Rajasthan is a riot of color, stunning and soaring architecture, and a world soaked in memory and history. From the moment I began mapping out my Rajasthan itinerary, I knew this region held something special! There’s hardly a sight more beautiful than the dusky pinks of Jaipur’s old city walls, the blinding white marble of Agra’s monuments, and the shimmering blue lake that sparkles in the center of Udaipur at golden hour.
If you want a trip that feels both cinematic and deeply personal, this 9-day Rajasthan itinerary is exactly that kind of adventure. People say that you either love or hate India—and I love it! I’ll take you through some of the most gorgeous places in northern India, packed with sights that’ll have your jaw on the floor.
This 9-day Rajasthan itinerary covers Agra (the home of the iconic Taj Mahal and more), Jaipur (the legendary and photogenic pink city of India), and Udaipur (the peaceful city of lakes). I also have more options at the end of the article if you have more time and want to add more cities to your trip!
Where is Rajasthan in India?
Rajasthan is located in northwestern India, right along the border with Pakistan. It’s the country’s largest state by land area, famous for its golden deserts, royal cities, and centuries-old forts that make it perfect for any Rajasthan itinerary. It’s also one of the most touristic regions in the country, making it easy for first-timers in India (it can be a bit of a culture shock!) It’s also one of the safest regions of India to visit because of the high number of tourists.
The region sits above Gujarat and west of Madhya Pradesh, with Delhi and Haryana to the north. While technically Delhi and Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) aren’t in Rajasthan, they are both so close that most travelers pair them together—including me!
Best Time of Year to Visit Rajasthan, India
The best time to visit Rajasthan is during the cooler months, which also coincide with the dry and touristic season. The high season runs from October to March and boasts the best weather, warm and dry. Avoid the summer months (April to June) because the weather is unbearably hot, sometimes soaring past an insane 40°C! The monsoon season (July to September) is lush and green and has fewer crowds and lower prices, but of course you have to be prepared for heavy rain, mud, and some closed outdoor attractions.
We actually went to Rajasthan during the tail end of monsoon season, in late September. We lucked out with the weather—it was still hot, but it didn’t rain a single time—though it was a stroke of good fortune and I wouldn’t rely on this. It actually started pouring the day after we flew out!
🧘🏼♀️ Going to India? Here are some of my best India travel tips and things I wish I knew before going…
What to Pack and Wear in Rajasthan, India
Rajasthan gets hot, dry, and sunny, so you’ll want lightweight, breathable clothing—think linen pants, cotton dresses, airy tops, and comfortable walking shoes. Even the “cooler months” in Rajasthan are still warm! Also, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat because the sun in Rajasthan can be brutal. If you’re traveling in the shoulder or off season, you’ll definitely want to bring an umbrella or rain coat as well.
In general, I recommend dressing on the modest side. Rajasthan is one of most touristic regions of India and people here are used to seeing foreigners, but it’s still better to cover your shoulders and knees. In general, showing a little tummy is totally fine in Indian culture, but most women will have their lower half completely covered. I also recommend having a light scarf or shawl on hand—great for temples, blocking dust, adding a layer in early mornings, and of course amazing in pictures!
9-Day Rajasthan Itinerary Overview
This 9-day Rajasthan itinerary starts off at the New Delhi Airport or Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). From Delhi, you’ll head straight to Agra and spend at least one full day and night exploring the iconic architectural wonders, including the Taj Mahal! Then, you’ll head to Jaipur with a stop along the way to see the historic Fatehpur Sikri. Jaipur is a bigger city than you’d expect and you can easily spend 3-4 days here seeing everything and soaking in the lovely pink color of all the buildings! After Jaipur, it’s time to relax a bit in the romantic and laid-back city of Udaipur for 2-3 days to end off the trip on a peaceful note. Then you’ll head back to Delhi and the trip will be over before you know it!
- Agra (1-2 days)
- Jaipur (3-4 days)
- Udaipur (2-3 days)
Traveling around Rajasthan from city to city does take time! Most transits from one city to the next will take around half a day. But I promise all the traveling around will be so worth it.
Okay, so you’ve just landed at New Delhi airport. Let’s get going!
How to Get From Delhi to Agra
After you get into Delhi, you can either spend some time there or head straight to Agra. I personally prefer going straight to Agra because there’s not that much to see in Delhi that you wouldn’t be able to see more spectacular versions of later in this itinerary!
🚃 Taking the train from Delhi to Agra is the fastest and most convenient option for most travelers. The Gatemaan Express or Shatabdi Express are both popular trains that run less than 2 hours to Agra Cantt station. The fare is typically ₹600–₹1,500 ($7-$18 USD). Trains run frequently, but I highly recommend booking in advance—though booking a train online in India can be a terrible experience for foreigners.
🚗 For a more convenient door-to-door option without the hassle of booking online, you can hire a private driver. The drive from Delhi to Agra will take around 4 hours depending on traffic and typically costs around ₹4,500–₹7,000 ($55–$85 USD) for a sedan. We ended up getting a driver because it was more flexible and we just could not figure out how to book the train online—it’s a bit more expensive and yes, a longer drive, but after flying for so many hours we just wanted to hop in a car, nap, and wake up when we got to the hotel!
Agra (1 Day): Home of the Taj Mahal
What to See and Do in Agra
If you only have one full day in Agra, there’s one place you absolutely need to visit—and that’s the magnificent Taj Mahal! One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is well worth seeing—a towering mausoleum that’s made of marble so white, it’s almost blinding in the sun. Photos really can’t capture how massive and detailed it is when you’re standing right in front of it. It can be tricky to plan a visit to the Taj smoothly, so make sure to read my Taj Mahal guide.
But Agra has more than just the Taj. Don’t forget to also stop by the Baby Taj, which is the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah and often said to be the inspiration for the Taj’s inlaid marble design. It’s much smaller and far quieter, but I actually prefer its level of detail inside the mausoleum versus the Taj Mahal’s. A lot of people skip it, but it’s one of the prettiest places in the city and a great spot for photos without the crowds.
And of course, Agra Fort! It’s a huge complex of palaces, courtyards, and viewpoints overlooking the Yamuna River. Between the Taj Mahal, Baby Taj, and Agra Fort, you can easily fill a full day of sightseeing—and each place shows a different side of Agra’s Mughal story.
🕌 Read my full Agra sightseeing guide with more details here, or check out dedicated information on how to see and get to the Taj Mahal without any stress.
How to Get From Agra to Jaipur (via Fatehpur Sikri)
🚗 I recommend hiring a private driver to take you from Agra to Jaipur, especially if you have fellow travelers. Having a private driver makes transportation more convenient, especially with luggage. Plus, you’ll get to make a stop en route at the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri!
The drive, not including the stop at Fatehpur Sikri, takes around 4-5 hours and costs ₹5,000-₹7,000 ($60-$85 USD). While there are other options like train or bus, I recommend the driver because they are all around the same length of time and this way, you get to fit in an extra stop!
The Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri is completely free to enter, so I recommend prioritizing this part of the site if you have limited time (most likely true if you’re trying to get to Jaipur!)
Jaipur (3-4 Days): The Pink City of Rajasthan, India
What to See and Do in Jaipur
Jaipur, the lovely Pink City of India, is one of the most iconic stops on any Rajasthan itinerary! It’s famous for its warm pink color and stunning Mughal architecture that’s utterly photogenic and Instagrammable. Make sure to check out the popular Patrika Gate, where every archway is painted with intricate colorful motifs representing different regions of Rajasthan. It’s easily one of the most photographed places in the city—and for good reason. Jaipur is also home to the iconic Hawa Mahal, a honeycomb-like palace with 953 tiny windows designed for royal women to observe the bustling streets below.
A visit to Jaipur wouldn’t be complete without exploring its impressive forts and palaces. Amer Fort remains the star attraction, with its mirrored halls and painted courtyards in a rainbow of colors! Meanwhile, Nahargarh Fort or Jaigarh Fort offer vast and wide views over the Pink City and surrounding forests at sunset. Nearby, the beautifully symmetrical Panna Meena Ka Kund stepwell features crisscrossing staircases and is a favorite among photographers.
To immerse yourself in local life, head to the lively Phool Mandi flower market, where piles of marigolds, roses, and jasmine fill the streets with fragrance and color during the early morning hours. And right in the heart of the city, the majestic Jaipur City Palace blends Mughal and Rajput architecture, hosting museums, courtyards, and the famously ornate season gates. There’s so much to see in this pretty city, you’ll wish you never had to leave!
🪷 Jaipur has so many things to do, I couldn’t fit them all into this overview! Read my full sightseeing guide to the fabulous pink city of Jaipur here.
How to Get From Jaipur to Udaipur
After spending a few days in Jaipur, it’s time to move on to some different scenery—and also take a rest after almost a week of busy traveling in India! Let’s go to Udaipur, India’s beautiful city of lakes.
🚃 If you’re interested in taking an overnight train, you can take the sleeper train from Jaipur to Udaipur. The Chetak Express or Ananya Express are popular options with air-conditioned coaches. The train ride will take around 8 hours, which makes it perfect for an overnight journey, and it’s quite scenic as well! However, it can be difficult (or impossible) to book trains as a foreigner in India, so don’t leave this for a last-minute purchase.
✈️ If you’re short on time, I would recommend taking a flight instead. Both Jaipur and Udaipur have their own airports, and several daily flights connect the two cities. The flight is only around 1 hour and typically costs ₹2,000-₹5,000 or $25-$60 USD.
Udaipur (2-3 Days): The City of Lakes
What to See and Do in Udaipur
The relaxing and laid-back city of Udaipur is centered around the gorgeous Lake Pichola, making it a lovely place to unwind after nearly a week of hustle and bustle. Spend some time strolling around the sprawling City Palace of Udaipur, which is full of stunning Mughal architecture and fascinating exhibits ranging from history to arts to weapons to mapmaking. Stay in a historic haveli or some of India’s most gorgeous and exclusive hotels like the Taj Lake Palace or Leela Palace!
Make sure to have a few meals and some chai overlooking the beautiful lake at the Lake Pichola Hotel or Jagat Niwas Hotel before hopping on a boat ride across the lake itself. And wrap up your last full night by attending the Dharohar Folk Dance show, a traditional Rajasthani spectacle that’ll have your jaw on the floor.
⛴️ Read my full guide on what to see and do in Udaipur, Rajasthan’s beautiful city of lakes, here!
How to Get From Udaipur to Delhi
After recovering with a few chill days in Udaipur, it’s time to head back to Delhi and end your Rajasthan trip!
✈️ To get from Udaipur to Delhi, I really only recommend flying. The flight is just 1 hour and 15 minutes, and domestic flights are quite affordable in India. This is the fastest and most convenient way to end your Rajasthan trip! You can choose from multiple daily flights from carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara.
🚃 If you really must or you are looking for a way to spend the night as well, you can take the sleeper train from Udaipur to Delhi on the Mewar Express or Chetak Express. The cost is cheaper than a flight as well, but it can be extremely difficult to book trains as a foreigner in India. If you want to try this option, I urge you to try and sort it out before getting to India, so you can buy a flight in case it doesn’t work out.
A Dream Rajasthan Trip: Conclusion
And that wraps up an utterly incredible 9-day itinerary in Rajasthan, India! This is truly one of the most stunning regions I’ve ever laid eyes on—so many colors and patterns, deep cultural and religious traditions and significance, and amazing history and food. Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur all hold their own special charms and make this Rajasthan route nothing short of spectacular!
If you have more time in Rajasthan, you can either extend your stay in one or more of the cities I already mentioned—or you can add in another stop from one of my suggestions below. Rajasthan is full of gorgeous places and it’s hard to go wrong with any of them!
If you don’t end up having quite enough time to complete this entire 9-day Rajasthan itinerary, I would recommend trying to shorten Jaipur or Udaipur by a day or half day respectively. Alternatively, you can save a few hours by skipping Fatehpur Sikri on the drive between Agra and Jaipur. If you absolutely must remove one stop from this trip, I would suggest Udaipur because it’s the smallest, but I urge you to try and fit in all 3 if you can! It’s just not a real Rajasthan trip without having seen Agra’s rust-red monuments and blinding white Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s glowy pink buildings, and Udaipur’s sparkling blue lake.
Other Beautiful Destinations in Rajasthan, India
- Jaisalmer (The Golden City): Jaisalmer is like a desert fairytale dipped in honey. The entire city glows gold at sunset thanks to its sandstone architecture, and the fort is one of the few “living forts” in India where people actually reside inside. I also recommend Jaisalmer as the best place in Rajasthan for overnight desert camping and camel rides under starry skies!
- Jodhpur (The Blue City): Jodhpur is famous for its bright blue old town and massive Mehrangarh Fort that towers above the city. It’s a very walkable town and beautiful to look at, with plenty of delicious street food! If you’ve been to Chefchaouen in Morocco, it shares the same unique color.
- Pushkar: Pushkar is a small and spiritual town known for its famous Brahma Temple. Plus, it’s one of the most peaceful places in Rajasthan, full of rooftop cafes and hippie markets. Pushkar’s not particularly big, but spending one night here can help break up a long drive.
- Ranthambore National Park: If you’re looking to see India’s famous Bengal tigers on your trip, Ranthambore is the most popular place in Rajasthan for tiger safaris! However, I will warn you that the “tiger season” in Rajasthan spans October to June, with the highest chance of seeing tigers falling between October and March. Outside of this season, parks and safaris may not even be open, so double-check your dates before planning anything!
