As the rickshaw hurtled down the dusty back alleys, dodging an endless stream of obstacles, we sat squished in behind, clutching on to the sides of the vehicle for dear life.  

Hair raising journeys were to become daily rituals as I travelled across Rajasthan.  In the cities, every road was jam-packed with cars, elephants and rickshaws, bicycles and buses, cows and street traders, meandering in and out, hooting and shouting. 

For the first time visitor to India, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can be somewhat overwhelming, but there-in lies the beauty of a nation, so rich in culture and tradition. 

A country so large and diverse, India ticks all the boxes.  With a warm climate, magnificent scenery and mouth-watering cuisine, there is an abundance of sights and smells, colours and sounds to absorb and appreciate.   

However, while many students may presume India is out of their budget range, it remains one of the least expensive destinations for penny-saving travellers to visit.  So fear not students, for the magic and mystery of Rajasthan is well within your reach.

Since the Mumbai attacks and the global recession, tourism in India has declined, resulting in huge price cuts across the country as an attempt to encourage more visitors.  This is good news for student travellers.

A spokesperson for STA Travel said: “India has always been a strong seller for us and it remains one of the cheapest places for students to travel to”.

Getting Around

Getting around Rajasthan is remarkably easy and incredibly cheap.  There is a wide range of buses travelling between most towns and major tourist spots.  However, by far the cheapest and most convenient way to travel is by train. 

Boasting an extensive rail network, Indian Railways runs over 14,000 trains a day, and moves 14 million passengers daily.  To give an example of prices, a 12 hour sleeper train from Udaipur to Delhi costs around 500 rupees, which is approximately six pounds.

When moving around the towns and cities, there are an abundance of rickshaws and taxis offering extremely low-cost services.  But always make sure to haggle as much as possible to make sure you get the best price.

Where To Go:

As the largest state in India, Rajasthan, or the Land of the Princes, boasts a plethora of busy bazaars, marble palaces, impenetrable forts and mystical lakes.  Set against the backdrop of parched desert and tropical jungle, the largest state in India offers an enormous array of destinations and activities.  

On the border of Rajasthan, Delhi is the obvious first point of call for tourists.  India’s buzzing capital is filled to the brim with temples, bazaars and monuments and houses some of the finest food in the land.  However, while it is easy to lose yourself for days on end within the frenzied streets, there are many more delights to be found outside of the city. 

A stop off in Agra is paramount in order to see the magnificent Taj Mahal, which stands as India’s greatest tourist emblem, and remains one of the most remarkable buildings on earth. 

The dusty pink walls of Jaipur and the Amber Fort and are next on route; bursting at the seams with buzzing activity and teeming with traditions and culture. 

From Jaipur, a trip to Pushkar is a must; a small town that circles around a sacred lake.  Lined with ghats and bustling market stalls, the lake draws pilgrims and tourists in their thousands, while the busy bazaars and relaxing rooftop cafes attract many a laid-back traveller.  

A trip to Rajasthan would not be complete without visiting Udaipur.  Known as the Venice of the East, this magical city is perhaps best known as the setting for the Bond film Octopussy.  Built around a large lake, Udaipur is without doubt one of the most romantic cities in the world, complete with the magnificent Lake Palace that floats exquisitely on the water.  

What to do

Throughout Rajasthan there are an abundance of temples, palaces and forts to explore, and plenty of activities on offer for the adventurous types; such as camel trekking in the desert and tiger watching in Ranthambhore National Park.

The more relaxed traveller can simply meander through the endless markets or unwind during a session of yoga.  There are cookery courses on offer in most towns where you can try your hand at the local cuisine, and oodles of sleepy cafes and roof top restaurants offering peace and comfort for the weary tourist. 

Shopping is absurdly cheap throughout Rajasthan.  Travellers on a tight budget will be amazed at how much they can purchase for very little money.  Row upon row of colourful stalls line the streets, where traditional garments and hand-made crafts tempt passers-by to take a closer look.  

Where to stay

There are a wide variety of accommodation options throughout Rajasthan.  Hotel prices start at around 100 rupees a night (approximately £1.30) for the more basic guest houses.  However, many of the cheaper hotels often provide en-suite bathrooms, a luxury not often expected by budget travellers.  Every town offers a wide variety of accommodation options, many of which also provide food if required.

With hotel prices starting at 100 rupees a night (approximately £1.30) and very cheap methods of travel, India offers a huge range of low-cost adventures for students, hungry to explore the magical land but without huge financial means.  Just check out the amazing deals available and see for yourself.