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Rajasthan, an ethnic and regal state of India, is my home away from home.
After traveling to its three different cities in the region; Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer, all on my own as a solo female traveler, I consider a solo trip to Rajasthan one of the best travel experiences you can India.
Famed primarily for its rich culture and imposing forts and palaces, Rajasthan is one of the topmost tourist destinations in India, loved by both Indians and foreigners alike.
When I decided to travel solo for the first time, I thought of Rajasthan quite naturally because it had always fascinated me.
And, when I went there, it turned out to be just as great as I imagined. It allowed me to be happily solo, yet embraced me in its colorful atmosphere.
If you’re thinking of choosing Rajasthan as a solo travel destination but need more convincing, here are all the reasons to take a solo Rajasthan trip.
Reasons To Take A Solo Trip to Rajasthan
Rajasthan is an adventure waiting to be had. Here are all the reasons to take your first solo trip to Rajasthan.
1. Friendly Culture
Rajasthan’s hospitality is its iconic trademark, but even its friendliness is so off-the-cuff.
I remember walking through the narrow alleys of Udaipur during the festival of Diwali and it was all so fervent.
I received smiles, amiable gestures and support while I was taking pictures and exchanging casual pleasantries with the hawkers.
People’s inherent warmth instantly melted my hesitation as a solo traveler.
2. Festive atmosphere
Rajasthan is a land of festivals. There are so many held annually such as the Desert Festival, Pushkar Fair, Elephant Festival, Gangaur Festival, Marwar Festival, and Nagaur Festival just to name a few.
Also, the atmosphere in general is very festive. When I was in Jodhpur there were traditional folk dance and music performances held at the hotel every evening.
3. Good accommodation options
When you are traveling solo, good accommodation is a top concern. Especially if you have been to New Dehli where many hostels are found down tiny dirty alleys.
Rajasthan is not like that. There is an abundance of good accommodation options of all kinds to choose from – luxury hotels, guest houses, heritage resorts, budget hotels and home stays.
You can also find modern hostels that cater to the digital nomad or slow traveller, such as Zostel and Bunkyard Hostel which are two popular hostel chains in India.
Apart from comfort and amenities, the hotels give you great hospitality and a true ‘Rajasthan’ experience.
4. Open-minded and respectful locals
Although Rajasthan is a highly conservative state, the locals respect a visitor’s individuality. If a woman is rambling all alone in any city of Rajasthan, she would be respected for who she is and her background.
Even if she is from a different culture or follows a totally different way of life, she wouldn’t draw attention. The locals in general know that they have to receive each guest with reverence.
5. You Get Plenty of Personal Space
Although people are friendly, they give you space to do your own thing.
I remember when I was in Jaisalmer, I found my own little corner where I sat with my laptop to catch up on work. There was another foreign girl there too, curled up with a book, while another guy was sunbathing. Thus, the feeling of being in Rajasthan is very homey.
6. Variety of things to see and do
Every nook and cranny in the cities of Rajasthan is so full of buzz.
Some of my most memorable moments were people-watching and strolling along Lake Pichola in Udaipur or dining at Ambrai restaurant and bar with a view of the Lake Palace.
I remember catching a panoramic view of Udaipur, watching the sunset at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, and wandering the alleys of Jaisalmer Fort.
There are also loads of natural attractions in Rajasthan such as the Thar Desert where you can take a desert safari across the sand dunes, Fateh Sagar Lake in Johdpur where you can take a boat ride, Mount Abu, and of course, Ranthambore National Park which is home to a small tiger population.
Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes and has so much beauty to see without spending a penny.
You of course cannot miss Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan and also known as the “Pink City”, which has fascinating and beautiful historic attractions. Don’t miss The City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and of course, the Amber Fort which has some of the most beautiful architecture in the city.
In Udaipur, don’t miss the Saheliyon ki Bari, Monsoon Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Bagore ki Haveli.
In smaller cities such as Ranakpur, you’ll find many historic attractions that have fewer tourists, such as the Jain Temple. Another off-the-beaten-path destination in Rajasthan I love is Chittorgarh which is known for its fortress, and Bikaner which also has an amazing fort called the Junagarh Fort.
7. Ideal for slow travel
I learned the art of slow travel in Rajasthan, as I didn’t feel the need to do typically touristy things all the time. Part of the reason for this is because it’s so cheap, you can afford to spend your days doing nothing and stretch your budget further.
I chose to skip a monument or two and happily relaxed at my hotel in Jodhpur, chatted with the staff, explored the nearby market, and observed the local life.
I enjoyed waking up before the hotel staff one morning to catch the first glimpse of sunrise and enjoying a cup of tea with my fellow travelers.
8. Pick-up service by hotels
The best thing that happened to me in Rajasthan was to be received by one of the hotel staff at the train station. Most of the hotels in Rajasthan offer free transport from the airport/railway station to the hotel. It puts you at ease to simply be escorted to your hotel, while you are solo.
9. It’s cheap
You probably hear this all the time, but traveling to India, and Rajasthan especially, is comparatively cheap to other destinations in Asia.
Sure, flights to New Delhi from overseas are expensive, but once you land, you can expect to pay very little each day.
Food, accommodation, and local transportation are all fairly inexpensive, with delicious meals at the local street food stalls costing as little as a few dollars.
For those solo travelers looking to stay in hotels rather than hostels, you can expect to pay more, however, even then prices remain relatively low.
Even attractions such as fortresses and temples usually have an entrance fee of a few dollars or less.
10. Safe and Inviting
Although I don’t like to categorize places as safe or unsafe, Rajasthan is relatively safe.
I traveled to the desert all on my own from Jaisalmer. Comprehending my anxiety, the chauffeur took good care of me, and even the camel riders and the desert camping staff were so caring. Rajasthan welcomes a solo traveler with open arms.
Before You Go
Solo travel to Rajasthan is a must-do for any traveler at least once in their life. It has so much to see and experience, from its stunning lakes and palaces to its vibrant culture.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure or some time to relax and take in the local atmosphere, Rajasthan has something for everyone.
This beautiful state will certainly leave you with many wonderful memories.
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Would you like to visit Rajasthan? Have you already been? Share your experiences in the comments.
