Last winter, my friends and I decided to take a road trip to Jaipur on a tight budget. We wanted fun, adventure and a break from the same old city life. We were five people, all college buddies, and none of us were rich. So we had to plan smartly.

The Planning Phase

We started by listing all the things we needed transport, place to stay, food, and money for sightseeing. Since none of us had a big car, we searched online and found a good option, a Tempo Traveller Hire in Delhi. It was perfect because it was cheaper than booking a cab and had enough space for all of us to sit comfortably with our backpacks.

We booked it for three days. Our driver was friendly and knew the route well, which made the journey feel safe and smooth.

The Journey Begins

We left early in the morning from Delhi. The highway was beautiful — fields, roadside dhabas (small eateries), and even camels! We stopped at a famous dhaba for parathas and chai, and trust me, they were the best we ever had. Cheap and delicious.

The ride to Jaipur took about six hours with a couple of breaks in between. We played music, clicked silly selfies, and even sang old Bollywood songs loudly. The whole tempo traveller felt like our mini party bus.

Jaipur – The Pink City

As soon as we entered Jaipur, the city welcomed us with its pink buildings, buzzing bazaars, and the smell of spices in the air. We had booked a small guesthouse near Hawa Mahal. It was basic but clean and affordable. The owner even gave us a map and marked places we could walk to.

We visited City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amer Fort, and Nahargarh Fort. All these places had student discounts, which helped us save more. Amer Fort was the most fun — we hiked up early in the morning and saw the sunrise. It was magical.

The Unexpected Trouble

But not everything went perfectly. On the second day, we tried eating at a very local street food stall. While it was cheap and tempting, one of my friends ended up with a bad stomach. He had to rest for half a day. So, big advice: Be careful with street food unless your stomach is as strong as iron!

Also, we didn’t check the timings of monuments properly. One evening we reached Jal Mahal after sunset and found it closed. Do not forget to check the timings before visiting any place.

What Went Right

Hiring the tempo traveller made the journey easy, fun, and cheap.

Splitting costs (food, rooms, entry tickets) helped everyone save money.

Waking up early helped us avoid crowds and enjoy the sights peacefully.

Talking to locals gave us secret tips, like where to get the best lassi.

What We Learned

Always carry basic medicines.

Don’t try to do too much in one day.

Keep some cash. Not every place takes cards.

Respect local culture and people. A smile goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Our budget trip to Jaipur wasn’t perfect, but it was unforgettable. We laughed a lot, learned from our small mistakes, and returned with bags full of memories and souvenirs (and maybe a little sunburn!).

If you’re planning a road trip with friends and want to keep it simple and fun, I totally recommend Jaipur. Just plan smart, pack light, and remember. it is not about how much money you spend, but how many moments you collect.