The cities of the Silk Road in northern India sparkle like jewels strewn across Rajasthan, the land of kings in northwestern India. If you have been dreaming of exploring India, this is a great place to start your journey, with my Rajasthan travel guide.
Rajasthan Travel Guide
Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur all have similarities but each city has a unique charm and spirit, so it’s definitely worth visiting all three. Plus they are fairly close together and it is easy to hire a driver to take you from one to the other in air-conditioned comfort, so you can explore the various cities of Rajasthan as part of one itinerary.
What to do in Rajasthan’s Cities?
Visit the Palaces
Each of these cities has a stunning palace that evokes the glory days of the Mughal empire and India’s riches, and it’s definitely worth spending some time exploring each one. Udaipur is the white city, Jodhpur is the blue city, and Jaipur is the pink city — named after the dominant color of the local architecture.
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Explore The Forts
The years of conflict and warring factions made fortified cities a necessity in this part of the world, and those forts still stand today. It’s worth exploring the forts to see how these dynasties were built and how they lasted so long (plus you can get amazing views of the cities and landscapes framed by stunning architecture).
Discover Local Markets and Artisans
Each city has their specialties — Jaipur with its gemstones and block-cut prints, Udaipur and miniature Rajput paintings, and Jodhpur with its linen and blue pottery. Of course, you can find all kinds of textiles and other handicrafts in each city and this is the place to pick up some amazing pieces that you’ll cherish.
The Logistics of Exploring Rajasthan
Where to stay in Udaipur
The incomparable white marble Taj Lake Palace that looks like it’s floating in Lake Pichola is a dreamy option. The former summer palace of the Mughal royalty, this hotel has appeared in James Bond movies and several Bollywood films, and you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own film if you stay here.
Where to stay in Jaipur
The Samode Haveli is a restored property with a unique grandeur and spacious rooms centered around a few courtyards and a pool that you’ll love on the hot days.
Where to stay in Jodhpur
Raas Jodhpur has perhaps the most exceptional views in the city, with a perfectly framed view of the fort and surrounding areas from most balconies.
What to Eat In Rajasthan
Rajasthani food is often spicy and very hearty; while some of the signature dishes like lal maas are meat-centric curries or stews, you can easily find vegetarian or vegan options and most hotels have some Western offerings as well.
Rajasthan Travel Guide: How to Get Around
Hiring a driver will make your trip in Rajasthan significantly simpler, and you can work with a local company or check with your hotel and/or travel agent to find someone who’s highly rated.
Do you need a guide? Yes, if you want to discover the history of what you’re looking at and get some local color! You can hire guides for the day, for each city, or the whole trip (or anything in between). Note that if you’re interested, it’s also easy to hire a photographer or a guide who’s an expert at street photography, knows all the best places to shop, or any other specific area of knowledge — just ask around.
What to Buy in Rajasthan
If you love Indian textiles, furniture, art, or jewelry, then you are in for a treat. Rajasthani craftsmanship is second to none and you can find all kinds of hand-made rugs, housewares, paintings, and artwork that’s incredibly well-crafted and unique.
For those of us who never say no to jewels, you can find everything from more traditional Indian styles to modern fine jewelry (and virtually everything in between). You can also get pieces customized (literally overnight) if you wish. Jaipur is the center of gemstones and has a long history of gem-cutting and craftsmanship, so this is where you can find the jewels of your dreams.
Experiencing Village Life in Rajasthan
You may have heard that the only way to truly experience India is to visit its villages, so a visit to one was definitely in order. Shahpura, located halfway between Jaipur and Jodhpur, was the perfect option.
Shahpura is especially lively in March because the Holi celebrations are in full swing, with visitors coming from miles around. However, it’s beautiful in general, and the sunsets at the local fort Dhikola are not to be missed.
Where to Stay in Shahpura
The Shahpura Bagh is a beautiful heritage property where you really will feel like you’re visiting family (if the family in question has an estate in Rajasthan, that is). With spacious but cozy rooms that are beautifully decorated, this is a great stop or break from the hustle of the bigger cities.
When to Visit Rajasthan
It’s hot all year round, but it’s more bearable from October to March (the rest of the year is too hot and/or monsoon season, so a lot of properties close for the season or visiting is otherwise not recommended). Plus you could experience Diwali’s festival of lights or Holi’s bright colors, depending on whether you visit in the fall or spring.
What to Wear in Rajasthan: Fashion Tips for Travelers
These are fairly modern cities and you can wear what you’d like, keeping in mind that it will likely be very hot and probably dusty at times. Think loose and flowy, and it’s a good idea to have a light scarf on hand to protect yourself from the elements as needed. This is also the place to bring out your most vibrant and colorful pieces—you’ll never be overdressed!
Have you been to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Shahpura, or elsewhere in Rajasthan? Have you ever dreamed of visiting the cities of the Silk Road in India? Have any questions about how this adventure was organized and planned? Let us know in the comments or on our Growing Younger Facebook page!
– Jacqueline Zenn
You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s travel adventures. See Travel to Delhi and Agra: Culture, Modern Chaos and Timeless Beauty and Southern Thailand Travel Tips and Adventures: Khao Sok and the Andaman Sea.
Photos: Jacqueline Zenn for Fountain Of 30
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