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Hi,
There are often questions on The Tree about itineraries covering a two week period, so we've decided to try and put a few tailor made itineraries for the two week tourist, covering the destinations, mode of travel, approximate distances involved and a few ideas on places to eat. These aren't in depth, so any queries on the various ideas are welcomed, where possible we'll include a couple of links to photos, which we find is a good way to a feel for the place! We attempt to give a variety of ideas that cover more than the well trodden destinations and a rounded view of what India has to offer.
we've stayed away from hotel suggestions, as the choice/budget is endless and taste is a very subjective idea. However if you have a favourite hotel in these destinations let us know!
The travel cost are approximate only!
N.B this itinerary allows for a possible day trip to Agra out of Delhi
CLICK ON THE RED DESTINATION HEADINGS FOR MORE INFO
Delhi - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Falna - Kumbhalgarh - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Pushkar -Delhi
This tour will take you through some of the most important and lovely Forts on offer, the seldom visited Jain golden temple at Falna, Some of the best Stone carved temples at Ranakpur, the lonely mountain top fort at Kumbhalgarh, sumptuous palaces at Udaipur, the holy/hippy village of Pushkar, the wind palace facade and observatory in Jaipur and a double opportunity to visit the nations capital, with it's multitude of ancient sites and bazaars!!
Travel
Most of this trip can be accomplished by train, which in our opinion is the best way to get around, the Falna - Kumbhalgarh -Ranakpur - Udaipur - Pushkar is only served by bus or taxi.
We've tried to find early morning or overnight fast expresses, which allow the maximum time for each destination.
Other trains are available of course, some a fair bit cheaper than the two/three tier coaches mentioned here.
You'll find other options on the Indian Railways Website Click on the train fare accommodation link and simply enter your departure/arrival points.
If you have queries on this, please feel free to ask, or have a look at the informative Gone India trains
Delhi - Jaipur
Distance : 267 KMs
2015 AJMER SHATBADI dep NEW DELHI arr 06:10 JAIPUR 10:45 (daily except Wednesdays, food, drinks and newspapers included in price)
Cost
1st class AC Chair Class 885 Rupees
Ordinary AC Chair Class 465 Rupees
Jaipur - Jodhpur
Distance : 214 Kms
4059 DLI JSM EXPRESS dep JAIPUR arr 23:57 JODHPUR JN 06:05 (daily, onboard food available but not included in the price)
Cost
2 tier AC 582 Rupees
3 tier AC 420 Rupees
Jodhpur - Falna
Distance : 171 Kms
9224 JAT ADI EXPRESS dep JODHPUR JN 06:15 arr FALNA 09:45 (daily, onboard food available but not included in the price)
Cost
2 tier AC 385 Rupees
From Falna we suggest a local taxi to Ranakpur via kumbhalgarh!
Distance : 35 Kms Kumbhalgarh 35 onwards to Ranakpur 40 Kms
Cost Taxi 3 - 400 rupees
Cost bus 10-15
Ranakpur to Udaipur is also best reached by local taxi or jeep
Distance 98 : Kms
Cost taxi 900 -1000 Rupees
Cost bus 30 - 40 rupees
Distance : 98 kms
Udaipur - Ajmer (for Pushkar) is best reached by Bus, many tourist buses ply this route, ask at your hotel or near bye travel agent!
Distance : 274 kms
Costs taxi 2000 Rupees
Costs Bus 120 Rupees
Ajmer -Delhi
Distance : 389 Kms
2016 AJMER SHATABDI dep AJMER JN 15:50 arr NEW DELHI 22:03 (daily except Wednesdays, food, drinks and newspapers included in price)
Cost
1st AC Chair class 1195 Rupees
Ordinary AC Chair class 645 rupees
Total Distance 1488 Kms
Destinations
Delhi
The capital city of Delhi or Dilli is chock a block with monuments temples and bazaars for everyone's shopping needs. The Red Fort, Qutab Manir, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb, Chandi Chowk all warrant a visit, Take an afternoon stroll in lodhi Gardens, or visit the last residence of that famous man of peace Gandhi Ji.
See the remnants of Luden's Delhi at Connaught Place, or catch the freak show on Paharganj, main bazaar, meeting place for the backpackers and hippies traveling India.
Have a meal A karim's in the shadow of the Jama Masjid Mosque, or taste the snacks and sweets at Halidrams on Chandi Chowk, On Janpath there's the famous Chennai Chain; of Sarowar Bhavan offering delicious set meals or Thalis from Southern India, visit Dilli Haat for crafts and cuisine from all over India!
For Shopping visit Dilli Haat, for crafts state by State or the Government Emporium on Janpath, with three floors of goodies, Khan Market offers, deals on books and DVDs for those bollywood films, Palika Bazaar is truly Delhi, with all sorts of "Grey market goods" and cocky salesmen herding you into the various shops!
All in all, if you give this sprawling city a chance you won't be disappointed!
Getting around is easy and with the advent of the spanking new Metro system getting easier all the time.
For more background on this amazing city have a look at the Delhi Forum
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Jaipur
Jaipur is a mainstream destination and as such it has good infrastructure for the tourist and a thriving population of touts and grabbing taxi/rickshaw drivers. However it has many things of interest and cannot be left out of a trip to Rajasthan.
A city of some 6 million people it is overlooked by the mighty Nahargarh Fort. It is often referred to as the "pink City" due to the tradition of the locals in painting their houses pink. Much of this has been lost in the newer urban sprawl but much remains if you explore.
As well as the Nahargarh Fort, there is the Amber Palace a favorite with tourist, the facade or Hawa Mahal, or The Jantar Mantar, a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharajah Jai Singh II. Temples include Govind Devji, Moti Doongari, Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Jaipur also has one of the biggest Cinemas in India and as such is a great place to catch a bollywood movie, with a local audience, something you won't forget in a hurry!
Jaipur is famous for precious and semi precious gem stones and almost as famous for the scams that surround this trade. Unless you know what your buying don't let salesmen lead you astray. Remember in life there are NO free lunches. 100's fall for these scams every year don't be be one of them! Again getting around is easy enough, by taxi or auto rickshaw, the tourist department and private operators offer tour by bus or taxi!
Food wise you could try, Four Seasons - for vegetarian food this is the place, or
Pyaz ki Kachori - For the famous pyaz ki Kachori Near polo victory cinema and very close to both railway station and the bus stand this is a famous for it's kachori
For more info on Jaipur, take a look at the Jaipur Forum
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Jodhpur
The Blue City of Jodhpur, lives in the shadow of the truly impressive Mehrangarh Fort on the edge of the Thar Desert. this mighty edifice is visible from all over the city and is a testament to the artisans who fashioned it!
The light blue painted building of the old town offer great contrast to the rust brown of the towering fort!
other worth wile spots for the visitor include the new Palace of Umaid Bhawan built in 1944 it is said to be the last of the great palaces built in India.
Grab a few samosas and some fruit and have a picnic on the lake at Kailana, whilst watch the soaring Ibis and Egrets.
Temples include Baba Ramdev Temple and Ganesh Temple.
Food wise you can try Café Mehran, Meherangarh Fort. Simple but pleasant café in the fort itself, with a range of tourist favorites from pizza to burgers as well as Indian thalis.
Or
Mehran Terrace, Meherangarh Fort. Candlelit dining with an exquisite view of the city. Thalis are Rs 300-400. Book ahead.
Local specialties include Mawa Kachori, Panchkuta, Dal Bati Churma, Gatte ka saag.
Arts and crafts are to be found all over!
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Falna
Falna in Pali district is just the the jumping off point for the better known destinations to the east, like Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur but don't rush Falna has a little known tourist site of it's own. This requires just a few hours before moving on, Nonetheless it's off the beaten track and offers a fresher look at India, away from the tourist ed spots you've visited up to now!
The Jain Golden temple is the big attraction. Bedecked in almost 90 kilos of gold it was finished only recently and it very photogenic, entry by non Jains is permitted though not to the inner sanctum!
Take a look at this beautiful temple before heading out to the peace and quiet of Ranakpur for the night!
which is about an Hour and twenty minutes away by bus/taxi!
Ranakpur
Ranakpur is one of those places in India where you think, why didn't I come here before??
Set in some lovely countryside, swaddled in the green Ardvali Hills, it's little more than a few scattered houses, surviving on subsistence farming and weaving the local carpets or dhurrie. The trees teem with singing birds and the people are innocent and friendly.
Of course no visit to the area would be complete without a visit to the Jain Chaumukha Temple.
This temple offers some truly breath taking carvings, that seems to come alive in your eyes. It's lonely placement makes it easy to contemplate the earthly and the spiritual!
This temple has to be one of the finest in North India and is well worth the extra effort required to get there. Non jains are allowed entry but please note no leather is permitted and women experiencing their monthly menstruation are also disallowed.
The Small canteen at the compound entrance offers cheap simple Veggie food, and there is also accommodation on site. the little dhaba (restaurant) just next door, also does some simple food and cold drinks. Otherwise most hotels can offer you a limited menus, which will keep you fed!
Ranakpur is also the best place to stay when visiting kumbhalgarh Fort, as it offers a far better choice of Hotels!
Keep and eye out for mongoose here! They're everywhere!
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kumbhalgarh
On first sight the fort at Kumbhalgarh is jaw dropping. Further exploration only leads to awe, as this impressive fort unfolds before your eyes. The 31 kilometer skirting wall fades away as far as the eye can see, and the interior is awash with Chatris, shrines and temples as well as some old Baoris or stepwell, There's an interesting combination of musselman and Hindu artifacts here, with Muslim Shrines in place under the protection of the banyan trees. proof of the symbioism that flourished through the centuries in this great land.
The palace in the sky balefully looks down on the expansive fort and commands a place on the skyline you won't forget. It's easy imagine the raj here happily overlooking their scenic kingdom. various gates with buttressed watch towers lace the perimeter wall, and the zig zag approaches to these massive spiked gates, preempted elephant charges from the marauding hordes.
Again set in the Ardvali hills the mountain scenery is lovely, and walking around the tiny hamlets is time well spent.
kumbhalgarh is also home to a national Park, where on can see wolves, sloth bear, deer, and many species of bird including woodpeckers and horn bills. A trip to the national park by jeep can be arranged at local hotels!
Accommodation is expensive here and limited so better to stay in Ranakpur and have a day out here. Ranakpur is about an hour and twenty minutes away by bus!
Food is a limited commodity here but the little café/shop opposite the main gate to the right can provide a meal if arranged, tell the owner as you enter the complex and set a time!!
For more background on this incredible place see member Jyoti's writings
Udaipur
The enchanting town of Udaipur perhaps encapsulates the proud tradition of the Rajputs more then any other.
The old town echoes to the sounds of feats of chivalry and valor, the palaces and lake add colour and scope for the ardent traveler. Winding streets with hole in the wall shops, selling everything from Bhang lassis to miniature paintings, and art well followed through the generations of the Udaipur inhabitants. old men huddled in groups playing chess, and proud Strong backed Rajasthani ladies grace the streets. the list of places to visit is endless and the advent of mass tourism has only improved this place for the tourist, granted you'll find the unpleasant vagaries of well trodden places, but cast your eyes up wards and forget for a moment the time and place, lose yourself in the flux of centuries old architecture and inhabitance.
situated around the town are a series of lakes; Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar, which make for a pleasant stroll.
An imposing cobbled road leads to the entrance of the City palace where you can catch a glimpse of the salubrious lifestyle of the Rajput Raj, the mirrored rooms and coloured glass windows create a warm ambiance and the ingenious airflow system kept the palace cool even in the searing heat of the Rajasthan summers.
The Monsoon palace and it's impressive plumbing sits a top the Hills overlooking the lakes and is well worth a visit.
Temples include Jagdish Temple, and the Durga devoted Ambika Mata Temple.
or try your hand at throwing a clay pot at Shilpgram a few kilometers outside the city, Where you'll find displays of many local crafts!
Udaipur abounds with places to eat, here are just some suggestion!
Ambrai is a restaurant situated at water level right on Lake Pichola across from the Lake Palace Hotel and the City Palace Museum,
Bawarchi serves Thalis served upstairs at this popular restaurant in Delhi Gate.
For a Splurge go for a meal on the Pichola Lake hotel, take plenty of Cash, it's not cheap!
Many tourist restaurants show the movie Octopussy sifter a few scenes were filmed here!
Udaipur is relatively compact and can easily be seen on foot, however this is India and you're never far away from a autorickshaw or taxi
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Pushkar
Pushkar is the oddest of places, a holy lake surrounded by temples and Ghats, it is a major pilgrimage place for the Hindu faithful and has the Only Brahma temple in India, it's also a hideaway for hundreds of hippies and backpackers, intent on their somewhat decadent lifestyles. The huddled white Havel's connected by narrow winding streets are a joy to wander, and a interesting sight greets you every step of the way. Chillum addled Sadhus, jester like hippies sailing on a sea of cannabis and opium, Brahmin priests in Ray bans and Levis clutching their expensive marigolds, for your expected puja, young tribal women, suckling their offspring. the whole scene completed by the sound of temple mantras, bells and the pumping Goan trance, An elcletic mixture for sure.
Pushkar has much of interest but for many just being there and soaking in the atmosphere is what it's all about. if you've a mind climb the steps to the hilltop Temple, where Brahma's wife wife is said to have dwelled in self exile. the views across Pushkar and the Thar desert are incredible so take your camera.
Around Pushkar, life continues as it has for centuries, with the rearing of goats and cultivation of Roses or Gulab. The bird life is especially good here and the sight of crested woodpeckers or bee eaters not uncommon. Turtles inhabit the lake and there's the odd mischievous monkey, leaping across the street at roof top level. languors prowl ancient temples and the warning call of the peacock, is to be heard echoing across the lake.
Food wise there are too many restaurants to mention, buffet meals where you pay for a four course buffet selection, are to be found in several restaurants and are great value for money but beware, these places often have food simmering for too long, get there when the food is fresh to avoid the dreaded runs!
Pushkar is better seen by foot and much of the main bazaar is closed to traffic!!
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Related links
Rajasthan Tourism
Map Of Rajasthan
Visa Atm
Mastercard Atm
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