Rajasthan Backpacking- Udaipur Jodhpur Jaisalmer

Overview

About Udaipur Jodhpur Jaisalmer Backpacking Trip

Embarking on a backpacking trip to Rajasthan’s most breathtaking and historically rich cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer offers an incredibly topmost experience for travelers. Rajasthan, ‘The Land of Kings’ or ‘The Land of Kingdom’ is India’s largest state by area. The state is situated in the north-west part of the country and is a realm of cultural diversity.

Primarily, we’ll explore the ‘City of Lakes’ also known as ‘White City’ which is Udaipur, famous for its pristine lakes like Lake Pichola, historic forts like Sajjangarh Fort also known as ‘Monsoon Palace’ and City Palace, galleries, museums we’ll explore all these places which are mentioned in our itinerary as well as local market where travelers can find Rajasthan’s famous traditional bandhani and batik sarees, handmade juttis, oxidized silver and camel jewelry for women and traditional clothing for men as well and we’ll get to relish the taste of traditional Rajasthani’s cuisine also enjoy the cultural performances at Bagore ki Haveli.

After exploring ‘White City’ we’ll advance towards Kumbhalgarh Fort also known as ‘The Great Wall of India’ one of the most alluring Forts of the Rajasthan, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and next we’ll stop by to visit the Maharana Pratap Museum in Haldighati, constructed in the honor of Mewari Rana, before arriving at our next destination Jodhpur ’. It is the second largest city in Rajasthan with its genesis going back to 1459 AD. Jodhpur is also known as the ‘Blue City’ which makes perfect sense since most of its palaces, forts and temples are painted in shades of blue. In Jodhpur, you’ll be awestruck by the grandeur of Mehrangarh Fort, the serene beauty of Jaswant Thada, The royal beauty of Umaid Bhawan and the vibrant chaos of the old city’s narrow lanes and bustling markets.

The clock tower and Sardar Market offer a sensory overload of spices, textiles, and handicrafts while affordable lodging and local delicacies like Mirchi vada and Mawa kachori add to the experience.

Finally Jaisalmer, ‘The Golden City’ captivates with its living fort, labyrinthine streets and golden hue at sunsets. Highlights include the famous architectural splendor of Patwon Ki Haweli, the adventure of camel safaris at sam sand dunes and the tranquility of Gadisar Lake. Travelers can camp under the stars and savor Rajasthani dishes like Gatte ki Sabzi.

Places to Visit in Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer

There are plethora of places to explore

• City Palace- It is one of the most breathtaking attractions and a magnificent complex of courtyards, museum and palaces in Udaipur offering glimpses of Rajasthan’s royal history and stunning views of Lake Pichola.
• Lake Pichola- Enjoy a serene boat ride and visit the island palaces like Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (now the lake palace hotel).
• Jagdish Temple- Jagdish Temple is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the heart of the city.
• Sajjangarh Fort- Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, nestled atop a hill in Udaipur, offering panoramic views of the city, its lakes and the surrounding Aravalli Hills, built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, it was originally intended as an astronomical center and a monsoon retreat. The fort’s majestic architecture and breathtaking sunset views make it a popular tourist destination.
• Mehrangarh Fort- one of India's largest forts, with panoramic views of the blue city, museums and palaces within its walls.
• Jaswant Thada- A beautiful marble cenotaph near Mehrangarh Fort, known for its intricate carvings and serene gardens.
• Umaid Bhawan Palace- A luxurious palace, now partly a hotel and museum, showcasing the royal family’s history and vintage car collection.
• Clock Tower and Sardar Market- A bustling market area offering spices, textiles, handicrafts and an authentic local shopping experience.
• Jaisalmer Fort- A living fort with a maze of narrow streets, temples, havelis and shops glowing golden at sunset.
• Patwon ki Haveli- A cluster of 5 havelis with intricate architecture and historical artifacts offering insights into the affluent merchants style.
• Sam Sand Dunes- Experience the Thar desert with camel safaris, jeep rides, and overnight stays in desert camps under the stars.
• Gadisar Lake- A peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll or boat ride, surrounded by Temples and ghats, built to store water.

Things to do in Udaipur Jodhpur, Jaisalmer Trip

• Fort and Museum Exploration- In Udaipur, explore a grand palace complex and a historic haveli turned museum both showcasing royal artifacts and traditional art. Jodhpur offers a hill top fort with extensive exhibits of regional history and a grandpa palace museum displaying royal heirlooms. Jaisalmer features a bustling living fort with a palace museum and intricately carved mansions depicting merchant style. These sights offer rich insights into the architectural and cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
• Mehrangarh Fort Tour- Jodhpur, meaning ‘fort of the sun’, built by Rao Jodha. Over 500 yards long, Mehrangarh Fort’s wall rises in places to a height of 120 feet and is 70 feet thick, so colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “ the work of giants”. It is an exquisite blend of rajputana and Mughal architecture Today, it is acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in India.
• Osian Desert Safari- Osian is an amazing desert safari place and historical town located off the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer train route. It is an oasis in the Thar known for 12th century Hindu & Jain temples. If you are looking for a camel ride and luxury desert camping near Jodhpur? Osian is the perfect place to go.
• Explore Lakes of Udaipur- Lake Fatehsagar located in Udaipur is an artificial lake named after Maharana Fateh Singh. The lake has three islands, the biggest the nehru island is famous with tourists, the middle has a park and a spectacular water jet fountain with the third housing the Udaipur observatory. The lake shows a quintessential stillness of water. The mesmerizing ripples, the crystal clear effect of the lake makes it one of the best places to visit. Lake Pichola is one of the most memorable sites in India.
  It even captivated Maharana Udai Singh with its beauty that decided to build the city of Udaipur on its banks. The lake is known for the many places that line banks such as City palace, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, Lake palace, Arsi Vilas and so much more. Visiting this place is a must from my perspective at least once in your life.
  Gadisar lake is another artificial lake built by the founder of Jaisalmer king Rawal Jaisal. A calm and magical experience during sunset can leave you breathless and lost in its beauty. A one of its kind highly recommended place to visit.
• Explore City Palace- Located at an elevation of 1,962 ft, the City Palace complex was built by the 22 generations of Sisodia Rajputs. 11 smaller palaces and other structures are built seamlessly into its design. Built from marble and granite, the amazing blend between the architectural styles of rajputs and other influential civilizations of the time will render you speechless and awestruck.
• Jaisalmer’s Living Fort Tour- Jaisalmer Fort or sonar quila aka. the golden fortress. One of the most magnificent fortresses located in the city of Jaisalmer. Recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site, it is one of the largest fully preserved fortresses of its time. Showing a magnificent style of Rajputana architecture with Mughal influence. The fort is a splendid example of historical Rajasthani style.
• Try Rajasthani Delicacies- Exploring Rajasthani cuisine is a feast for the senses, with an array of robust and aromatic dishes. Start with Dal Baati Churma, where the crisp baatis are drenched in ghee and served with a sweet Churma. Savor the intense flavors of Laal Maas, a traditional spicy mutton curry and the unique Gatte ki Sabzi, made from gram flour dumplings in a tangy yogurt sauce. The variety extends to snacks like Pyaaz Kachori, and Mirchi Bada perfect for a spicy kick. Relish the famous Rajasthani desserts such as Ghewar and Mawa Kachori showcasing the region’s penchant for indulgence and intricate flavors.
• Lake-View Cafes in Udaipur- Udaipur’s lake view cafes, like Ambrai Restaurant, Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, offer breathtaking vistas of Lake Pichola alongside delicious cuisine. Enjoy a romantic meal at Upre by 1559 AD or relax at Jheel Ginger’s Bar and Bakery with serene water views. For a more royal experience, The Sunset Terrace at Fateh Prakash Palace is a must visit.
• Desert Safari in Sam and Sand Dunes- A desert safari in Sam Sand Dunes offers an exhilarating experience of the vast thar desert in Jaisalmer. Visitors can enjoy thrilling activities such as dune bashing, camel rides and mesmerizing sunsets over the golden sands. The evening cultural programs with traditional music and dance further enrich the enchanting desert experience.
• Flying Fox in Jodhpur- Flying Fox in Jodhpur provides an adrenaline-pumping zip-lining experience over the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Participants soar high above the fort's battlements and the stunning landscapes of the blue city. This adventure offers breathtaking views and a unique perspective of Jodhpur’s historic and architectural beauty.

Best time to visit Udaipur Jodhpur Jaisalmer

The peak season to visit Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer together is during the winter months from October to March. This period is considered the peak season for tourism in Rajasthan due to the pleasant and cool weather, which makes exploring these cities enjoyable. The temperature ranges from 10 degree celsius to 27 degree celsius, with warm sunny days and cool nights especially in the desert areas like Jaisalmer. Additionally this time coincides with several local festivals including the Pushkal camel fair, Diwali and the desert festival in Jaisalmer providing a rich cultural experience.

The favorable weather allows for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities such as visiting palaces, forts, lakes and the Thar Desert. However, it’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance as places can get fully booked quickly during this popular tourist season. Packing layers to accommodate the temperature changes between day and night including light woolens or jackets for cooler evenings are recommended. Planning for outdoor activities like camel safaris in Jaisalmer, boat rides in Udaipur and exploring the forts and palaces in Jodhpur will enhance your trip making it a more memorable experience.

How To Reach Udaipur From Delhi

• By Air- The fastest way to reach Udaipur from Delhi is by taking a direct flight. Several airlines operate daily flights between Indira Gandhi international airport in Delhi and Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach Udaipur From Delhi.
• By Train- Indian Railways operate several trains from Delhi to Udaipur. Popular options include The Mewar Express, Chetak Express and Udaipur City Express. Trains depart from various stations in Delhi such as Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), Delhi Cantonment (DEC) and New Delhi (NDLS). It takes around 12-14 hours to reach Udaipur from Delhi by Train.
• By Bus- Numerous private and state run buses connect Delhi to Udaipur. You can choose from luxury coaches, Volvo buses and sleeper buses. Buses usually depart from various points in Delhi including ISBT Kashmere Gate and Rajiv Chowk. It takes approximately 11-12 hours to reach Udaipur from Delhi by bus.
• By Car- Driving from Delhi to Udaipur is a viable option for those who prefer road trips, the distance is around 660 kilometers and the route typically taken is via NH48.

FAQ’s

1. How many days are required for the Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer trip?

Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer Trip require 5-6 days to complete and enjoy the whole exploration experience.

2. Which month is best to visit Jodhpur or Udaipur?

October to March are the best months to visit Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

3. What is Jaisalmer famous for?

Jaisalmer is famous for its Forts and historical architecture.

4. Which is the most beautiful lake in Udaipur?

There are several breathtaking lakes present in Udaipur, but the one which stands out the most is Lake Pichola.

Things To Pack

Know Before You Go

• Travelers are requested to arrive in Udaipur by 9:00am and directly meet the Trip Captain at Hotel.
• Travelers are requested to plan their return flights/train/bus post 1:00pm and will be dropped-off at Hotel