How to plan a Rajasthan palace and desert tour
Plan a 14-day loop starting and ending in Delhi, moving through Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer to balance historical palaces with desert experiences. Use a private car with a driver for the most efficient movement between these cities, as train schedules can be unpredictable for tight itineraries.
- Secure your transport. Hire a private car and driver for the duration of the trip. Expect to pay $50-$60 USD per day for an AC sedan including fuel, tolls, and driver accommodation. This is the only way to comfortably manage the 5-7 hour transit times between cities.
- Follow the classic loop. Start in Jaipur (3 days), drive to Jodhpur (3 days), drive to Jaisalmer (3 days), and loop back through Bikaner or Pushkar (2 days) before returning to Delhi. This sequence minimizes backtracking and maximizes time on the ground.
- Time your desert nights. Book your desert camp in Jaisalmer for the middle of your stay. Do not arrive at the dunes without a pre-booked jeep safari or camel trek; secure these through reputable tour operators in Jaisalmer town to avoid being overcharged by random roadside touts.
- Handle the palace logistics. Buy combined entry tickets for major monuments like City Palace in Jaipur to save 20-30 minutes of queueing. Always hire a government-approved guide at the entrance—expect to pay a flat fee of $10 USD for a 2-hour tour.
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- No. Only drink bottled water with a sealed cap, even when brushing your teeth.
- Should I tip my driver?
- Yes, it is standard practice to tip your driver 500-700 INR per day at the end of the trip if the service was good.