Rajasthan Travel Guide for Backpackers
Rajasthan is a land of colors, history, and culture. It offers golden deserts, grand forts, royal palaces, and vibrant bazaars. If you want an adventure that mixes history with fun, Rajasthan is the right place. Backpacking in Rajasthan is exciting because you can explore on a budget and still enjoy its rich heritage. This guide will help you plan your trip with simple tips, best routes, and essential advice.
Rajasthan welcomes backpackers with open arms. The state has many budget-friendly hostels, affordable food, and local transport options. You can travel between cities easily and meet other travelers on the way. Here are a few reasons to choose Rajasthan:
Many heritage cities with low-cost stays
Rich history with forts, palaces, and old towns
Easy access by trains and buses
Friendly locals who help travelers
Vibrant culture with folk dance, music, and festivals
Rajasthan is safe for solo travelers, groups, and even first-time backpackers. You can start with famous cities and slowly move towards offbeat locations.
The best time for backpacking in Rajasthan is from October to March. During this period, the weather is cool and pleasant. Summer (April to June) becomes very hot, especially in desert areas like Jaisalmer and Bikaner. Monsoon (July to September) brings rain in some parts, but it is not ideal for exploring forts and deserts.
Winter (October–March): Best season for travel
Summer (April–June): Very hot, avoid unless visiting hill stations like Mount Abu
Monsoon (July–September): Rainy and humid in some regions
Backpacking means traveling smart with less money. Here are some tips:
Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or homestays instead of luxury hotels.
Eat local food at dhabas or small restaurants.
Travel by state buses or sleeper trains to save money.
Carry a refillable water bottle to avoid buying bottles often.
Bargain in markets but do it politely.
Join walking tours or explore on foot in old city areas.
You can enjoy Rajasthan even with a small budget if you plan well.
Rajasthan has many cities that offer something unique. Here are the best ones for backpackers:
Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal.
Shop in Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar.
Stay in cheap hostels near old Jaipur.
Visit City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Jagdish Temple.
Enjoy rooftop cafés with lake views.
Walk around the old city for photography spots.
Discover Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli.
Go for a camel safari in the Thar Desert.
Stay in desert camps or hostels near the fort.
See Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada.
Explore blue-painted lanes in the old city.
Try street food like mirchi vada and lassi.
Famous for Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple.
Great place for yoga, cafés, and backpacker vibe.
Visit Junagarh Fort and Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple).
Try local sweets and snacks.
Cool escape in summer.
See Dilwara Temples and Nakki Lake.
Here is a 14-day plan for backpackers:
Day 1–2: Jaipur – Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal.
Day 3–4: Pushkar – Visit lake, temples, enjoy cafés.
Day 5–6: Jodhpur – See Mehrangarh Fort, clock tower market.
Day 7–8: Jaisalmer – Fort, desert safari, night under stars.
Day 9–10: Bikaner – Junagarh Fort, camel breeding farm.
Day 11–12: Udaipur – Lakes, palaces, cultural shows.
Day 13: Mount Abu – Relax in the hills.
Day 14: Return to Jaipur or Delhi
You can change this plan based on your time and budget.
Trains: Cheap and reliable for long distances. Book sleeper or 3rd AC class.
Buses: State-run RSRTC buses connect major cities.
Autos & Tuk-Tuks: Good for short distances. Always agree on fare first.
Carpool & Rideshare: Apps like BlaBlaCar work in some cities.
Bicycles & Scooters: Available for rent in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Pushkar.
Light cotton clothes for day, warm jacket for cold nights in winter.
Comfortable shoes for walking.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Small backpack for daily use.
Reusable water bottle.
Power bank and travel adapter.
Basic medicines and a small first aid kit.
Dress modestly, especially in temples and rural areas.
Respect local customs and ask before clicking people’s photos.
Remove shoes before entering temples.
Avoid isolated places at night if traveling alone.
Keep emergency contacts and copies of your ID.
Learn basic Hindi words for better communication.
If you want to go beyond the famous spots:
Bundi: Known for stepwells and murals.
Mandawa: Beautiful havelis with old paintings.
Shekhawati region: Art and heritage towns.
Kumbhalgarh Fort: Less crowded than other forts.
Chittorgarh: Famous for its massive fort and history.
Rajasthan offers delicious food at low prices:
Dal Baati Churma: Famous Rajasthani dish.
Kachori & Samosa: Great for snacks.
Mirchi Vada: Spicy fried treat.
Lassi: Sweet and refreshing drink.
Gatte ki Sabzi: Popular curry.
Drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid street food that looks unhygienic.
Booking Platforms: Hostelworld, Booking.com, Zostel, Moustache Hostel.
Maps & Navigation: Google Maps, Maps.me for offline use.
Transport: IRCTC for trains, RedBus for buses.
Travel Groups: Facebook groups and WhatsApp backpacker communities.
Start early in the morning for sightseeing.
Carry cash because many rural areas do not accept cards.
Try local buses for a true backpacker feel.
Join free walking tours in cities like Jaipur and Udaipur.
Stay flexible with your plans to enjoy surprises on the way.
Rajasthan is a treasure for backpackers. It gives you history, culture, adventure, and friendly people. With smart planning and the right Rajasthan Tour Packages, you can explore this royal land without spending much. Pack your bag, keep this guide with you, and get ready for an unforgettable journey.