A Guide to Planning a Family Road Trip Across Rajasthan on a 20 LPA Salary: Financial Planning Strategies

Introduction

• Rajasthan, with its rich cultural heritage and history, is a popular destination for domestic and international travellers alike.
• This guide is specifically designed for young Indian employees and new graduates who want to plan a road trip across Rajasthan on a 20 LPA (Lakhs per annum) salary.
• Since finances can be a concern, we will focus on financial planning strategies that will help you make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

Setting a Budget

• First, determine the length of your trip and the number of people travelling with you.
• Then, calculate the costs of transportation, accommodation, food, and miscellaneous expenses for the entire trip.
• For example, if you're planning a 7-day trip with 4 people, your budget could be roughly calculated as follows:
• Transportation: INR 10,000 (fuel and tolls for a car rental)
• Accommodation: INR 16,000 (4 nights in a budget hotel at INR 2,000/night and 3 nights in a luxury hotel at INR 4,000/night)
• Food: INR 8,400 (INR 300 per meal per person for 7 days)
• Miscellaneous: INR 5,600 (INR 200 per day per person for souvenirs, snacks, and other incidentals)
• Total: INR 40,000

Transportation

• Choosing the right vehicle can make a big difference in your trip's budget. Consider fuel efficiency, rental costs, and parking fees when making your decision.
• If you plan to drive your own car, make sure it's well-maintained to avoid unexpected breakdowns and additional expenses.
• For instance, renting a small, fuel-efficient car could cost you as little as INR 2,000 per day, while driving your own car would require an additional budget for fuel and maintenance.

Accommodation

• Rajasthan offers a variety of accommodation options to fit every budget, from budget hotels and guesthouses to luxury resorts and palaces.
• Researching and booking in advance can help you find better deals and save money.
• For example, you can find budget hotels in Rajasthan for as little as INR 1,500 per night, while luxury hotels can cost INR 10,000 or more per night.

Food and Drink

• Rajasthan is known for its rich and flavorful cuisine, but eating out can add up quickly.
• To save money, consider eating street food and local delicacies or cooking your meals if you have access to a kitchen.
• According to Numbeo, the average cost of a meal in Rajasthan is around INR 200, while a 500 ml bottle of water costs around INR 20.

Sightseeing and Activities

• Rajasthan is home to numerous tourist attractions, including forts, palaces, museums, and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time and budget, and consider purchasing a tourist pass or bundle package to save on admission fees.
• For example, the Rajasthan Tourism Pass offers discounts on multiple attractions and activities, while a ticket to the City Palace in Jaipur costs INR 200 per person.

Miscellaneous Expenses

• Don't forget to budget for souvenirs, shopping, travel insurance, and emergency funds.
• Consider purchasing souvenirs from local markets or small shops instead of tourist traps to support local businesses and find unique items.
• Travel insurance can cost as little as INR 200 per person per day and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events or emergencies.

Example itinerary for a 7-day family road trip across Rajasthan

Here's an example itinerary for a 7-day family road trip across Rajasthan on a 20 LPA salary. Please note that these costs are estimates and can vary based on your preferences, travel dates, and other factors.

Day 1: Jaipur

• Arrival in Jaipur and check-in at a budget hotel - INR 2,000
• Visit the Hawa Mahal and the City Palace - INR 400
• Lunch at a local restaurant - INR 600
• Visit to the Jantar Mantar and the Albert Hall Museum - INR 400
• Dinner at a local restaurant - INR 600
• Total cost for the day - INR 4,000

Day 2: Pushkar

• Breakfast at the hotel - INR 200
• Drive to Pushkar - INR 1,500
• Check-in at a budget hotel - INR 2,000
• Visit the Brahma Temple and the Pushkar Lake - INR 100
• Lunch at a local restaurant - INR 600
• Visit the Rose Garden and the Pushkar Bazaar - INR 300
• Dinner at the hotel - INR 400
• Total cost for the day - INR 5,100

Day 3: Jodhpur

• Breakfast at the hotel - INR 200
• Drive to Jodhpur - INR 2,500
• Check-in at a budget hotel - INR 2,000
• Visit the Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada - INR 500
• Lunch at a local restaurant - INR 600
• Visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Clock Tower - INR 300
• Dinner at the hotel - INR 400
• Total cost for the day - INR 6,500

Day 4: Jaisalmer

• Breakfast at the hotel - INR 200
• Drive to Jaisalmer - INR 3,000
• Check-in at a budget hotel - INR 2,000
• Visit the Jaisalmer Fort and the Patwon Ki Haveli - INR 400
• Lunch at a local restaurant - INR 600
• Camel ride in the Thar Desert - INR 1,500
• Dinner and overnight stay in a desert camp - INR 2,000
• Total cost for the day - INR 9,700

Day 5: Bikaner

• Breakfast at the camp - INR 200
• Drive to Bikaner - INR 2,500
• Check-in at a budget hotel - INR 2,000
• Visit the Junagarh Fort and the Karni Mata Temple - INR 400
• Lunch at a local restaurant - INR 600
• Visit the Lalgarh Palace and the Bikaner Camel Breeding Farm - INR 300
• Dinner at the hotel - INR 400
• Total cost for the day - INR 6,400

Day 6: Ajmer and Pushkar

• Breakfast at the hotel - INR 200
• Drive to Ajmer - INR 2,000
• Visit to the Dargah Sharif and the Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra - INR 200
• Lunch at a local restaurant - INR 600
• Drive back to Pushkar - INR 500
• Visit the Pushkar Bazaar for shopping - INR 500
• Dinner at the hotel - INR 400
• Total cost for the day - INR 4,400

Day 7: Jaipur

• Breakfast at the hotel - INR 200
• Drive back to Jaipur - INR 1,500
• Visit the Amer Fort and the Nahargarh Fort - INR 500
• Lunch at a local restaurant - INR 600
• Visit the Jal Mahal and the Sisodia Rani Garden - INR 300
• Dinner at a local restaurant - INR 600
• Total cost for the day - INR 3,700

Total cost for the 7-day trip: INR 39,800

This itinerary assumes a family of four travelling together, with a daily budget of approximately INR 5,700. Of course, the actual cost of your trip may vary depending on your preferences and travel style. To save money, you can consider staying in budget hotels or homestays, eating at local restaurants instead of high-end establishments, and travelling during the off-season when prices are generally lower. With careful planning and a bit of flexibility, it is possible to have a wonderful family road trip across Rajasthan on a 20 LPA salary.

Conclusion

• Planning a family road trip across Rajasthan on a 20 LPA salary may seem daunting, but with careful financial planning and smart choices, it is possible to have a memorable and enjoyable experience without overspending.
• Remember to research and compare prices, book in advance, and be flexible with your itinerary to save money.
• And most importantly, have fun and soak up the rich culture and history that Rajasthan has to offer!

Happy travels!