One of the most charming holiday destinations in India that lure hundreds of travelers every year is Rajasthan. The roads of Rajasthan are paved with royal heritage and history beyond imagination. The folks are simple, the cuisine delicious, the royals warm and welcoming and the air adventurous.
Rajasthan is the land of the kings is also understandably the land of lakes, palaces, forts and temples. And needless to mention the iconic desert of golden sand with its peaceful moonlit nights make up for a trip of a lifetime in Rajasthan. While visiting Rajasthan for 10 days is barely cutting it, it is still an ambitious effort that can give you some highlights of what the place has to offer.
Here is what you can do in Rajasthan in 10 Days –
Day 1: Jaipur
Most people come to Rajasthan from Delhi and enter at Jaipur. The Pink City has a lot to offer in terms of sights and experiences, you can pay a trip to Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Govind Deoji Temple and shopping for quintessential Rajasthani artifacts and handicrafts and more.
For dinner taste the delightful traditional Rajasthani cuisine at Chokhi Dhani accompanied by folk music and dance performance.
Day 2: Bikaner
Start early after breakfast and head to Fatehpur, Shekhawat. On the way there are several notable tourist spots like Cenotaph, old Rajasthani Havelis painted beautifully, old streets, step well, and more. You will need to have lunch while still on the way as the distance is pretty far. Then keep moving towards Bikaner post lunch.
Just before arriving at Bikaner you will come across the camel breeding farm. This farm is only open for visits until 5 pm. Once you reach Bikaner after sun down it will already be pretty late and there will not be much time left for other activities.
Day 3: Bikaner and Jaisalmer
While in Bikaner you can see the amazing sites like Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, and others. Post lunch you might have to move towards Jaisalmer to make it in 10 days. It is advisable to carry a packed lunch from the hotel at Bikaner because by the time you reach Jaisalmer it will be well beyond lunch time.
On the way, you will come across Kheechan and several hoards of cranes. It will be by sunset when you make it to Jaisalmer and if all things go right, then you will be able to catch a glimpse of the setting sun on the Golden Fort. You can then choose to sightsee around or check-in at a hotel.
Day 4: Jaisalmer
After an early breakfast, prepare for a day of adventure as you set out to see the Jaisalmer Fort and Museum. Then head over to the Jain Temple, a walk through the allies behind Patwon ki Haveli & Kothari Haveli will be a worthwhile experience. After a short lunch break you can visit Kuldhera, which tells the story of abandonment of a place where habitation used to exist. Then head over to the popular Sam Sand Dunes, board a ride on a camel on the desert sand and listen to the enchanting folk tale about haunting magic of Dhola Maru.
Day 5: Jodhpur
Set out for Jodhpur after an early breakfast which will be via Pokhran. You should reach Pokhran by lunch time and be able to eat there. Then on the way to Jodhpur, see the deers in the Bishnoi Villages. Finally, while on the way you will come across the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most iconic structures in Rajasthan. It is highly recommended that you watch the setting sun on the blue houses of Jodhpur from atop the fort. While reaching Jodhpur sneak a peek at the Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhavan from the outside.
Day 6: Mount Abu
Start early after breakfast for Mount Abu via the Ranakpur Temples. Once at Mount Abu, after checking-in at a hotel, you can head over to Nakki Lake or the sunset point to watch the sunset.
Day 7: Set out for Udaipur
While at Mount Abu, sightsee the Dilwara Temples and Brahmakumari Ashrams after breakfast, and then leave for Udaipur post lunch. You should reach Udaipur by the evening. Sightsee and explore Udaipur during the evening at your own leisure.
Day 8: Udaipur
You get to sightsee and explore Udaipur the most popular tourist destination in Rajasthan for the full day. Check out the attractions such as City Palace, Old City, Saheliyon ki Bari and Haldi Ghati, and more.
Day 9: Ajmer
Post early breakfast start for a trip to Ajmer; while on the way you get to see the Dargah of Sufi Saint Salim Chishti and then head towards Pushkar. At Pushkar, visit the Holy Lake, the only temple of Hindu God Brahma in the world and then sits for lunch at a local Dhaba. Then head to the famous rose plantation at Pushkar which is a hidden gem of Pushkar.
After that, head back to Jaipur.
Day 10: Jaipur Closing the Circle
Reach Jaipur on your last day in Rajasthan and head over to the Amber Palace. Then see the world’s largest cannon on wheels and the old cannon foundry at Jaigarh. Then find peace in the valley of flowers and the Kanak Vrindavan Temple. Then finally head to a new adventure in a different Indian state and bid a happy farewell to Rajasthan tour!
About the Author
Alina Jack – A writer and blogger by profession and working with Travelogy India. Loves to travel and capture the moments.