From Palaces to Desert: The Ultimate Road Trip To Rajasthan in December
Great road trips are about roadside food, beautiful views, and pleasant surprises – and Rajasthan is blessed with plenty of it. So, welcome – or rather Khamma Ghani, to the land of the royals, where every road taken has its own thrill awaiting. Whether you’re driving from Delhi to Jaipur or cruising along from Mumbai to Udaipur, it’s impossible to get bored with the journey on your road trip to Rajasthan. Think majestic palaces, colourful villages, and endless desert roads perfect for that dreamy playlist, where you can definitely have your Khaabon Ke Parinday moment. And let’s not forget the roadside dhabas in Rajasthan that serve piping hot parathas and chai. Oh, if you’re planning to visit Rajasthan in November or December, you are in for a treat. So, fuel up, hit the road and prepare yourself to be mesmerised by one of the most scenic and culture-packed road trips. Rajasthan is calling!
In this Blog
Mapping out your one-of-a-kind journey
Day 1-2: Jaipur
Begin your Rajasthan road trip in the beautiful city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, that showcases royalty and vibrancy at every turn. As you make your way to through the lively streets, you might feel like you’ve travelled back in time, as you would be surrounded by ancient forts and lavish palaces.
Before you start with your Jaipur itinerary for 2 days, you must know that there are a plenty of things to do in Jaipur. Start by visiting the beautiful Amber Fort, located on a hill with great views of the city and its surrounding hills. After that, walk around the grandeur of the City Palace. Try to visualise spacious areas meant for courts and with numerous museums housing the possessions of kings and gates full of intricate patterns that make you think about the time when there was no electricity and imagination did wonders. It is an ideal blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
Oh, and speaking of wonders, you must visit the Hawa Mahal, which is basically the face of Jaipur, a five-story royal building meant for the royal ladies to spy on the street festivals, without being caught. Today, you can climb to the top and enjoy a view of the city, making it the perfect holiday with family and friends, along with a lovely view of something beautiful.
And if you’re wondering when to visit, the weather in Rajasthan in November and December is absolutely perfect. It is relatively pleasant and cool enough to take a walk into Jaipur’s marvellous markets without melting in the heat. From colourful textiles, quirky souvenirs, handcrafted jewellery, the shopping experience here is unbeatable.
And if you got a little extra time, swing by Chokhi Dhani, a charming Rajasthani village-themed resort. You can feast on authentic Rajasthani thalis, enjoy folk performances, camel rides, and even a puppet show. It’s a crash course in local culture, wrapped up in a fun evening out. Perfect for ticking off “experience authentic Rajasthani vibes” from your Rajasthan trip plan.
Day 3-4: Jaipur to Pushkar
Once you complete sightseeing in Jaipur, drive 145 km (about 3 hours) to Pushkar, which is a small city but is known for its rich traditions and culture. Pushkar is all about contrasts: it’s spiritual yet adventurous, serene yet vibrant. It is also home to the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. You could also speak to the locals to get a deep dive about Pushkar temple. While appreciating the beauty of this sacred temple, remember to enjoy a little plunge into the Pushkar Lake. Surrounded by numerous ghats, the lake is said to purify the soul.
In case you’re visiting Rajasthan in November, make your way to the world famous Pushkar Camel Fair. The event attracts visitors from all over the world, and sets the dais for riot of colours, music and even camel trade – a one-of-a-kind experience in Rajasthani culture.
The adventure activities in Pushkar doesn’t disappoint either. Sign up for camel safari through the dunes or float in a hot air balloon to have a bird’s eye view of the town. And for the more daring travellers, try some light trekking up to the Savitri Temple, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of Pushkar at sunrise.
Day 5-6: Pushkar to Udaipur
After the calm atmosphere of Pushkar, it’s time to move to Udaipur, about 290 km from Pushkar, a 5-hour drive through scenic Aravalli hills, the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Udaipur offers jaw dropping views and beautiful structures. The jewel in the crown is the City Palace, a massive complexon the banks of Lake Pichola. This palace in Udaipur structures of interconnecting courtyards, pavilions and museums offering lake views as well as the city.
Spend time at the Fateh Sagar Lake, a peaceful place where you can either go boating or walk along the promenade. Another jewel is the Saheliyon ki Bari which is a garden containing fountains, lotus ponds and marble pavillions, pure retreat in the heart of the city. Udaipur is a must-visit on any Rajasthan trip plan for 5 days or more owing to the combination of tourist attractions and scenic environment.
In case you plan a trip to Rajasthan in December, don’t forget the colourful markets where you can buy wonderful handcrafted items. Udaipur has a magnetic pull and soon you will realize why it is known as one of the most romantic places in India.
Day 7: Udaipur to Ranakpur
On Day 7, take a route via scenic Aravalli Mountain range to reach Ranakpur, about 93 km from Udaipur (a 2-hour drive), home to one of the most beautiful Jain temples in India.
The Ranakpur temple, constructed during the 15th century, is a marvel of white marble and elaborate sculptures. This wonder took 50 years to build and is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha, a key figure in Jainism. Chaumukha Temple and Surya Temple are two more temples that you must visit. If you are feeling adventurous, explore the nice hills in the background of Ranakpur on a horseback safari. For those who love wildlife, a jeep safari in the wilderness in search for the rich diversity of flora and fauna of this region will be an exciting time in this place.
Read: Places to Visit in Rajasthan in November & December: From Palaces to Desert: The Ultimate Road Trip To Rajasthan in DecemberDay 8-9: Ranakpur to Jodhpur
Now, head to Jodhpur, a 3-hour drive (170 km) from Ranakpur, which is exceptionally distinguished for its blue houses that beautifully contrast with the sandy Thar Desert, aptly referred to as the Blue City. Upon entering this city, you will be welcomed by the towering Mehrangarh Fort which dominates the skyline of the city. This is one of the largest forts in India and you will get to see how grand the city was by simply walking through the palace rooms, courtyard, and even the museums inside the fort.
After visiting the fort, walk towards the old city with its winding inner streets. In this city, you will find the mausoleum of marble which is also called Jaswant Thada and is set amidst a pretty park. To get some fresh air and an overview of the city, you can head towards Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park. If you want a fuller picture of the city, opt for a 2-day package on Jodhpur with local specialties, including more touristic food, walk with a camera sights of the city and even go on a safari into the Thar Desert. This 2 day itinerary for Jodhpur is sure to be fun.
Visiting Jodhpur in December is ideal for exploring its rich heritage while enjoying the perfect weather.
Day 10: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
From Jodhpur, continue your Rajasthan road trip with a 5-hour drive across 280 km of open desert roads to the magical Golden City of Jaisalmer. While you drive to this beautiful city, you’ll be mesmerised with the plenty of things to do in Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer Fort, being number one, is without a doubt the most famous tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, a living fort with thousands of residents, shops and temples within its confines. Stroll through the winding lanes and soak in the history as you explore the fabulous treasures, including Patwon-ki-Haveli, a carving and mirrored masterpiece.
Apart from the plenty of things to do Jaisalmer, there are many more adventure activities in Jaisalmer. Go on a cool desert safari at the Sam Sand Dunes, go stargazing, enjoy folk dance performance, and take a camel ride over the golden soft sands.
Day 11: Jaisalmer to Bikaner
It would only be apt to conclude your epic road trip to Rajasthan with a most surprising city, Bikaner. With a 330 km journey from Jaisalmer, roughly around 5-6 hours drive through the arid yet captivating desert landscape. With its glorious heritage and magnificent architecture, this place is home to the Junagarh Fort that is a massive castle with many palaces and courts. If there are a lot of stories to be told about the fort, it is about its brave kings and their epic battles. Even the nearby Karni Mata Temple, which is popularly known as the Rat Temple, makes for another strange but interesting visit. If you still have some time on your hands, it is worth going to see the Lalgarh Palace, which remarkably brings together Mughal and European architecture.
And of course, while in Bikaner you cannot help but try its famous snacks – make sure to try the bhujia and rasgulla before you leave this place.
Read: Exploring Rajasthan: The Land of Royalty, Heritage & Culture: From Palaces to Desert: The Ultimate Road Trip To Rajasthan in DecemberPopular routes for the road trip to Rajasthan
Whether you’re beginning your journey to Rajasthan from Delhi, or Mumbai or Chandigarh, it is a fair mix of clean highways, beautiful views and roadside dhabas which won’t let the excitement die. From Pune or Hyderabad, you’ll find colourful cities and the odd camel crossing the road which provides the tone for royal Rajasthan. The distance from Ahmedabad is a rather quick and easy journey. However, Kolkata or Bangalore is a place that requires a longer route, however a very delightful drive and with breaks in between for enhancing the experience with some local cuisine. Let’s check out some of the top routes to Jaipur.
| Route | Distance | Travel Time | Highway |
| Delhi to Jaipur | 270 km | 5-6 hours | NH48 |
| Mumbai to Jaipur | 1150 km | 18-20 hours | NH48 |
| Pune to Jaipur | 1200 km | 20-22 hours | NH48 |
| Hyderabad to Jaipur | 1500 km | 24-26 hours | NH44 |
| Ahmedabad to Jaipur | 680 km | 10-11 hours | NH48 |
| Kolkata to Jaipur | 1600 km | 28-30 hours | NH19/NH48 |
| Bangalore to Jaipur | 2000 km | 34-36 hours | NH48 |
| Bhopal to Jaipur | 600 km | 10-11 hours | NH52 |
| Chandigarh to Jaipur | 520 km | 8-9 hours | NH48 |
Villas in Rajasthan
While driving through stunning cities, take a break and why not stay at one of our luxury villas in Rajasthan as it’s the perfect way to unwind. When in Jaipur, treat yourself to the royal charm of Kanak Vilas, La Villa Farm, or Cosy Countryside. In Udaipur, enjoy lakeside luxury at Bella Dream, Tryst with Valleys, or Sage Scenery. For your Jodhpur visit, relax at Royal Crest, Madan Villa, or at Sunset Escape. At Jaisalmer, experience desert living at Sands of Thar, and in Ranakpur, the wilderness retreat Jungle Retreat awaits. Each villa offers a unique slice of Rajasthan’s grandeur!
Read: Enjoy Homely Vibes at these Perfect Homestays in Rajasthan: From Palaces to Desert: The Ultimate Road Trip To Rajasthan in DecemberThis Rajasthan itinerary gives you the best of culture, history, adventure and activities. Whether you’re planning a Rajasthan trip for 5 days or even stretching it to 11 days, every day here is pure bliss. The magic of Rajasthan come to life in November and December, making it a wonderful time for your trip to Rajasthan in December. So, pack your bags, create a banger playlists and hit the road for that and fun filled adventure.
