Well-planned and thought-through road trips result in vacation memories that are both indelible and sustainable. They leave less of a carbon footprint than giant steel-birds, for one. Besides, we do the planet a much-needed service when we undertake these journeys on energy-efficient vehicles, pack light, and follow a leave-no-trace travel philosophy. Through these interest-specific circuits, we also attempt to veer away from mass tourism by taking the road, well, less taken.
Arts and Crafts
Jaipur–Bikaner–Jaisalmer–Jodhpur–Udaipur–Jaipur
Explore the Big Five, yet again, by diving deep into their traditional art forms like painting, pottery, handloom and textiles. Expert-led art tours, from a cultural perspective, have steadily picked up steam and can be customised to will. On this trip, allow yourself to be inundated with the colourful history of Rajasthan’s arts and crafts by no less than the custodians of these traditions themselves.
Treat the Taste Buds
Bikaner–Jaisalmer–Jodhpur–Bikaner
To steer away from Jaipur’s culinary delights could well be an impossible ask, but rest assured equally lip-smacking treats await you on this road trip. Specially cobbled together for aficionados of desert cuisine (think ker sangri, gatta sabzi, laal maas), namkeen and mithai fiends, and those with a stomach for highway eateries. Breakfast on Raj Kachoris and Kesar Rasgullas in Bikaner, crunch through spicy Khichiyas and Sev Bhajis en route, and sweeten the long hours on the road with Makhaniya Lassi and Mawa Laddoos at Jodhpur. All these cities offer expert-led food walks.
Lakes of Rajasthan
Ajmer–Pushkar–Mount Abu–Udaipur–Jaipur–Ajmer
If you love being around water bodies, natural or man-made, this is one road trip you should definitely plan. Alongside lakes hosting royal residences (Pichola) and prominent pilgrimage centres (Pushkar), this circuit includes Sambhar, India’s largest saline water lake, and the lesser known Chandlai, a relatively new but popular birding site. Artificially built lakes by erstwhile rulers as water sources like the Jaisamand Lake, are equally unmissable.
For the Filmy
Udaipur–Pali–Jodhpur–Pushkar–Amer Fort–Jaipur–Udaipur
Rajasthan’s splendid forts, colourful bazaars, and shape-shifting sand-dunes have featured prominently in Indian and international films. On this trip we travel to a few of those atmospheric and bewitching corners that have enthralled Hollywood for decades. From a regal Udaipur of the eighties where James Bonds chases Kamal Khan in Octupussy, to Pali in 2007 when The Darjeeling Limited chugged through the sandy surroundings, as well as 2011’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel shot near Amer Fort, we have it all.
Dig This!
Bikaner–Hanumangarh–Sri Ganganagar–Bikaner
This circuit takes those with a sense of wonder for the pre-historic northeast towards the border with Punjab for a closer look at Rajasthan’s most prominent Indus Valley Civilization clusters at Kalibunga, Karanpura, and Binjor (in the Ghaggar River Valley). Archaeological excavations at Kalibunga have revealed what is possibly the earliest ploughed field of its kind, among other fascinating ancient wonders.
Monumental Heritage
Chittorgarh–Kumbhalgarh–Jhalawar–Sawai Madhopur–Jaipur–Jaisalmer–Chittorgarh
Much of Rajasthan’s splendour lies in the built heritage that speckles its vast girth–massive military forts, beautiful jharoka-replete palaces, fresco-rich havelis, and gilded places of faith. From life-sustaining baoris (step-wells) to sepulchral chhatris, you are never too far from extraordinary structures in marble or sandstone. For this trip, we narrow it down, with some difficulty, to the six wondrous hill fortifications recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Slow Travel
Jaipur–Shekhawati–Jodhpur–Pali–Jaipur
On this circuit you step away from bustling cities and impersonal hotels for more immersive experiences in Rajasthan’s villages. Stay with locals in mud huts (Salawas), restored ancestral homes (Chandelao, Rohet Garh), and engage in traditional sports (Tordi Garh). Learn to cook local delicacies (Apani Dhani), eat organically grown foods (Sanjharia), generally keeping away from touristy destinations. If you are a regular visitor to Rajasthan, you need to bookmark this one for your next visit.
Sartorial Splendour
Jaipur–Sujangarh (Churu)–Shekhawati–Jodhpur–Jaipur
This immersive road trip has been chalked out for textile buffs. Especially those with a keen interest in Rajasthan’s tie-and-dye traditions that result in those rainbow-hued saris, odhnis, and turbans we covet so much. They come in a distinct dual-toned wavy pattern called leheriya, with crossed diagonal lines called mothra, and the dotted bandhej. Some of the best examples of this technique are seen in Jaipur, Sujangarh, Shekhawati, and Jodhpur.