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Accommodation and Transport
Air Transport – Rajasthan
Travel : A Channel of Comfort
The land of maharajas, through its transport guide, over the chapters of time, has created its own niche on the world map. Rajasthan with her convivial nature has attracted millions of tourists in the past and continues to do so. And why not? It is a land where every season is a reason to celebrate. A high tourism enthusiasm has led to the inflation of transport facilities thereby linking Rajasthan with whole of the globe. And now, you just have to plan a trip and pack your bags, the rest will be taken care of. Information on Rajasthan travel is available once you make a plan to take a tour of Rajasthan.
Fly To Royal Cities By Air
Travel to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is well connected to Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Kolkata by air routes, and numerous flights of Indian Airlines (office is at Nehru Place Complex, Tonk Road) and Jet Airways (Umain Nagar House, M.I.Road) fly between these destinations regularly. Jagson Airlines is a new entrant on the circuit, linking the Pink City to Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Rajkot. The Sanganer Airport is about 16 km from the city centre, and one can hire taxis, on pre-paid basis, to go to the airport. Auto-rickshaws, a cheaper mode of transport, are also available from the main road, just outside the airport, 50 mt from arrival hall and takes about 30 minutes to transfer to downtown. Radio taxis and tourist cabs are available for short and long trips, in and around Jaipur. There is no problems of transportation in Rajasthan.
Take up Jodhpur tours that can be reached with regular flights of Indian Airlines or Jet Airways from major destinations. The airport is 5 km from downtown and one can get taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the city centre. If you plan a holiday trip to Rajasthan and want to start your itinerary from the Lake City of Udaipur, go for Indian Airlines (Office at LIC Building, Delhi Gate) or Jet Airways (Near GPO, Blue Circle Buisness Centre, 1-C Madhuban), with daily flights from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi. One can comfortably choose from two schedules to reach Udaipur from Delhi by Jet Airways. The Rajasthan transport guide will give you information on Rajasthan travel. The first flights leaves Delhi (DEL) at 5:45 am and reaches Udaipur (UDR) at 8:10 am via Jaipur. While the second flight leaves Del at 11:25 am and reaches Udaipur (UDR) at 01:05 pm in the afternoon. Both have daily flights but the second option is more comfortable especially for tourists. Mumbai it has a direct connection and reaches Del in 1 hr-45 min. Maharana Pratap Airport (the city’s own airport) is 21 km from the city centre and the journey to downtown takes around 35-45 minutes.
Pleasure By Rail
Travel to Rajasthan via the Shatabdi Express from Delhi, which takes around four-and-a-half hours to travel to Jaipur, is an excellent rail option. The reservation office is fully computerised (call 131 for railway inquiries and 135 for reservation related information). The reservation counters are open from 8 am to 8 pm, from Monday to Saturday, with a brief lunch break at 2 pm. Remember, on Sundays the counter is open till 2 pm only. There is also a pre-paid auto-rickshaw counter, at the corner of the junction. Enjoy a holiday in the Blue City, Udaipur is on the Western Railway’s broad-gauge network and is linked to various centres in the region by express and passenger trains. One can get into the Inter City Express which takes around 4.5 hrs to reach Jodhpur from Jaipur.
Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by a broad gauge line with two train services; one a passenger and the other an express. The express leaves Jodhpur at 11:30 pm (arr. 5.30 am) and journeys through some of the remotest, most desolate parts of Rajasthan, with stations far and few in between.
One of the best options to enjoy a tour to Rajasthan is to reserve a pleasure on the Palace on Wheels. This popular train which flaunts of being one of the 10 most luxurious trains of the world travels to every major destination in Rajasthan – Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Ranthambhore, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur – besides travelling to Bharatpur and Agra, and gives ample time to explore every place it travels to. Enjoy a vacation in Rajasthan on this train itself.
Comfort By Roads.
Come to Rajasthan through the National Highway 8 which is the connecting link between Jaipur and the National Capital of Delhi. The entire highway is a four-lane double carriage-way and one can fly on the roads while gazing at the lush landscapes dotted around. Jaipur is around 260 km from Delhi, and it takes around four-five hours to cover the entire distance. Take a short break at any of those road side restaurants (dhabas) at Manesar or Dharuhera for mild refreshments. Both provide ample parking facilities, clean toilets, hygienic dining and shopping outlets. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation has started another bus service recently, Volvo, air-conditioned deluxe coaches to Delhi, also providing sleeping facilities. One can also avail the Pink Line bus services, operated by Rajasthan Roadways and takes around 5-6 hours to travel to Delhi, from the central bus stand at Sindhi Camp.
Transport guide of Rajasthan will take you to other major destinations like Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Mount Abu and Ajmer are well connected by regular bus services from the capital city of Jaipur. Deluxe coaches to all these tourist’s places of interest, run by Rajasthan Roadways depart from Jaipur daily in the evening. Udaipur, too, lies on NH 8, the major road link between Delhi and Mumbai. If you are driving from Jaipur (405 km), you could break journey at Deogarh, which falls roughly midway. From Ahmedabad (252 km), it is a straight six hours with a optional break journey at Ratanpur. If you have the luxury of time, it is a good idea to take small detours and stay at the heritage hotels dotting the region. The State Transport Bus Stand is on the City Station Road, NH 8, udaipol and there tourists can find multiple State buses of Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh that operate buses to Udaipur.
Best time to visit
The largest state in India, Rajasthan’s climate can be divided into four seasons i.e. summer, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. Temperatures vary depending on the season and the region you plan to visit, but by and large you can visit the state any time of year and find something new to do each time.
Summers in Rajasthan last from April to June and are particularly harsh with temperatures rising up to 48°C during the day. That being said, if you do plan to visit Rajasthan in the summer, head to places like Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh or Ranakpur. The weather here is pleasant and the views offered are breath-taking. For other cities, the weather is optimal in the early evenings for roaming around outside in the early mornings and late evenings, and it is advisable to stay indoors otherwise.
Monsoon is a far more pleasant experience, the temperatures tend to drop across the state and the rain showers transform the arid landscape of Rajasthan. July to September is a particularly good time to visit if you wish to avoid the crowds you’d usually find during peak tourist season. Bundi, the lake city of Udaipur and the Keoladeo National Park are picturesque and are a must visit if you plan to travel to Rajasthan during the Monsoon.
The temperatures continue to drop once the monsoon has passed, and come October winter sets in that lasts till March. During December and January, there can be a severe variation in temperatures during the day and the night. In fact, temperatures are known to drop as low as 0°C and below. This is the best time to visit Rajasthan as the desert sun is not as intense and the days are pleasant. Most of the festivals held in winter are planned as tourist attractions, with visitors coming in from different parts of the world.
TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL AROUND THE YEAR
January to March
50F – 80F
10°C – 27°C
4MM – 7MM
April to June
75F – 105F
24°C – 45°C
11MM – 30MM
July to September
70F – 95F
21°C – 35°C
100MM – 165MM
October to December
55F – 85F
13°C – 30°C
3MM – 8MM
How to get there
Air
Rajasthan is a tourist hub and therefore well-connected by air. Whether you’re flying in from within the country or from another one, you’ll find that there are a host of options you can choose from based on your itinerary. The three major airports of Rajasthan are Sanganer International Airport in Jaipur, Jodhpur Airport and Dabok Airport in Udaipur. While Sanganer is open to domestic and international air traffic, Jodhpur and Udaipur only serve domestic routes and Jodhpur also doubles up as a base for the Indian Air Force. These three airports collectively connect Rajasthan to most major cities in India, with Jaipur Airport also offering connections to some international destinations such as Muscat, Singapore, Abu Dhabi etc. With tourism booming in the state, plans are in motion to construct an airport in Ajmer and revive operations to Kota, Jaisalmer and Bikaner in the future which will make flying to Rajasthan easy.
Rail
Rail is one of the best ways to travel to Rajasthan from anywhere within India as it is both, comfortable and economical. The state is well-connected to all the major cities across the nation and there are several routes to opt from. The major railway stations of Rajasthan are Jaipur, Kota, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, Udaipur, Abu Road and Jodhpur. But out of this lot, Jaipur and Kota are major hubs connecting the major cities of India to Rajasthan.
Road
Rajasthan has 20 national highways passing through the state, spanning a distance of about 6373 kms. The NH-8 which connects Mumbai to Delhi is the busiest national highway in Rajasthan and runs through Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur and Chittorgarh. Besides the NH-8, Rajasthan is also connected to other major cities in India such as Delhi, Ahmedabad and Indore by state highways. You can very well choose to drive to Rajasthan or hop onto a bus operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, if you prefer travelling by road.
VISA RULES
The below instructions and information are general in nature; however, for specific information, we urge you to visit or contact the Indian Mission / Embassy website as per your country of residence.
A passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended return from India should ideally accompany your visa applications.
Foreign tourists holding other nationalities (other than the country where applying for visa), should submit proof of long-term (at least three years)/ permanent residence in the country (where applying). For citizens of other countries, a reference has to be made to their country of residence for which an additional fee is chargeable and will also involve extra processing time. Please refrain from making inquiries about the status of the application during this time.
Following visas are available from the Indian missions abroad:
TOURIST VISA
This is given for 6 months normally; it may vary depending on the country of residence. The applicant is required to produce/submit documents in proof of his financial standing. Tourists travelling in groups of not less than four members under the auspices of a recognized travel agency may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa.
BUSINESS VISA
This is valid for one year or more with multiple entries. A letter from the sponsoring organization indicating nature of business, probable duration of stay, places and organizations to be visited incorporating therein a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses, etc. should accompany the application.
STUDENT VISA
These is issued for the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years whichever is less, on the basis of firm letters of admission from universities/recognized colleges or educational institutions in India. Change of purpose and institutions are not permissible.
TRANSIT VISA
This is issued for a maximum period of 15-days with single/double entry facilities to bonafide transit passengers only.
VISA TO MISSIONARIES
This is valid for single entry and duration as permitted by Government of India. A letter in triplicate from sponsoring organization indicating intended destination in India, probable length of stay, and nature of duties to be discharged should be submitted along with guarantee for applicant’s maintenance while in India.
JOURNALIST VISA
This is issued to professional journalists and photographers for visiting India. The applicants are required to contact on arrival in New Delhi, the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and, in other places, the Office of the Government of India’s Press Information Bureau.
CONFERENCE VISA
This is issued for attending conferences/seminars/meetings in India. A letter of invitation from the organizer of the conference is to be submitted along with the visa application. Delegates coming for conferences may combine tourism with attending conferences.
EMPLOYMENT VISA
This is issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organizations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives etc. Applicants are required to submit proof of contract/employment/engagement of foreign nationals by the company or organization.
e-TOURIST VISA (eTV)
This is available to International Travellers whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight-seeing, a casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short-term medical treatment or a casual business visit. For more information, visit
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
FEES
The fee structure depends on the nationality of the passport holder and type/duration of visa applied. The existing fee structure is:
Mission Sites
Transit VisaUS$ 5.00Visas with validity up to six monthsUS$ 30.00Visas with validity up to one yearUS$ 50.00Student VisaUS$ 50.00Visas with validity between one to five yearsUS$100.00Visa fees indicated in US$ are payable in local currencies as well. Visa fees are not refundable except in cases where a visa already issued is cancelled thereafter.
PROCESSING DURATION
Depends on the type of visa applied.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
The duration of stay in India for each visit on a tourist visa or business visa is only for a period of 6 months even though a valid visa may be for more than 6 months.
The visa is given for a period for which the passport is valid. For example, if a passport is valid until April 30, 2009 and an applicant is applying for 5 year visa on December 31, 2008, the applicant will not be issued a 5 years visa as the passport expires before the 5 year visa.
VALIDITY OF ALL VISAS IS COUNTED FROM THE DATE OF THEIR ISSUE
Tourist visa up to 5 years may be granted if the foreigner is connected with the tourism trade.
If visa is for more than 180 days, registration is compulsory within 14 days of first arrival in India.
Extension of visa in Delhi – Ministry of Home Affair (MHA) – Director (F), Lok Nayak Bhawan, Ist floor, Khan market, New Delhi-110003.
Hire a state aircraft
To boost tourism and civil aviation in the state, the government has permitted vide letter no. F.3 (15) CA/2012 dated 26-05-2014 for utilisation of state government aircraft for air taxi operations. Besides the airstrips/airports within the State, the aircrafts can be flown to other airstrips/airports within the country. There are two models of aircraft available for hire, the first being a King Air B-200 and the second, a King Air C-90A. Both models seat seven passengers and two crew members, making for a comfortable journey even if you’re travelling in a group. State government officials who are entitled to air travel may also utilise the facility for group and official visits.
The aforesaid aircraft will be available on the terms and conditions mentioned below:
King Air B-200
- Rate per hour: 1,00,000.00 (INR)Minimum chargeable hours per day: 2.00Night halt charges: 25,000 (INR) or boarding/lodging of crew in a 5 star hotel and actual transportation chargesHandling Charges: Actuals
Extension of watch hours: Actuals
Booking cancellation charges
48 hrs prior to scheduled departure: 25%
Within 24-48 hours: 40%
Within 24 hours: 50%
Service tax: As per rules
Commission to RTDC/organisations/travel Agents: 7%
King Air C-90A
- Rate per hour: 75,000.00 (INR)Minimum chargeable hours per day: 2.00Night halt charges: 25,000 (INR) or boarding/lodging of crew in a 5 star hotel and actual transportation chargesHandling Charges: Actuals
Extension of watch hours: Actuals
Booking cancellation charges
48 hrs prior to scheduled departure: 25%
Within 24-48 hours: 40%
Within 24 hours: 50%
Service tax: As per rules
Commission to RTDC/organisations/travel Agents: 7%
Guidelines
In an effort to ensure your stay is a comfortable and safe one, we have listed out a code of conduct for both the tourists and hosts: –
-
DO’s
ACCOMMODATION:
Always check into approved/classified hotels, paying guest houses, bed-and-breakfasts or RTDC run hotels.
Whenever possible, make enquiries at the Rajasthan Tourism Tourist Information Bureaus located in major railway stations, bus stands and airports.
Before staying in a paying guest accommodation, always check about its authorisation by the Department of Tourism
TRANSPORT:
Take autorickshaws or taxis from pre-paid kiosks at Railway Stations, Bus Stands or wherever available.
If a prepaid autorickshaw is not available, settle the fare/charges before embarking on the journey.
Hire taxis from approved Travel Agency or RTDC.
Book taxis through taxi aggregator apps.
Make enquires (as to where, and how far each monument or tourist site is located) before setting out on sightseeing.
SHOPPING:
Purchase from reputed/recognised shops or Government emporiums.
Always insist on a bill for purchases made.
Ensure there is a Value Added Tax registration number (VAT) on your bill sheet.
Payments made by credit cards must have the amount mentioned in both, words and numbers.
Always double-check the goods in the parcel before leaving the shop or allowing it to be packed for dispatch.
Ensure payment by credit cards is made only once for each bill.
Ensure that wrongly made out bills are destroyed immediately to avoid double payment.
Avoid showrooms near tourist sites or else ensure the price and authenticity of the purchase being made.
Avoid shops that have names very similar to Government run emporia or concerns like RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation) or Rajasthali, which are public sector undertakings.
Avoid associating or developing relations for furthering business with unknown persons who are glib talkers and at times impeccably turned out.
Avoid help of guide /driver while shopping. Try to avoid shops recommended by them.
MONEY EXCHANGE:
Take from authorised money exchangers and always get a receipt.
TAXI:
Utilise services of pre-paid taxis, wherever available.
IN CASE CHEATED:
If you are cheated, inform the nearest Police Station/Police Control Room immediately or TAF (Tourist Assistance Force) personnel posted near monuments.
Miscellaneous:
You are advised not to dress in clothes that are too revealing and too scanty.
Eat food that you buy yourself.
Always ensure your passport and other precious belongings are safe. Never give them to strangers, shopkeepers or hotel staff.
-
DON’Ts
ACCOMMODATION:
Stay with or be coaxed into staying with people you meet at railway platforms, bus stands or shopping areas.
Think you are getting a bargain if a free ride is given by any transporter to a hotel. Check with Rajasthan Tourism tourist information office first.
Allow any one into your room (for a drink, snacks or just a chat) unless the person is well known to you.
TRANSPORT:
Free rides can culminate into trouble at a hotel suggested by the driver.
Leave your important documents, valuables, luggage, etc. with the driver.
SHOPPING:
Let the driver coax you into doing more shopping than sightseeing.
Sign on blank letter heads or bills.
Let shopkeepers pack your purchases behind a counter or in another room. It must be done in front of you and signed across the joints or ensure some method whereby no changes can be made.
MONEY EXCHANGE:
Exchange from unauthorised money exchangers who do not provide a receipt.
TAXI:
Leave your valuables and goods/ luggage in taxi/auto rickshaw etc.
Miscellaneous:
Hang on to the arms of young men or give them the impression that you find them attractive.
Go in for free lunch and dinner or drinks.
Roam around alone in the late hours of the night.
You Know...
What Travel Documents Do I Need?
On arrival in India you must produce a valid national passport or other document satisfactorily establishing your identity and nationality. Indian visa from the Indian Consulate in your country.
Do I Need An International Certificate Of Vaccination?
Yes, yellow fever vaccinations would be required if you are coming from infected or endemic areas.
Do I Need Medical/Travel Insurance?
Yes, it is advisable to take both to cover theft, loss or illness.
Is there any Foreign Travel Tax?
Yes, Rs.500/- has to be paid at the airport as Foreign Travel Tax.
Do I Need a Tax Clearance Certificate?
If your stay exceeds 120 days you would be required to furnish a tax clearance certificate to leave the country. This is to prove that you did not earn money while in India.
How Much Money Can I Bring?
You may bring in as much money as you wish. There is no restriction on the amount of travelers cheque changed.
Can you explain the Indian Money System?
Though the rates keep fluctuating, one dollar is roughly equivalent to 60 Indian rupees. Indian rupees are available in denominations of 1,2,5,10,20,50,100,500,1000.
What are the Working Hours of Bank and Post Offices?
Opening hours for all banks are 10 am to 2pm on weekday, till noon on Saturday. All banks are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Where can I get a Taxi?
You will find taxis near railway stations, bus stands and all good hotels. Scooter rickshaws are also conveniently available.
How much should I Tip?
It is generally advisable to pay 10% to 15% of the billed amount.
What is the Voltage?
The standard voltage throughout the country is 220 volts.
What is the Road Regulation?
Unlike other countries, in India we drive on the left of the road and overtake on right.
Do I need a Special Driving License?
A valid International Driving License is necessary if you wish to drive a car or motorbike in India.
When are the National Holidays?
Jan 26 – Republic Day
Aug 15 – Independence Day
Oct 02 – Gandhi Jayanti
What to Wear?
Light cottons if you are here from August to November. Light to heavy woolens in December and January. For women it is advisable to be a little conservatively dressed. Long shirts and jeans or dresses are practical and comfortable. Men can wear trouser/jeans and shorts or the Indian kurta/ pyjama.