Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan allures visitors with its larger than life monuments, fascinating cuisines, glorious heritage and folk culture which eulogies the bravery of its immortal kings and princes. In this state, a new experience awaits you at every turn, as you explore the top places to visit in Rajasthan. A safari on the desert, an exploration of a colossal fort, tasting an authentic dish or witnessing a lively folk performance, the options for discoveries and explorations here are limitless.
However, Rajasthan is an enormous state, and the visitor is often left wondering at the limitless options he is faced with. If you have been thinking of visiting this state, but are confused, or, desirous of experiencing the best that it has to offer, then this blog is for you. Here, we tell you the places which you should not miss during a holiday in Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.
Best Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan
From a plethora of beautiful places, Rajasthan Tour Planner has handpicked and shortlisted the Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan for you. Here is your ultimate travel list when it comes to exploring the royal state of Rajasthan:
Jaipur – The Pink City
Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is one of the most visited tourist destination in Rajasthan. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, its one of the most frequented city by the tourists. This city endears itself to tourists through its various palaces, forts and wonderful shopping opportunities. Once here, you should visit the Hawa Mahal, a palace built so that the ladies of the royal household could observe the daily life in the streets. A unique experience awaits you at the Amer Fort in the form of an elephant ride which takes you to the very Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.
If all this sightseeing leaves you hungry, head off to the Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar (known as LMB by foodies). In close proximity lies the shopping center where you come across vibrant bandhini works, traditional jewelry and jootis. If you happen to be visiting Jaipur in January, you should attend the Jaipur Literary Festival. For book lovers, this is the ultimate place to be in.
Highlights
- Enjoy the view of the Pink City through the 953 jharokhas (windows) of the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds adorned with refined lattice-work. It is one of the best tourist places in Rajasthan.
- Savour the mouth-watering Pyaaz Kachori at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar.
- Cherish the renowned Bandhej textile art.
- Buy exotic jewellery at the Johari Bazaar.
- Participate in the annual Jaipur Literature Festival beaming with intellectual fervour.
Best Time to Visit Jaipur: October to March
Udaipur – The City of Lakes
Udaipur sure knows how to do thing in style and with the utmost grace. One of the most iconic sights associated with this “lake city” of India is the sight of the serene waters of Lake Pichola. On its glistening waters floats Lake Palace, an 18th century structure widely built of pure marble. Needless to say, it sets the most romantic setting.
The City Palace is worth checking out during the daytime. It’s filled with tiny passageways that lead to wonderful courtyards and enclosures. Some of the other places of interest are the incredible Jain Temple of Ranakpur and the Fateh Bagh Palace, which now exists as a heritage hotel. For a perfect nighttime dinner, choose a rooftop restaurant here (you will find several of them in close proximity to the City Palace), and enjoy the incredible views of the city.
To witness the folk music and dance of the region, head to Bagore-Ki-Haveli which showcases dancers and artists from all over Rajasthan. If you are a lover of vintage cars, check out the vintage and classic car museum, which features some of the rarest and vintage cars. Happen to be a music lover? Then, the Udaipur World Music Festival is just for you Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.
Highlights
- You cannot miss out on the enthralling view of the City Palace from a boat ride on Lake Pichola.
- Have the irresistible Dal Poodi and Dal Baati at Manoj Prakash Daal Poodi stall.
- Buy the exquisite Pichwai and Phad paintings at Hathi Pol Bazaar.
- Explore the famous Bandhni Craft of Udaipur.
- Enjoy the dance procession in the Mewar Festival celebrated in April annually.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur: October to March
Jaisalmer – The Golden City
Jaisalmer, carries a magical aura about it. A camel safari into the desert through the sand dunes forms part of the quintessential Jaisalmer experience, and in itself, is one of the Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan. Camping in the midst of the seemingly endless desert, with the twinkling stars above and the gentle whisper of the wind keeping you company, it all sounds like a setting from the Arabian Nights.
However, desert safari is just one of the experiences in store for you here. There is the Jaisalmer Fort, which has allured visitors with its sand colored walls along with an old museum which tells stories of the royalty. Besides, this desert city is also dotted with elegant and fabulous havelis built by wealthy merchants. One of the most famous of these is the Patwon-ki-Haveli.
If you are up for it, you might also want to try some “bhang” at The Lassi Shop, originally known as The Bhang Shop. Desert Festival, held in Jaisalmer, showcases the authentic culture and traditions of the state, and should be visited during your stay here.
Highlights
- Admire the golden view of the city from the Jaisalmer Fort, which is one of the best tourist places in Rajasthan.
- Explore the famous hand block printing art.
- Treasure the exquisite paintings and regal carpets at Sadar Bazzar.
- Enjoy the mouth-watering Jaisalmer Kala Chana Kadhi cuisine.
- Be a part of the annual Jaisalmer Desert Festival in the month of February.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer: October
Jodhpur – The Blue City
Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, is fondly known as the “Blue City”. It blends the modern with the traditional in a beautiful way. As a tourist, you have much to look forward to here. However, the most dominating sight here is that of the Mehrangarh Fort, which overlooks the rest of the city. Not only is the fort an explorer’s paradise, but it offers spectacular views of the city from the top. It also plays host to the Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival, which celebrates the gypsy culture of Spain and Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.
Jodhpur is home to several tourist attractions. One of these is the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the only palace built in the 20th century and recognized as one of the private homes in the world. The other attraction is the Jaswant Thada, the milky white memorial built towards the end of the 19th century as a tribute to the leader Jaswant Singh. Take a zip lining tour, also called the Flying Fox, which provides you an aerial view of the Mehrangarh Fort, besides the several landscapes of this beautiful city. For a unique experience, take a Bishnoi Village Safari. The safari provides a glimpse of the cultural life of the Bishnoi villagers.
Highlights
- The ancient charm of the gigantic Mehrangarh Fort makes it one of the best tourist places in Rajasthan.
- The marvellous traditional textile printing at Jodhpur.
- The hustle-bustle of the Clock Tower Market.
- The tempting Lal Maas at Darikhana, Raas Haveli.
- The vibrant Maand Festival held annually in October.
Best Time to Visit Jodhpur: November to February
Ranthambore
Ranthambore or Ranthambhore national park is one of the most popular tiger safari destination in North India. It is located in South East of Rajasthan state. As we all know that Rajasthan tourism is very much popular in tourism map of world thus large number of tourists from all over the world, visits this magnificent wildlife tourism destination, located just close to Sawai Madhopur town.
It is very well connected by train with Sawai Madhopur as nearest railway station and Jaipur Airport as its near by flight connectivity option. Presence of a huge historic Ranthambore Fort, inside the national park area makes this destination as historic wildlife tourism place where wildlife tourism and heritage tourism goes side by side.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was created on year 1973-74 with the inception of Project tiger. At present, its total area is 1411.291 Sq.kms. Ranthambore National Park was declared in year 1980. With the passage of time, some more forest area of Keladevi Sanctuary also ger included in it which increased it land area, Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.
It is just 13kms from Sawai Madhopur town where safari ticket booking office is located along with major accommodation options. Its forest area is spread over the confluence of Vindhya & Aravali ranges thus we will find some forest is on Vindhya range and some part of forest is in Aravali range. Here Jungle safari is the main activity to do and in addition to this, we can do village visit, visit to Ranthambore fort & temples. For visiting this national park, please plan your tour in advance (3-4 months).
Highlights
- The enamouring sightseeing of the mighty Royal Tigers, Sloth Bears, Leopards, as well as crocodiles at the Ranthambore National Reserve.
- The must-have churma ladoo among other sweet delicacies at the Oberoi Vanyavilas.
- The rural handicrafts available at the Village Women Craft House.
- The exuberant Ranthambore Music and Wildlife Festival held at Nahargarh Palace in the month of December every year.
Best Time to Visit Ranthambore: October to April
Bikaner – The Red City
The Camel Country or the Red City, Bikaner, is the third most prominent desert terrain in Rajasthan. Known for the international camel festival, its camel farm, and the National Research Centre on Camel, along with places such as Junagarh Fort, Rampuria Haveli, Karni Mata temple (the temple of rats), Bhandasar Jain Temple, Devi Kund Sagar, Lalgarh, and Gajner Palace, and Shri Sadul Museum, it is one of the most eminent cities of Rajasthan.
Its old town is adorned with red sandstone buildings and contributes to its making as the Red City of Rajasthan. Bikaner, with all its glory, stands as one of the most cherished Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.
Highlights
- The sight of hundreds of deified rats wandering through the Karni Mata Temple makes it one of the best tourist places in Rajasthan.
- The rich collection of Kundan Jewellery at the Mahatma Gandhi Market.
- The warm woollen dhurries made of camel hair.
- The enticing Raj Kachori and Bikaneri Bhujia.
- The zeal of Bikaner Camel Festival.
Best Time to Visit Bikaner: October to March
Pushkar
Pushkar is not an unknown name, from the religious sights to the quirky cafes; there is an abundance of tourist places in Pushkar with hopeful surprises in every corner. The small shops lined up in the colorful streets are full of joy, vibrancy, culture, and warmth. Puskar is that corner of India where people get stunned by everything they see.
Puskar border the Thar Desert and hence desert safaris are the most common adventure activity that excites the visitors. Pushkar Lake has 52 Ghats and where one can bathe. Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is the only temple dedicated to the Lord of creation (Brahma). The place is definitely not a big town but a rustic village that has gone hippie in the last couple of years.
There are tons of items that you can take back home from the pretty markets of Pushkar like stunning silver jewelry, palazzos, bangles, bandhani sarees, artifacts made of mud and lovely dupattas. People mostly combine Ajmer and Pushkar in one trip due to the proximity they share, however, it is not a bad idea. Take a traditional homestay for your sojourn in Pushkar and you will undoubtedly fall in love with Pushkar, the village that gives an unforgettable experience Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.
Highlights
- The captivating sight of over 500 temples around Pushkar Lake.
- The delectable Kachori from Shri Pushkar Raj Shahi Kachori Samosa Bhandar.
- The lively Sadar Bazaar situated on the northern side of Pushkar Lake.
- The annual Pushkar Mela held in November known for livestock trade and recreational activities.
Best Time to Visit Pushkar: October to March
Shekhawati
The realm of lovely havelis, harking back to the yester years, epitomizes the beauty of Shekhawati – a region that comprises of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. It is a major landmark tourist destination of colourful Rajasthan. Once the bastion of Rao Shekha, this magnificent land, located on the North of Rajasthan, derives its nomenclature from the former Top 8 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.
Shekhawati is a tourist’s paradise. The land is laced with innumerable beautiful havelis or grand mansions that are guaranteed to capture one’s imagination. It is a haven for a true connoisseur of art and architecture. A riot of colours encapsulates the spirit of this vibrant landscape. Exquisitely embellished havelis mushroomed during the eighteenth century and former half of the twentieth. Mythology and fauna lies at the very core of this wonderful art.
Tales narrating the valour of Lord Rama and the miracles of Lord Krishna unfold on a journey of these marvellous mansions. The region also houses towering forts, baoris, and shrines, besides the ubiquitous havelis.
Highlights
- The luxurious ancient grand havelis of Mahansar.
- The beautiful fresco paintings adorn the architecture of the place.
- Enjoy the experience of a breath-taking horseback riding activity through the town
- The lip-smacking Rabdi at Mandawa Castle.
- Shop in Ramgarh to get detailed wooden carvings and furnishings.
- The annual Shekhawati Festival held every year in February.
Best Time to Visit Shekhawati: Months from November to March