Itinerary for a solo trip to Northern India

Hi there!

How long are you going for?

take Indian dance classes, a cooking class, and any other discoveries if you have ideas!

How about an Ayurvedic massage? A safari in the Thar Desert (Jaisalmer)?

Arriving in Delhi at the beginning of March 2025, then continuing with a flight to Jaisalmer,

You’re not staying in Delhi at all? That’d be a shame...

Between the bus, train, or another flight, what would you recommend?

You also have the option of renting a car with a driver, which can be done for part of the trip. It’s quite common in India at a very reasonable price, and it offers the advantage of stopping whenever you want, not worrying about schedules—basically, it’s a really comfortable way to travel.

Do you know any charming hotels well-located along this route?

I’m not entirely sure what you mean by "charming hotel"... Near Jodhpur, in a village: Chez Chhotaram Prajapat. For me, the charm is the setting, the tranquility, and the kindness of the hosts... The place is simple but comfortable. In Udaipur: Madri Haveli. A stunning heritage home with an amazing rooftop. In Jaipur: All Seasons Homestay. Peaceful and classy.

Hi Kate,

A huge thank you for taking the time to reply. I travel a lot, but I have to admit this is the first country that’s impressed me this much—even more than when I went solo to Colombia!

I’ll arrive in Delhi but want to visit the city at the end of my trip, not the beginning. I’ll definitely stay for 3 nights.

I’m leaving for 26 days or more if I feel like it, since my ticket is flexible.

An Ayurvedic massage is a great idea! A safari in the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer—was it too touristy, or did it feel worth it? Did you rent bikes in any of the cities?

I hadn’t thought about hiring a car with a driver, but I’ll definitely consider it for some trips. Did you use any domestic flights during your travels?

Thanks so much for the hotel names—I’ll check them out.

What was your overall impression of your stay in India?

Hope I’m not bothering you with all these questions!

Best, Muriel

I think you're really brave to travel solo! I admire that—I’d never be able to do it myself.

A safari in the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer—I was wondering if it wasn’t too touristy...

Well, yeah, it *is* touristy [:P] But just because something’s touristy doesn’t mean it’s bad, right? If you want to do the safari (evening only or evening + night), ask the organizer (every hotel offers it) to do it either solo or in a small group—maybe with people you meet at the hotel? Thanks to the guy who arranged ours, we avoided the big campsite, the tables with white tablecloths, the chairs, and the whole cheesy show There were four of us friends, just with the guide and the camel driver: Diamond Camel Safari

Did you rent bikes in any cities?

Nope. Pagal (a big name in the India section [;)]) has done a lot of biking in India. He’ll be able to give you some great tips.

I hadn’t thought about hiring a car with a driver—I’ll definitely look into it for some routes.

We paid 550 € for 4 people for 14 days.

Did you use any domestic flights during your trip?

Yes, one flight from Jaisalmer to Delhi with the local airline IndiGo.

What was your overall impression of your stay in India?

I’ll let you check out my recent travel journal [;)] 4 friends discover a piece of Northern India

No. Pagal (prominent member of the India Wink section) did quite a bit of cycling in India. He can give you some great tips.

Sorry, I’m no expert on this... I went cycling once in Chettinad, in the countryside around Kanadukathan (a nice 25 km ride). But I wouldn’t dare do it in an Indian city.

I’ve been to Delhi once and hated it. I went back a few months ago for a bike trip but didn’t stay in the city. I’d recommend Rishikesh (yoga, panchakarma), Amritsar for its Golden Temple and the Indo-Pakistani guard changing ceremony, and especially Varanasi (or Benares). The first two can be reached by plane, train, or taxi. Varanasi by plane.

Hi Eric,

A huge thank you for all your tips!

Muriel