Our Epic Rajasthan Road Trip: From Delhi to the Desert and Back

So it was September 2024, post monsoon season. My school friends have been planning for a trip from a long time, as part of reunion. Instead of the usual coffee meetup, we thought – why not make it epic? Why not go on a proper road trip !

And honestly, what could be better than hitting the road with your friends, exploring incredible cities, and making memories that'll last forever?

The Plan: Delhi → Jaipur → Jaisalmer → Bikaner → Delhi

Our route was a bit tricky but totally doable. Starting from our home in New Delhi, we'd drive through Rajasthan's golden triangle and beyond.One of my friends volunteered his car, so that helped a lot, we didn't have to rent a car.

Day 1: Delhi to Jaipur – The Easy Start

Thursday evening, we finally hit the road. The DND-KPY expressway made the 3-4 hour drive to Jaipur pretty smooth. We checked into Hotel Vesta International, and let me tell you – the rooms were solid, and the breakfast the next morning was absolutely incredible. Probably the best breakfast of the entire trip.

Since we arrived at night, we didn't get to explore much of Jaipur, but catching glimpses of the Pink City the next morning while leaving was still magical. Plus, being so close to Delhi, most of us had already explored Jaipur before, so we were excited to push on to the real adventure.

Day 2: The Long Haul to Jaisalmer

This is where things got interesting. We left the hotel around 9 AM, expecting an 8-9 hour drive. Reality check: we rolled into Jaisalmer at 6:30 PM, just as the sun was setting. The distance between Jaisalmer and Jaipur is ~ 600km, so it took us 8 hours to reach there.

But honestly? The extra time was worth it. The highway took us through some absolutely stunning scenery – lakes reflecting the sky, green mountains (thanks to the recently ended monsoon season), and that raw, untouched beauty you can only find when you're really traveling, not just commuting.

Sure, there was no expressway – just highway all the way – but the roads were decent enough, and we barely hit any traffic jams. Unfortunately a lot of animals were on the road and we had to stop a lot of times to avoid them.

Our home for the night was the Chokhi Dhani Palace, and wow. This place lives up to its name. Luxurious vibes, an amazing pool, and that authentic palace feel you dream about. Plus, being located near the desert meant we were already getting a taste of what was coming next.

Day 3: Kuldhara - The Ghost Village & Desert Camp

After a breakfast that was... well, let's just say not as impressive as Jaipur, we checked out and moved to our desert camp. And this is where the trip got really unique.

Before heading to our desert camp, we made a detour that turned out to be one of the most fascinating parts of our trip - Kuldhara, the abandoned ghost village. Located between Chokhi Dhani Palace and the middle of the desert, this place has an eerie yet captivating history.

Kuldhara was once a prosperous village inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. Legend says that around 200 years ago, the entire population of the village vanished overnight, leaving behind a curse that no one would ever be able to settle there again. Walking through the ruins, you can feel the weight of history and mystery.

According to some people, you can still hear the screams of the people who were killed in the village even during the day . At night you cannot go, as it is a protected sight by the government.

The Archaeological Survey of India has preserved what remains of the village. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there's something undeniably haunting about walking through these empty stone structures under the desert sun. I would suggest you all to visit in groups, as we went on weekend, and yet it was not that crowded. The eerie feeling of the place was still there, and it was a great experience.

Pro tip: Visit Kuldhara during the day. The place is atmospheric enough in sunlight - I can't imagine how eerie it would be at night!

Picture this: staying in cottages right in the middle of the Thar Desert. The experience was unreal. We went all out – 4x4 desert safari that had us bouncing over sand dunes like we were in a movie, quad biking through golden sand, and then (because apparently we're crazy), paragliding over the desert landscape.

That evening was pure magic. The camp organized traditional dance performances, we had great food and drinks, and here's something you definitely can't do in Delhi – we lay on our backs and watched a completely unpolluted sky full of stars. The temperature dropped significantly at night, but sitting there under that canopy of stars with your best friends? Priceless.

The Not-So-Great Parts

Let's be real for a minute. The Juma Resort where we stayed in the desert had some serious issues. The food was mediocre at best, and the insect situation was out of control. Look, I get it – you're in the middle of a desert – but a good resort should handle these things better. We were pretty frustrated with that aspect.

Day 5: Bikaner – The Perfect Ending

From Jaisalmer to Bikaner was about a 4-hour drive through more incredible Rajasthan scenery. And Bikaner? This city delivered everything we needed.

Our hotel Chandra Raj Mahal was absolutely fantastic – next-level rooms, amazing amenities, and the works. We visited a nearby fort, played cards, watched movies, took evening walks, and just... lived in the moment.

The Marathon Drive Home

8:30 AM departure from Bikaner. 8:30 PM arrival in Delhi. Twelve straight hours on the road. The route back was a bit confusing, but we made it home right on time, exhausted but absolutely satisfied.

The Bottom Line

What We Learned

Best Time to Travel

• Post-monsoon season (September-October) for better weather and green landscapes
• Avoid peak tourist season to get better hotel rates
• Student exam periods = lower accommodation costs

Road Trip Essentials

• A reliable car with good AC (desert heat is no joke)
• Plenty of water and snacks for long drives
• Offline maps downloaded (network can be patchy)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Warm clothes for desert nights

Booking Strategy

• Book accommodations 2-3 weeks in advance
• Compare prices across multiple platforms
• Look for package deals that include activities
• Read recent reviews, especially about food quality

Final Thoughts

Was everything perfect? Definitely not. The resort food situation, the insect problem, some confusing roads – there's always room for improvement. But that's not what matters.

What matters is that we did it. Four friends, one car, one incredible adventure across one of India's most beautiful states. We saw sunrises over sand dunes, stars in unpolluted skies, and ancient forts that have stood for centuries. We laughed until our stomachs hurt, played cards until way too late, and made the kind of memories that you carry with you forever.

Sometimes the best adventures come from the simplest decisions. Just four friends deciding to make their reunion epic instead of ordinary.

Ready for your own adventure? Trust me, just go for it. Sometimes we keep thinking that we will do it later, but later never comes. So just go for it. Call your friends, book a car, and go for it.

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