Planning a Trip
Contents
1 Get in
1.1 By plane
1.2 By train
1.3 By car
1.4 By bus
1.5 By taxi
By plane[edit]
Rajasthan is one of the larger Indian states and distances are long, making planes a fairly good option for getting in. Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur all have airports with direct links to many major cities, though if coming from a smaller city, one has to go via Delhi.
By train[edit]
Overnight trains from Delhi and Mumbai reach most of Rajasthan's major cities. For points further out, like Jaisalmer, you'll be looking at a second day on the train as well. Vande Bharat, Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express trains are excellent ones and have premium service.
By car[edit]
The National Highway 8 which runs through Rajasthan is excellent and connects Delhi to Mumbai. Though Mumbai may be too far away, this is the most popular way to travel to Jaipur from Delhi as the road is in excellent condition and the drive can easily be completed in under 4 hrs.
Otherwise from Delhi various private travel agencies organise trips to Rajasthan, but they are rather costly. But if you do not travel alone, it is better to hire a car with a driver (for example a car from Delhi International Airport to Neemrana Village costs ₹4000 for five persons).
By bus[edit]
Rajasthan Tourism and Rajasthan State Transport operate luxury air conditioned Volvo bus services between Delhi and Jaipur. The first bus departs at 5:25 and the last, at 01:00, with a frequency of approximately every half hour daily. This bus is equipped with personal LCD TV, charger and (in some trips) Wi-Fi. These buses are very comfortable and the most desired travel option between Delhi and Jaipur. Tickets can be booked online on the Rajasthan State Transport website or a visit to Scindhia House New Delhi (near India gate). Buses start and end at Scindia House in Delhi and Sindhi Camp in Jaipur. Private agents generally not allowed to book tickets for this route, so if anybody offers to book a ticket for you, be wary. Rajasthan Tourism and Rajasthan State Transport also operates luxury air conditioned Volvo bus services between Delhi and other cities in Rajasthan, with 2 or 3 trips per day. These buses may depart from any of several different areas of Delhi (Scindia House, Kashmiri Gate ISBT, and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT); a phone call to Rajasthan State Transport office will give you all the information.
By taxi[edit]
Taxis (locally called "call-taxis" since they must be pre-arranged) are available by phone. They are most reliable, can be ordered air-conditioned, and have digital fare meters, although time-based hire is also possible with some companies. Most companies charge a minimum fare of ₹150, which is for 5 km (3 mi), and for every subsequent kilometer they charge ₹18. Alternatively, you can hire a car for a full day for around ₹1500/2400. These figures are for essential non-AC Ambassadors, add about 50% if you want a comfier aircon Tata Indica. Waiting charges are included in the meter cost but you are required to pay parking and toll fees in addition to the fare displayed on the meter. If your trip is time-sensitive, booking your taxi a few hours in advance is best, and calling shortly before your trip to confirm.
Most prepaid taxi operators have a choice of vehicles. Innova is the ubiquitous hatchback that can seat 6 passengers, but it is almost impossible to find one of these well-maintained. Opt for a Scorpio or Fortuner instead of the Innova when you book the taxi, these are newer models and likely to be in a better state of maintenance. If you prefer a sedan, the choices are Etios, Maruti Dzire, and Ford Fiesta. SUV models Innova or Xylo have more space and are suitable for small groups (up to 7). Innova has a well-deserved reputation with travelers for airport transfers due to its reliability, spacious seats, and capacity to carry more luggage.
Tourist cabs - These are the best choice if you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like Jaipur, and Udaipur. Costs about ₹9 per kilometer and ₹540 per hour as hire charges. Also generally there is a special price if you need to go to Jaipur Railway Station or Jaipur Airport.
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Rajasthan
