Taj Mahal, Agra
Rajasthan has immensely changed since my first trip back in April 2012!
- The first thing that immediately stroke me was the mere fact that now tourism is mainly local (maybe 90%, from what I could observe).
- The most surprising fact was maybe how well organized & clean the major spots of Rajasthan now are. Only once we were back to Delhi had we the impression we had escaped this “sanitized experience”.
- What were hidden gems 10 years back are now surrounded with 5 stars resorts full of SUVs, catering for the new middle / upper class of India discovering their own country.
- All in all? Rajasthan is far easier to travel than it once was, and quicker! Better infrastructure and improved organization make your life so much easier. Of course, it will appear less confusing and more “On the main touristic tracks” than it was 10 years ago.
With 2 weeks at hand, there is simply no way you do it all… So you will have to carefully choose what you want to do!
- If you are there for one of Rajasthan’ famous festivals, plan enough time for those, as they are simply stunning., the experience of a lifetime. Beware that you might then come back to a somewhat more “genuine experience” of India, and that it will be far less sanitized, organized and reassuring than described here… We had the chance to experience the Holi Festival of Colors in Madhura, and that was mind-blowing!
- You will most likely arrive through Delhi. Given the number of things to do in Rajasthan, really consider skipping Delhi altogether. True, this might be your only “truly Indian experience”, but Delhi is not pleasant and so heavily polluted! You can hire a taxi at the airport upon arrival that will drive you directly to Agra (4,5 hours / approx. 110 €) and allow you to save a lot of time.
- I would probably start with Agra (true, it is not Rajasthan) and allocate 1,5 to 2 days discover the Taj Mahal and the other Highlights of the city, depending on the time of arrival in the city from Delhi. In Agra, you can honestly skip the Mughal Gardens, but the nearby View Point (far cheaper) offers you great sights of the Taj Mahal.
- Then I would hire a driver (your hotel in Agra can organize this) and start very early, driving through Fatehpur Sikri & Chand Baori Step Well in Abhaneri
- Jaipur is worth 2 days, given the number of things to discover there. I would do a few things differently in Jaipur though… Visit Amber Fort in the afternoon, with numerous Indian families (early morning is full of tour groups) and stop at the Water Palace on the way back: the shores of this lake have turned into a major attraction for locals! If you intend to do some shopping in India, then Jaipur will be your heaven: plan enough time in the numerous bazars! Definitely take a guide for Jantar Matar (Amit Kumar – was great), it will change your experience and understanding there. And you can skip the Monkey Palace and especially the Hot Air Balloon.
- Udaipur is also worth 1,5 to 2 days for a relaxing experience of this place and splurge a little in one of the many Havelis surrounding the lake. Note that the Monsoon Palace has become a major attraction for locals and prices have gone through the roof (as every “Instagramable” place in India, by the way). You can arguably skip it!
- From Udaipur, hire again a driver and start very early for the long drive that will take you through Kumbalgarh & Ranakpur Jain Temple before arriving in the evening in Jodhpur.
- Jodhpur is also worth 1,5 day to discover this laid-back, relaxed city on the edge of the Thar Desert. Street-Art lovers will have a blast there!
- We skipped Jaisalmer on the last trip and I deeply regret it, as this offers a really different experience from the rest of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is definitely worth 1,5 to 2 days and should be on your Rajasthan’s itinerary. Jaisalmer can be reached by car (hire a driver in Jodhpur) or train from Jodhpur.
- I would recommend flying back from Jaisalmer to Delhi, given the distances and save time. But… That is only 12 days on this itinerary… That leaves you time for 3 possibilities:
- Arrange your trip at the time of one of those Indian Festivals… The Holi Festival of Colors in Madhura was mind-blowing. Then I would recommend you fly between Jaipur and Udaipur.
- Take 2 days between Jaipur and Udaipur and allocate one day for Bundi and one day for Chittorgarh
- OR one day for Pushkar and one day for Chittorgarh – Hire a driver between each city in both cases…
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