Top 5 Places to Visit in Rajasthan, the land of maharajas, is one of the most popular destinations in India. If you are planning a holiday in this princely state, check out this list of best places to visit in Rajasthan. And if you are not sure whether you should plan your vacation in Rajasthan, let us give you a brief introduction as to why you should visit this desert kingdom in North India.
The very name of Rajasthan conjures up the image of Maharajas dabbed in long mustaches and colorful turbans riding painted elephants accompanied by large retinue. As much as these maharajas of erstwhile Rajputana are renowned for their valor, chivalry, romance and indulgences which are now evident in a score of resplendent fortresses – many of which were recently inscribed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO – and magnificent palaces, they also happened to be custodians of art and culture Rajasthan Budget tours.
Under the patronage of maharajas of Rajasthan, culture, art and architecture flourished and this is what bestows this otherwise stark land with a unique appeal. Vibrant culture, pulsating bazaars, colorful attire and monuments sprinkled across the state makes it one of the top places to visit in India. Palaces now converted into heritage hotels, vivid wildlife and plenty of things to do in Rajasthan could keep even the fussiest of travelers on their toes.
So without further ado, we bring to you this list of best places to visit in Rajasthan to help you plan an unforgettable holiday in India.
Jaipur – The Pink City
Founded in 1727 by Maharaj Jai Singh II, Jaipur’s present reeks of stories of the past. Famously known as the Pink City of the Rajasthan, it is not merely the largest and most prominent historical city of the state but also a city of love, covered with the aura of romantic hues and the warmth of pink skies. Home to a few UNESCO World Heritage sites, unparalleled natural and constructed beauty, regal architecture, royal cuisine, and always blooming with lively festivals and fairs, Jaipur, with its rich heritage, stands as the heart of the cultural epicentre of India.
Thus, no trip to Rajasthan can ever be complete without exploring the hidden beauty of Jaipur. Pink City stands as one of the Top 5 Places to Visit in Rajasthan.
The beautiful Hawa Mahal built with pink sandstones, the picturesque Jal Mahal, the architectural marvel of the City Palace, the geometric wonder of the Jantar Mantar Observatory, “the heaven piercing minaret” of Ishwar Lat, and the nostalgic aura of the Albert Hall Museum, make the aforementioned places the central attractions for tourists worldwide. With a variety of festivals, delicious cuisine, as well as culturally rich shopping markets, the city is also connected to other major cities in the state.
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
The mention of the word ‘Udaipur’ evokes an inexpressible sense of wonder in everyone’s heart. Be it a tourist who has come here from another country or a local whose eyes have been fed with this beauty since childhood, Udaipur is what dreams are made of! One of the best places in Rajasthan, Udaipur has enchanted many hearts with its charm.
Udaipur is the epitome of Rajasthani culture and tradition, be it the beautifully carved temples or the rich artwork on its walls. This best city in Rajasthan has managed to keep intact its royal heritage that promises a lively and colourful experience for tourists. Be it sunrise, sunset or just another random hour, Udaipur can steal anyone’s heart with its million-dollar natural beauty Top 5 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
Amongst the best tourist places in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is popular for its ornate palaces and sandstone buildings. The West to this city is a vast sand dune and to the South lies Gadisar Lake, where visitors can go boating. Visiting Jaisalmer is an aesthetic experience and is one of the top 10 places to visit in Rajasthan right now.
The old city, with many buildings displaying intricate architectural details from the past, sits within imposing, 19th-century Jaisalmer Fort. The Thar Desert surrounds Jaisalmer on all sides. The fort of Jaisalmer is a marvel of architecture and one of the most popular attractions of this desert city. This makes it one of the best places in Rajasthan and the city worth visiting Top 5 Places to Visit in Rajasthan.
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
Located on the edge of the great Thar Desert, Jodhpur is also famously known as the Sun City or the Blue City of Rajasthan. A hearth of sumptuous forts, palaces, lakes, as well as other beautiful retreats, it, however, has made an appearance in movies and magazine covers for its large number of blue-coloured houses that add just another shade to the diverse palette of Rajasthan. It is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
Some of the famous places to visit in Jodhpur are Mehrangarh Fort, Khejarala Fort Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ghanta Ghar, Mangore Garden, Jaswant Thada, and Kalyana and Balsamand Lake. Jodhpur is also known for the Overlander desert safaris and Amal Sabha, a thousand-year-old traditional opium ceremony Top 5 Places to Visit in Rajasthan.
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
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 5 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
