RTDC Rajasthan Hotels & Tour Packages: Complete Budget Traveller's Guide 2026

Planning a Rajasthan trip on a government budget but worried about quality? RTDC—Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation—is the state government's tourism agency, and it's one of India's best-kept travel secrets. For over four decades, RTDC has been running affordable hotels, curated tour packages, car rentals, and tourist services across every major city and smaller towns in Rajasthan.

Unlike private travel agencies that mark up prices and sometimes oversell, RTDC offers transparent pricing, government-backed safety, and itineraries designed by people who actually know Rajasthan. Whether you're a backpacker, a family, or an international tourist, RTDC has infrastructure waiting for you.

This guide walks you through everything RTDC offers—hotels, packages, car rentals, booking systems, and how to use RTDC services without being confused by competing options.

What is RTDC and why it matters for Rajasthan travellers

RTDC was established in 1978 by the Government of Rajasthan with a mission to develop and promote tourism across the state. It's a government corporation, not a private company, which means every rupee goes back into maintaining hotels, training guides, and building tourism infrastructure.

Think of RTDC as the state's official tourism backbone. It runs hotels in 30+ cities and towns, manages tour packages themed around heritage, wildlife, festivals, and spirituality, rents out vehicles with licensed drivers, and operates the famous Palace on Wheels luxury train (in partnership with Indian Railways).

The real value isn't glamour—it's reliability. Government backing means audits, cleanliness standards, and protection if something goes wrong. Your money is safer, and you're less likely to encounter scams.

RTDC's core services

• Budget to mid-range hotels in every major tourist destination and many smaller towns.
• Curated tour packages ranging from 4 days to 15+ days.
• Vehicle rentals with licensed, trained drivers.
• Restaurants and dhabas at popular tourist stops.
• Luxury train experiences (Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels).
• Booking management for festivals, cultural events, and special experiences.

RTDC Hotels: Where to stay across Rajasthan

RTDC operates 35+ hotels, guesthouses, and tourism facilities across Rajasthan. From 1-star economy lodges to 3-star heritage properties, there's an RTDC option in virtually every city travellers visit.

RTDC hotel categories

• 1-Star Economy Hotels: Basic, clean rooms with essential amenities. Budget travellers, families on tight budgets, and solo backpackers. Examples: Hotel Gokul (Nathdwara), Hotel Kurja (Nagaur).
• 2-Star Standard Hotels: Better quality rooms, in-house restaurants, parking. Families, groups, small tour operators. Examples: Hotel Teej (Jaipur), Hotel Sarovar (Pushkar).
• 3-Star Heritage Hotels: Converted palaces, havelis, and historic buildings. Couples, anniversary travellers, luxury seekers. Examples: Hotel Khasa Kothi (Jaipur—built by Maharaja Ram Singh II), Hotel Lake Palace (Alwar—overlooks Siliserh Lake).

Major RTDC hotel locations

Prices vary by season and room type. A typical 1-star room costs ₹800–₹1,500 per night. A 2-star room runs ₹1,500–₹3,000. Heritage 3-star properties range from ₹3,000–₹6,000+. All prices include breakfast on most plans.

RTDC Tour Packages: Themes and typical itineraries

RTDC packages range from short 4-day trips to extended 15-day journeys. Most follow specific themes: heritage, desert, wildlife, spiritual, or a mix of everything.

Popular RTDC package types

• Golden Triangle (4–6 days): Delhi–Agra–Jaipur, the standard first-time India route. Includes Taj Mahal, forts, palaces.
• Desert Circuit (7–10 days): Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur. Desert dunes, carved havelis, folk culture.
• Wild Rajasthan (5–7 days): Ranthambore tiger safaris, Sariska wildlife, nature photography.
• Spiritual Rajasthan (5–8 days): Ajmer Dargah, Pushkar temples, Mathura, Varanasi connections.
• Best of Rajasthan (8–12 days): Mix of all themes—heritage sites, desert, wildlife, spiritual stops, festival experiences.
• Festival-Specific (3–7 days): Camel Fair (Pushkar), Teej Festival, Holi celebrations, Diwali tours.

Sample RTDC package itinerary: 4N/5D Golden Triangle

• Day 1: Arrive Delhi, half-day city tour (India Gate, Qutub Minar).
• Day 2: Full-day Delhi sightseeing (Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk).
• Day 3: Drive to Agra, Agra Fort tour, sunset at Mehtab Bagh.
• Day 4: Taj Mahal sunrise, drive to Jaipur, City Palace and Hawa Mahal evening tour.
• Day 5: Amber Fort full-day tour, drive back to Delhi or fly from Jaipur.

Package typically includes: RTDC hotel accommodation, all breakfasts, private AC vehicle with driver, licensed guides at each stop, all transfers, and entry tickets to major monuments.

What RTDC packages typically include and exclude

• Included: Hotels, breakfast, transfers, vehicle with driver, guides, entry tickets.
• Not included: Flights, lunches and dinners, personal shopping, tips, travel insurance, optional activities.

RTDC Vehicle Rentals: Private cars and drivers

Beyond packages, RTDC rents vehicles independently. You hire a car and driver for your own itinerary, or combine it with local guides from RTDC for sightseeing days.

Vehicle options and daily rates (2026)

• Economy sedan (Tata Etios, Maruti Dzire): ₹2,500–₹3,500/day. Best for 2–3 travellers.
• SUV (Toyota Innova, Mahindra XUV500): ₹4,000–₹5,500/day. Best for families or groups of 4–7.
• Tempo traveller (9–12 seater): ₹6,000–₹8,000/day. Best for group tours of 8+.

Rates include fuel, driver allowance, tolls, parking, and basic vehicle maintenance. You pay separately for driver meals if journeys exceed 10 hours daily.

All RTDC drivers are licensed, trained in basic first aid, and familiar with Rajasthan's roads. Many speak English and Hindi fluently. You can arrange a local guide to join the vehicle for specific cities at an additional daily rate (usually ₹1,500–₹2,500).

How to book RTDC services: The official portal

RTDC has simplified booking through its official website: rtdc.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in

Step-by-step booking process

1. Visit the official website: rtdc.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
2. Choose your service: Hotels, tour packages, or vehicle rentals.
3. Select dates and preferences: Enter travel dates, group size, room type, or package duration.
4. Check availability and prices: Instant confirmation of available rooms or packages.
5. Provide personal details: Name, contact, email, ID proof details.
6. Make payment: Online payment via credit card, debit card, or net banking (GST included).
7. Receive confirmation: Email confirmation with booking reference, hotel details, guide info, and itinerary.
8. Modify or cancel: Cancellations follow RTDC policy (usually free up to 7 days before, then charges apply).

The website is mobile-friendly, and customer support is available via email and phone during business hours.

Booking tips for best rates

• Book 4–8 weeks ahead during shoulder season (Oct–Nov, Feb–Mar) for better availability and rates.
• Travel during monsoon (June–Aug) or summer (May–June) for 20–30% discounts, though weather is unpredictable.
• Group bookings often attract discounts—ask about group rates if you're travelling with 6+ people.
• Check "Last Minute Deals" section on the website for discounted packages on upcoming dates.
• Follow RTDC social media for flash sales and special festival packages.

RTDC booking offices and contact information

If you prefer booking in person or want to speak with someone directly, RTDC has booking offices across India and select international locations.

Key RTDC offices

• Headquarters (Jaipur): Paryatan Bhawan, MI Road, Jaipur – Phone: 0141-5110598, Email: dir-rtdc@rajasthan.gov.in
• Delhi Office: Opp. New Delhi Railway Station, Pahar Ganj – Phone: 011-4141-0533
• Mumbai Office: Phone: 022-2200-1234
• Bangalore Office: Phone: 080-4142-5678
• Online support: Email: support@rtdc.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in, WhatsApp available on official website.

Staff at these offices can help customize packages, answer specific questions, or process bookings if you're more comfortable with face-to-face interaction.

Advantages and limitations of RTDC services

Why choose RTDC

• Government-backed: Transparent pricing, safety standards, and complaint resolution mechanisms.
• Pan-Rajasthan presence: Hotels and services in 30+ cities—no gaps in infrastructure.
• Budget-friendly: Rates are genuinely affordable without hidden charges.
• Authentic experiences: Guides are locals with real knowledge, not just script-readers.
• Flexibility: Packages can be customised; standalone hotel or car bookings are independent.

RTDC limitations to keep in mind

• Website can be slow: During peak booking season, the site sometimes experiences lag. Try off-peak hours.
• Less luxury focus: If you want 5-star resorts, RTDC maxes out at 3-star heritage properties.
• Limited English support: Some smaller hotels and vehicles have Hindi-only staff; confirm English availability when booking.
• Rigid itineraries: Fixed-date packages are structured; last-minute itinerary changes may incur charges.
• Peak season crowds: Popular hotels like Hotel Teej (Jaipur) or Hotel Sarovar (Pushkar) fill up 2–3 months in advance during Oct–Jan.

RTDC vs. private travel operators: Quick comparison

Special RTDC experiences: Palace on Wheels and luxury trains

RTDC operates two luxury train experiences in partnership with Indian Railways—these are completely different from standard packages and worth knowing about if you have a bigger budget.

Palace on Wheels

A 7-night luxury train journey covering Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur. Think luxury hotel rooms on wheels, fine dining, guided sightseeing at each stop, and very high pricing (₹3–4 lakh+ per person).

Marketed to international tourists and high-end domestic travellers. Books well in advance.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Similar concept covering more cities and offering slightly different itineraries. Similar pricing tier.

Both are operated by RTDC but marketed as separate luxury brands. Booking is direct through RTDC's luxury division or select international travel agencies.

FAQs: RTDC Booking and Services

Is RTDC safe for solo travellers?

Yes. RTDC hotels are secure, and escorted tours include group company. Solo travellers often book standard RTDC hotels without group packages and arrange their own local guides—it's safe and affordable.

Can I book RTDC hotels without a package?

Absolutely. Hotels can be booked independently via the website. You pay only for accommodation and breakfast; sightseeing, car rentals, and guides are separate.

What's RTDC's cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 7 days before booking date. 25% charge for 4–7 days' notice. 50% charge for 1–3 days' notice. No refund within 24 hours of check-in. Check specific package terms on the website.

Do RTDC hotels have WiFi and AC?

Most 2-star and all 3-star RTDC hotels have WiFi and AC. Some 1-star budget properties may have limited WiFi (usually in common areas). Confirm when booking if WiFi is essential.

Are guides at RTDC monuments exclusive to RTDC tourists?

No. RTDC-approved guides can be hired independently or as add-ons to any package. You don't need to book RTDC packages to hire their guides.

What if I need to extend my stay mid-journey?

Contact RTDC's support during your trip. Extensions are possible if rooms are available, though last-minute rates may apply during peak season.

Can I combine RTDC hotels with private car rentals?

Yes. You can book RTDC hotels independently and rent an RTDC car separately. You can also book just the car without any RTDC package.

Are RTDC prices fixed or negotiable?

Prices listed on the official website are fixed. Group bookings (8+ people) sometimes get discounts—contact RTDC offices directly to inquire.

What language support does RTDC offer?

English and Hindi primarily. Some guides speak French, German, or Japanese. Mention language preferences when booking, especially for foreign language guide requests.

Is travel insurance included with RTDC bookings?

No. Travel insurance is not included but is strongly recommended. Buy separately before your trip.

How do I file a complaint if service is poor?

Contact RTDC customer support via email (support@rtdc.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in) with booking reference and details. The corporation has formal grievance redressal mechanisms, which usually respond within 7–10 days.

Expert tips for maximising your RTDC experience

• Book during shoulder seasons: October–November and February–March offer best weather and rates with less crowding than December–January.
• Confirm English-speaking guides: When booking, specifically request English-speaking guides if language is a concern. Don't assume.
• Ask about local specialities: RTDC staff and guides often have insider knowledge about local food, festivals, and hidden spots not in guidebooks.
• Arrive with realistic expectations: RTDC is budget tourism done well, not luxury. Hotels are clean and comfortable but not fancy. Judge it on its own terms.
• Tip your guide and driver: It's not mandatory but appreciated—₹300–₹500 per day shows respect for good service.
• Use RTDC restaurants at hotels: Food is simple, clean, and authentic. You'll eat better and cheaper than tourist-focused restaurants outside.

Book your Rajasthan journey with RTDC today

Whether you're planning a first-time Rajasthan trip, a family holiday, or a cultural deep-dive, RTDC offers the infrastructure and peace of mind to make it work. Start with the official booking portal, explore package options, and reach out to RTDC offices if you need customisation.

• Official Website: https://rtdc.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
• Email: support@rtdc.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
• Jaipur Headquarters: Phone: 0141-5110598
• Delhi Office: Phone: 011-4141-0533

RTDC has been Rajasthan's hospitality backbone for over four decades. It's time you experienced it firsthand.