Top 15 Places to Visit in Rajasthan, the very name evokes the images of hilltop fortresses, maharajas in their lavish outfits, and bejeweled scimitars riding on ornately decorated elephants followed by a large entourage. Although a desert kingdom, the colorful turbans and saris that the populace of Rajasthan wear lend a vibrant and colorful enthusiasm to the former Rajputana princely states that now form modern Tourist Places To Visit In Rajasthan, Jaipur · Jaisalmer · Udaipur · Jodhpur · Pushkar · Ajmer · Ranthambore · Chittorgarh.
The tales of the courage, romance, and luxury of the Rajput warrior princes are the stuff of legend. But despite all the decadence, these princes were patrons of art too. Under their tutelage, art and culture flourished. Today Rajasthan happens to have some of the most spectacular forts and palaces that were built in India. The list of best places to visit in Rajasthan is so vast that it would keep even the fussiest of travelers on their toes.
Massive hill forts, wildlife sanctuaries, Havelis, bazaars, the Thar Desert, and various pilgrimage places make Rajasthan one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. In this post, we have tried to come up with some of the best places to visit Rajasthan and things to do in Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer: The Golden City
Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City for its beautiful sun-soaked sand dunes, exuberant forts, and rich culture and traditions. One of the top 5 cities to visit in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is known for its forts, palaces, and temples. The city has got its name from Maharaja Jaisal Singh. Interestingly, an aerial view of the city is like an image of a prince sitting on the ridge of sand dunes, crowned by the Jaisalmer fort.
Looking at attractions, Jaisalmer has got some of the most important places to visit in Rajasthan in 3 days including a couple of museums and heritage temples. The city also hosts the annual Desert Festival in January-February and attracts travelers from across the globe to witness the magic of Rajasthani art forms and indulge in exciting things to do in Jaisalmer.
Places to stay: Fort Rajwada Jaisalmer, Suryagarh Jaisalmer Rajasthan, Hotel Jaisalkot, Sujan, Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa, Hotel Rang Mahal
Nearest airport: Jodhpur Airport-284.6 km
Nearest railway station: Jaisalmer railway station-2.8 km
Best time to visit: September to April
Places to visit in Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Fort, Sam sand dunes, Gadisagar Lake, Tanot Mata Temple
Things to do in Jaisalmer: Attend the Desert festival of Jaisalmer in January – February, take a camel safari to the Sam sand dunes, visit Longewala border
Famous for: Desert festivals, Jain temples
Jaipur: The Pink City
So the pink city and the capital of Rajasthan is the largest in the state. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, Jaipur is one of the most popular Rajasthan tourist places in Jaipur. Long list of historic and heritage monuments, swift connectivity from major cities and an amazing city plan where all the streets of the city run from east to west – Jaipur is a marvel to be at.
Places to stay: Madhav Guest House, Hathroi Palace, Ikaki Niwas, Rawla Rawatstar, Jaipur Friendly Villa, Rajputana Guest House
Nearest airport: Sanganer airport-12.0 km
Nearest railway station: Jaipur Junction railway station-4.9 km
Best time to visit: All through the year, avoid summers for the days are extremely hot.
Major attractions in Jaipur: City Palace, Amber Fort and Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Birla Mandir.
Things to do in Jaipur: Go for a wildlife safari, shop for Rajasthani crafts, textiles, and gems
Famous for: Havelis, forts, shopping markets
Jodhpur: Taste Royalty
Well, Jodhpur is just an extension of the royalty that you get to see at Jaisalmer and Jaipur. The royal city was the center of power of the then Mewar state and has got several forts, palaces, and temples to enchant travelers from different corners of the world. Famous as the Sun City because of its sunny weather, Jodhpur is also known as Blue City for the blue houses near the Mehrangarh Fort that is a spectacle of magnificence. The blue houses have played muse to the acclaimed photographer Steve McCurry. Click here to see his mind-blowing shots of Jodhpur city.
Places to stay: Mihir Garh, Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace , Rohetgarh, Hari Mahal, Indana Palace, Park Plaza
Nearest airport: Jodhpur Airport-9.6 km
Nearest railway station: Jodhpur Junction-9.2 km
Best time to visit: All through the year
Places To Visit In Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the Mandore Gardens, the Jaswant Thada, the Kalyana Lake, and Garden, the Ghanta Ghar, Sardar Samand Lake and Masuria Hills
Things to do in Jodhpur: Visit the palaces; Mehrangarh fort can’t be missed
Famous for: Palaces, forts
Udaipur: The City Of Lakes
Looking for the most amazing places to see in Rajasthan? Udaipur is the perfect destination for you. Udaipur used to be the capital of the kingdom of Mewar. Known as the City of Lakes, it is a beautiful place to visit in Rajasthan. With a number of tourist attractions like Lake Palace, City Palace, Jagdish temple and many more, Udaipur is also known as the Venice of East. The city has beautiful winters and it is largely visited during this period for its colorful history, mesmerizing landscapes, and rich traditions.
Places to stay: Little Prince Heritage Home, Hill Top Cottage, Advent Guest House, Udai Haveli Guest House, Nandini Paying Guest House
Nearest airport: Maharana Pratap Airport-20.0 km
Nearest railway station: Udaipur railway station-4.3 km
Best time to visit: Monsoon (July to September) and Winter (November to February)
Major attractions in Udaipur: Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, City Palace, Jag Mandir, Udai Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, Swaroop Sagar, Kumbhalgarh Fort
Things to do in Udaipur: Boating at Lake Pichola, visiting the palaces, visiting Kumbhalgarh fort, photography
Famous for: Lakes, palaces
Mount Abu: Th Hill Station Of Rajasthan
Mount Abu takes pride in being the only hill station in the enormous expanse of the desert and drought-ridden plains of Rajasthan. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Rajasthan. A true traveler’s paradise in every sense, Mount Abu lies in the Aravalli Mountain range at the border of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Other than providing an escape from the scorching heat of Rajasthan owing to its natural splendor and year-round pleasant weather, Mount Abu is considered a great spot for pilgrimage.
Places to stay: Palace Hotel, Cama Rajput Club Resort, Ratan Villas, The Colonial Manek Manor, Hotel Hilltone
Nearest airport: Udaipur airport-176.0 km
Nearest railway station: Abu Road railway station-(27.3 km
Best time to visit Mount Abu: Throughout the year
Places to visit in Mount Abu: Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, Peace Park, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, and more
Things to do in Mount Abu: Boating in Nakki Lake, trekking to Guru Shikhar, camping at Aravali, bird watching at Trevors Tank, wildlife sighting at Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Famous for: Waterfalls, Jain temples
Chittorgarh: Birthplace Of Historical Figures
One of the most ancient cities in Indian history, Chittorgarh was founded by the Maurya dynasty in 734 AD. The city has been the birthplace for many historical figures including Maharana Pratap and Meera Bai. It is situated on the banks of river Berach and has several heritage forts, monuments, and associated stories and fables.
Places to stay: Hotel Royal Inn, Padmavati Lake Resort, Palette – Amrit Manthan, Hotel Meera, Hotel Pratap Palace
Nearest airport: Udaipur Airport-119.3 km
Nearest railway station: Chittaurgarh Junction railway station-2.2 km
Best time to visit: All through the year
Major attractions in Chittorgarh: Chittorgarh fort, Rana Kumbha’s palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Rani Padmini’s palace, Kumbhaswamini temple, Kirti Stambh, Vijay Stambha, Kalika Mata temple
Things to do in Chittorgarh: Listen to the folk tales from the villagers, relish authentic Rajasthani cuisine
Famous for: Chittorgarh fort, palaces and temples
Sawai Madhopur: Haven For Animal Lovers
Founded by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh in 1763, Sawai Madhopur district is among the best tourist places in Rajasthan. It is home to Ranthambhore National Park, which is best known for inhabiting tigers. The Ranthambhore Palace is another tourist attraction here and has been declared a UNESCO heritage as it imbibes a vast cultural history of the several clans, kings, and architectures.
Places to stay: Ranthambhore National Resort, Regenta Resort Vanya Mahal, Tiger Safari Resort, Jungle View Resort Ranthambhore, The Pugmark ( A Wildlife Resort)
Nearest airport: Jaipur airport-168.6 km
Nearest railway station: Sawai Madhopur Junction railway station-900.0 m
Best time to visit: November to February for it is easy to spot tigers at the national park
Major attractions in Sawai Madhopur: The tigers at Ranthambhore National Park, 10th century Ranthambore palace
Things to do in Sawai Madhopur: Go for jungle safari, photography, birdwatching
Famous for: Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary
Bundi: Explore The Baoris
Another very important tourist destination in Rajasthan, this city is often left behind when it comes to the curation of places to visit in Rajasthan. At 210 km from Jaipur, Bundi was once the native place of a tribe called Bunda Meena and hence inherited the name. The city is known for its magnificent forts, baoris (step reservoirs), lakes and ancient architecture.
Places to stay: Hotel Bundi House, Hotel Bundi Haveli, Haveli Taragarh Palace, Haveli Braj Bhushanjee, Kasera Heritage View
Nearest airport: Sanganer Airport- 210.1 km
Nearest railway station: Bundi railway station-3.2 km
Best time to visit: All through the year
Major attractions in Bundi: Nawal Sagar, Sukh Mahal, Dabhai Kund, Taragarh Fort, Bundi Palace, and several other steep well reservoirs
Things to do in Bundi: Explore Badal Mahal inside the Taragarh fort for the ancient painting exhibiting the erstwhile opium trade, visit the baoris and understand the ancient technique of water harvesting, explore the forts and palaces
Famous for: Palaces, lakes, reservoirs
Bikaner: Home To Several Temples & Forts
Bikaner was founded by Rao Bhika and the Nehra jats. Flooded with temples, forts, and palaces, the city is also known for its Camel festival usually held in January-February. Two of the most important features of the city are Usta and Chadwa artforms of floral and geometric patterns.
Places to stay: Narendra Bhawan, Hotel Raj Vilas Palace, Gajner Palace, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Heritage Resort
Nearest airport: Jodhpur Airport-248.6 km
Nearest railway station: Bikaner Junction railway station-1.4 km
Best time to visit: January-February
Major attractions in Bikaner: Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Karni Mata Temple, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Laxmi Nath Temple, Bikaner Camel Festival
Things to do in Bikaner: Attend the Bikaner Camel fest, buy some Usta and Chadwa artifacts and handicrafts.
Famous for: Majestic forts and palaces
Ajmer: Popular For Dargah Sharif
Popular for the Dargah Sharif — shrine of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, Ajmer is the 5th largest city of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the Aravalli range and the Naag Pathar range, which protects it from the Thar desert. Among the most popular tourist attractions in Rajasthan, Ajmer is popular as the most beautiful tourist place in Rajasthan. for several celebrities who come to the dargah to seek blessings.
Places to stay: Hotel New Jannat, The Royal Melange Ajmer Hotel, Hotel Sahil, Hotel Moon Star, Hotel Plaza Inn
Nearest airport: Sanganer Airport-140.1 km
Nearest railway station: Ajmer Junction-1.6 km
Best time to visit: All through the year
Major attractions in Ajmer: Dargah Sharif, Ana Sagar Lake, Naag Pathar ranges
Things to do in Ajmer: Attend Qawwali at Dargah Sharif, offer chadar to the grave of Sufi saint
Famous for: Dargah Sharif
Pushkar: A Blend Of Vibrant Colors
Pushkar is known as the best tourist place in Rajasthan.This is a riot of colors in the true sense. This holy city has been known all over the world for its annual Camel Fair. One of the most ancient cities of India, Pushkar houses the rare Brahma Temple. Besides, the Pushkar Lake is a popular Hindu pilgrimage and has got several ghats that host magnificent evening aarti. Attending evening aarti is one of the best things to do in Pushkar. If you are a photography enthusiast, you can not miss visiting Pushkar for there are endless emotions of rural India in its most original form.
Places to stay: Hotel Brahma Horizon, Pushkar Bagh, Bhanwar Singh Palace, Hotel Sun Set Cafe, Hotel Master Paradise
Nearest airport: Sanganer Airport-154.3 km
Nearest railway station: Ajmer junction-14.0 km
Best time to visit: October-November for the world-famous Pushkar Camel Fair
Major attractions in Pushkar: The world famous camel fair, the serene Pushkar lake, and Meerabai Temple
Things to do in Pushkar: Boating in the lake, photography at the fair
Famous for: Camel fair
Bharatpur: Beauty To Marvel At
Looking for the best places to visit in Rajasthan? Bharatpur is a magnificent city that was once known to be unbeatable or unwinnable. Tucked away in the Braj region of the Indian state of Rajasthan, this city is divided into 50 or so wards and stands at an elevation of about 600 ft. above mean sea level, owing to which it is also called by various other names like “Lohagarh” and the “Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan.” Bharatpur is the indisputable home to a vast array of flora and fauna that take shelter in the famed Keoladeo National Park, making this place a must visit for all travelers who wish to explore the wild side of Rajasthan.
Places to stay: The Birder’s Inn, The Bagh, Shiv Vilas Palace, Hotel The Raj Palace, Laxmi Vilas Palace
Nearest airport: Delhi International Airport-208.3 km
Nearest railway station: Bharatpur Junction railway station-3.6 km
Best time to visit Bharatpur: August to November
Major attractions in Bharatpur: Bharatpur Palace and Museum, Keoladeo National Park, Lohagarh Fort, Deeg, and more
Things to do in Bharatpur: Go birdwatching at Keoladeo, explore the palaces, have a picnic near Kakund River
Famous for: Keoladeo National Park
Alwar: Ideal For History Buffs
Formerly known as Ulwar, the city of Alwar was founded by the Rajput ruler Pratap Singh in 1770. For history buffs, this city was the first, among others, to sign a treaty with the East India Company and has been famous for participating in various battles and military engagements. Alwar is also known for the ‘haunted’ fort of Bhangarh. With abundant flora and fauna, this place is a perfect example of a balanced ecology.
Places to stay: Lemon Tree Hotel, Dadhikar Fort Hotel, Neemrana Fort Palace Hotel, GenX Aravalli, Burja Haveli Hotel
Nearest airport: Sanganer Airport-162.8 km
Nearest railway station: Alwar Junction-2.0 km
Best time to visit: October to March
Major attractions in Alwar: Bhangarh fort, Sariska Tiger reserve, Pandupol, Karni Mata temple
Things to do in Alwar: Visit Bhangarh fort and explore the haunted
Famous for: Royal forts and palaces
Jhunjhunu: Lesser-Known Place
Jhunjhunu is a city and the centre of the Jhunjhunu District of Rajasthan. The city is home to many gorgeous Frescos and grand palaces. This is one of the offbeat places to visit in Rajasthan. Shree Rani Sati Dadi Mandir, Khetri Mahal, Bandhe Ka Balaji Temple, Hanuman Mandir are some of the must-visit places in Jhunjhunu.
Nearest airport: Jaipur International Airport-193.2 km
Nearest railway station: Jhunjhunun Railway station-4.0 km
Famous for: Temples
Jhalawar: Visit Royal Palaces
Jhalawar is a stunning city in Rajasthan’s Southeast. It still retains traces of its glorious past as a capital of the former princely state in India, Jhalawar. And now, it is the headquarters of the district with the same name. Jhalawar is located on the border of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. A visit to this city will give you a chance to explore various royal palaces like Prithvi Palace and Virendra Bhawan.
Nearest airport: Raja Bhoj Airport-245.0 km
Nearest railway station: Jhalawar City railway station-3.2 km
Best time to visit: October to March
Major attractions in Jhalawar: Prithvi Palace, Virendra Bhawan, Bhawani Natyashala, Government Museum, Gagron Fort
Things to do in Jhalawar: NA
Famous for: Museums and palaces
