Rajasthan Road Trips

Why Rajasthan Is a Dream Destination for Road Trips

Rajasthan is one of the few places in India where you get so much variety as a road traveler. You can start in the deserts of Jaisalmer, drive through the heritage cities of Jodhpur and Jaipur, pass through the lakes of Udaipur, and end in the green forests of Banswara — all on smooth roads.

After 2025, the state has seen a huge improvement in infrastructure. The Rajasthan Tourism Department has upgraded many scenic routes including the Udaipur–Banswara highway, Jaipur–Jodhpur expressway, and the Bundi–Kota–Baran road, making road travel safe, comfortable and EV friendly.

Driving here allows you to take your time — stop for tea at roadside dhabas, take a photo at the desert dunes, or explore small towns with heritage architecture and local life. Every mile is new — Rajasthan is a true paradise for road trippers.

Discover the Hidden Highways of Rajasthan

Beyond the Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur triangle lies a quieter, greener Rajasthan — full of cultural depth and natural charm. These hidden highways are off the beaten track.

Bundi to Baran – The Green Heart of Rajasthan

The Bundi–Baran route shows you a different Rajasthan — peaceful, green and heritage rich. From Bundi, famous for its stepwells and blue lanes, the drive takes you through Kota and on to Baran, a region of dense forests and small lakes. Along the way you can visit the Ramgarh Crater, one of India’s few meteor impact sites.

This is perfect for those who want to combine history with nature. The roads are smooth, traffic is low and the villages along the way give you a glimpse of real rural Rajasthan.

Narlai to Desuri – The Leopard Hills Trail

Deep in the Aravalli Hills lies the Narlai-Desuri route, a hidden gem, often missed by most travelers. This drive takes you off the beaten path through rocky hills, tiny temples, and quiet rural landscapes. While Narlai offers boutique heritage stays, it has a wild landscape with some leopards sometimes being spotted at dusk.

This road continues toward Desuri and Sadri, taking you to the stunning Ranakpur Jain Temples. The whole landscape goes from open farmland to green valleys — a feast for the eyes for those who enjoy photography and offbeat travel.

Banswara to Dungarpur – The Tribal Belt Journey

Southern Rajasthan conceals its most pristine landscapes in the fascinating Banswara–Dungarpur circuit. This winding road takes you through rolling hills, lakes, and tribal villages where the local traditions are still very much in-tact.

Beginning in Udaipur you'll go through Jhadol and Salumbar before you get to Banswara, often referred to as the “City of Hundred Islands” because of its many lakes. Continue on to Dungarpur from there, a small heritage town with palaces, museums, and views from the hilltop.

Within the past few years, a number of eco-stays and community homestays have been established in this region and offer travelers a chance to experience Bhil tribal culture and regional cuisine.

Sojat to Phulad – Rajasthan’s Hidden Heritage Highway

If you’re looking for a short yet scenic drive, the Sojat–Phulad route is an excellent choice. The road, part of Rajasthan State Highway 62, runs between Bilara and Pindwara, passing through small towns and open countryside.

Sojat, which is known as the mehndi capital of India, is vibrant and full of local life. As you drive towards Phulad, you will pass small, unremarkable villages, ancient step-wells, and farms and little pieces of farmland surrounded by the Aravalli hills. This drive will certainly be rare, as you will experience solitude and peace as well as true hospitality away from tourists.

Karauli to Bharatpur – The Heritage and Wildlife Circuit

The Karauli–Bharatpur route has it all – history and nature. Karauli’s old palace, local temples and bustling markets are a reflection of Rajput grandeur. From here, a scenic road takes you to Bharatpur and the famous Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In winters the sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise with thousands of migratory birds coming in from Siberia. This road trip is for cultural exploration and peaceful moments in nature – perfect for families and slow travelers.

Road Travel in Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s roads have seen a lot of improvement since 2025. Major highways have been resurfaced, signboards are clearer and EV charging stations have been installed on routes like Jaipur–Udaipur and Jodhpur–Mount Abu.

Many local dhabas now serve hygienic food and also have clean restrooms and facilities. Most fuel stations and restaurants provide digital payment options. For drive longer than a few hours it's advisable to refuel in larger towns such as Kota, Pali, or Udaipur since a lot of rural belts have very low petrol station access.

Mobile phone coverage is excellent throughout national highways, but may temporarily be lost when in forested or hilly areas near Banswara and Jhadol. Keep offline maps, or maps to downloaded routes, nearby at all times in remote areas.

Best Time to Take a Road Trip in Rajasthan

The best time to do a Rajasthan road trip is October to March when the weather is good and perfect for long drives. The desert is cool and the skies are clear making photography amazing. This is also the time of local festivals like Pushkar Camel Fair, Desert Festival and Bundi Utsav which adds to the cultural experience.

During the monsoon (July to September) the southern and eastern parts of Rajasthan turn green, especially around Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara. Travelers who like quiet and lush landscapes will love this time, though there might be some rural road maintenance after heavy rain.

Summer (April to June) is very hot, especially in the Thar Desert, but early morning or evening drives in the Aravalli hills are comfortable.

Stay and Experience Local Hospitality

Rajasthan provides some very diverse stay options for travelers on the road. Whereas there are grand heritage havelis in Bundi and Karauli, Dungarpur and Baran offer eco-friendly homestays, and every region has its own specialty.

Boutique accommodation in Narlai and Ranakpur provides luxurious comfort whilst being immersed in local rural charm, and eco-lodges in Banswara and Jhadol prioritise a close-to-nature experience. Many modern travelers now prefer homestays which allow for a fuller appreciation of local customs, food, and livelihood. Being hosted by local people not only add an authentic experience but also supports community tourism.

Essential Travel Tips for Road Trips in Rajasthan

It’s very safe to travel in Rajasthan, and driving is a lot of fun, but a little careful planning will pay off. Begin your travels early in the day, plan ahead to have plenty of water and fuel, and avoid traveling late at night through these more rural areas. Talk to locals about what route you should take — locals often know of shortcuts and scenic spots that maps may miss.

Taste local street foods, such as kachoris in Kota or bajra rotis in Bundi. If you are in tribal areas, observe local customs and ask for permission before photographing people or private spaces. Above all, enjoy the tempo of slow travel; it’s the best way to observe the true rhythms of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Road Trips for Every Traveler

Whether you’re solo, with friends or with family, there’s a Rajasthan road trip for everyone. Adventure seekers can drive through the leopard trails of Narlai. Nature lovers will love the greenery of Banswara. History buffs can explore the forts of Karauli and Bharatpur. And for couples looking for peace, the Sojat–Phulad route has quiet roads and romantic sunsets.

Each journey can be customized as per your time, interests and comfort level — from 2 day getaways to 7 day long trips across the state.

The Road Awaits – Start Your Rajasthan Journey

Every road in Rajasthan has its own beat — from the desert hum of Jaisalmer to the forest whispers of Banswara. When you drive across this land, you’re not just covering distance; you’re tracing centuries of stories etched in stone, sand, and song.

So, fill up, roll down your windows and let the desert wind guide you. Your Rajasthan adventure begins here — with Rajasthan Places, your travel companion for road trips, offbeat destinations and epic journeys across the Land of Kings.