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Rajasthan Trips: Budget, Luxury & Everything Between

Planning a trip to Rajasthan? Whether you’re looking to travel on a shoestring, splash out in royal style, or find the perfect balance in between, here’s the ultimate guide to exploring the Land of Kings

S
Suyash Agrawal

Rajasthan Trips: Budget, Luxury & Everything Between

Rajasthan isn’t just a state—it’s an experience. From golden deserts and grand forts to palace hotels and spicy street food, the region delivers a slice of royal India with something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re pinching pennies or ready to splurge, Rajasthan has an itinerary for you. And the best part? You don’t need to choose one style—you can mix and match.

This guide takes you through how to plan your Rajasthan trip—whether you want to travel on a shoestring, indulge in luxury, or explore the best of both.

Why Rajasthan Is Always a Good Idea

There’s a reason Rajasthan appears on every traveler’s bucket list. You get vivid cultural encounters, scenic road drives, diverse landscapes, and history you can touch. The cities are incredibly well-connected by road and rail, locals are welcoming, and the visual experience—colors, textures, architecture—is unmatched.

Unlike some destinations that feel too commercial or overcrowded, Rajasthan offers pockets of calm and surprise even in the most touristy towns.

It’s also one of the few Indian states where you can easily shift from royal to rustic—from palace hotels to desert camps, from curated museum tours to getting lost in local bazaars.

Best Cities to Explore Based on Your Travel Style

Jaipur – The All-Rounder
Budget: Stay in hostels around Bani Park or MI Road. Visit Amber Fort by public bus, eat at local joints like LMB.
Luxury: Stay at Rambagh Palace or The Raj Palace. Enjoy curated cultural evenings and private shopping tours.

Udaipur – The Romantic
Budget: Guesthouses around Lake Pichola or the old city. Rooftop cafes with a lake view cost less than expected.
Luxury: Go for The Oberoi Udaivilas or Taj Lake Palace for boat entries and candlelight dinners on the water.

Jodhpur – The Rugged
Budget: Hostels near the Clock Tower and affordable heritage havelis. Climb to Mehrangarh by foot.
Luxury: Umaid Bhawan Palace offers spa retreats, royal car rides, and curated Rajasthani thali dinners.

Jaisalmer – The Desert Star
Budget: Stay in the fort itself or in budget camps outside the city. Eat at rooftop cafes and join shared camel rides.
Luxury: Choose a desert camp with air conditioning, cultural shows, private bonfires, and jeep safaris.

Pushkar – The Quirky
Budget: Backpacker paradise with yoga, rooftop pancakes, and dorm stays for less than a coffee in Mumbai.
Luxury: Stay in tented villas, visit private ghats, or enjoy spa packages in boutique resorts.

Bikaner, Bundi, and Alwar are less commercialized gems for those who want to go off-beat.

Smart Ways to Travel Across Budgets

Trains & Buses

  • Budget: Sleeper class trains or RSRTC government buses connect almost every major destination.
  • Mid-range: AC trains (2AC or 3AC), private buses with semi-sleeper seats are both affordable and comfortable.
  • Luxury: Hire a private cab or travel on heritage train routes like Palace on Wheels for a curated experience.

Stay Options

  • Budget: Guesthouses, hostels, and homestays are available in all major towns. Try Zostel, Moustache, or local-run havelis.
  • Mid-range: Boutique hotels that offer charm and comfort without costing a fortune.
  • Luxury: Heritage properties, royal palaces, and desert resorts redefine indulgence in Rajasthan.

Food Choices

  • Budget: Local thalis, street chaat, and corner dhabas serve filling meals under ₹150.
  • Mid-range: Rooftop cafes with scenic views and multicuisine menus.
  • Luxury: Private courtyard dinners with folk performances, 5-star dining, or chef-curated tasting menus.

Experiences

  • Budget: Walking tours, free temple visits, public festivals.
  • Mid-range: Guided fort entries, folk dance shows, local market tours.
  • Luxury: Hot air balloon rides, private fort dinners, royal car photo shoots.

Seasonal Planning & Must-Know Events

October to March – Best time to visit. Weather is cool, festivals are in full swing, and sightseeing is comfortable.

Summer (April to June) – Avoid if possible unless you're heading to hill towns like Mount Abu. Temperatures can hit 45°C.

Monsoon (July to September) – Not ideal for desert regions but great for budget travelers due to off-season discounts.

Key Events:

  • Pushkar Camel Fair (November) – Massive cultural gathering with traders, tourists, and performers
  • Jaipur Literature Festival (January) – Perfect for book lovers and cultural discussions
  • Udaipur World Music Festival (February) – A blend of global sounds against royal backdrops
  • Desert Festival in Jaisalmer – Folk music, camel races, and sand art in February

Plan around these if you enjoy festivals—or avoid if you’re not into crowds.

Final Tips Before You Go

  • Always carry sunscreen, a scarf, and a reusable water bottle—Rajasthan can get dry even in winter.
  • Bargaining is expected in most bazaars, but do it respectfully.
  • Book trains and key hotels at least 2–3 weeks in advance during peak season.
  • Respect dress codes in temples and some forts—cover shoulders and knees when needed.
  • Local SIM cards with data help for maps and bookings, especially in offbeat places.
  • Don’t overpack your itinerary. A slower pace lets you enjoy Rajasthan’s details—hand-carved doors, local chai stalls, or spontaneous puppet shows.
  • Use Jibhi AI to balance budget and luxury suggestions in your plan. From heritage hotels to shared jeeps, it sorts it all based on your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, especially cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. Always inform someone of your stay and transport. Hostels and homestays are great for meeting fellow travelers.
Trains and government Volvo buses are budget-friendly. Private cabs are convenient but expensive. Use (internal) to compare options.
It’s off-season due to heat, but hotels offer big discounts. Stick to Udaipur and Mount Abu if traveling May–June.
6–8 days for a good mix of Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. Add 2–3 more days if you want to include Jaisalmer or Bikaner.
Yes — they offer palace-like architecture, curated dining, and heritage experiences you won’t get elsewhere.