restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the vast Chittorgarh Fort, visiting the Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower) and Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame). Learn about the fort's rich history and legends. Don't skip a trip to the Rana Kumbha Palace and the Meera Temple within the fort complex. Also explore Padmini Palace, known for its association with Queen Padmini. For dinner, enjoy a Rajasthani thali at Hotel Pratap Palace before attending the light and sound show at Chittorgarh Fort. End your day with a stroll through the local market, picking up souvenirs to remember your visit.

Day 5: Chittorgarh to Kumbhalgarh – The Great Wall of India

The grand bastions and rampart of Kumbhalgarh Fort
The grand bastions and rampart of Kumbhalgarh FortShutterstock

Depart Chittorgarh after breakfast and drive for three hours to get to Kumbhalgarh. On arrival, check into your hotel and have lunch at the Kumbhalgarh Forest Retreat. Spend the afternoon exploring the impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort, known for its massive wall and scenic location. Visit the fort's various temples and palaces. In the evening, dine at Aodhi Hotel, which offers a mix of Rajasthani and continental dishes. Attend the light and sound show at Kumbhalgarh Fort, and end your evening with a peaceful bonfire and stargazing session.

Day 6: Kumbhalgarh to Ranakpur – The Jain Jewel

Intricate carvings at the Surya Narayan Temple
Intricate carvings at the Surya Narayan TempleShutterstock

Leave Kumbhalgarh after breakfast and drive to Ranakpur, just an hour away from the city. Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Ranakpur Jain Temple which is renowned for its intricate marble architecture. Spend your morning exploring the temple’s various chambers and marvelling at the detailed carvings. For lunch, enjoy a vegetarian meal at the Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat. In the afternoon, visit the Surya Narayan Temple and the nearby Amba Mata Temple. Embark on a leisurely walk in the lush surroundings of the temple complex. For dinner, head to King’s Abode where you can savour a mix of traditional and modern cuisine. Spend your last evening relaxing at your hotel or exploring the local village.

Day 7: Ranakpur to Udaipur – The City of Lakes

Udaipur City Palace beside Lake Pichola in Rajasthan
Udaipur City Palace beside Lake Pichola in RajasthanShutterstock

After breakfast, drive for two hours to Udaipur, the final destination on your Rajasthan adventure. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and have lunch at a lakeside café. Spend the afternoon exploring the City Palace, a complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens. Visit the Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola and take in the views of the City Palace and the surrounding hills. For dinner, dine at Ambrai Restaurant which offers stunning views of the illuminated city. End your day with a walk around the bustling streets of Udaipur, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and picking up last-minute souvenirs.

Getting There

Air: Major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata offer direct flights to the state’s most significant metropoles like Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

Rail: Rajasthan is well connected by rail to all major cities in India. For instance, if you’re travelling from New Delhi to Jaipur, the train duration will be approximately 4.5-5.5 hours.

Road: Rajasthan is well connected by a network of roadways with the commercial hubs of the country. The state’s most efficient and well-connected national highway is NH-8, which is linked to cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Vadodara and Ahmedabad.

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