These monsoon road trips will allow you to witness Rajasthan in a whole new light, as the state’s arid landscapes transform into vibrant green surroundings, making the journey as enchanting as the destination itself. A monsoon road trip through Rajasthan offers a refreshing experience with lush landscapes and scenic beauty enhanced by the rains. Here’s a guide to some of the best routes to explore during this season:
Udaipur to Mount Abu
- Distance: 165 km
- Route: Udaipur → Pindwara → Mount Abu
- Attractions: Begin in Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” where monsoon showers add a mystical charm to its lakes like Lake Pichola. On the way to Mount Abu, enjoy the lush greenery and waterfalls. Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station, comes alive during the rains with mist-covered hills, the Nakki Lake, and the serene Dilwara Temples.
- Best Time: July to September
- Road Condition: Well-maintained with some hilly sections near Mount Abu.
2. Jaipur to Ranthambore
- Distance: 180 km
- Route: Jaipur → Tonk → Ranthambore
- Attractions: Jaipur, the Pink City, is an excellent starting point. During the monsoon, the Aravalli hills surrounding Jaipur become lush green. On reaching Ranthambore, you’ll be greeted by vibrant greenery and better chances of spotting wildlife, especially tigers, against the wet backdrop. The monsoon also attracts migratory birds, making it ideal for birdwatchers.
- Best Time: July to October
- Road Condition: Good, with smooth highways and forest roads near the park.
3. Jodhpur to Osian
- Distance: 70 km
- Route: Jodhpur → Osian
- Attractions: Start in Jodhpur, the “Blue City,” which gets a refreshing look after the rain. Drive through desert terrain towards Osian, an ancient city known for its intricately carved temples. The monsoon creates a contrast, making the desert more serene and dotted with greenery. It’s perfect for those seeking solitude with cultural exploration.
- Best Time: July to September
- Road Condition: Mostly good, with some stretches of rural roads.
4. Kota to Bundi
- Distance: 40 km
- Route: Kota → Bundi
- Attractions: The route is short but stunning, especially after the rains. Start from Kota, known for its palaces and gardens. The drive to Bundi takes you through picturesque countryside. Bundi itself is a quaint town with a rich heritage, and during the monsoon, the famous Taragarh Fort and lakes like Jait Sagar look spectacular amidst the lush greenery.
- Best Time: August to October
- Road Condition: Excellent for a quick, scenic trip.
5. Ajmer to Pushkar
- Distance: 15 km
- Route: Ajmer → Pushkar
- Attractions: A short but iconic trip, the journey from Ajmer to Pushkar is captivating, especially during the monsoon. Ajmer, famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, leads to Pushkar, a town nestled around a sacred lake. During monsoons, the Pushkar Lake brims with water, and the town’s ghats (riverfront steps) and temples offer serene beauty amidst lush greenery. The surrounding hills turn green, and the mist adds an ethereal quality.
- Best Time: July to September
- Road Condition: Well-paved and smooth.
6. Bikaner to Deshnok and Gajner
- Distance: 35 km (Deshnok), 32 km (Gajner)
- Route: Bikaner → Deshnok → Gajner
- Attractions: Bikaner, known for its desert charm, gets a refreshing twist during the monsoon. Start by visiting Deshnok’s Karni Mata Temple, known for its large population of sacred rats, and then proceed to Gajner Palace. The palace, located near Gajner Lake, looks magical with a full water body surrounded by wildlife during the rains. The journey through semi-arid desert land, turning green due to the showers, is surreal.
- Best Time: July to October
- Road Condition: Good, with rural stretches.
7. Jaisalmer to Sam Sand Dunes
- Distance: 40 km
- Route: Jaisalmer → Sam Sand Dunes
- Attractions: While Jaisalmer is usually known for its dry, arid desert, the monsoon brings a unique vibrancy. Start from the “Golden City,” where rain transforms the golden sandstone architecture of Jaisalmer Fort. The drive to Sam Sand Dunes offers a stark contrast, with desert areas sprinkled with greenery. The monsoon season is the perfect time to experience camel rides and camp under the stars with cooler temperatures.
- Best Time: August to September
- Road Condition: Well-maintained, but sandy tracks near the dunes.
8. Alwar to Sariska National Park
- Distance: 36 km
- Route: Alwar → Sariska
- Attractions: Starting from Alwar, known for its forts and palaces, the drive to Sariska National Park is filled with scenic beauty during the rains. Sariska, a famous tiger reserve, turns lush with greenery, enhancing wildlife spotting. Apart from tigers, you can spot various animals such as leopards, deer, and numerous bird species. The weather makes this wildlife adventure more enjoyable, and the lakes in the park fill up, attracting animals to the water sources.
- Best Time: August to November
- Road Condition: Good, with forest stretches near the park.
9. Chittorgarh to Udaipur via Nathdwara
- Distance: 120 km
- Route: Chittorgarh → Nathdwara → Udaipur
- Attractions: Begin at Chittorgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, which looks breathtakingly green during the monsoon. On the way to Udaipur, stop at Nathdwara, famous for the Shrinathji Temple. As you approach Udaipur, the Aravalli ranges and lakes, like Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar, appear even more picturesque under the grey monsoon sky. Udaipur’s palaces and gardens are at their most scenic in the monsoon season.
- Best Time: July to September
- Road Condition: Good with scenic hilly sections.
10. Jaipur to Sambhar Salt Lake
- Distance: 80 km
- Route: Jaipur → Sambhar Lake
- Attractions: Sambhar Lake, India’s largest inland saltwater lake, looks surreal during the monsoon when the surrounding land is sprinkled with rainwater. The expansive landscape with a shimmering layer of water and salt flats makes for a dramatic sight. The wildlife around the lake, including flamingos, also becomes more abundant after the rains. The monsoon adds a certain tranquility to this offbeat location.
- Best Time: August to October
- Road Condition: Well-maintained with a few stretches of rural roads.
