Backpacking Through Rajasthan on a Budget

Rajasthan is one of the most colorful and royal states in India. It attracts travelers from all over the world. With grand forts, golden deserts, ancient cities, and vibrant bazaars, Rajasthan offers a unique mix of history, culture, and adventure. You don’t need a big budget to explore it. If you plan well, you can enjoy the best of Rajasthan with very little money.

Backpacking in Rajasthan is perfect for solo travelers, students, and anyone who wants to experience real India without spending much. This guide will help you plan a budget-friendly trip through Rajasthan. From transport to food, from places to stay to things to see – we’ll cover everything.

Let’s start your journey to the land of kings!

Also Read: Best Heritage Hotels for a Rajasthan Royal Tour

Why Choose Rajasthan for Backpacking?

Rajasthan is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. You can visit palaces, stay in desert camps, enjoy folk music, and taste spicy food. It’s perfect for budget travelers because:

Local buses and trains are cheap and well-connected.
Many attractions are free or cost very little.
Hostels and guesthouses offer budget stays.
Street food is both tasty and affordable.
Locals are warm and helpful.

Whether you explore cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur or small villages like Mandawa and Bundi, you’ll find something special at every corner.

Budget Planning: What to Expect

Backpacking means you travel light, stay cheap, and spend wisely. Here’s what you might spend each day:

Item	Cost (Approximate)
Accommodation (Hostels)	₹300 – ₹800
Food	₹150 – ₹400
Local Travel	₹100 – ₹300
Entry Fees and Extras	₹100 – ₹500
Total Daily Budget	₹700 – ₹2000

You can reduce your cost by taking sleeper trains, eating local food, and staying in dorms.

Best Time to Backpack in Rajasthan

Rajasthan gets very hot in summer and cold in winter nights. The best time to visit is:

October to March – Cool and pleasant weather.
Avoid April to June – Hot and dry summer.
Monsoon (July to September) – Good for greenery but some places may flood.

So, try to plan your trip during winter or post-monsoon season. Carry a light jacket if you travel between December and February.

Suggested Backpacking Route (7-15 Days)

Here’s a suggested route depending on how many days you have.

7-Day Plan

Day 1-2: Jaipur – Explore forts, palaces, and street markets.
Day 3: Pushkar – Visit the holy lake and temples.
Day 4-5: Jodhpur – Walk around the blue city and Mehrangarh Fort.
Day 6-7: Udaipur – Enjoy lakes, palaces, and rooftop cafés.

15-Day Plan

Day 1-2: Jaipur
Day 3-4: Bikaner – Explore Junagarh Fort and camel research farm.
Day 5-6: Jaisalmer – Visit the golden fort and sand dunes.
Day 7-8: Jodhpur
Day 9: Ranakpur – See the beautiful Jain temples.
Day 10-11: Udaipur
Day 12: Mount Abu – Enjoy the hills and Dilwara temples.
Day 13: Chittorgarh – Discover India’s largest fort.
Day 14-15: Bundi or Kota – Experience local life and step-wells.

You can change this route based on your interests and time.

Budget Transportation Tips

Getting around Rajasthan doesn’t cost much if you choose local transport. Here are some tips:

Trains: Book sleeper class in advance through IRCTC or apps like RailYatri. Sleeper class is cheap and good for overnight travel.
Buses: Rajasthan State Road Transport (RSRTC) offers cheap buses between cities. Private buses are also available.
Shared Autos and Rickshaws: Use these for short distances within cities.
Walking: Most old towns and forts are best explored on foot.

Avoid taxis unless you share with others. Apps like BlaBlaCar can help find shared rides.

Affordable Accommodation Options

Rajasthan has many hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels. Some options include:

Zostel: Found in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Jaisalmer.
Hostelavie: Good for backpackers in Udaipur and Jodhpur.
Moustache Hostel: Great for social travelers in multiple cities.
Homestays: Use sites like Airbnb or Booking.com for cheap stays with locals.

Always check reviews before booking. You can also find dorm beds for ₹300-500 per night.

Eating on a Budget

Food in Rajasthan is tasty and spicy. You don’t need to spend much. Try these tips:

Eat at local dhabas (roadside food joints).
Choose thali meals – they give you rice, chapati, dal, vegetables, and curd for ₹100-150.
Try street food like kachori, samosa, poha, and jalebi.
Carry a water bottle and refill it instead of buying new ones.

Avoid fancy restaurants unless you want a treat.

Free and Low-Cost Things to Do

Many top experiences in Rajasthan cost very little or nothing at all:

Watch the sunset at Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur.
Visit Pushkar Lake and its ghats.
Walk in the blue lanes of Jodhpur.
Explore Udaipur’s old city on foot.
Roam through local bazaars for free.
Attend evening aarti at temples like Jagdish Mandir or Pushkar.
Join a local festival – many are free to attend.

Also, take photos, write a journal, or just sit in a café and enjoy the vibe. Rajasthan has beauty everywhere.

Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips

You can buy unique souvenirs, but shop smart:

Go to local bazaars like Johari Bazaar (Jaipur), Sadar Bazaar (Jodhpur), or Hathi Pol (Udaipur).
Bargain politely. Start with half the quoted price.
Buy small items like keychains, turbans, postcards, and handmade diaries.
Avoid buying large items unless you want to ship them home.

Set a fixed amount for shopping and stick to it.

Safety Tips for Budget Travelers

Rajasthan is safe for backpackers, even solo travelers. Still, keep these safety tips in mind:

Don’t travel late at night alone.
Avoid isolated areas after dark.
Keep your money and documents in a money belt or pouch.
Carry a copy of your passport and ID.
Use trusted apps to book stays and rides.
Dress modestly, especially in small towns.
Respect local customs and avoid arguments.

Stay alert, trust your gut, and ask locals for help if needed.

Backpacking Essentials Checklist

Pack light but smart. Here’s what to carry:

Small backpack (30–50 liters)
Cotton clothes for the day, light jacket for evenings
Good walking shoes or sandals
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
Water bottle and reusable cutlery
First aid kit (basic medicines)
Power bank and universal charger
Padlock for hostel lockers
Travel towel and toiletries
Notebook and pen
Copies of ID and passport
Travel insurance (optional but good)

Keep your bag light and organized.

Final Tips for a Successful Budget Trip

Here are some final travel tips:

Plan ahead but stay flexible.
Talk to locals for hidden gems.
Use offline maps (like Maps.me) in case you lose network.
Travel during the day to stay safe and enjoy the scenery.
Join free walking tours if available.
Keep small change for local expenses.
Take photos but also live the moment.

Your journey will be more fun when you enjoy small things and stay open to new experiences.

Conclusion

Backpacking through Rajasthan on a budget is not only possible but also exciting. You don’t need to spend a lot to explore this royal land. Just plan smart, travel light, eat local, and enjoy the culture. Every city has its own story. Every fort hides history. Every market is full of color. A Rajasthan Tour offers all this and more. You’ll learn something new every day. So pack your bag, put on your smile, and start your Rajasthan adventure today!