Rajasthan the land of sand dunes, mountains, camel trails, glittering jewels, vivid colors, and vibrant culture. There are enough festivals in Rajasthan to fill a calendar and an artist’s palette,and the shopping and cuisine are nothing short of spectacular. Rajasthan has it all. Numerous tourist attractions are part of Rajasthan tourism, all of which promise memorable experiences for history lovers, photographers and backpackers.
It is the must-see state of this must-see country, brimming with startling, thought-provoking, and ultimately unforgettable attractions.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Rajasthan is October to March as days are sunny, not too humid, with cooler nights. The desert influences start doing their damndest in April, May and June when temps soar, although this brings tigers out in search of water, so great for safaris.
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.
APPROX. COSTS
You should plan to spend around ₨1,920 ($26) per day on your vacation in Rajasthan, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ₨638 ($8.60) on meals for one day and ₨403 ($5.43) on local transportation.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Numerous tourist attractions are part of Rajasthan tourism, all of which promise memorable experiences for all types of travellers.
Jaipur
Jaipur is typically the first destination that all travellers explore. Functioning as a gateway and the capital of Rajasthan, the Pink City is home to a plethora of forts and havelis. Promising you the perfect blend of urban comforts and an intriguing historical past, Jaipur is one of the busiest cities in Rajasthan tourism. In the past few years, Jaipur has seen drastic development which has hugely contributed to Rajasthan tourism.
Among the best attractions to visit in Jaipur which are a part of Rajasthan tourism, we recommend visiting Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Choki Dhani and the many bazaars in the city. Ideal for history lovers and photographers, you can choose to enjoy history walks or even opt for a cycle tour to explore the many monuments in the city.
Another big part of Rajasthan tourism is Choki Dhani which is a recreatedethnicvillage that hosts numerous dance performances, music shows and puppet performances. You can head here to enjoy local Rajasthani cuisine and also to complete your souvenir shopping.
For those who would like to experience Rajasthan tourism through its bustling shopping streets, we recommend heading to Johari Bazaar, Chandpole Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Anokhi museum and Sireh Deori Bazaar.
Udaipur
Centred around Lake Pichola, Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities which is a part of Rajasthan tourism. Promising picturesque sunsets, a glimpse into Rajasthan’s royal culture, delicious food and busy markets to keep shopaholics happy, Udaipur is a traveller’s delight. The city hosts thousands of backpackers and budget travellers from across the world and offers a typical Rajasthani experience. The older part of the city is located around Lake Pichola and is home to the City Palace. The urban part of the city promises high-end shopping malls and restaurants.
Among the best tourist attractions here, visitors shouldn’t miss a trip to Lake Garden Palace, Vintage Car Museum, Bagore ki Haveli, Saheliyon ki Bari and Fateh Sagar Lake.
Bagore ki Haveli hosts an enthralling dance and music show which sees performances from dancers from across the state and is a must-attend. The captivating performances will keep you hooked to your seat and ensure you have a memorable experience. One must also not miss boating on Lake Pichola. The ride gives you a tour of the beautiful hotels, the City Palace, Jag Mandir Palace, Mohan Mandir and Jag Nivas.
Shopaholics can also enjoy a beautiful tour of the local markets which promise a glimpse of Rajasthan’s local crafts. In fact, a big part of Rajasthan tourism is the state’s popular arts and crafts. Some of the more notable ones are block print, bandhani and lac jewellery.
Ajmer
A big part of Rajasthan tourism for spiritual seekers, Ajmer is a small town which is home to the beautiful Ajmer Sharif. One of the most important places to visit in Rajasthan tourism, Ajmer Sharif is the Sufi shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Known for his secular teachings, Chishti is said to be an important person in Islamic faith.
One of the best things about exploring Ajmer in Rajasthan tourism is that you can combine a visit to the city with either a visit to Pushkar or Jaipur. You can start your trip early in the morning, seek blessings in the dargah and carry on with your itinerary. Situated in the midst of a busy market, the dargah attracts peace seekers from across the world. We urge you to look after your belongings here as well as to avoid engaging with flower-sellers and shoe-keepers.
For food lovers, Ajmer is a delight to explore. The markets are full of local vendors who offer popular street food including samosa chaat, aloo tikki, bhel puri and gol gappe.
Pushkar
Pushkar is a breath of fresh air for budget travellers and backpackers. Home to one of the few Brahma temples in India, it has slowly become a big part of budget Rajasthan tourism. Home to several hostels and small guesthouses, experiencing the spiritual and laid-back vibe in Pushkar doesn’t cost travellers much but does promise an experience you won’t forget.
Besides the archaic Savitri Temple and Brahma Temple, visitors can enjoy trekking and rock climbing in the small hills surrounding the town. While most travellers spend their evening in Pushkar Lake which offers breathtaking views of the sunset, you can also head up to Savitri Temple in Ratnagiri Hill.
Among the other beautiful places to visit in Pushkar which are a part of Rajasthan tourism, Man Mahal, Rangji Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Brahma Temple are the most visited. What also surprises travellers in Pushkar are the huge number of cafes. Since non-vegetarian food is restricted in the village, all cafes serve pure vegetarian food. The street food in the city is quite interesting and serves an assortment of falafel rolls, cabbage sandwiches and aubergine burgers.
If you are here on a luxurious trip, you can stay at one of the breathtaking properties near Pushkar. Promising comfort, luxury and efficient service, these properties are ideal for those who enjoy a little grandeur on their vacation.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is an important part of Rajasthan tourism. Touted as the Blue City and Gateway to the Thar Desert, it’s a tourist attraction which sees thousands of history lovers, photographers and art enthusiasts every year. A popular family destination, it’s counted among the most popular cities in Rajasthan tourism.
Among the first few sites that travellers visit in Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort stands out for its beauty and grandeur. Built by Rao Jodha, it is said to be one of the largest forts in the country. Making an appearance in several Hollywood and Bollywood flicks, the fort has put Rajasthan tourism on the global map. There are seven gates in the fort which were built over time and served different purposes.
If this is your first visit here, we highly recommend opting for a historical tour of the fort which includes a visit to Sheesh Mahal and Phool Mahal. At the same time, art lovers should take note of the breathtaking intricate work which is carved in all walls and makes for an inspiring sight. You can also visit the alluring Mehrangarh Museum which is one of the best museums in Rajasthan tourism. Tracing the state’s history, you can learn about the various eras as well as admire some beautiful art.
But that’s not all. Jodhpur is also home to the stunning Umaid Bhawan Palace as well as Jaswant Tada. If you want to explore the city in all its glory, we recommend keeping aside at least three to four days here. Also, if you are planning a luxurious trip, you can easily stay at one of the mesmerising resorts in the city. Our favourites include Taj Hari Mahal, RAAS, the Ummed and Ajit Bhawan.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities which is part of Rajasthan tourism. Popular among locals and tourists alike, it is better known as the Golden City. Unless you are travelling to the interior part of the state, this is one of the main cities where you can enjoy mesmerising views of sand dunes.
Jaislamer also contributes to adventure in Rajasthan tourism. You can book luxurious camps in the midst of sand dunes, enjoy an enthralling camel safari as well as folk dances and mesmerising musical performances. If a bumpy camel safari is not what you are looking forward to, you can simply enjoy a luxurious camping experience. Don’t forget to enjoy your lavish Rajasthani meal complete with daal baati churma, mutton saag and laal maas.
Visitors must also spend a few hours at Jaisalmer Fort which is in the centre of the city. The alleys of the fort are lined with age-old shops selling handicrafts, food items, vibrant apparel and lac jewellery. Remember, as is with most Indian markets, bargaining is your biggest asset here.
Chittorgarh
The mere mention of the name Chittorgarh brings to mind the idea of bravery and valour. The city is home to India's largest fort complex, Chittorgarh Fort, which spans 6km in length and 500 metres in width. The fort and the city stand tall as symbols of Rajput chivalry, bravery and tragedy. Chittorgarh was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar and witnessed a number of attacks and sieges by rival kingdoms. The fort is most famous for the self-immolation (Jauhar) by Rani Padmani in response to Alauddin Khilji's siege.
The city today is an architectural marvel and an unforgettable experience for history lovers while exploring Rajasthan tourism. While Chittorgarh Fort is the most popular, there are other majestic monuments and temples across the city that provide a unique experience to travellers. Tourist sites such as Vijay Stambh, Maha Sati, Gaumukh Kund and Meera Temple are frequented by travellers and locals alike.
Apart from the majestic forts and temples, the city is also home to Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located close to the convergence of Chambal and Bemany rivers and is home to antelopes, hyenas, chinkaras, foxes, wild boars, crocodiles, turtles and a number of migratory birds.
Chittorgarh is a huge part of Rajasthan tourism and is home to numerous luxurious resorts. Some of these properties are havelis and palaces of the erstwhile kingdom.
Bikaner
An oasis amidst the Thar Desert, Bikaner is fast becoming one of the top destinations in Rajasthan tourism. The city has a lot to offer travellers including the brilliant architecture of forts and temples, shopping markets and bustling food streets.
The city was established in the 15th century by the Rajput ruler, Rao Bika. He also built the famous Junagadh Fort. Bikaner is one of the few cities in Rajasthan tourism which offers travellers a close tryst with the state’s vibrant culture.
The city is famous for a number of festivals that are celebrated with great vigour, among which the Camel Festival is one oaf the most important festivals. The festival involves a procession of beautiful camels and the parade is usually followed by a camel race and folk performances.
For travellers exploring Rajasthan tourism, the famous camel safari through the Thar Desert is an awe-inspiring experience. There are a number of other places one can explore including Karni Mata Temple, Gajner Palace and Station Road Mark.