Rajasthan offers majestic forts, vibrant bazaars, and timeless culture without breaking your budget. Whether you’re a student, solo traveler, or family looking for a royal experience on a modest budget, this list is your savings companion. SavePlus India empowers Indian shoppers with smart tips, promo codes, and discount offers to help them explore more and spend less.
Discover Amer Fort's Architectural Glory
Amer Fort in Jaipur is a spectacular blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. This centuries-old fortress is rich in history, grandeur, and intricate detailing that captivates all types of travelers. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see with its mirror mosaics. You can easily reach here by local bus or auto for under ₹30. A visit early in the day avoids heat and crowds. Budget-conscious tourists love the fort for its priceless historical experience at a minimal fee.
- Entry to Amer Fort is just ₹100, offering access to the palace, courtyards, and iconic photo spots without paying extra for guides.
- Use online travel platforms like Cleartrip or Rajasthan Tourism for ticket booking to get PhonePe UPI cashback or card-based discount offers.
- Try local canteens outside the fort where full meals are available under ₹100, helping you avoid costly tourist-oriented eateries.
Cost: ₹100 per person
Pro Tip: Opt for a composite ticket (₹300) if you plan to visit multiple Jaipur monuments in a single day—it saves time and money.
Enjoy Sunset from Nahargarh Fort Walls
Perched above the Pink City, Nahargarh Fort offers panoramic sunset views you won’t forget. Originally built as a retreat, it’s now a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking serenity. The fort walls offer spectacular scenes of Jaipur bathing in golden hues. You’ll also find graffiti art and open-air cafés that add a modern twist. Reaching the top by scooter or foot is easy and adventurous. It’s perfect for photographers, couples, and travelers looking for a relaxing, budget-friendly escape.
- Entry is ₹50 for Indians, making it an affordable destination for backpackers and students interested in local history and nature views.
- Rent a scooter from local vendors at ₹300/day through platforms like Royal Brothers and unlock exclusive Paytm cashback offers.
- Carry water and snacks, as on-site food options are limited and generally overpriced compared to what you can buy outside.
Cost: ₹50 per person
Pro Tip: Visit just before 5 PM to watch the sunset and leave after dusk to avoid nighttime taxi surcharges.
Ride Camels Across the Thar Desert
Nothing captures the essence of Rajasthan like a camel safari in Jaisalmer. Ride across golden dunes, experience the silence of the desert, and witness Rajasthani folk dance under a starlit sky. Budget safari providers offer packages that include food, local music, and short rides. Travelers seeking a longer experience can opt for overnight stays in camps. Vendors offer good discounts if you travel in groups. It's an ideal activity for those who want both cultural depth and affordability.
- Short camel rides in Sam Sand Dunes start at just ₹500 per person and offer authentic desert vibes with local folklore.
- Booking online through SavePlus India partners gives access to seasonal coupon codes for bundled rides and desert camp stays.
- Many camps accept digital payments via UPI apps like PhonePe and Google Pay, offering scratch card rewards for every payment.
Cost: ₹500 per person
Pro Tip: Always confirm inclusions before booking—many vendors throw in extras like snacks and musical nights to attract budget travelers.
Relax by Udaipur’s Scenic Lakes
Udaipur, known as the "City of Lakes", offers soul-soothing views and romantic vibes without denting your wallet. From boating on Lake Pichola to relaxing on Fateh Sagar’s promenade, there’s much to do for free or at a minimal fee. The lakes are surrounded by heritage hotels, gardens, and ghats that provide a peaceful ambiance and great photo ops. Cultural shows like Dharohar are affordable and enriching. Udaipur is ideal for slow travelers who enjoy aesthetics, local food, and serenity.
- A boat ride on Lake Pichola starts from ₹100 and offers a budget-friendly way to view Jag Mandir and the City Palace from the water.
- Street food near Fateh Sagar Lake, like pav bhaji or kulhad coffee, costs between ₹50–₹70 and is both tasty and budget-friendly.
- Cultural shows at Bagore Ki Haveli cost ₹90 for Indian adults and give insight into Rajasthani music, puppetry, and folk dance.
Cost: ₹100–₹200 per activity
Pro Tip: Opt for a combo boating ticket + museum entry to save up to ₹50–₹100 at local booking counters.
Board the Train from Ajmer to Pushkar
This short train ride between Ajmer and Pushkar is a hidden gem that’s scenic and affordable. The journey covers beautiful Aravalli landscapes in under 30 minutes. It's ideal for day trips, especially during festivals like Holi and Kartik Purnima. Avoiding cabs and private vehicles makes this a smart choice for budget travelers. You also get to experience how locals commute. The train usually runs on time and is well-maintained, making it suitable for solo travelers and families alike.
- Ticket prices start from ₹25 and can be booked via IRCTC using SBI cards to get points and cashback benefits.
- Pushkar is walkable from the station, so there’s no need to spend more on local transport once you arrive.
- Midday trains are less crowded, and mobile ticketing via IRCTC helps you avoid queues and service charges.
Cost: ₹25 per person
Pro Tip: Travel early in the day to enjoy Pushkar’s sights like the Brahma Temple and lake before the heat sets in.
Climb to the Top of Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is an awe-inspiring symbol of Marwari pride and Rajput valor. Towering above the city, it houses intricate palaces, galleries, and cannons on the ramparts. The museum inside showcases arms, paintings, and palanquins. You can easily spend half a day exploring. There’s also a zipline option for adventure seekers. The fort offers audio guides at nominal rates, helping you learn as you explore. It's a perfect mix of history and views without heavy spending.
- The entry fee for Indian nationals is ₹100, inclusive of museum access and exhibitions that narrate the fort’s glorious history.
- Local restaurants outside the fort offer authentic Marwari thalis for ₹120–₹150, and several accept digital wallets with cashback.
- Photography is allowed, so you can capture every angle without extra fees if you bring your own camera or phone.
Cost: ₹100 per person
Pro Tip: Buy a combo ticket that includes Jaswant Thada and Rao Jodha Desert Park for only ₹50 more and maximize your visit.
Shop for Handicrafts at Bapu Bazaar
Jaipur’s Bapu Bazaar is a colorful and bustling street market known for its affordable ethnic fashion, handcrafted décor, and local street food. It’s the best place to buy block-printed fabrics, lac bangles, and leather mojris—all at bargain rates. Ideal for students, homemakers, and fashion-forward travelers, this market delivers great finds on a budget. You can easily spend a couple of hours browsing while enjoying the festive vibe. It's a living postcard of Jaipur’s vibrant artistry and trading culture.
- Embroidered juttis start at ₹150 per pair, while tie-dye dupattas and cotton kurtis can be found between ₹250–₹400 with some polite haggling.
- Most shops accept UPI payments via Paytm and PhonePe, and some offer scratch card rewards on spending ₹300 or more—great for thrifty shoppers.
- Always bargain respectfully; starting at 40–50% below the asking price usually brings sellers closer to a fair final deal without disrespect.
Cost: ₹200–₹500 depending on items
Pro Tip: Visit in the afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds and get better attention from shopkeepers for customized discounts.
Watch Cultural Shows in Dilli Haat’s Rajasthan Pavilion
If you're in Delhi and can’t make it to Rajasthan right away, Dilli Haat’s Rajasthan Pavilion offers a lively snapshot of the state’s culture. From puppet shows and folk dances to handloom stalls and spicy Rajasthani cuisine, this experience is ideal for families and weekend explorers. Most performances are free with entry, and the vibe is festive year-round. Dilli Haat showcases the diversity of Indian states, and Rajasthan’s stall is consistently one of the most active and photogenic.
- Entry is ₹30 for adults and includes access to all stalls and performances organized by state cultural boards throughout the day.
- Rajasthan’s food kiosk offers thali meals under ₹150 that include dal baati, churma, and mirchi vada—authentic and fulfilling without burning your budget.
- Artisans selling handicrafts often accept Paytm wallet payments and sometimes give additional discounts when asked for “online transaction offers.”
Cost: ₹30 + optional ₹120–₹150 for meals
Pro Tip: Visit during Independence Day week or Republic Day to enjoy bonus performances sponsored by the Ministry of Culture at no extra cost.
Visit the Brahma Temple in Pushkar
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. A serene and sacred destination, it attracts pilgrims and peace-seeking travelers alike. The architecture is humble yet powerful, and the atmosphere inside the complex is spiritually enriching. Pushkar’s holy lake lies nearby, offering a peaceful walk and stunning sunrise views. The best part? You won’t spend a single rupee unless you shop or donate voluntarily. It’s a priceless spiritual stop on any itinerary.
- Temple entry is free for all visitors, though respectful dress and silence are expected inside the sanctum for maintaining its sacred ambiance.
- Nearby stalls sell incense sticks, rudraksha malas, and devotional items starting from ₹30—great for souvenirs or personal prayer items.
- Basic meals at local cafés like “The Laughing Buddha” cost ₹80–₹120 and accept Google Pay for seamless transactions even in small towns.
Cost: ₹0 (entry) + optional ₹30–₹120 for purchases
Pro Tip: Avoid visiting during full moon days unless you're spiritually inclined, as crowds can swell beyond comfort during religious processions.
Unwind at a Traditional Rajasthani Baori
Rajasthan’s baoris, or stepwells, are ancient water reservoirs that double as stunning architectural relics and peaceful retreats. Located across villages and towns, they’re quiet spots perfect for photography, reading, or simply escaping the mid-day heat. Chand Baori in Abhaneri, one of the most famous, features 3,500 symmetrical steps and 13 levels, drawing architecture lovers and history buffs alike. These stepwells are usually free to visit and located near heritage sites. They’re serene, underexplored, and wonderfully budget-friendly.
- Chand Baori has free public access and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, making it one of the best free attractions in the region.
- Several lesser-known baoris in Bundi and Jaipur are tucked away in old town alleys and are perfect for slow travel experiences with zero entry fees.
- Take public buses or shared autos to reach these locations; local transport generally costs under ₹30 and covers major stepwell routes.
Cost: ₹0–₹30 depending on transport
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning for a peaceful ambiance and better lighting for photography, and carry a scarf or cap to protect from sun exposure.
Conclusion
Rajasthan is proof that travel in India can be royal, rich, and budget-friendly at the same time. With historical forts, vibrant markets, sacred temples, and scenic lakes, there’s something for every traveler. At SavePlus India, we empower Indian explorers to save through smart booking, cashback tips, and promo codes. Discover the magic of Rajasthan, without ever worrying about overspending.
Don’t miss out on SavePlus’s curated gifting deals, verified promo codes, and cashback secrets. Make every celebration more memorable—while saving smartly!
FAQ
What’s the best way to save on accommodations in Rajasthan?
Use OYO Rooms offers or Zostel promo codes from SavePlus to find quality stays under ₹500–₹800 per night.
Are digital payments like UPI widely accepted across Rajasthan?
Yes, even small vendors accept Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Is food in Rajasthan affordable for budget travelers?
Absolutely. Meals at dhabas and street vendors cost between ₹60–₹120 and provide authentic local flavors.
Can I use cashback apps while shopping in local markets?
Yes, some markets support UPI cashback, especially when paying through Paytm wallets or Scan & Pay apps.
When is the cheapest time to travel to Rajasthan?
April to early September is considered off-season; it’s hot but great for budget hotel deals and lower tourist traffic.