Rajasthan Train Tour from Kolkata: 15-Day Itinerary
Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces & deserts on a 15-day train tour from Kolkata. Explore Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and more with our detailed itinerary.
RAJASTHAN
Arghyaraj Basu
6/26/20255 min read
Explore Rajasthan’s royal cities, desert landscapes, and cultural gems on a 15-day train tour from Kolkata. Discover why this vibrant state is a top destination for heritage travel in India. The best time to visit Rajasthan is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
Here's a possible 15-day itinerary by train from Kolkata, covering some of Rajasthan's most iconic cities. This itinerary focuses on popular destinations and assumes you're comfortable with overnight train journeys and local transfers.
Important Notes before you begin:
Train Booking: Book your train tickets well in advance, especially for the Kolkata to Rajasthan leg, as they can fill up quickly. You can use IRCTC website or other online travel agencies.
· Kolkata to Rajasthan train options:
12987 SDAH–Ajmer SF Express (Sealdah to Ajmer)
12315 ANANYA EXPRESS (Kolkata to Udaipur)
12307 HWH–JU EXPRESS (Howrah to Jodhpur)
12988 PRATAP EXPRESS (Kolkata to Jaipur)
Accommodation: Book your hotels in advance, especially during peak season.
Local Transport: Once you arrive at each city, you can use auto-rickshaws, taxis, or ride-sharing apps for local sightseeing. Some larger groups might opt for a private car with a driver for inter-city travel within Rajasthan.
Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and pace.
Food: Don't miss out on authentic Rajasthani cuisine!
Essentials: Carry comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and light layers as days can be warm and nights chilly in winter.
15-Day Rajasthan Tour by Train from Kolkata
Day 1: Departure from Kolkata
Evening: Board your overnight train from Howrah (HWH) or Sealdah (SDAH) to Jaipur (JP).
Train Option: Consider trains like SDAH AII SF EXP (12987) from Sealdah to Jaipur or ANANYA EXPRESS (12315) from Kolkata (KOAA) to Jaipur. The journey takes approximately 24-27 hours.
Day 2: Train Journey
Full Day: Enjoy the train journey, taking in the changing landscapes.
Day 3: Arrival in Jaipur - The Pink City
Morning: Arrive at Jaipur Railway Station. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Afternoon: Start your Jaipur exploration. Visit the magnificent City Palace, a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Explore the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory.
Evening: Witness the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) illuminated at night. Enjoy shopping at the bustling local bazaars for textiles, handicrafts, and jewelry.
Overnight: Stay in Jaipur.
Day 4: Jaipur Sightseeing
Morning: Head to Amer Fort (also known as Amber Fort). Enjoy an elephant ride (optional) up to the fort. Explore its grand courtyards and palaces.
Afternoon: Visit Nahargarh Fort for panoramic views of Jaipur, and Jaigarh Fort, known for its massive cannon.
Evening: Relax or explore more local markets.
Overnight: Stay in Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur to Jodhpur - The Blue City
Morning: After breakfast, take a train from Jaipur to Jodhpur.
Train Option: Numerous intercity trains connect Jaipur and Jodhpur (e.g., Jaisalmer Express, Howrah Jodhpur Express). The journey is approximately 5-6 hours.
Afternoon: Arrive in Jodhpur. Check into your hotel.
Evening: Stroll around the Clock Tower and Sardar Market, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the "Blue City."
Overnight: Stay in Jodhpur.
Day 6: Jodhpur Sightseeing
Morning: Explore the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. The views from the top are breathtaking.
Afternoon: Visit Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble cenotaph, and the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner.
Overnight: Stay in Jodhpur.
Day 7: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer - The Golden City
Morning: Take a train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.
Train Option: Direct trains like Jaisalmer Express connect Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The journey is approximately 5-6 hours.
Afternoon: Arrive in Jaisalmer, known for its yellow sandstone architecture. Check into your hotel.
Evening: Witness the spectacular sunset over the Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila), which glows golden in the evening light. Explore the fort's intricate lanes.
Overnight: Stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 8: Jaisalmer Desert Experience
Morning: Explore the Jaisalmer Fort in more detail, including its Jain temples and Havelis (Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli).
Afternoon: Head to the Sam Sand Dunes for a quintessential desert experience.
Evening: Enjoy a camel safari, folk dance performances, and a traditional Rajasthani dinner under the stars at a desert camp.
Overnight: Stay at a desert camp in Sam Sand Dunes.
Day 9: Jaisalmer to Udaipur - The City of Lakes
Morning: Return to Jaisalmer city from the desert camp. Take a train from Jaisalmer to Udaipur. This will be a longer train journey.
Train Option: You might need to take a direct train or connect via Jodhpur or Marwar Jn. (e.g., Jaisalmer Udaipur City Express). The journey can be 10-12 hours, so plan for an overnight or early morning departure.
Evening: Arrive in Udaipur. Check into your hotel.
Overnight: Stay in Udaipur.
Day 10: Udaipur Sightseeing
Morning: Begin your exploration of Udaipur with the magnificent City Palace, a sprawling complex overlooking Lake Pichola.
Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, visiting Jag Mandir Island Palace. Also, visit Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of Maidens).
Evening: Enjoy the serene ambiance of Udaipur. Consider a cultural show or a leisurely stroll by the lake.
Overnight: Stay in Udaipur.
Day 11: Day Trip to Ranakpur & Kumbhalgarh (Optional / Requires private car)
Full Day (Optional): If you're interested in more historical sites, hire a private car for a day trip to Ranakpur Jain Temple (famous for its intricate marble carvings) and Kumbhalgarh Fort (with its massive wall, often called the "Great Wall of India"). This trip will take a full day.
Alternatively (if not doing day trip): Explore more of Udaipur at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Vintage Car Museum or enjoying some relaxation by the lake.
Overnight: Stay in Udaipur.
Day 12: Udaipur to Ajmer/Pushkar
Morning: Take a train from Udaipur to Ajmer.
Train Option: Several trains connect Udaipur to Ajmer (e.g., Udaipur City Ajmer Express). The journey is approximately 4-5 hours.
Afternoon: Arrive in Ajmer. Check into your hotel.
Ajmer: Visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine.
Pushkar: Then proceed to Pushkar (a short drive from Ajmer). Explore the holy Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple, one of the few dedicated to Lord Brahma.
Evening: Witness the evening aarti (prayer) at Pushkar Lake.
Overnight: Stay in Pushkar or Ajmer.
Day 13: Pushkar/Ajmer to Bikaner - The Desert City
Morning: Take a train from Ajmer to Bikaner.
Train Option: Direct trains are available (e.g., Ajmer Bikaner Express). The journey is approximately 5-6 hours.
Afternoon: Arrive in Bikaner. Check into your hotel.
Evening: Visit the Junagarh Fort, a well-preserved fort with stunning palaces and temples within its complex.
Overnight: Stay in Bikaner.
Day 14: Bikaner Sightseeing & Departure to Kolkata
Morning: Visit the Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) in Deshnoke (about 30 km from Bikaner), a unique and fascinating temple.
Afternoon: Explore the National Research Centre on Camel (Camel Breeding Farm) and maybe enjoy a camel ride.
Evening: Head to Bikaner Railway Station to board your overnight train back to Kolkata.
Train Option: HWH BKN EXPRESS (22307) from Bikaner to Howrah. The journey will be approximately 25-28 hours.
Day 15: Train Journey & Arrival in Kolkata
Full Day: Enjoy the train journey back to Kolkata.
Evening: Arrive at Howrah or Sealdah Railway Station, concluding your Rajasthan adventure.
This itinerary covers the major highlights of Rajasthan and provides a good balance of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, all accessible by train. Remember to book your train tickets well in advance for a smooth and enjoyable journey!