We've explored Rajasthan several times—first as young adults without children, and now introducing our kids to its wonders. This vibrant state delivers a sensory shock: extreme heat (30°C in February, soaring to 45°C in June), cultural immersion, spicy cuisines, incense aromas mingling with street bustle. Despite the intensity, we've fallen deeply in love with India and returned repeatedly.
Accessing Rajasthan is straightforward. Fly into New Delhi for the best loop through the region. Direct flights from Paris to Delhi take 8h30, with round-trip fares around 500-600 euros per person in peak season.
After a dusty day amid India's chaos—rubbish scents, honking tuk-tuks, bikes, and trucks—nothing beats retreating to a serene poolside haven. We book charming hotels via Booking.com and boutique Airbnbs, like those in New Delhi's Hauz Khas. Standouts include Amet Haveli in Udaipur (a tranquil oasis amid the frenzy), Ajit Bhawan in Jodhpur, and the secluded Narlai in rural India.
Rajasthan's highlights—New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal)—deserve visits. Combine trains and private cars with drivers (never drive yourself). Arrange via French agencies or hotels; at Ajit Bhawan in Jodhpur, we secured a driver to Udaipur via Narlai for 45 euros/day—fair pricing for exceptional service.
Indian trains are an adventure: bustling stations teem with cows, monkeys, vendors, and chai sellers. Find your train easily, though delays are common. Order meal trays in 1st class (a few euros), stock wipes and handkerchiefs for kids, and expect basic hygiene—sheets provided, but rats might scamper by. Booking is tricky post-2012; we relied on Indian contacts after online hurdles. On-site waits risk no seats, so connect with locals for tickets.
We travel light with 60L and 50L backpacks plus daypacks, prioritizing quick-dry, comfy clothes—2-3 outfits suffice per person.
(Layer these for flights, cool mornings, or evenings against mosquitoes.)
Wash on the go with bar soap. For a full medicine kit and suitcase checklist for kids, see our dedicated guide.
Indian food packs heat—even mild dishes challenge Western palates. Our spice-loving family stuck to rice, unlimited naans/rotis/chapatis, street fruits (apples, grapes), and lassi (liquid yogurt). We savored veggie rediscoveries like cauliflower and eggplant; vegetarian options abound for religious and cost reasons. Stick to bottled water and boiled foods to stay healthy.
Explore our Rajasthan and Kerala articles for more inspiration!
