Rajasthan is an incredible part of India to explore. There are palaces and forts; colourful flower markets and bazars; deserts, camels and train journeys to take. We have created the ultimate 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary to experience the best of India on your first visit!
Highlights of this Rajasthan itinerary include some of the most famous sights of India.
See the Golden City of Jaisalmer, sleep underneath the stars on camel safari in the Thar Desert. Walk through the colourful flower markets of Jaipur and see the history of the Maharaja. Visit the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh and journey back to the bustle of Delhi on one of India’s most famous trains. It’s a lot to pack in!
Read on for the ultimate India 10 Day Rajasthan itinerary.
Summary – 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
See your complete adventure below.
- Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
- Day 2 – Tour of Old Delhi
- Day 3 – Fly to Jaisalmer
- Day 4 – Camel Safari Thar Desert
- Day 5 – Jaisalmer Fort and overnight train to Jaipur
- Day 6 – Arrive in Jaipur
- Day 7 – Tour of Jaipur
- Day 8 – Train to Agra; Baby Taj and Taj Viewpoint
- Day 9 – Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
- Day 10 – Train to Delhi and Departure
Highlights – 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
There is so much of India to share!
Enjoy the buzz and colours of Old Delhi, the bazars and markets and the iconic sites of the Mughal Empire.
Sleep underneath the stars on camel safari in the desert of Rajasthan. And share in the love story of the Taj Mahal and learn the history of Rajasthan’s many forts.
- Take a rickshaw in Jaipur
- Ride the famous Indian trains
- Get caught in the colours and chaos of Delhi
- Ride a camel at sunset and sleep underneath the stars
- See Jaipur’s beautifully iconic pink Wind Palace
- Stay in a traditional Haveli
- Visit Rajasthan’s most famous Amber Fort
- Try Indian chai the traditional way
- Experience sunrise at the wondrous TAJ MAHAL
- Shop for souvenirs in Old Delhi’s Main Bazaar
The complete adventure – 10-Day Rajasthan itinerary
Read on for the full details.
Day 1 Rajasthan Itinerary – Arrival in Delhi
Welcome to India! Arriving in New Delhi is an adventure on its own. Take a taxi to your hotel and get settled in.
Depending on what time of day you arrive in India and where you are in Delhi you can head out for a first taste of Indian cuisine (IN India) or take it easy and start today with dinner in your hotel and get ready for a full day of exploring tomorrow.
- Read our guide to arriving at New Delhi International Airport.
- Overnight in hotel, Delhi.
Day 2 Rajasthan Itinerary – Tour of Old Delhi
Take a day tour of the most historical sights of Delhi.
Visit the fabulous Jama Masjid, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and experience the bustle of one of the busiest cities in the world.
Today is a good day before departing Delhi and Uttar Pradesh on your Rajasthan itinerary to buy a salwar kameez or kurta and get kitted out with traditional dress for the trip!
- Overnight in hotel, Delhi.
Day 3 Rajasthan Itinerary – Fly to Jaisalmer
Farewell to Delhi – and welcome to Jaisalmer; the Golden City of India.
Start with breakfast in your hotel in Delhi. Taxi to the domestic airport for a short flight to the beautiful Rajasthani desert town of Jaisalmer; known as the Golden City.
Arrive in time for a lassi on the rooftop of your guesthouse overlooking the Golden City and Jaisalmer Fort.
Take a wander into the village for a first look at rural India. Walk up inside the Fort and see sunset at Gadisar Lake before dinner at the guesthouse.
- Overnight in guesthouse.
Day 4 Rajasthan Itinerary – Overnight camel safari
After breakfast visit the local market to stock up on anything you might need for today’s adventure of a camel safari in the Thar Desert. Be sure to stop in and meet local chai walah, Natti who makes the best chai in Jaisalmer.
Enjoy a light lunch at your guesthouse and depart for the Thar Desert in early afternoon where your camel will be waiting.
Trek out into the desert on camels to reach your camp for the night. Enjoy nomadic hospitality of dinner cooked over the fire.
- Overnight in the desert sleeping underneath the stars.
Day 5 – Return to Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer Fort and overnight train to Jaipur
Wake up in the desert for a hot chai and breakfast cooked on the fire. Ride your camel back to the nomad village and from there we will take a jeep back to Jaisalmer. What an adventure!
Enjoy a relaxed lunch back at your guesthouse (a shower after the desert) and a slow afternoon. Before the golden hour take the time for a walking tour of the Jaisalmer Fort.
This will be the perfect opportunity to learn about this historic golden city of India as well as make the most of some beautiful souvenir shopping in the Fort market place.
Check out of the guesthouse after dinner to board the overnight train to Jaipur. This is another of the highlights of this 10 day Rajasthan itinerary!
- Overnight on train to Jaipur.
Day 6 Rajasthan Itinerary – Arrive in Jaipur
Wake up for breakfast on board the train and enjoy a cup of hot chai while the sun rises in India blurring by outside.
After arriving in Jaipur go straight to your accommodation – a traditional Haveli-style family hotel – by rickshaw.
Take some rest time this afternoon if you need it. Or walk you’re your accommodation to the main street of Jaipur to visit the beautiful Hawa Mahal – the Wind Palace of Jaipur.
- Overnight in traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
Day 7 – Day tour of India’s fabulously Pink City
Often called the Pink City, Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan has been invariably on the wish-list of every travel enthusiast.
Jaipur has majestically (pink) architecture, cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty that give the Pink City its claim to fame. Spend the day exploring Jaipur on tour by rickshaw.
Visit the famous Amber Fort, Jal Mahal (water palace), Abhaneri Stepwell, the beautiful Hawa Mahal (wind palace) and be sure to go – by rickshaw – to the best and most famous lassi wallah in Jaipur!
- Overnight in traditional Haveli, Jaipur.
Day 8 Rajasthan Itinerary – Train to Agra, Uttar Pradesh
India’s best train trips are known as a journey to the soul of this sub-continent. And today we take another famous and fabulous train ride from Jaipur to Agra.
Arrive in Agra and travel by rickshaw to your homestay for the next two days. Enjoy a restful afternoon or take a rickshaw to the Baby Taj and Taj Mahal viewpoint or stay back at the homestay for a unique Indian cooking class and make your own Indian meal for dinner.
- Overnight in Agra.
Day 9 Rajasthan Itinerary – Visit the Taj Mahal and famous Agra Fort
Welcome to the Taj Mahal. (Regardless of how many days you have in India; every Rajasthan itinerary must sidestep to Uttar Pradesh to share with you India’s most wonderous sight!). It is even more incredible in person.
Wake up before sunrise for the awaited iconic visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This is a great time to visit to beat the crowds for a unique tour without rush around this marvellous beauty.
Return to the homestay for a cooked breakfast with the option to rest for the afternoon or head out again by rickshaw to visit the brilliant Agra Fort and Baby Taj.
- Overnight in Agra.
Outside the West Gate of the beautiful Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Day 10 Rajasthan Itinerary – Train to Delhi and Departure
Depart from Agra for one last ride on India’s iconic trains heading back to India’s capital city of Delhi.
Grab some snacks for lunch and taxi to your hotel in Old Delhi with the chance to explore Main Bazaar on your doorstep for any last minute shopping and souvenirs.
Enjoy one last dinner in Delhi in Connaught Place.
- Overnight in hotel in Main Bazar, Delhi.
We hope you have enjoyed a great 10 day Rajasthan itinerary!
Have longer than 10 days in India?
Read more about the best things to do in Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Agra.
Delhi
Between old and new Delhi the sights (and smells) on a first visit are as assaulting as the crowds. It’s a seriously huge and sprawling city.
You have to embrace the chaos and jump right in. There is plenty to see, do and eat in India’s capital city.
Things to do in Delhi
- Jama Masjid: Largest mosque in India built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
- Chandni Chowk: One of Delhi’s oldest market places and a haven for street food, jalebi and kulfi (plus many, many rickshaw-hawkers).
- India Gate: War memorial dedicated to the 82,000 soldiers, both Indian and British, who died during war.
- Humayan’s Tomb: Final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lotus Temple: One of seven Baha’I House of Worship present around the world.
- Red Fort: Constructed in 1639 as a result of a capital shift from Agra to Delhi.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is one of our favourite places in India! Known as the Golden City it is small, easy to get around, friendly – and is proudly home to the oldest living fort in the world.
We chose Jaisalmer originally because we wanted to get out into the desert. We had heard about a camel safari where you can overnight and sleep under the stars…
And that, is exactly what we did.
We have since been back four times to Jaisalmer and can’t recommend it enough!
Jaisalmer is not on the usual route in the iconic golden triangle of Rajasthan, but if you have the time to add it to your destination list it will be a highlight of any 10 day Rajasthan itinerary. I highly recommend it!
Things to do in Jaisalmer
- Camel Safari: This is the most popular attraction for the golden city!
- Jaisalmer Fort: One of the biggest forts in India. Get lost wandering around the maze of bazaars, shops, hotels and tiny lanes within the fort.
- Gadisar Lake: A man-made water reservoir, the Gadisar Lake was once the only source of water in Jaisalmer. Constructed by the first ruler of Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal, it is surrounded by temples and ghats – amazing for wandering!
- Visit the Maharaja’s Palace: Situated within the Jaisalmer Fort, the palace is small but with plenty to see and panoramic views over the entire city from the top.
- Go shopping at the markets: The central market place in Jaisalmer spans out across several of the town squares and there is lots to see. (Even if you don’t need to go shopping; go and soak up all the incredible colours and atmosphere!).
Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state and is a city that’s full of life (and easily recognisable) known as the Pink City.
Things to do in Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace): Constructed in 1799 as an extension of the women’s quarters of the City Palace to enable royal women to look out without being observed.
- Amber Fort: A seriously impressive hilltop fort overlooking Maota Lake about 30 minutes north of the city centre.
- Jal Mahal (Water Palace): Looks like it could be floating on Man Sagar Lake (near Amber Fort).
- Phool Mandi: Wholesale flower market just inside the Old City’s Chandi ki Taksal Gate. Opens (and best visited) at sunrise.
- Lassi Wallah 312: THIS is a must-do (and must-try) in Jaipur! Ask a rickshaw driver to take you to shop 312 on M.I. Road, Jaipur…
Agra
Agra is famous all over the world as home to one of the world’s most-recognised buildings; the Taj Mahal.
The emperor Shah Jahan was the mind behind the grand design of the Taj Mahal in order to enshrine his favourite (of three) wife.
The best time to see the Taj Mahal is in the early morning (get there before sunrise) before the crowds arrive and watch the sun rise over the palace creating a beautiful golden glow.
Things to do in Agra
- Taj Mahal: This mausoleum is one of the seven Wonders of World and most-recognised buildings in the world.
- Agra Fort: Beautiful historical red fort built during 1565-1573 for Mughal Emperor Akbar.
- The ‘Baby Taj’: Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb boasts a similarly picturesque setting to the more well-known Taj Mahal and is likewise constructed entirely of marble.
- Mehtab Bagh: Garden on the banks of the Yamuna River lying opposite to the Taj Mahal.
Best time to visit India
India is such a diverse country with regions that range from sea-level right up to mountains. Each season presents opportunities for the best time to travel to different regions.
- Summer (June to September): The best season for visiting the northern areas of India due to the higher altitude.
- Winter (November to February): Best time to visit the south of India and the cities of Rajasthan.
- Spring and Autumn: The shoulder seasons are also recommended as a great time to visit the north and Rajasthan cities as the weather is stable and there is less domestic tourism.
We have travelled in India during March, April, June and from September to December. While it was hot (really, really hot in Jaisalmer) in June I wouldn’t change it. The summer is HOT. But Rajasthan is beautiful and full of colour.
We most recently spent a month in India during November and December which was completely different. But great!
Each season brings pros and cons.
Locals will be quick to tell you not to visit in summer; or only to visit the mountains. But whenever you travel in India it will be an adventure. Just do it.
Tips to have the best experience
- Dress appropriately. Although there is no official dress code, India is a modest country. It is a good idea to carry a scarf with you for visiting religious sights.
- Take care with foods. Eat at places with high turnover (eat where the locals do). Make sure to practice good hygiene and carry sanitiser with you.
- Carry cash. India operates as largely cash-based society. It is worth carrying small change and notes for tips, toilets and small purchases.
- Lower expectations of personal space. (This needs to be on the packing list for your 10 day Rajasthan itinerary!). Indian culture doesn’t prioritise personal space so don’t be alarmed. People are curious. Embrace the culture change and join the crowds.
Accommodation for your Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan itinerary
These are the hotels where we stayed in India and can recommend for your 10 day Rajasthan itinerary.
- Delhi: Taurus Sarovar Portico Hotel (mid-range); Smyle Inn (budget); Hotel Hari Piorko (budget).
- Jaisalmer: Wanderlust Guesthouse (budget – our favourite accommodation in India!)
- Jaipur: Jaipur Haveli (mid-range); Shahpura House (luxury); Moustache Jaipur Hostel (budget).
- Agra: Aman Homestay (mid-range); Coral House Homestay By The Taj (budget).
More about travel planning for India and your Rajasthan itinerary
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
More information for India and your Rajasthan itinerary planning
- Taking an overnight train in Pakistan from Islamabad to Karachi.
- How to apply for a Pakistan e-Visa: And can you use it at the Wagah Border?
- Crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan.
- Pakistan with kids: A complete guide to travel in Pakistan.
- Money in India: Using ATM’s, withdrawing and carrying your money safely.
- How to use a squat toilet: Everything you didn’t want to ask…
- Our complete packing list for travel in India.