Lying in northwestern India and sprawling across a whopping area of around 342239 sq km, the Indian state of Rajasthan is known all over the world for its glorious history, colourful culture, bountiful wildlife, and warm hospitality. Welcoming all kinds of tourists with its melodic greeting “Padharo Mhare Desh”, the “Land of Kings” introduces its visitors to its ancient royal grandeur and opulence.
The beauty of the flamboyant state of Rajasthan can be credited to its enchanting folk dance and music, majestic palaces and hill forts, flavoursome and spicy food, vast golden sandy desert, friendly camels, and colourful traditional attires. The state’s age-old temples, alluring art and crafts, and vibrant fairs and festivals also contribute equally to its unmatched charm and allure.
The largest state of India, Rajasthan lures millions of national as well as international travellers every year with its abundant attractions. While the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur attracts tourists with its heritage buildings, the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur enchants visitors with its photogenic lakes. Bikaner propels travellers with its renowned Camel Festival, while Sawai Madhopur lures tourists with its rich wildlife population.
While in Rajasthan, the travellers can be sure to enjoy a truly exhilarating, action-packed desert holiday. While the shopaholics can shop their heart out for Meenakari jewellery, marble handicrafts, leather items, semi-precious stones, and lac bangles, the adrenaline seekers can go trekking in Mount Abu. The honeymooners can enjoy romantic boat rides on the mesmerizing lakes of Udaipur, while the history and architecture buffs can go explore the palaces and forts of Jodhpur.
Rajasthan state generally experiences an arid or semi-arid climatic condition with significantly hot temperatures throughout the year. The most ideal time for visiting Rajasthan is during the winter season (October to February) when the weather is pleasant during the daytime and cool at night.
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People Also Ask About Rajasthan
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Which are the best places to visit in Rajasthan?
1. Jaipur: Recently declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jaipur makes for the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Known popularly as the “Pink City”, this adorable place forms an integral part of the famous Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit of India.
Founded back in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur city has gained a lot of popularity across the globe primarily for its heritage monuments and exemplary shopping options. Some of the important attractions of Jaipur include the City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Amber Fort, Birla Mandir, Rajasthani textiles, and handicrafts.
2. Udaipur: Known affectionately as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur served as the Mewar kingdom’s capital in the times gone by. Also referred to as the “Venice of East”, this place is the land of rich traditions, glorious history, and charming landscapes.
Udaipur is best known for its postcard perfect lakes, such as Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, and Doodh Talai Lake. A visit to Udaipur is also not complete without an exploration tour of its spellbinding architectural wonders including Jag Mandir, Kumbhalgarh Fort, City Palace, and Monsoon Palace.
3. Bikaner: Lying north of the city of Jodhpur, the quaint Bikaner town is one of the least crowded yet renowned places to visit in Rajasthan state. More than anything, this remote desert town is famous for its magnificent forts, charming palaces, beautiful temples, impressive handicrafts, and annual Camel Festival.
The city of Bikaner is also popular for its brilliant artforms of Usta and Chadwa. Some of the major places of interest that most tourists visit on a trip to Bikaner include Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple, Laxmi Nath Temple, Lalgarh Palace, and Laxmi Niwas Palace.
4. Pushkar: The colourful and flamboyant town of Pushkar is known popularly across the world for its fascinating yearly Camel Fair. Considered to be one of the country’s oldest cities, Pushkar also makes for one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Hindus.
The city is packed with a plethora of age-old Hindu temples, including Meerabai Temple, Brahma Temple, Gayatri Mata Temple, Rangji Temple, Varaha Temple, Mahadev Temple, Savitri Temple, and Apteshwar Temple. The sacred Pushkar Lake is also a revered pilgrimage destination in itself and features several ghats where the enchanting evening aarti is hosted.
5. Alwar: Founded back in the year 1770 by Pratap Singh, the ancient town of Alwar makes for a paradise for history lovers. In regards to history, Alwar was the first city that signed the treaty with the British East Indian Company.
This city is also known to have participated in a number of military engagements and wars in the times gone by. Alwar is also known for the Bhangarh Fort, which has been frequently linked with many haunted tales. Other primary attractions that attract tourists to Alwar include Pandupol and Sariska Tiger Reserve.
6. Mount Abu: The quaint town of Mount Abu makes for the only hill station in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Located in the mighty Aravalli range, between Gujarat and Rajasthan, Mount Abu offers a respite from the state’s scorching heat. Counted among the most offbeat places to visit in Rajasthan, this hill station offers the travellers the chance to indulge in a number of adventure activities, such as wildlife safari at Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, night camping at Aravali, boating on Nakki Lake, and hiking to Guru Shikhar.
7. Pali: The offbeat town of Pali is categorized by wobbled plains, scattered hills, and a unique snail-like shape. Spread across a total area of around 12,387 square kilometres, the town shares common boundaries with a total of 8 districts of the state with Udaipur perched on the south-east and Jodhpur lying on the North.
Pali has gained a lot of popularity across the country for its fascinating temples, including Om Banna Temple and Parshuram Mahadev Temple. This place is also known to host a number of adrenaline-pumping activities, such as trekking, village safari, desert safari, and lakeside camping.
8. Ranthambore National Park: Known as one of the most famous and largest national parks of the country, Ranthambore National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. This tiger-friendly land is home to more than 40 mammal species, 40 reptile species, 320 avian species, 2 amphibian species, and 300 plant species.
This place offers the travellers a chance to enjoy a thrilling wildlife safari, allowing them to spot many different wildlife species, including leopards, chital, wild boar, nilgai, sloth bear, sambar, and hyena. Other important attractions to look out for in Ranthambore National Park include Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal, Trinetra Ganesh Temple, and Kachida Valley.
Price: INR 100 for Indians; INR 800 for foreigners.
9. Bundi: Located at an approximate distance of around 210 kilometres from Jaipur, the small city of Bundi is the best place to explore the age-old step reservoirs or baoris of Rajasthan. This quaint and rustic city has been named after the ancient tribe Bunda Meena, which resided here in the times gone by.
In addition to more than 50 fascinating baoris, Bundi is also home to a plethora of ancient architectural marvels, such as the Bundi Palace, Sukh Mahal, and Taragarh Fort. Other interesting attractions of Bundi city include the Nawal Sagar, miniature paintings, colourful markets, and vibrant blue houses.
10. Jhunjhunu: Located in the heart of Jhunjhunu district, the Jhunjhunu town is one of the best kept secrets of Rajasthan state. This calm and quiet place shelters a number of charming palaces and alluring Frescos.
Some of the top architectural marvels of Jhunjhunu town include Khetri Mahal, The Dundlod Fort, The Modi and Tibrewala Haveli, and The Aath Havelis. Jhunjhunu is also known widely for its magnificent, age-old temples, including Rani Sati Temple, Khemi Sati Temple, Hanuman Mandir, and Bandhe Ka Balaji Temple.
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What are the best things to do in Rajasthan?
1. Go for Wildlife Safari in one of the National Parks: The Indian state of Rajasthan is home to a number of renowned animal and bird sanctuaries of the country. Almost all these wildlife reserves offer safari opportunities to the travellers and let them interact with their favourite animals in their habitat.
While Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve let you spot ferocious tigers, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary offers you the best birdwatching opportunity. Some of the other animals that the tourists can spot during their safari in the national parks of Rajasthan include bears, elephants, nilgais, deers, and hyenas.
Location: Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park, Ranthambore National Park.
2. Enjoy Hot Air Ballooning over the Thar Desert: One of the best ways to explore the state of Rajasthan is by floating in its blue sky. During their Hot air balloon ride, the travellers can soak in the mesmerizing views of the green expanses and the quaint desert villages of the state. They can also spot the beautiful camels and the golden sand dunes of the vast arid desert.
Location: Thar Desert, Rajasthan.
Price: Starts from INR 7,000 per head.
Timings: 6:45 AM and 3:30 PM between December to March; 5:30 AM between April to June; 6:15 AM and 4:00 PM between September to November.
3. Experience Night Camping under the Starry Rajasthan Sky: The state of Rajasthan is packed with a plethora of campsites that offer the adventure seekers all kinds of camping opportunities. While the city of Udaipur offers you the best lakeside camping options, Jaisalmer offers unmatched desert camping experience, and Ranthambore National Park lets you enjoy exemplary jungle camping.
During your night camp, you can enjoy delectable authentic Rajasthani meals, cozy beddings, and colourful cultural shows. Night camping in Rajasthan is best done during the winter season as the summers come with a humid weather condition.
Location: Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mount Abu, Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Reserve.
Price: Starts from INR 1500, per head.
4. Relish Authentic Rajasthani Culinary Preparations at Chokhi Dhani: Your trip to the state of Rajasthan will undoubtedly remain unfulfilled, if you miss out on trying the flavourful culinary preparations of the place.
One of the best places where you can savour authentic Rajasthani delicacies is Chokhi Dhani, which is known across the country for its warm hospitality and delicious food. While you are dining at Chokhi Dhani, you can also treat yourself with the traditional Rajasthani decor and the alluring folk dance performances, magic shows, and puppet shows.
Location: Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Price: INR 1,600 for two.
Timings: From 5.30 AM to 11 PM.
5. Marvel at the Brilliantly Architectured Step Wells: If you are an architecture enthusiast, go explore the age-old step wells of the state, which were constructed under its various Rajput rulers for harvesting and conserving water in the times gone by.
The architecture of these step wells or baoris will leave you awestruck at the engineering skills of the architects of those times. Some of the best places to explore the ancient stepwells of Rajasthan state are Bundi and Abhineri. Dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries, most of the stepwells extend up to 100 feet beneath the ground and feature sound 3000 to 3500 steps.
Location: Abhaneri Stepwell, Dausa District, Rajasthan, India.
6. Take a Trekking Tour at the Offbeat Places: Backpackers and adventure enthusiasts love to go trekking when in Rajasthan state. While most of the best treks are found in the hill station of Mount Abu, the hikers are also likely to find decent trekking trails in other places like Alwar.
During their trekking tours, the hikers can explore the rich heritage density and greenery of the state, away from the regular desert sands. They can also interact with the native villages and enjoy spotting colourful birds. The trekkers will find both easy and challenging treks in Rajasthan, all of which are best done during the winters.
Location: Mount Abu, Alwar.
Price: Starts from INR 450 per head.
7. Spend time with the “Ships of the Desert” at the Camel Farm in Bikaner: If you want to explore the state of Rajasthan like a local, spend some time with the beautiful camels at the Camel Breeding Farm located in the city of Bikaner.
While you are here, learn important facts about the camels at the Camel Museum, enjoy an exhilarating camel ride, and click pictures with the “Ships of the Desert”. Also remember to relish their delicious ice-cream prepared using camel milk.
Location: National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Price: INR 30 per head for Indians; INR 100 per head for foreigners.
Timings: From Tuesday to Saturday: 12 PM to 6 PM; 7 AM to 3 PM on Sunday; closed on Monday.
8. Interact with the Elephants at Dera Amer: Wildlife lovers visiting the state of Rajasthan should never miss out on having a friendly day out with the elephants at the famous Dera Amer camp. During their visit to Dera Amer, the animal enthusiasts can enjoy feeding the elephants with sugarcanes and giving them a good bath.
They can also enjoy painting their trunks creatively with harmless organic paints and click pictures. The visitors can also choose to head on an elephant safari, which is usually accompanied by a scrumptious authentic dinner and camp stay.
Location: Dera Amer Wilderness Camp, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Price: INR 6,800 for elephant safari and dinner.
9. Enjoy a Serene Boat Ride in the Picturesque Lakes of Udaipur: Couples, as well as families can head for an enchanting boat ride on the shimmering waters of the photogenic lakes of Udaipur city.
While you enjoy boat riding in these historic lakes, you can explore the surrounding heritage buildings and soak in the mesmerizing mountain views. You can also take an evening boat ride to enjoy the gorgeous sunset from the waters.
Location: Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Swaroop Sagar Lake.
Price: INR 30 per head for regular boats; INR 200 per head for motor boats.
Timings: From 8 AM to 4.30 PM. -
What is the best time to visit Rajasthan?
The most ideal time for visiting the state of Rajasthan is during the winter months of October to February. During this period of the year, the state experiences pleasant weather and low humidity levels, which supports outdoor activities. Most of the important fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are also celebrated during the winter season. -
What is the special food of Rajasthan?
- Dal Bati Churma
- Laal Maas
- Mirchi Bada
- Pyaaz ki Kachori
- Gatte ki Sabji
- Masala chhach
- Bajra ki Raab
- Ghevar
- Moong Dal ka Halwa
- Balushahi
- Ker Sangagri
- Badam ka Halwa
- Gujia
- Kalmi Vada. -
How many days are required for a Rajasthan trip?
You need at least 9 nights and 10 days to cover all the prominent places of Rajasthan state. Over this duration, you will get a chance to visit the top places of interest in the major cities of the state, including Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Shekhawati, Fatehpur, Ranakpur, and Mount Abu. -
What is Rajasthan famous for?
- Exuberant forts and palaces
- Glorious history and colourful culture
- Artistic handicrafts
- Abundant wildlife
- Adventurous desert activities like camel safari, hot air ballooning, and desert camping. -
How much does a trip to Rajasthan cost?
A 14 days trip to Rajasthan state will cost you around INR 16,712 per head. The average daily cost per head on accommodation, food, local transportation, and miscellaneous expenditure will be around INR 1,194. -
How can I plan for the Rajasthan tour?
Here is an itinerary you can follow for your 10 days 9 nights trip to Rajasthan:
- Day 1: Arrival at Jaipur- Arrive at Jaipur and check in your hotel. Later in the evening, visit Chokhi Dhani for a delicious Rajasthani dinner.
- Day 2: Jaipur - Bikaner- Head for a journey to Bikaner via Shekhawati. Upon reaching Bikaner, pay a visit to the Camel Breeding Farm.
- Day 3: Bikaner - Jaisalmer- Proceed to Jaisalmer in the morning and reach before sundown. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort and see the fort soaked in the honey-glazed rays of the setting sun.
- Day 4: Jaisalmer Sightseeing- Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer with visits to Sam Sand Dunes and Kuldhara.
- Day 5: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur- Proceed to Jodhpur in the morning. Reach by afternoon and enjoy local sightseeing.
- Day 6: Jodhpur - Mount Abu- Head to Mount Abu via Ranakpur Temple. Upon reaching Mount Abu, pay a visit to Sunset Point in the evening.
- Day 7: Mount Abu - Udaipur- Visit Brahmakumari Ashram and Dilwara Temple in the first half of the day, Later, proceed to Udaipur.
- Day 8: Udaipur- Enjoy a full day exploration tour of City Palace, Saheliyon ki Badi, and Fateh Sagar Lake.
- Day 9: Udaipur - Pushkar -Jaipur- Head to Jaipur, via Ajmer and Pushkar.
- Day 10: Departure- Proceed on your journey back home from Jaipur. -
How far is Rajasthan from Delhi?
The state of Rajasthan is located at an approximate distance of around 404.2 kilometres from the capital of the country, Delhi. In general, it takes around 8 hours and 42 minutes to reach Rajasthan from Delhi via NH334B. -
When is the Pushkar Mela held?
In general, Pushkar Mela is held in the month of November, every year. In 2019, the fair took place between 5th November and 12th November.
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If you are looking for some thrills in Alwar, visiting its “most haunted place” is the best way to fulfil the desire. Bhangarh Fort, on the border of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, has long held its spooky reputation. Though it is a well-preserved fort, the ‘supernatural’ occurrences that seem to occur within its premises tend to ward off many people. If you are eager to explore Alwar in all its facets, haunted and otherwise, a visit to this fort is a must. Do it while the light lasts, since ghosts are said to hang out here at night. Though spooky, Bhangarh Fort is one of the best places to visit in Alwar for some unique memories. Timings: 6 am to 6 pmLocation: Gola ka baas, Rajgarh Tehsil, Alwar, Bhangarh, Rajasthan 301410
This place is the reason Bharatpur is so well-known all over India. Keoladeo Ghana National Park, more commonly known as Bharatpur Bird sanctuary, is one of the must-vist tourist attractions in Bharatpur, and for good reason. The intensity of wildlife that one can experience in Bharatpur is startling. Though most well-known for the hordes of birds that its hosts ear-round, the sanctuary also has a rich variety of flora and fauna, all of which makes the sanctuary a wildly active place throughout the year. The best season to visit this sanctuary is around October- November. Most migratory birds have arrived by then and the chirp and bustle of the place is magnificent. The summer months, when the cranes have begun their beautiful courtship dances, are also interesting months to visit the sanctuary in. There are accommodations inside the sanctuary if you wish to explore the place at all hours. This is definitely one of the necessary places to visit in Bharatpur. Timings: 8 am to 5 pmPrice: Rs. 50 per person for Indians; Rs. 400 per person for foreign tourists; Rs. 100 for rickshaw rideLocation: Agra-Jaipur Highway, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 302001
The Kirti Stambha is a one of the lovely tourist attractions of Chittorgarh. Housed inside the massive Chittorgarh Fort, this 12th century tower stands as a monument to Adinathji, the 1st Jain Teerthankar. It is decorated with the naked figures of the Digambars, and reflects the cultural beliefs of the Digambars comprehensively. There are seven storeys in the tower, and a narrow and steep staircase leads to the top from where views of the Chittorgarh environs can be taken in and is one of the best places to visit in Chittorgarh.Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.Location: Chittorgarh Fort Village, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan 312001.
Rana Kumbha Palace is one of the most interesting places to visit in Chittorgarh fort. The massive proportions of the ruined edifice of the palace reveal what an imposing structure it was in the height of its glory.Rana Kumbha Palace is the largest monument in the Chittorgarh Fort and has a grand history attached to it. It has been the residence to people like Bappa Rawal, Maharana Kumbha, rani Padmani, Princess Meera Bai among others. Legend of Panna Dhai, who saved infant Udai Singh with the heart-breaking sacrifice of her infant son, is also associated with this palace. The dungeons of this palace are also supposed to be the place where Rani Padmani and the other women of the palace committed Johar. Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.Price: You only need to pay the entry price for the fort.Location: Chittorgarh Fort Village, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan 312001
Also known as the Alwar Fort, the BalaQuila Fort is one of the most historic destinations in Alwar, and is one of the tourist attractions in Alwar that should not be missed when you are in the Rajasthani city. Extending over an area of 5 kilometres, the fort stands stern and forbidding at a height of 1000 feet with 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry. It was first built by Hasan Khan Mewati in 1550, but has since seen various dynasties rule over it as Alwar passed into the hands of Khanzadas, Mughals, Pathans and Jats. The fort still stands as imposing as ever, and is a great place to visit during an evening in the city. Timings: 10 am to 5 pm Location: Bala Quila Rd, Near Nikumbha Mahal Palace, Alwar, Rajasthan 301001
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Alwar. Spread over an area of more than 800 square kilometres, this sanctuary offers a safe haven to the majestic Royal Bengal tigers of Alwar. The sanctuary is made up of grasslands, dry deciduous forests, cliffs and rocky terrains. A host of birds and animals inhabit the sanctuary including Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Sambar, Chinkara, Four-Horned Antelope, Hanuman Langur, and Rhesus Monkeys. The sanctuary also houses the rare Indian Eagle-Owl. But the sanctuary is not just famous for its flora and fauna. A number of historical temples can be found inside the sanctuary, that add further mystery and majesty to the place. Trekking through the wildlife sanctuary is a great experience. Timings:6:00 am - 3:00 pmPrice: Indians: INR 60, Foreign Nationals: INR 450,Vehicles: INR 250Location: Subhash Chowk Station road malakhera, Alwar, Rajasthan 301406
Siliserh Lake Palace is an erstwhile royal palace and hunting lodge located on the banks of the Siliserh Lake that has now been converted into a heritage hotel which is run by RTDC. The hotel makes for a perfect dropback to a romantic holiday because of the beauty of its exteriors and the simple elegance of its interiors. The lake is perfect for fishing, sailing and boating. It is also a wonderful budget option for those who wish to enjoy luxury but do not wish to burn a hole in their pocket for the experience. The in-house restaurant offers a great range of Indian and Continental cuisines that are soul-satisfying and filling. Price: 2000- 3000 INR/ 50- 80 USD per night approx.Location:Siliserh Circle, Alwar 301001, India