Rajasthan has always been on my travel bucket list, and finally, this year, I got the chance to explore this land of kings and palaces. My one-week road trip across Rajasthan was a whirlwind of color, history, and unforgettable experiences. I had the pleasure of traveling with Rajesh, my amazing driver in Rajasthan, whose local insights and friendly personality added so much to the journey. Here is a day-by-day account of my royal road trip!
Day 1: Jaipur – The Pink City
I landed in Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, and was immediately struck by the pink-hued buildings that give the city its nickname. Rajesh, my ever-smiling guide and driver, greeted me at the airport with a warm “Namaste” and a chilled bottle of water—just what I needed after the flight! He told me that the city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales, which was the first of many fun facts I learned from him.
We started our exploration with a visit to the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, which looks like a giant pink honeycomb. Rajesh pointed out the tiny windows where royal ladies used to watch street processions without being seen. Then, we headed to the City Palace and the astronomical marvel, Jantar Mantar. I could not help but be amazed by the giant sundials and instruments that have been accurately telling time for centuries.
Day 2: Pushkar – Holy Vibes and Camel Fair
The next morning, we set off early for Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India. The drive was smooth, thanks to Rajesh’s expert navigation through the busy streets and his playlist of catchy Bollywood tunes that kept me entertained. Pushkar felt like a world apart with its holy lake, ghats, and endless shops selling colorful trinkets. Rajesh told me about the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, one of the largest in the world, where camels are dressed up and traded. I tried to imagine the scene—a carnival of camels, musicians, and dancers, all set against the backdrop of the desert.
I visited the famous Brahma Temple, one of the few dedicated to Brahma in the world, and wandered around the lake, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. Pushkar’s sunset, viewed from the Savitri Temple atop a hill, was breathtaking, turning the entire landscape into a golden hue.
Day 3: Udaipur – The City of Lakes
Udaipur was next on the list, and Rajesh was just as excited as I was. He could not stop talking about his favorite city in Rajasthan and all the delicious food we were about to try. True to his word, Udaipur did not disappoint. Known as the Venice of the East, the city is a labyrinth of narrow streets, tranquil lakes, and grand palaces.
I stayed at a charming haveli with views of Lake Pichola, and Rajesh took me on a boat ride that offered stunning views of the City Palace and the Lake Palace, which seems to float in the middle of the lake. Rajesh shared that the Lake Palace was once a summer retreat for the royal family, and I daydreamed about what it would be like to live there, surrounded by water on all sides.
Day 4: Jodhpur – The Blue City
On day four, we made our way to Jodhpur, the Blue City. As we approached, I could see the blue-painted houses sprawling out below the massive Mehrangarh Fort. Rajesh explained that the blue color was traditionally used by Brahmins but eventually became popular with everyone because it supposedly kept homes cool and repelled insects.
Exploring Mehrangarh Fort was like stepping into a different era. Rajesh, who seemed to know every nook and cranny, pointed out the intricate carvings and shared stories of battles fought and won. The view from the top was incredible—miles of blue houses stretching as far as the eye could see. Later, we wandered through the bustling Sardar Market, where I tried my first “mirchi vada,” a spicy chili fritter that Rajesh swore was a must-try. He was right—it was delicious!
Day 5: Jaisalmer – The Golden City
The drive to Jaisalmer was long, but Rajesh kept the journey fun with his stories about the desert and his cheerful personality. Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is famous for its yellow sandstone architecture that glows under the desert sun. We visited the Jaisalmer Fort, one of the few living forts in the world, where people still live and work within its walls.
In the evening, Rajesh arranged for a camel safari in the Sam Sand Dunes. Riding a camel into the desert at sunset felt surreal, and I could not stop snapping photos. We ended the night with a traditional Rajasthani meal under the stars, accompanied by folk music and dance. It was one of those pinch-me moments where I felt like I was in a movie.
Day 6: Bikaner – The Desert Jewel
Bikaner was a hidden gem that Rajesh was eager to show off. Known for its camel breeding farm and Junagarh Fort, Bikaner has a unique charm that is less crowded than some of the other cities. We visited the Karni Mata Temple, famously known as the Rat Temple, where thousands of rats are revered and fed. I was initially hesitant but Rajesh convinced me to give it a try, saying it was a “once in a lifetime” experience.
We spent the evening sampling Bikaner’s famous sweets, particularly “Bikaneri bhujia,” a spicy, crunchy snack that Rajesh made sure I tried at the best local shop.
Day 7: Back to Jaipur
Our last day was a drive back to Jaipur, where it all began. Rajesh, ever the perfect driver in Rajasthan, managed to make the final leg of the journey as interesting as the first. He shared stories of his own travels, his family, and his dreams of one day opening a small guesthouse for travelers.
As I said goodbye to Rajesh at the airport, I could not help but feel grateful for the incredible week we had spent together exploring Rajasthan. His warmth, knowledge, and sense of humor turned a great trip into an unforgettable adventure. If you are planning a road trip in Rajasthan, I cannot recommend Rajesh enough—he is not just a driver, but a true friend on the road.
My only regret? Not squeezing in a safari at Ranthambore to catch a glimpse of the majestic tigers. But that just means there is even more to look forward to on my next visit!
