Planning is the essential part of any road trip, and it is particularly important when planning a jaipur to jaisalmer road trip. To start with, you need to determine the route you want to take, where to stop for food, and what attractions you want to visit. Additionally, you need to consider the budget, length of the trip, and the number of people joining you. With careful planning, you can ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Choose your route
When planning your road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, you must choose your route. There are several routes to choose from, each with unique advantages and drawbacks. While the direct highway route is the fastest and most fuel efficient, it does not take in some fascinating sights along the way. A detour to Pushkar might be more interesting for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Indian culture and enjoy the local cuisine.
If you are setting off early in the morning, consider taking National Highway 11 from Jaipur towards Chomu before turning off onto State Highway 11 via Ajmer, visiting Pushkar and then continuing on through Marwar Junction towards Jaisalmer. This route is slightly longer than taking the highway but also far more scenic and offers an opportunity to experience India away from urban centers like Jaipur or Jaisalmer.
Alternatively, if time is of the essence, take National Highway 116 which has very few traffic lights and curves en route providing a safe journey in terms of driver fatigue or road hazards. One disadvantage of this direct highway route however is that it bypasses major cities such as Beawar, Merta City or Bilara so expect limited access to amenities when travelling along this path. Here is the best route for Jaipur to Jaisalmer Road Trip according to Google Maps for your reference.
Book your accommodation
When it comes to planning your jaipur to jaisalmer road trip, booking your accommodation is an essential part of the process. With a wide range of places to stay, from hotels and resorts to homestays, you should make sure that you have booked well in advance. Here are some tips to ensure that your accommodation is prepared well ahead of your journey:
1) Check the ratings – Before you book, take some time to read reviews and check ratings of different places. This can be done by looking at sites such as TripAdvisor or Expedia. This helps you get an idea of what kind of experience other guests have had at certain places so that you can make an informed decision when booking.
2) Compare prices – Different types of accommodation come with different price tags. By comparing prices online, you can ensure that you get the best deal on your stay and save money for other activities during the road trip.
3) Consider location – Where you stay depends on where exactly the road trip will take place and how long it will last for. Depending on this, it’s important for travelers to consider the location when looking for a place to stay as this influences both their overall budget as well their convenience throughout the trip.
4) Plan in advance – It’s important to remember that due to high tourist demand during certain times like festivals or holidays, many places tend to fill up quickly so it’s always advisable make bookings well ahead in order keep costs down and avoid disappointments on arrival.
Plan your activities
Organizing your daily activities is pivotal in making sure all areas of your life receive the attention they need. When planning, it’s important to make sure that you allot a significant amount of time for each activity. Consider how much time you need to complete each task and factor in any necessary breaks or distractions.
Start by creating a list of the tasks that need to be completed for the day and prioritize them by importance or when they should be finished by. This will help you create a timeline for your day and keep organized. Then, start assigning an estimate of how long each task will take and begin planning out when they should be done, making sure to leave some extra time in case something runs over or a distraction comes up.
If you are having trouble deciding which tasks should take priority, try dividing them into categories like most urgent, do as soon as you can, and deal with last if there is time left over. This will help you prioritize the more pressing tasks while still giving yourself enough time to complete those deemed less urgent but still worth doing.
Lastly, make sure you leave room for some flexibility — life doesn’t always go according to plan so give yourself some wiggle room in case something changes or you run into unexpected hurdles that throw off your timeline. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and maximize productivity!
Things to do
A road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer is a great way to explore Rajasthan’s cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. There are plenty of things to do along the way that can make your journey more memorable. From visiting ancient forts and palaces to trying local delicacies, there are a lot of activities for you to enjoy during your venture. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do on a Jaipur to Jaisalmer road trip.
The Jaipur City Palace
The Jaipur City Palace has a remarkable array of architectural marvels that have been built over centuries. Visitors to the palace are able to explore the grand court, open courtyards, ancient gardens, beautifully decorated pavilions and palatial chambers. The Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal also add to the charm of the City Palace complex, with their majestic domes, minarets and intricately carved interiors. An audio tour is available which provides visitors with interesting facts about the various sections in the palace complex. Some of the highlights include the Diwan-I-Khas which was once used for royal audiences with foreign diplomats and dignitaries, as well as Jaya Misa Mandir where Maharajas were crowned in a traditional Hindu ritual. Besides exploring this iconic Royal residence, visitors can also get an insight into Rajasthani culture through art exhibitions and displays of cultural artifacts within the palace walls.
The Amer Fort
The Amer Fort (or Amber Fort) is an iconic and must-visit tourist destination in Jaipur. Located in the hills of Aravalli Range, it served as the capital of Amber State before the establishment of Jaipur. The fort was constructed during the Rajput period over 400 years ago and today stands to be a great testimony to the infinite architectural brilliance of Rajasthan. With its rich history, incredible architecture- Amer Fort has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Jaipur.
For centuries, every ruler has contributed to this beautiful marvel, and you can find exemplary works here that belong to Rajasthan’s unequaled culture and artistic prowess. The splendorous fort reflects a combination of Hindu-Rajput and Mughal design making it awe inspiring for tourists from all around the world. Built with red sandstone & white marble, Amer Fort consists massive halls amplified with delicate mirror work ornamented windows & intricate paintings on walls & ceiling showcasing Jaipur’s expertise that had won over foreign emperors & kings long time back. Its palace complex adds glory to its beauty with waterfalls running inside while courtyards add serenity replacing Noise with peacefulness creating enchantment & hypnotizing its visitors overall!
The Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the “Sonar Qila” is located in the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India. Built in 1156 AD. it is one of the best-preserved fortifications in all of India and a must visit for any who wish to explore historic Rajasthan. The fort stands at 250 feet high and can be seen up to 30 km away from the city itself, making it a true symbol of grandeur for the region.
There are ninety-nine bastions around Jaisalmer Fort which is further bifurcated into six sections – Bhatia Bazaar (military market area), Akhai Jamal and Mahadev areas (royal living quarters) Chhittar and Sonaron or Hathi Pol (merchants and jewelry makers quarters) Ganeshpole area (trading area) and Havelis interconnected by a network of streets which were original merchants’ villages that were later absorbed into the city.
Within the walls, visitors can explore intricately carved palaces, temples, residential complexes and innumerable small shops. The various features around these includes handcrafted Jharokhas in various patterns; carved balconies with stunning impressions that have breathtakingly beautiful views over the desert beyond; there is also an ornate lake beneath two towers namely Ramjharoka & Sukhera jharokha belonging to Queen Kanak Devi with intricate patterns created by tiny squares on its wall carvings.
Additionally, royal balconies embellished with amber lighting such as Buddha Balcony Devtaanbhaal or Group of 4 gods where you can witness breathtaking sunsets at dusk; Toorji ka jhalra-an 18th century star shaped step well constructed adjacent to Manak Chowk;and two magnificent elegant steeples provided by 19th century Maharawal Goplalshah adorn your trip here!
This historical monument also has three principal public monuments, temples such as Lodurva Jain Temple Complexes made out black stone dating back 7 centuries;to Hindu temple Tilonnki Pol alongwith many other structures like Royal cenotaphs or char dham, numerous lakes , multiple murals featuring people dancing etc make this site worth your visit! Just be sure to follow all applicable rules including no littering , no playing loud music subject too sound level rules etc before entering this historic venture.
The Desert Safari
At Jaisalmer, the possibilities of adventure and exploration are endless. To truly experience one of the best wonders that India has to offer, consider a desert safari on your Jaisalmer to Jaipur road trip. This will give you an easy yet thrilling way to traverse the vast expanse of the Thar Desert. The safari generally includes dune bashing, overnight camping at a traditional Rajasthani village and cultural activities such as traditional music and dance performances.
No desert safari is complete without trying out some awesome activities like camel rides, ATV rides and jeep safaris. You can even take a quad biking tour around the sand dunes for a truly adventurous experience. Depending on your preference, you can also take part in various cultural activities such as puppet shows, camel dances and folk music performed by locals.
Make sure that you wear comfortable clothes while enjoying these activities so that you can savour every moment with ease. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs from local shops after your desert safari comes to an end.
Bada Bagh
Located 4 km away from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India, Bada Bagh is a historical site that offers a unique destination for travelers seeking to connect with the history of the area. It is composed of several cenotaphs and monuments of the rulers of the Jaisalmer State. Constructed between 15th and 20th century AD, each cenotaph has later been decorated with impressive fine-stone carvings dedicated to each ruler as memorials.
The site includes a large garden called The Garden of Sixteen Pillars which also features some inscribed lion statues. Bada Bhag is a great spot for history lovers, especially for those interested in architecture and art as there are exquisite stone carvings all across the site. Visitors can also explore other elements such as step wells, tombs, tanks and temples located nearby.
The cultural history associated with Bada Bhag lends it an interesting charm that attracts many tourists from both within India as well as overseas visitors every year to take part in this extraordinary journey back in time through Bada Bhag’s grandeur.
The Sam Sand Dunes
The Sam Sand Dunes, located in the Great Thar Desert, is a destination unlike any other. Home to rolling hills of sand stretching across miles of desert landscape, this natural phenomenon can be found in the heart of India’s Rajasthan State.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to take part in thrilling activities such as paragliding and camel rides, or simply looking to admire this breathtaking view firsthand, the Sam Sand Dunes offer a unique experience. From its stunning vistas to its rustic charm, the Sam Sand Dunes are sure to dazzle even the most discerning traveler.
For those wanting to immerse themselves in its captivating beauty, take a sunrise camel ride through the desert plains and admire one of nature’s greatest wonders from atop your loyal steed. If you feel like taking it up a notch on your itinerary, you can also join in on adventure activities like paragliding or ATV riding for an experience that will excite and enthrall all at once!
Be sure to check out nearby towns such as Jaisalmer or Jodhpur and discover archaeological sites such as Bada Bagh Cenotaphs or Junagarh Fort before heading back home. With much potential for exploration and activities that will leave you breathless, make sure not to miss this amazing opportunity for discovery at the Sam Sand Dunes!
The Kuldhara Village
The village of Kuldhara is located in the Khuri region of Rajasthan, India. Once an affluent and thriving community, the village is said to have been abandoned due to paranormal activities in the 19th century. It is now a popular tourist destination, known for its eerie atmosphere and serene beauty.
Though much of the structures are in ruins, certain features still remain such as a well-defined entrance gate with intricate carvings, fortifications and bastions on either side of the gate. Additionally, numerous temples lie scattered throughout the deserted settlement. Today, visitors come from far and wide to see this unique site and explore its enigmatic secrets.
Kuldhara is filled with stories from different accounts passed down over several generations that recount how social injustice led to its mysterious disappearance overnight in 1825 CE. Its legacy has become a sort of folktale about magical curses that still stands tall for visitors today as they experience this remote yet beautiful place.
From barren landscapes to sandy deserts as far as the eye can see, Kuldhara offers an unusual setting to discover stories while basking in its captivating calmness that travelers around the world seek out on their way to Jaisalmer via Jaipur – making it hard not to be enthralled by this abandoned settlement!
The Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar Lake is an iconic destination amidst the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer and a must-visit spot during a Jaipur to Jaisalmer road trip. Gadsisar Lake, originally built to compute for the drinking water supply of Jaisalmer city, also served as an important reservoir for visitors and caravans on their way to Harappa and Sindh.
The lake was renovated by Maharawal Gadsi Singh, whence it got its name. To appease religious sentiments of the local people devoted to Lord Vishnu, who are said to have dreamed of establishing a temple dedicated to Lord Varuna (Vishnu), they decided to build two elegant shrines of Varuna Devta beside the lake in 1779.
Today, Gadsisar Lake has been developed into a popular tourist spot for sightseeing, leisure activities and photography. Entry fee is nominal and there are shops nearby where you can buy souvenirs and snacks. You can opt for a boat ride or sit by its banks which will explore variety of fishes and migratory birds like ducks which will add on your picturesque journey from jaipur till jaisalmer. Enjoyment is doubled when you relax at this destination in summers because open-air fitness centers are provided here to do yoga or any other exercise that keep you fit & refresh on this lovely journey from jaipur till jaisalmer!
Food and Drinks
Jaipur to Jaisalmer is a great road trip for anyone who wants to experience the best sites of Rajasthan. During your road trip, don’t forget to enjoy the delicious food & drinks in Rajasthan. From traditional Rajasthani delicacies to contemporary cafes, you have plenty of options when it comes to food & drinks. In this section, we’ll discuss the best places to eat and drink during your Jaipur to Jaisalmer road trip.
Sample the local cuisine
Sample the local cuisine, as it allows you to better understand and appreciate a culture. The locals around Jaipur and Jaisalmer know how to cook up delicious flavors! Curries and stews are most commonly seen; a blend of spices that adds a kick to the dishes, however, some food is heavily seasoned while others are lighter. On your road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, make sure to try Lal Maas, which is an exceptionally spicy mutton-curry dish. Daal baati churma is another tasty delicacy of Rajasthani cuisine. Other traditional foods like pyaz ki kachori (deep-fried pastry with spiced onion stuffing), missi roti (a flatbread made with gram and wheat flour), gatte ki subzi (stew made from gram flour) etc. sweeten up the palette.
Enjoy regional beverages like lassi and buttermilk everywhere you go — these drinks are usually flavored with cardamom and saffron, adding just the right amount of sweetness without becoming overly milky or sugary. Make sure to end your day with cappuccino or espresso at one of Rajasthan’s many cafés after exploring nearby monuments or markets!
Taste the Rajasthani delicacies
The culture of Rajasthan is rich and diverse. The cuisines of the state reflect the history, geographical location and the lifestyle of people living there. Rajasthani cuisine is known for its rich flavor, bright colours, generous use of spices and varied cooking styles. There is a huge variety of dishes available that are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Some famous dishes you must try while passing through this vibrant state include Dal Bati Churma, Bajre ki roti with gatte ki sabzi (gram flour preparation), Mirchi ka saalan (chili curry), Moth ki dal (black gram curry), Gulab Jamuns, Ghevar (sweet cake) etc.
A great way to savour all these sumptuous delicacies is to visit family-run eateries called ‘dhabas’. These serve reliable sections such as local version of north Indian comfort food kadhi pakora, sweets like mohan thal and kulfi in summers etc. Apart from these dish specials include salads – ker sangri which is like a medley of indigenous desert vegetables made into a tangy salad; varieties of dals prepared with red chili powder giving it fiery taste; among appetizers papad nethu makes an appearance in almost every meal on dusk through Sundays; sweet dish known as malpua – its deliciousness lies in use copious amounts of cardamom and nuts while making it – it will make your mouth long for more! Try out once! Enjoy your roadtrip filled with these lip-smacking dishes!
Sip on some local drinks
The Jaipur to Jaisalmer road trip is a great way to explore some of the local delicacies and regional drinks popular in India. As you pass through each place, you’ll get to sample all kinds of drinks that are unique and distinct. Here are some of the must-tries on your road trip.
Lassi: Commonly found in northern India, this is probably one of the most renowned drinks in India. It’s a thick and creamy drink prepared from yogurt and/or buttermilk, traditionally cooled with either ice cubes or by scooping snow from mountain peaks during colder months. There are sweet and salted varieties available with flavors ranging from fruity mango lassi to masala-infused lassi for a more savory taste.
Jal Jeera: A refreshing welcoming drink, Jal Jeera is concocted with cumin powder, ground ginger, mint leaves and black pepper. Known for its detoxifying and digestion-friendly properties, it’s usually served chilled before meals as an appetizer or part of the meal itself.
Chaas: Another yogurt-based drink originating from Gujarat is Chaas which literally translates to “buttermilk”. It’s flavored with spices such as cumin powder or crushed curry leaves which makes it quite reminiscent of lassi but without being overly sweet or tart; rather having a pleasant mild taste that can be enjoyed anytime during the day.
Besan Ka Sharbat: A unique beverage made using gram flour (or chickpea flour), this cool summer cooler hails from Rajasthan. Sweetened with sugar syrup or jaggery, Mixed with water or milk & topping off with nuts like almonds & pistachios making it an ideal choice for hot days when you want something cooling yet nutritious at once.
Transportation
Travelling from Jaipur to Jaisalmer by road is a great way to explore the beauty of Rajasthan. However, there are many options when it comes to transportation. If you are planning a road trip, you can go for private cars or public transport like buses, auto rickshaws, or taxis. You can also rent motorbikes or cycle through the desert on a bike. This section will discuss the different transportation options available for your journey from Jaipur to Jaisalmer.
Choose your mode of transport
When planning a road trip, some of the most important decisions are about which mode of transport you should use. Depending on where you’re going and how much time you have at your disposal, there are several transportation options to consider. Each mode has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision.
Car: A car allows you to cover more ground than any other option, travelling hundreds of kilometres in a matter of hours without depending on anyone else. However, it can be expensive due to fuel costs and may require extra space in the vehicle for food and luggage.
Bus: A bus is usually the cheapest option for travelling long distances, although you’ll need to plan for long hours spent sitting on the road. It can also be quite crowded at times, so don’t expect too much comfort during your journey.
Train: For quick but comfortable rides between towns or cities, a train ride is probably your best bet as it provides a safe and efficient way to travel overland. That said, trains can be slow compared to other modes of transport so if time is an issue then this might not be ideal for longer trips.
Airplane: Taking an airplane often cuts down travel time significantly; however domestic flights tend to take longer than expected due to airport check-ins and security lines before takeoff. They also tend to be more expensive than other options such as bus or train rides.
Rent a car or take a bus
When planning a road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, it’s important to consider the most efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation. Renting a car is often the most comfortable way to travel with friends or family, as drivers can stop whenever they choose and take in the sights along the way. Alternatively, taking public transportation may come at a lower cost, but comfortability may not be guaranteed as buses on this route often get very crowded. The decision between renting a car or taking a bus will come down to personal preference and budget constraints.
If you choose to rent a vehicle for your trip, you should expect to pay daily rental fees plus insurance and fuel costs. Rental companies in India typically ask for half of the total cost upon booking and require an international driving permit (though local licenses are acceptable). It is important to always book with reputable rental companies that are commercially registered so you can avoid potential scams. It is also advisable that drivers are familiar with Indian traffic laws before taking on any long drives in India.
Alternatively, you could take public transport between Jaipur and Jaisalmer for a much more affordable ride – fares range from around 700₹ – 1000₹ ($9 – $13) depending on when you leave and which bus operator you select. It is worth noting that these buses don’t always depart on time nor provide any sort of entertainment during the journey; however these buses can be great value if traveling alone or it two people provided that they don’t want too much comfort from their transport.
Hire a taxi or take a train
When planning a road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, travellers have two prime transportation options: hiring a taxi or booking a train. Depending on the size of your group, desired budget and travel preferences you may choose either option.
Hiring a taxi is perhaps the most stress-free way of getting from Jaipur to Jaisalmer. You can hire both luxury and economy cars from a variety of car rental companies that offer services at competitive rates. For an uninterrupted, leisurely journey along the picturesque roads it’s worth the investment! Just remember to factor in snacks and drinks for breaks along the route.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an economical option then booking a train is ideal for you. The train departs from Jaipur at 8 pm and arrives in Jaisalmer 15 hours later, at 11 am. However, remember that Indian Railways are usually crowded so it would be wise to reserve your tickets early! You can find more information on their website or contact their customer service helpline if needed.
Ultimately, hiring a taxi or taking a train is completely up to the individual needs and preferences of travellers on this delightful road trip adventure! Both options will get you there safely – so make your choice wisely!
