Discovering the real India(Rajasthan road trip)

Why fly when you can instead take control of the wheel and explore the world at your own pace?

2 friends, 1 car and a journey of thousand kilometres.

The Route

The route starts from Delhi. Leave late morning so that you can reach Chokhi Dhani by early evening. Take the Delhi - Jaipur expressway for a comfortable and hassle free journey. This will be your first stop. From there Jaipur city is about 40 minutes away. Day 2 will take you to Jaipur city followed by Jodhpur on Day 3 and 4 and concluding the trip with Jaisalmer on Day 5. You head back to Delhi on Day 6.

Here's a quick version of the suggested route for this road trip.

Delhi - Chokhi Dhani - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer

Itinerary: Delhi to Jaisalmer (5 days, 1000 km)

Day 1

Delhi - Chokhi Dhani - Jaipur

Located at a distance of 295 km from Delhi, it will take you about 5.5 hours to reach Chokhi Dhani. Make this your first pitstop. To make your journey comfortable and hassle free take the Delhi - Jaipur expressway. The resort is open 7 days a week from 5:00 - 11:00 pm for visitors. The entry ticket costs about Rs. 700 for adults and Rs. 450 for children. It includes welcome drink, snacks on arrival, Pure veg dinner(Rajasthani cuisine), folk dance and many other attractions. One can experience the essence of Rajasthani culture here and create memories that can be cherished for lifetime. You can travel to Jaipur city the same night as its only 20 km far. It will take you about 30 minutes to reach Jaipur via Tonk road. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Time on the road: 6 hours

Distance: 315 km

Where to stay: Shahpura house, Pearl Palace Heritage.

Day 2

Start your day early with a good breakfast and then head to Amber Palace which is located 11 km from Jaipur. It opens at 8:00 am and is located in Amer. Sitting high on a hill, it is a principal tourist attraction in Jaipur. After spending some time head to Hawa Mahal via Amer road. It will take you about 20 minutes to reach there. Made with red and pink sandstone, the palace sits on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur and extends to the Zenana or women's chambers. While on the go you don't want to miss the amazing street food Jaipur has to offer. Make sure you try there Dal kachoris, ghewar and Lal maas. Take a quick tour of Jal Mahal and then end your day with a blissful evening at Nahargarh Fort. Standing on Aravalli hills the fort gives a bird's eye view of Jaipur.

Time on the road: 1.5 hours

Distance: 35 km

Day 3

Jaipur - Ajmer - Jodhpur

Start early the next day to begin your journey towards Jodhpur via Ajmer. The distance between Jaipur and Jodhpur is about 336 km and it will take you about 6.5 hours to complete the same. You can take a pitstop at Ajmer and visit the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah (sufi shrine) which dates back to 1236 AD. Once you freshen up, head to the Mehrangarh Fort. It is one of the largest forts in India and was built in around 1459. The fort is situated 410 feet above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. It consists of several palaces with their sprawling and huge courtyards. The Mehrangarh fort is the living proof of the hard work and skill work of the Jodhpuri sculptors.

Make sure you make a reservation to dine at the Chokelao Restaurant while you are visiting the fort. With the fort as its backdrop overlooking the city and the sound of the wind rustling through your ears, its an experience that cannot be described in words. After dinner head back to the hotel and rest.

Time on the road: 6 hours

Distance: 336 km

Where to stay:- The Kothi Heritage, Haveli Inn Pal

Day 4

Jodhpur - Jaisalmer

After visiting Umaid Bhavan Palace the next morning head to Jaisalmer via NH 125. This is our last destination. Also known as "The Golden City" Jaisalmer is all about camel safaris and forts. The fort is nestled in the center of the city and a lot of tourist facilities, restaurants and population reside outside the fort. It is one of the very few "living forts" in the world as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort. After spending some time at the fort head to one of the local restaurants to try Dal Bati which is also the flagship dish of Rajasthan. Spend the rest of the day in leisure.

Day 5

Save the best for last!

You definitely want to experience the adventure of a full day camel ride crossing several sand dunes in the Jaisalmer desert followed by an authentic style traditional dinner and local performances at the desert camps. It is the best way to discover the beauty of the Golden city, Jaisalmer and its rustic villages. There are lot of options available and range from Rs. 1300-4000. Spend the night at the camp

Where to stay: Jaisalmer desert camp, Jaisalmer quiver camp.

Day 6

Jaisalmer - Delhi

Start early the next day if you plan to cover your journey back to Delhi within the day.

" A part of Rajasthan will stay in your heart forever. The richness of the land, the lush beauty and the exotic architecture will leave an imprint in your mind. The intensity of its colors, smells, tastes and sounds overloading your senses."

India is one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the world combined.

Mark Twain