Rajasthan is famous for palaces, desert camps, vibrant markets and royal hospitality. But you can enjoy the charm of Rajasthan without hurting your wallet. There are some smart ways to explore this incredible state on a shoestring budget.
Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or in a couple, you can save on a Rajasthan holiday without sacrificing the fun. But what’s the best budget-friendly way to explore Rajasthan? Where should you stay? What are the best and most affordable places to eat?
Let’s start by looking at Rajasthan travel costs, and then we’ll go over the best places to stay, eat, and see without spending a fortune.
Is Rajasthan Suitable for a Budget-Friendly Escape?
Rajasthan is one of the best Indian states to explore on a budget. It has excellent railway and bus connectivity, affordable accommodations, budget-friendly local cuisine, and plenty of sights to see. But you must avoid trying to see everything in one go and instead focus on 2-3 cities to save money and have a more enriching experience.
You can choose from the following popular Rajasthan road-trip itineraries:
-> Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer: For exploring forts, bazaars, and experiencing the desert.
-> Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur: For culture, lakes and heritage.
-> Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner: For a desert adventure.
A six- or seven-day Rajasthan holiday is usually plenty of time to see a few cities without spending much on transport.
How Much Does A Rajasthan Holiday Cost?
Everything depends on how you travel, where you stay, and how long you’re on a trip. A six- to seven-day Rajasthan holiday can cost anywhere between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000, excluding flight costs.
| Expense | Approximate cost |
| Intercity trains and buses | ₹2,000–₹4,000 |
| Budget accommodation | ₹2,500–₹6,000 |
| Local transport | ₹1,000–₹2,500 |
| Food and beverages | ₹2,500–₹4,500 |
| Entry tickets and activities | ₹1,500–₹4,000 |
| Shopping and miscellaneous expenses | ₹1,000–₹3,000 |
| Estimated total | ₹15,000–₹25,000 |
So, if you’re traveling with 1 or 2 other people, you can save on taxis, guides, and private transfers. And if you’re traveling solo, consider hostels, sleeper trains, and shared local transport. You may also find that prices tend to be on the higher side in Rajasthan during the winter months (December and January).
Best Rajasthan Itinerary on a Budget
Here is a budget itinerary for Rajsthan trip:
Days 1 to 2: Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and probably the easiest place to explore on a budget.
You can see the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, and Amber Fort. You can also have fun exploring the old city on foot at night, and browsing the local items at Johari Bazaar. Some budget-friendly things to do in Jaipur are:
Watch the sunrise near the Hawa Mahal.
Explore the old city on foot.
Eat pyaaz kachori and ghevar from street vendors.
Hire shared autos or take the local buses instead of private cabs.
Shop for handicrafts and textiles at local stores.
Days 3–4: Jodhpur
Take an overnight train or a state bus to Jodhpur. Nicknamed the Blue City, Jodhpur is famous for the Mehrangarh Fort and the Sardar Market.
A lot of the attractions here can be explored on foot, and seeing the old city, with its beautiful blue buildings is an experience in itself. You can find many local cafes and shops with stunning views of the fort nearby.
Make sure to visit:
Mehrangarh Fort.
Jaswant Thada.
The Blue City.
Sardar Market and Clock Tower.
Mirchi vada, local Rajasthani thali.
Days 5–6: Jaisalmer
Now, head to Jaisalmer for the ultimate desert experience. Lined with golden sandstone, the narrow streets of Jaisalmer’s old city are different from anywhere else in Rajasthan.
A desert camp is usually expensive, so make sure to compare your options. If you’re with friends, you can split the tent and transport costs and still have a great time!
Some highlights of Jaisalmer are:
Jaisalmer Fort.
Patwon Ki Haveli.
Gadisar Lake.
Sam Sand Dunes.
Sunset camel rides and evening camp experiences.
Day 7: Return Journey
You can head back to Jaisalmer by train or bus, depending on where you need to go. If you have the time, consider spending an extra night in Jaisalmer rather than rushing in and out.
Where to Stay in Rajasthan on a Budget
Finding an affordable place to stay in Rajasthan is one of the simplest parts of your trip. It all boils down to if you’re travelling solo or in a group.
1. Hostels
Great for solo travellers and backpackers. Dorm beds tend to be cheaper than private rooms and usually have communal kitchens and bathrooms. You can also meet like-minded people.
2. Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer a more local experience and are usually great value in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer.
3. Budget Hotels
Maybe best suited to couples. Always compare prices, amenities, and location before booking. Staying in a cheaper hotel with no transport nearby can end up costing more per day.
4. Dharamshalas
Some trusts and organisations offer very basic (and dirt-cheap) accommodation. Dharamshalas are mostly good for single travellers, but make sure to research facilities beforehand.
As a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to save money by staying in a private room right in the city instead of a cheaper hotel with no transport nearby. That way, you’ll cut down on transport costs and have more time to explore the city.
How to Get Affordable Transport in Rajasthan
Transport in Rajasthan can eat up a huge chunk of your trip budget, but there are some cheap ways to get around the state.
Take Trains Between Cities
Indian Railways is often the most comfortable and affordable way to get between Rajasthan’s cities. Sleeper trains are a good way to save money and time, as they usually take one less day than buses and let you avoid spending another night in a hotel.
Hitchhike on Long-Distance Buses
Most Rajasthan travel packages are designed around private transfers and taxis, but they can end up being quite pricey. The RSRTC buses are a great alternative when traveling between major cities. They may take longer than private vehicles, but they are considerably cheaper.
Walk Around Heritage Cities
Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer are all compact enough to explore on foot and have fascinating old quarters with delightful cafes, shops, and temples.
Take Shared Autos or Rickshaws
These are much cheaper than private taxis and are a good way to get around the city. However, it’s always a good idea to agree on a price before getting in and to pay in smaller notes.
Share Private Transfers
Desert camps, shared day-trips, and airport transfers can all be cheaper if you share them with your travel companions. So, before hiring a private transfer, always compare the cost with other solo travelers.
Eat Local and Save Your Money in Rajasthan
The food in Rajasthan can be filling and flavorful without breaking the bank. Local eateries and street stalls are always a better option than cafes catering to tourists. Some cheap and tasty foods to try in Rajasthan are:
Dal baati churma.
Rajasthani thali.
Pyaaz kachori.
Mirchi vada.
Gatte ki sabzi.
Ker sangri.
Makhaniya lassi.
Best Time to Visit Rajasthan on a Budget
The winters (October–March) are the best time to visit Rajasthan, as the weather is pleasantly warm. But, during this period, hotels and campsites can be on the pricier side.
Shoulder season (October, November, late February, and March) is a fantastic time to visit Rajasthan if you want to save money. The summer and monsoon seasons can also be cheap, but the weather can be unpleasant in some cities.
Simple Ways to Save Money in Rajasthan
Small efforts can add up and help you save a fortune in Rajasthan. Here’s how you can cut costs:
- Book trains and buses ahead of time.
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Use local transport wherever possible.
- Walk around in heritage quarters.
- Eat at local restaurants.
- Bargain politely in the local markets.
- Share cabs and desert camp transfers.
- Carry a student ID to avail of monument discounts.
- Have one memorable activity instead of paying for multiple expensive ones.
- Set a daily limit for shopping and street food.
Common Mistakes That Budget Travelers Make in Rajasthan
Some travellers go over their Rajasthan budget due to these common mistakes:
- Trying to fit 5-6 cities into a week.
- Hiring private taxis everywhere.
- Going by photos when choosing a hotel.
- Staying in a far-off area to save money.
- Eating in touristy restaurants.
- Wasting money on every activity in the itinerary.
- Booking trains and hotels at the last minute.
- Buying handicrafts without haggling.
- Rajasthan is best experienced slowly – leave space in your agenda for wandering around, chatting with locals, and discovering new things.
FAQs
Yes, A six- to seven-day trip, focusing on 2-3 cities can easily be had for under ₹15,000 if you use state-run transport and budget accommodation, and stick mostly to local food.
A six-day Rajasthan holiday is perfect for visiting Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer. But if you want to see Udaipur, Pushkar, Bikaner or any other city, make sure to set aside at least 10 days for your trip.
The cheapest ways to travel in Rajasthan are sleeper trains and state buses. Shared auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and walking are the best ways to get around cities.
Yes, solo travelers can have a great time exploring Rajasthan, especially Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. Just make sure to book budget-friendly, well-reviewed accommodation and avoid wandering around at night. Use transport with good reviews when possible.
There are no cheap places to visit in Rajasthan. Your travel costs will always boil down to where you decide to stay, how you get around, and what you eat. Everything can be done on a budget, as long as you’re willing to research and make smart decisions.
Conclusion
A Rajasthan holiday can be epic without emptying your wallet. Just focus on 2-3 destinations, stick to local transport, and choose accommodation wisely. Rajasthan is perfect for exploring on foot and by train, and its food is hard to beat. But it doesn’t just lose its charm when you travel cheaply – in many ways, you can experience it more fully that way.
The Digital Hunts
