I am pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Eimear, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Eimear is from Ireland, and submitted the following report about her trip to Rajasthan, India. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 2 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Hindi, Rajasthani, English
Costs at Destination: Cheap (local transportation, dining, tours, events, and attractions)
Stepwell in Bundi
Reasons to Visit Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a majestic and colorful state, with many layers of historic and cultural significance. It is in the northwest of India, and it borders Pakistan from the West. It means “Place of Kings,” and is full of temples, forts, palaces and step-wells, among many wondrous delights.
I started my Rajasthani adventure in the city of Jaipur, the capital of the northwest Indian state. It is the most highly populated city in Rajasthan, and exploring it is quite an adventure. I rented a room through AirBnB that was close to the main bazaar. The host was knowledgeable and helpful, and the chai was amazing!
I ate Kachori, a delicious deep-fried spicy pastry delight and I visited various other cities and towns in Rajasthan, spending a total of 6 weeks there using trains and buses to navigate my way around. I visited Pushkar and stayed at Keshav Palace. The hosts were so hospitable and friendly and it was more intimate than a hostel stay.
I feasted on fresh, flavorsome vegetarian food in the Laughing Buddha Cafe and met lots of lovely people there. I also travelled to other magical places like Bundi, where Kipling found his inspiration for the Jungle Book. Bundi is home to the largest number of step-wells of any city in India. I had an unforgettable tour of the surrounding area with Kukki-G tours on the back of his motorcycle. I had the fortune of visiting most of these places for at least 4 or 5 days, and also visited Jodphur, Jaisalmer, Mt. Abu and the enchanting Udaipur. I stayed in Bunkyard Hostel in Udaipur and would highly recommend it to those traveling alone.
Jaisalmer was fun, if a little awkward to get to. As it is the last town before the Pakistan border and is out in the Thar Desert, the only train that goes there arrives in the middle of the night, which can be a scary and potentially risky situation. If at all possible, arrange in advance to be picked up at the train station when you arrive. I stayed in Dylan Cafe & Guesthouse and would recommend it to solo travelers.
Above all, listen to your intuition and follow your gut instinct – it has never failed me! I had the time of my life in Rajasthan, despite it being densely populated and known for being a challenging destination. The number of English-speaking locals is relatively low, but communication happens and human kindness prevails!
Woman in Pushkar
Sunset in Bundi
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 2 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 3 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 2 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
