I'll be travelling alone to Rajasthan, for 12 days in November-December, on my first holiday. I'd like to visit Jaipur, Udaipur, Chittaurgarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Mt Abu and Ajmer. I'll be staying with a friend in Chittaur and will use it as a base for my travels. How should I do the trip? I'll have a car at my disposal for short distances, but is there a good public transport system? Could you help me find three-star accommodation? Also, where can I buy bandhini fabrics, tie-and-dye, bags, jootis, Rajasthani silver jewellery, terracota items and antique wooden items?

Since you’re arriving inJaipur, spend a day there.Places to stay:Hotel Sarang Palace (from Rs 3,100; 0141-5116465,hotelsarangpalace.com) or Umaid Bhawan (from Rs 1,800; 0141-2207445,umaidbhawan.com). From there, proceed toAjmer. Take the Delhi-Jodhpur Volvo (dep. from Jaipur: 6.15am, deboard at Ajmer: 8.30 am), or the Jaipur-Jodhpur Volvo (dep.: 12.30pm, arr. at Ajmer: 2.45pm). Stay at Ajmer for two nights and make a day trip to nearby Pushkar. Places to stay:RTDC’s Hotel Khadim (from Rs 1,700; 0145-2627536,rtdc.in) or Hotel Prithviraj (from Rs 1,375; 0145-3290310,ajmer-hotelprithviraj.com). Take the Jaipur-Jodhpur Volvo (dep. from Ajmer: 9.30am, arr.: 1.45pm) toJodhpur; stay for two nights.Places to stay:RTDC’s Ghoomar (from Rs 1,400; 0291-2544010,rtdc.in). Take the Delhi-Jaisalmer Volvo (dep. from Jodhpur: 6.15am, arr.: 11.30am) toJaisalmer. Stay for a night or two.Places to stay:RTDC’s Hotel Moomal (from Rs 1,600; 02992-252392,rtdc.in). From Jaisalmer, take the Jaisalmer-Delhi Volvo (dep.: 5pm, arr. at Jaipur: 6am) back to Jaipur. There are deluxe buses from Jaipur toChittaurthrough the day.Udaipuris a two-hour drive from Chittaur, so you could drive down. Alternatively, take the semi-deluxe Chittaurgarh-Ahmedabad bus (dep.: 7.20am, arr. at Udaipur: 10.15am) to Udaipur.Places to stay:Kurabar Kothi (from Rs 3,500; 0294-2430094,kurabarkothi.com) or Hotel Kesar Palace (from Rs 500; 0294-2410178,hotelkesarpalace.com). Take the Express bus (dep.: 7.30am, arr.: 11.15am) toMt Abu. Places to stay:RTDC’s Hotel Shikhar (from Rs 1,100; 02974-238944,rtdc.com). The next day, take the 8am semi-delux bus to Udaipur. You’ll reach at 12.30pm. Check the RSRTC website (rsrtc.rajasthan.gov.in) for other options; book in advance.

As for shopping in Jaipur: for jootis, tie-and-dye, artificial jewellery, rugs, Jaipurirazaaisand handicrafts, head toBapu Bazaarin the Old Town. Nearby isJohari Bazaar, where you’ll find silver and gold jewellery. For knick-knacks and trinkets, visit the market outsideHawa Mahal. In Jaisalmer, head to thefort market, home to shops selling patchwork durries, miniature statues and ashtrays in yellow sandstone, silver jewellery and some indo-fusion clothes. For tie-and-dye fabrics, saris, salwar-kameez, etc., head to thePatwon ki Haveli. There is a store on the ground floor of the haveli, but you may need to bargain hard (starting at half the quoted price). There are small shops nearby that also sell tie-and-dye. In Udaipur,Brahma Arts & Textiles(0294-2422842) is known to sell original paintings, handicrafts and a range of fine shawls, scarves and kurtis. For handicrafts in wood and camel bone, brassware and terracotta sculptures, tryJagdish Arts and Crafts(0294-2421537/5100429;jagdishartsandcrafts.com). In Jodhpur, head toTripolia Bazaar, for textiles and handicrafts.

Travel confusion? Email [email protected]. Please note that Marco will reply to selected questions only.

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By: Manu Lulla

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