A Budget-Friendly Itinerary for Exploring the Gems of Jaipur

Jaipur, the Pink City of India, is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural wonders. It’s also a city that can be explored on a budget, without compromising on the experience. In this guide, we’ve put together a budget-friendly itinerary for exploring the gems of Jaipur, including its iconic forts, palaces, and markets, and provides recommendations for affordable accommodation and food options.

A Budget-Friendly Itinerary for Exploring the Gems of Jaipur

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a budget-friendly trip from Delhi to Jaipur, including a visit to Bhangarh Fort:

Day 1:

• Start your journey early in the morning from Delhi to Jaipur (about 260 km, 5-6 hours drive)
• Reach Jaipur and check-in at a budget-friendly hotel like Hotel Kalyan or Hotel Ratnawali
• Have lunch at LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar) which is a famous budget-friendly restaurant in Jaipur.
• In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar, all of which are in close proximity to each other.
• In the evening, head to Nahargarh Fort for a beautiful sunset view over the city.
• Head back to the hotel and rest for the night.

Day 2:

• Start your day early and head to Bhangarh Fort (about 80 km, 2 hours drive)
• Explore the haunted fort and the surrounding area, which is full of legends and stories.
• On your way back to Jaipur, stop at the Abhaneri Stepwell, which is a lesser-known but beautiful historical site.
• Head back to Jaipur and have lunch at the famous Rawat Mishtan Bhandar.
• Spend the rest of the day exploring the local markets like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar for some shopping and food.
• Return to your hotel and rest for the night.

Day 3:

• Start your day early and visit the Amer Fort, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur.
• Have lunch at a budget-friendly restaurant like Peacock Rooftop Restaurant or Natraj Restaurant.
• After lunch, visit the Albert Hall Museum, which is located in the Ram Niwas Garden.
• In the evening, visit the Chokhi Dhani, which is a village-themed resort where you can experience traditional Rajasthani food, music, and dance.
• Return to your hotel and rest for the night.

Day 4:

• Check out of your hotel and head back to Delhi.

Budget:

• Accommodation: Budget-friendly hotels in Jaipur can cost anywhere between INR 500 to INR 2000 per night, depending on your preferences. You can expect to spend around INR 2000 to INR 3000 for a 3-night stay.
• Food: Budget-friendly restaurants like LMB, Rawat Mishtan Bhandar, Peacock Rooftop Restaurant, and Natraj Restaurant offer meals for around INR 200 to INR 500 per person. You can expect to spend around INR 3000 to INR 4000 on food for the trip.
• Transportation: You can either rent a car or take a bus from Delhi to Jaipur. The cost for a car rental for 4 days can range from INR 5000 to INR 8000, depending on the car type. If you prefer to take a bus, the cost can range from INR 300 to INR 1000 per person, depending on the bus type and operator. Additionally, you will need to pay for fuel and toll charges, which can cost around INR 1500 to INR 2000.
• Sightseeing: Entry fees for the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Amer Fort, and Albert Hall Museum range from INR 50 to INR 500 per person, depending on the site. The entry fee for Bhangarh Fort is INR 25 per person.

Total estimated cost: INR 15,000 to INR 20,000 for a 4-day trip.

Additional Tips:

• It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance to ensure availability and to get better rates.
• To save money on food, you can try street food options like kachori, samosas, and lassi which are very popular in Jaipur.
• If you prefer to travel by public transport, you can take a train or a bus from Delhi to Jaipur. The cost for a train ticket can range from INR 200 to INR 1000 per person, depending on the class of travel and train type. The cost for a bus ticket can range from INR 300 to INR 1000 per person, depending on the bus type and operator.
• If you plan to visit Bhangarh Fort, it’s recommended to visit during the daytime and to avoid staying there after sunset as it is believed to be haunted and the area is closed after sunset.
• When visiting historical sites, it’s recommended to hire a guide who can provide you with detailed information about the place and its history. The cost for a guide can range from INR 200 to INR 500 per hour.
• It’s advisable to carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun during daytime sightseeing.
• If you’re traveling during the summer months (April-June), be prepared for the hot and humid weather and carry sufficient water and hydrating drinks.
• For a hassle-free trip, you can book a tour package which includes accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, and meals. Many tour operators offer budget-friendly packages for Jaipur and Bhangarh Fort.

Conclusion – A Budget-Friendly Itinerary for Exploring the Gems of Jaipur

Jaipur is a city that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of your budget. By following this itinerary, you can experience the beauty and vibrancy of Jaipur, without breaking the bank. From its majestic forts to its bustling markets, Jaipur has something for everyone, and this itinerary is the perfect way to explore all that the city has to offer. So, pack your bags, get ready to immerse yourself in the culture of Jaipur, and enjoy a budget-friendly adventure that you’ll never forget.