Many people think Rajasthan is all about expensive palaces, luxury heritage hotels, and hefty price tags. But that is not the whole story. You can easily explore forts, palaces, lakes, and even a desert camp without overspending. And for those who don’t know, budget experiences are often the most authentic. You just need to plan smartly.
In this comprehensive blog post, we will break down exactly how to manage your budget trip to Rajasthan for under Rs 20,000. We will cover the travel, stay, and food spot options that taste better than any fine dining, because that is where the maximum budget goes!
So, if you want to see the forts, deserts, lakes, and all the authentic experiences in Rajasthan while keeping your wallet happy, you are in the right place.
Rajasthan Budget Travel Guide: From Stays to Dining Options
The biggest issue with travelers these days is that they want to experience travel the way others did, especially like the ones promoted by influencers on social media. But that is not always true, and it is not always a smart move. Given that there are different types of travelers with varying budget preferences, it’s essential to know how to avoid overspending and save for more meaningful experiences.
Your trip should be more about the enriching Rajasthan travel stories of forts, palaces, cultural experiences, lakes, and everyday moments that connect you to the soul of the state. Focus on spending on main experiences rather than on what matters far less, like luxury stays, expensive meals, or costly inter-city travel.
The Logistics Around the Budget
A popular and affordable loop is Jaipur to Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, or Jaipur to Jodhpur to Udaipur, which offers forts, blue lanes, and a taste of the desert. The preferred mode of travel is the state’s public transport network.
For a tight budget, focus on 6 to 7 days and limit your route to 2 to 3 main cities, rather than rushing across the entire state.
Where to Stay
Gone are the days when budget travel meant dirty sheets. Rajasthan has one of the best hostel cultures in India. This is the secret weapon for a Rajasthan budget trip.
- Backpacker Hostels: Many backpacker hostel chains offer tourists, mostly solo travelers, a clean, air-conditioned dorm bed for Rs 400 to Rs 600 per night. Plus, you meet other travellers to split auto-rickshaw costs with.
- Guest Houses: Family-run guesthouses in places like Jaisalmer and Jodhpur offer private rooms for as low as Rs 800.
- Dharamshalas: If you are on an extreme budget, look for Dharamshalas run by temple trusts. They are basic but cost peanuts (sometimes Rs 100-200).
Pro Tip: For cheap hotels, Rajasthan offers plenty of options, but always check the location. Saving Rs 100 on a room isn't worth it if you have to spend Rs 300 on transport to reach the city centre.
Your thoughtful and epic travel to Rajasthan awaits! Book now with JustWravel.
Getting Around Rajasthan: Making Smart Travel Choices
Transportation expenditure can chew up a considerable chunk of your ₹20,000 budget, so it’s worth keeping an eye on costs. The good news is that the Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer route is pretty well linked up, so you can make some reasonably intelligent decisions about getting from A to B, which basically means prioritising public transport over your own personal convenience.
(1) Intercity Travel: The Indian Railways network is the backbone of low-cost travel here; still, popular routes like the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Express sell out weeks in advance. There’s not much need to worry if you do miss out on a confirmed sleeper ticket, as the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) has a pretty sweet fleet of buses.
Their ‘Express’ and ‘Blue Line’ buses are not just reliable and punctual, but also a heck of a lot cheaper than those dodgy private Volvo operators. They also get you a lot closer to the city centre than private buses do, which tend to stop off at highway hotels, and then you have to stump up for an auto-rickshaw to get you into town.
(2) Intracity Commute: Within the cities, negotiation is your best friend. In Jaipur and Udaipur, apps like Uber and Ola are available, but they aren’t always the cheapest option. Use the apps to find the “fair price,” then take a local car and negotiate at that price.
For the best prices, go for Shared Tempos (Vikrams). These vast, loud autorickshaws run on fixed routes along major roads and cost only ₹10 to ₹20 per seat. They are how locals commute; they may be packed, but they are the most real way to go around without spending a lot. Finally, remember that old cities (walled cities) are best explored on foot; small pathways are often jam-packed, so walking is faster than driving.
Food on a Budget
In Rajasthan, spending less on meals does not mean compromising on flavour; instead, it typically means having a more authentic food experience. The state’s geography has shaped its food, which is rich, calorific, and created to support people in harsh weather. This is ideal for backpackers who burn a lot of energy all day.
- The Rajasthani Thali is your best friend for the entire trip. Avoid a la carte menus that charge for rice, bread, and curries separately. Go to a Bhojnalaya (traditional eating joint) popular among office-goers or students. A Thali for ₹150-200 includes dal, seasonal vegetables (Ker Sangri), roti, rice, and a dessert. The best part? Many of these are unlimited. One large Thali for lunch will keep you full till dinner and cut down your daily food expenses.
- Don’t treat street food as a snack; treat it as a meal. In Jaipur, a huge Pyaaz Kachori is enough for breakfast. Mirchi Vada (huge chilli packed with potato and fried) is a Jodhpur special. Because of the fast turnover, these things are always fresh and hygienic thanks to the heat. Also, avoid “multi-cuisine” restaurants, as ordering Pasta or Chinese in a budget Rajasthani hotel will result in a disappointing, overpriced meal. Stick to what the locals do best: lentils, bread, and dairy-based curries. Your wallet (and tummy) will thank you.
Want to dive deeper into Rajasthan’s rich culinary heritage? Check out our latest blog on 15 must-try Rajasthani dishes.
When to Visit Rajasthan for Budget Traveling
Choosing the right time to visit Rajasthan can make a remarkable difference to both your experience and your total spend. There is something that every budget traveler must be aware of. No matter which place or destination you pick, the peak travel season will always cost you more compared to the off-peak or low travel season.
Traveling to Rajasthan during the shoulder season (October to mid-November), which falls just a month before the start of the peak season, or during the off-season (April to September), is the best choice. The main reason is that hotels dramatically cut prices by 40-60% to fill rooms, and transport options, including buses, trains, and flights, often drop in price as well. Another benefit of choosing to travel during this time is that you will witness fewer crowds, allowing you to travel freely and at an uninterrupted pace.
For budget travelers, choosing either shoulder or off-peak season is ideal, as it is when value and experience align almost perfectly, without ever compromising the richness of the experience.
Money Saving Hacks for Rajasthan
If you are serious about Rajasthan backpacking, these small tricks add up to significant savings:
- This is the Holy Grail. If you have a valid student ID (school or college), carry it. It slashes monument entry fees by 50% to 80%.
- Rajasthan is hot, and you’ll drink a lot of water. Instead of buying Rs 20 bottles every hour, buy one sturdy bottle and refill it at “RO Water ATMs” or your hostel for Rs 2-5.
- Use overnight trains/buses between cities. You save daylight hours for sightseeing and, more importantly, you save the cost of a hotel room for that night.
- Book sleeper trains and state buses early; they are cheaper than last-minute cabs and flights.
- Walk short distances in old city areas; the lanes are narrow and best explored on foot anyway.
- Shop in local markets, but bargain calmly; assume the first quote is higher than local prices.
If you are doing a Rajasthan group tour with friends, split fixed costs like cabs to bus stands, desert camp packages, and some guided tours to keep individual spending low.
Group Tours vs. Solo Travel
Many tourists often wonder- Should I book a Rajasthan group tour or go solo?
If you are solo, you have total freedom. You can wake up late, skip a fort. It is generally cheaper because you control every rupee.
However, if you are nervous about logistics, small-group backpacker tours (offered by reputed companies like JustWravel or other local hostel chains) can be a good option. They usually cost around Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 for a week. You pay a premium for convenience and safety, but you lose flexibility. For a strict budget, solo or travelling with one friend is always the winner.
Quick Checklist to Stay Under Rs 20K
- Try to keep your trip to a week, max two to three cities in that time.
- When it comes to getting from place to place, sleeper trains and state buses are the best bet.
- For places to stay, look for hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels – Rajasthan’s got no shortage of them.
- Eat like a local, which means thalis, street food, and eating at small local cafes rather than a fancy restaurant.
- If you do want to splash out, go for one big experience: a camp, or some adventure activity, anything that’s a little special.
- And to keep costs down, travelling with a small group is a good idea: you can split the costs of transport and so on.
Follow these rules, and your Rajasthan travel costs should stay easily between Rs 15000 and 20000, even if you want to treat yourself to some shopping or a fancy meal.
All in all, if you move across Rajasthan like a local, you will save far more than you’d imagine.
Rajasthan does not always necessarily demand a big budget for big experiences. Thoughtful and budget-friendly planning can also ensure rich, memorable experiences.
Are you ready to explore the royal charm of Rajasthan without stretching your wallet? Book your perfect budget trip to Rajasthan with JustWravel today! Our experts will craft an ideal itinerary that delivers maximum value at minimum cost. BOOK NOW!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but accommodation prices spike by 30-50% in December. Book your hostels at least a month in advance to lock in the lower rates.
For a budget backpacker, a 10-day trip will cost between Rs 18,000 and Rs 22,000. This includes train travel, hostel stays, and street food.
Yes, Rajasthan is relatively safe, especially on the primary tourist circuit. Stay in rated hostels, avoid isolated areas at night, and use registered transport apps.
There is no such thing as the cheapest city to visit in Rajasthan. However, opting for less popular stays and restaurants can help you plan your getaway on a budget without burning a hole in your pocket.
The common mistake that most travelers make is opting for popular stays and restaurants during their trip. Due to the hype, they all charge a lot, often pricing their services far above the experience’s real value. Budget- and savvy travelers must opt for less popular stays, travel via local transport wherever possible, and choose local food spots or lesser-known restaurants.
