Royal Rajasthan Circuit – Forts, Palaces & Desert

Royal Rajasthan Circuit

Rajasthan is one of those royal places whose memories stay with you for a long time. The cities are painted in different colors, have delicious authentic food and streets full of royal culture. Rajasthan cannot be explored in one go but rajasthan royal circuit is designed in a way so those who have less time can explore the best of Rajasthan. Who does not want to have a Rajasthan road trip, multiple cities and memories that last a lifetime?

This guide is for anyone who wants to experience the forts, palaces and desert of Rajasthan in one go. 

Where Does the Royal Rajasthan Circuit Begin?

The first question that pops up in the tourist's head is, Where does the Royal Rajasthan Circuit begin? Most travellers begin their journey from the Pink City, Jaipur. It's well connected by flight, train and road from Delhi, Mumbai and most major cities. It becomes easy for visitors to start their circuit from Jaipur. 

Places Covered in the Royal Rajasthan Circuit

Places to Visit in Rajasthan

The circuit starts from Jaipur, then Ajmer, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Udaipur. You can end your circuit at Jaisalmer if you have a short time and for those who have enough time, they can explore more in Rajasthan.

Jaipur – The Pink City

Jaipur being the most popular city of Rajasthan. You can start your tour by visiting Amber Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal. All these are located nearby. You can easily travel between these places by rickshaw. Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar of Jaipur are so famous that you can explore them after exploring all these forts and places. After Jaipur tour, you can head towards Pushkar & Ajmer 

Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Pushkar & Ajmer – The Best Halts

Pushkar is located 140 km from Jaipur and it takes around 2 hrs 40 mins to reach there by car. Pushkar is a small town built around a lake. Pushkar is famous for having the only Brahma temple in India. Ajmer is located 11 km from Pushkar; it is famous for a Sufi shrine, the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. From there you can head towards Jodhpur.

Jodhpur - The Blue City 

Jodhpur is as famous as Jaipur. Jodhpur is the best for desert safaris at Osian, which is about 65 km away. Mehrangarh Fort is a must-visit attraction in Jodhpur. The entire blue city can be seen from the top of this fort. Other attractions that can be explored are Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi, Roa Jodha Desert rock park and Mandore Garden. From there the adventure begins.

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is the longest drive in the Royal Rajasthan Circuit. If you are traveling in a group, hiring a Tempo Traveller in Jodhpur is the best way to travel together with your group comfortably to Jaisalmer. 

Jaisalmer – Famous for Desert Safari

The Jodhpur to Jaisalmer distance is about 270 km and it takes around 4 hrs to reach there. Jaisalmer is heaven for visitors. You can visit Jaisalmer Fort, go on a desert safari on a camel, try a jeep safari and desert camping with folk music and dinner under the open sky. It is one of the best experiences in Rajasthan. You might not want to leave Jaisalmer even after spending days there, but the next stop is Bikaner.

Bikaner – The Underrated Stop 

Bikaner is located about 330 km from Jaisalmer and it takes around 5 hrs to reach there. Due to its distance and travel time, many travellers completely ignore visiting Bikaner. This city is worth exploring. Famous places in Bikaner are Junagarh Fort, Rampuria Haveli and Lalgarh Palace. For those who have more time, make sure to visit the famous Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Temple of Rats, which is located just 30 km away and takes 40 mins of travelling. 

If you are visiting Bikaner in January, make sure to attend the annual camel festival which will be held in January 2027.

Best Way to Travel the Royal Rajasthan Circuit

The best way to cover the Royal Rajasthan Circuit is by car. It allows you to take halts at Osian, Ranakpur or Nagaur and travel at your own pace. Booking a car on rent in Jodhpur and Jaipur to travel around comfortably with a small group can be an ideal choice.

Conclusion

The Royal Rajasthan Circuit is one of the best choices for exploring Rajasthan's famous attractions with family, friends and solo. From the pink city of Jaipur to the golden dunes of Jaisalmer, each city of Rajasthan has something special. 

Whether you are with family or a large group or travelling solo or as a couple, Rajasthan has something to offer everyone. You can make your travel comfortable by choosing the right vehicle as per the size of your group. Such a big group can go for Tempo Traveller or bus on rent in Jodhpur, and a small group can go for a car on rent as per their group size; a group of 4 people can book Swift Dzire, whereas a group of 5 to 7 can go for Innova Crysta or Ertiga.