Embarking on a 3100 km Road Trip Adventure to Rajasthan!
Rajasthan is a mesmerizing place full of historical monuments and palaces. The beauty and traditions of the state are outstanding and famous around the world. As many as 1.51 crore (15.1 million) domestic tourists and 4.46 lakh foreign tourists(4.46 million) visited Rajasthan in 2020.
We decided to visit Rajasthan for its tranquility, ambiance, and richness. The Maharajas and palaces of Rajasthani culture are the epitome of Indian Aristocrat families. The identity of these Royal families lies in the cities and towns of this amazingly massive state.
So, this time we planned our trip from Mumbai to Rajasthan by road(Rajasthan Roadtrip) as we had to explore the newly transformed Highways of the western States of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Our Starting Point of The Trip
We started our journey at night directly to Udaipur Where we had decided to stay for the first day of our tour.
Beginning our Rajasthan adventure from Mumbai was both exhilarating as we set off towards Udaipur on Day 1. Travel time would take approximately 13-14 hours across 705 kilometers.
Once settled into our car seats we prepared snacks and drinks to sustain us through the journey.
We started our tour at 10 pm to avoid traffic, but we got a massive traffic jam unexpectedly due to road construction before the Gujarat border. We stopped after 2 hours at a Hotel named Hotel Bhilad Gate for a break. Here, we ate our vegetarian dinner with some tea to be able to drive throughout the night, and after relaxing for 15 to 20 minutes, we could go on our journey again.
As the night got darker, the landscape gradually altered itself as new towns and cities of Gujarat came into view through our window. Watching them pass us by from within our car was both thrilling and exciting. We had long conversations filled with laughter as well as quiet moments that we shared.
We entered the state of Rajasthan after 6 am. At noon in the afternoon, we arrived in Udaipur. Its vibrant energy welcomed us as we had never experienced anywhere before, and our sense of adventure soared as we prepared for new sights and experiences in this alluring town of the famous warrior, Maharana Pratap.
We were eager to explore Udaipur and discover its beauty. It became clear that our Rajasthan adventure was underway when we planned to visit the magnificent palaces and serene lakes for the next day, making the journey all the more worthwhile and exciting! As we ventured deeper into its heart, it became impossible not to feel grateful for being on this adventure together and eager for what adventures lay ahead of us!
At night, we visited the famous Pichola Lake for a candle night dinner at the Upre Hotel. The awesomeness of the serene beauty of the place was exceptional.
We recommend everyone to visit this place if you go to Udaipur. The service and food is good. As we traveled in February, a super cold cold breeze was flowing constantly in the air. It was a cold night.
Our second day in Udaipur began with excitement as we set out early to visit the majestic City Palace, an icon of its rich history and architectural grandeur. Boasting intricate artwork, sprawling courtyards, and incredible views over Lake Pichola, we were surprised at its beauty and historical significance.
Eager to explore more of Udaipur’s hidden gems, we decided to head to an offbeat location known as Rayta Hills, providing stunning panoramic views of Udaipur below, nestled amidst lush greenery. Here, we could reconnect with nature while taking in its serene atmosphere and appreciating our peaceful surroundings.
As evening approached, we decided to unwind with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola, admiring its sparkling waters and breathtaking sunset awash in orange and pink hues. It was the ideal end to our busy day in Udaipur, leaving us with fond memories.
Our Travel to Pushkar
On our third day of travel, we set out early and headed toward Pushkar. The road extended ahead, promising approximately 300 kilometers of travel – about five hours from Udaipur – but we were excitedly waiting to reach this sacred town.
Arriving in Pushkar, we were welcomed by its charming atmosphere and promise of cultural riches. For our accommodation for the night, we chose the exquisite Kanhaiya Haveli, an old-world mansion exuding old-world charm and elegance that showcased intricately carved arches, vibrant courtyards, and glimpses into Rajasthan’s architectural legacy.
We started driving our car to set out on an exploration of the town. Our first stop was at the famed Brahma Temple – dedicated to Lord Brahma – the Hindu god of creation. As we offered prayers at this one-of-a-kind temple, we felt humbled by its spiritual significance and, in turn, felt humbled by its sense of divinity, which pervaded every corner.
Pushkar Lake lies serenely at the rear of Brahma Temple and is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. Surrounded by ghats and temples, it exudes spirituality and peace while offering pilgrims and visitors alike a serene environment for reflection and contemplation.
Pushkar Lake is a sacred body of water surrounded by 52 bathing ghats where pilgrims flock for a holy bath. A dip in this lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases, while 500 Hindu temples can be found surrounding its precincts.
As we explored Pushkar Lake and took in its sights and sounds, taking in its beauty and spirituality, we felt profound gratitude that we could experience it first-hand. Though our time in Pushkar had only just begun, its lasting impression reminded us of Rajasthan’s timeless allure and cultural legacy.
Pushkar Lake is a sacred body of water surrounded by 52 bathing ghats where pilgrims flock for a holy bath, particularly during Kartik Poornima (October-November), when the Pushkar Fair takes place. A dip in this lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases, while 500 Hindu temples can be found surrounding its precincts.
Our Advance toward Kishangarh (The most Instagrammable Place)
Starting our day right, we made an early journey towards Kishangarh Dumping Yard – an unexpectedly scenic location despite its unusual nature. Situated approximately 41 kilometers away, this area offered beautiful vistas ideal for practicing photography. For two hours, we immersed ourselves in taking photographs that captured its splendor – taking note of textures and colors found across its landscape.
The place has marble powder all over it, and it looks like you are on a snowy mountain. People here come for pre-wedding shoots and making reels and videos for social media. The climate was cold and windy. We shot various portraits as well as landscape pictures of ourselves and the place.
Many movies have been shot at this beautiful place so you must definitely visit once if you are traveling to Rajasthan.
There is also a tiny green-colored pond between the white rocks.
The location was so fantastic that our cameras suddenly went into an automatic cinematic mode and the photos were exceptionally clicked through our superior lenses.
Our Final Destination in Rajasthan
After leaving Kishangarh behind, we set out on our journey towards Jaisalmer – our final destination. Covering approximately 500 kilometers over 9-10 hours, we were a little tired and hungry, but the excitement of reaching our Jaisalmer kept us supercharged. Finally, around midnight, we arrived in Jaisalmer at night, and we were now ready to experience its adventures and the beauty for the next day.
Our first stop was Jaisalmer Fort, an architectural wonder that stands as a monument to its glorious past and present.
At an early start our day began as we set off for Tanot Mata Temple, located 122 kilometers southwest of Jaisalmer. This sacred site holds significance both spiritually and geographically amidst the desert landscape, providing a glimpse of something similar to a Middle Eastern life or, particularly, a feel of the Dubai Deserts.
Further, the eccentric Road travel to Tanot Mata Temple was breathtaking, passing desert expanses and windswept roads while passing under an enormous blue sky. Once we arrived at the temple, we were advised to visit the Indo-Pak border BP 609 nearby, which required permission from the Border Security Force (BSF). Before proceeding towards it we had to check all the necessary formalities and paperwork. As we were going to visit a highly secure zone and a historic landmark, the day was ending fast.
After exploring the border area, we headed off to Longewala War Memorial, where we spent two hours looking at tanks, guns, and machinery used during Pakistan’s 1971 attack against India. Later in the evening, we visited Gadisar Lake, which was built by King Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. Here, we were calm and strongly felt its peaceful atmosphere while taking a leisurely boat ride. This day, we truly showcased all that Rajasthan offers while creating lasting memories that we will carry forward into our daily lives.
The following day, we began by leaving the hotel and setting out on an adventure to uncover Jaisalmer’s rich cultural heritage. Later, we visited Patwon ki Haveli, which showcases the life of a previous magnificent era, showcasing gateways, archways, beautiful wall art/paintings, and uniquely carved balconies.
As the day wore on, the natural desert adventure began in Sam, located approximately 45 kilometers from Jaisalmer. Once there, they checked into their hotel at 3 pm to mark an unforgettable experience. They embarked upon an exhilarating Jeep safari followed by an elegant camel ride through the golden sands of the desert.
Pro Tip: Instead of Sam, visit Kanoi – an alternative place to Sam that is less crowded and nearby Sam. It is now well-known, so people who love less crowds and more sand should definitely visit this place.
Within the serene deserts of Kanoi there was an array of activities, from ATV rides and parasailing to AcroBat rides and parasailing, providing thrill-seekers an adrenaline rush. As evening fell, options expanded further.
There were two options for us: Either returning to the Desert Camp for traditional Rajasthani dinner with folk dances, bonfires, and alcoholic beverages available OR Mobile Tenting Experience – staying overnight in the middle of the desert for an unparalleled desert experience – Creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.
We chose the second option and stayed in the middle of the desert throughout the night. The place was extraordinarily lit with candles and other decorations, and they provided food and beverages. Anyone who visits Jaisalmer should experience this overnight stay and enjoy the experience as this is a once-in-a-lifetime, unique, and thrilling adventure. We had some unforgettable desert memories that I cannot express in words but will cherish for a lifetime.
We then traveled back to Mumbai completing our 3100 km from Mumbai – Rajasthan – Mumbai.
