The state of Rajasthan used to be called Rajputana, which means “the land of kings.” This is also the country’s largest state, covering almost 342,239 sq km, which is 10.4 percent of the country. But regardless of its vast area, it is spanned by the Thar Desert. This desert runs parallel to the Sutlej-Indus river valley.
Besides being a princely state, Rajasthan is also home to many stunning artworks and edifices. Every sole kingdom of Rajasthan has a unique approach to architecture and arts, making it one of the most culturally diverse destinations globally. Have a look at some of these incredible tourism attractions in Rajasthan.
1. Jaisalmer
Located in the center of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, also known as “Golden City,” was discovered in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Mahrawal Jaisal Singh. It got its name from the Thar Desert’s golden sands and golden sandstone utilized in the structural design of the city. Jaisalmer is also viewed as one of the favourite tourist spots in Rajasthan because of its splendid architecture and the numerous artworks that are special to this district. Hence, the architecture of this city is one of the best things.
Sam Sand Dunes, Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer Fort, The Heritage Museum, Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Jain Temples, Nathmal ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, and Gadisar Lake are the major attractions to see in Jaisalmer. Look for the most trusted car rentals in Rajasthan to visit these great sites.
Best time to visit: October to March
2. Pushkar
Pushkar is a quiet tiny sacred town that draws more and more day-trippers and hippies every year. But, the quiet city really becomes energetic for a week or two in October or November as the Pushkar Camel Fair hits town. The annual camel fair is for five days. Here people purchase and sell domestic animals. Camel races are one of the fun and exciting things to enjoy. Plus, the fair is habitat to a large number of visitors’ horde that is pulled by the melody, dance, and a range of events that are organized at the camel fair.
You can visit Pushkar at any time of the year if you need some chill. Unfortunately, the town is not as it used to be, though. Today, Pushkar is much more westernized and tourist-focused.
Best time to visit: October to March
3. Ajmer
Ajmer is located near Pushkar. It is bordered by Aravali ranges and is a town which has a great history and culture. Besides being a prominent Hindu pilgrimage place, it is also the abode of several enthralling historical locations and thus greets visitors from all over the globe. Ajmer was also chosen as a heritage site for the HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) in 2015.
Some of its top tourist attractions are Anasagar Lake, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Akbari Fort and Museum, Soniji Ki Nasiyan, Taragarh Fort. Bundi and Pushkar are nearby other attractions.
Best time to visit: March to May
4. Jaipur
Apart from being the capital city, Jaipur is also the largest city in Rajasthan. Jaipur was discovered by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Sawai Jaisingh II in 1727. It is called “Pink city” too because of its unique pink and saffron-colored buildings. The entire development of the city was done as per the Vedic Vastu Shastra. The well-intended roads and artistic architecture make it one of the most favourite places for tourism in Jaipur.
There are many things to do in this city. The old temples, monuments, museums, forts, and big markets pull a lot of visitors from different parts of the world every year. Here you can try some of the most delicious and spicy foods that you can find at every corner of the city. It is also a habitat to an extensive collection of arts and crafts with more than twenty exclusive specializations.
The top attractions of this city include Nahargarh Fort, Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Pink City Bazaars, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall Museum, Jal Mahal, and Galtaji. To reach these places quickly and conveniently, hire the best taxi services in Rajasthan.
Best time to visit: November to January
5. Bikaner
Rathore Rajput Ruler Rao Bika discovered Bikaner in 1488. He was the son of the Rathore Ruler Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Bikaner city was taken over by the rival Jat rulers of that period. At present, the city of Bikaner is a much-loved place for tourism in Rajasthan. It is especially popular for its snacks and sweets. The fairs held in this city are also a reason for a great number of tourists from all over India coming to Bikaner.
The best places to see here are Sadul Singh Museum, Shri Laxminath Temple, Junagarh Fort, National Research Center on Camels, Jain Temple, and Ganga Singh Museum. Consider a few things before you hire local tour operator in Rajasthan to explore the must-see tourist destinations.
Best time to visit: October to March
6. Udaipur
The list of tourism spots in Rajasthan is incomplete without Udaipur. The city of Udaipur is also known as “the city of lakes.” At times, it has even been named “the Venice of the East.” Udaipur used to be the capital of the Sisodiya Rajputs of Mewar and is famous for its palaces that represent the elegance of Rajputana Style architecture. The city was established by the Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Maharana Udai Singh II in the year 1553. The Mewar Rajputs established Udaipur to shift their capital from Chittor to a more protected place. These days, many places have been transformed into hotels, hence pulling a massive amount of visitors to Udaipur.
The scenic location of Udaipur at the foothills of Aravalli hills makes it one of the most attractive places in the state. Shilpgram, Bagore Ki Haveli, Lake Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagdish Temple, Moti Magri, Lake Pichola, City Palace, and The Royal Vintage Car Museum are some of its must-see attractions.
Best time to visit: Winter months
7. Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh is a very historical city of Rajasthan. It is also acknowledged as “Chittor.” This city is said to have been established by the Maurya Dynasty. The worth of Chittor got more significant than before, when the Ruler of the Sisodiya Rajput Clan of Mewar in 734 Ad acquired the city and made it Mewar’s capital. Chittorgarh Fort is one of the top attractions to see in Chittorgarh. It is also recognized as the largest fort in the country. Founded during the 7th century by the First Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Bappa Rawal, Chittorgarh Fort covers more than an area of 2.8 sq km, and its highest altitude point is 1075 meters above sea level.
Other attractions include Kriti Stambh, Vijay Stambh, Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Rani Padmini Palace, and Meera Temple.
Best time to visit: October to March
8. Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second largest and the second most populated city of Rajasthan. It was established in 1459 by Jodha Singh of Marwar. Jodhpur was established as the novel capital of Marwar after the fall of Mandore (the previous capital). The city is also known as the Sun City as it endures clear, bright weather the whole year. Jodhpur is just about 250 kilometers away from the Indo-Pak border.
Since Jodhpur is situated in the heart of Rajasthan, it is an imperative place for tourism too. Some of its major attractions are Jaswant Thada, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Clock Tower, Masuria Hills Garden, Mehrangarh Fort, Kailana Lake, Chamunda Mata Temple, Mandore Gardens, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Balsamand Lake. Look for some local taxi cab services in Rajasthan to get to these locations without trouble.
Best time to visit: October to March
9. Sawai Madhopur
Constructed by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh of the Kachwaha Rajputs, Sawai Madhopur was established in the year 1763. As the city itself does not have any prominent tourist places, only two attractions have made Sawai Madhopur a worthwhile destination for the best sightseeing in Rajasthan. These are the Ranthambore National Park and the Ranthambore Fort. Before independence, the Ranthambore forests were the hunting grounds for the Kachwaha Rajputs of Jaipur. Following independence, it was recognized as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary, and it rose as a tiger reserve in 1973 and obtained the status of a national park in 1980.
Ranthambore forest, on the other side, is a UNESCO world heritage site that lies in the woods of the Ranthambore National Park. The fort’s structure predated the domination of the Kachwaha Rajput Clan and was established by the Nagil Jat Ruler Raja Sajaraj Veer Singh Nagil in 944 AD. The enormous cultural history imbibed in this ancient structure is worth visiting.
Best time to visit: October to April
10. Nagaur
Nagaur is located only halfway between Bikaner and Jodhpur, making the city a suitable place to break your trip. Its huge 12th-century fort, Ahhichatragarh, has been renovated to its previous beauty by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2002. Annually, the fort hosts the World Sacred Spirit Festival in February. The Nagaur Cattle Fair is hyped as India’s second-largest fair. Also, it is an additional attraction during the winter months- January or February.
Best time to visit: January to February
11. Alwar
Do you want to see more ancient palaces and forts? Alwar is only 3 hours away from Delhi. The major attractions here are the 18th Century City Palace complex and the government museum. The museum usually remains closed on Mondays. Inside the museum, you can find a lot of exhibits that depict the lavish lifestyle of the kings.
The Lake Sagar and the chhatris (dome-shaped pavilions) at the back of the City Palace are the most visually notable memorials. Above the City Palace is the Bala Quila which is famous for being one of some forts in Rajasthan to be constructed prior to the rise of the Mughals.
Best time to visit: October to March
12. Mount Abu
The lone hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu, is located 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) above sea level, close to the Gujarat border. Mount Abu is around 3 hours from Udaipur. The British took a fondness to Mount Abu due to its comfy weather, and in 1857 they shifted the headquarters of their political Rajputana Agency therefrom Ajmer. Mount Abu has the status of being a honeymoon’s haven, but many Indian families gather in the region too. Still, it stays an interesting location for outsiders.
Best time to visit: November to February
13. Neemrana
Another very famous weekend getaway from Delhi, Neemrana, was the 3rd capital of the ancestors of Prithviraj Chauhan III, king of the Chauhan dynasty. Neemrana lies in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, about a couple of hours southwest of Delhi on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. The major landmark in Neemrana is the trailing 15th century Neemrana Fort Palace hotel.
Best time to visit: September to March
14. Kota
Rajasthan’s third-largest city, Kota, resides next to the Chambal River. Kota is less than an hour away from the southwest of Bundi. Once you have witnessed its museums, temples, and palaces, leave to walk around the National Chambal Sanctuary and enjoy a boat ride down the river. Kota is also a habitat for rare creatures like the gharial and Gangetic river dolphin.
Bhainsrorgarh Fort boutique heritage hotel was once an imperial home and had a lucky location atop the hill. The outlook is awe-inspiring. Also, the 9th century Badoli Temples are close by. Kota is well-known for its October fair and Dussehra festival.
Best time to visit: October to March
Frequently asked questions
Q: How many days are needed for the Rajasthan tour?
Ans: Mainly, Rajasthan tour needs 5 days minimum for travelling around major cities such as Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ajmer. But you require at least a week or more to witness the magic of Rajasthan with exciting places, including Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, and many others.
Q: What is the nearby airport for Rajasthan?
Ans: Rajasthan’s Jaipur International Airport is the chief airport. It is well linked to the main cities of India plus other foreign nations. In addition, Udaipur and Jodhpur are chief airports of Rajasthan too that are well connected to domestic airports of the country.
Q: What is the famous food of Rajasthan?
Ans: Dal Bati Churma is a popular dish. Those who like spicy foods can try Rajasthani Kadi, fiery red chillies, and Laal Maas. Try not to overlook Gatte ka Pulao and Gatte ki Khichdi. The famous Rajasthani dishes are the crispy Kalmi Vada, Methi Bajra Poori, sugary sweet Mawa Kachori, and Pyaaz Kachori.
Q: How is the weather condition in Rajasthan throughout the year?
Ans: You would see lovely weather throughout October to March. You would feel damp and hot weather throughout April to September. Hence, try not to visit Rajasthan in these months.
Q: What are the famous festivals & fairs of Rajasthan?
Ans: Rajasthan is acknowledged for its colourful liveliness and custom Festivals. There are many festivals which pull travellers all over the year. Here are some of the prominent festivals of Rajasthan:
- The main highlight of Rajasthan – Pushkar fair
- Elephant Festival in Jaipur
- The Teej festival and the Gangaur festival in Jaipur
- The Desert Festival in Jaisalmer
- The Nagaur Fair in Nagaur
- The Jaipur Literature Festival
- Chandrabhaga Fair in Jhalawar
Q: Which is the most attractive destination in Rajasthan?
Ans: Udaipur is one of the most preferred destinations of Rajasthan. It is named the “City of Lakes” and encircled by the stunning Aravalli Hills. Udaipur is popular for captivating temples, natural beauty, and extraordinary architecture. Lake Pichola boat ride is a fun thing that you can do here.
Q: What is the nearby railway station for Rajasthan?
Ans: The rail network of Rajasthan is well connected to the main railway stations of the country. Ajmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaipur are the well-known railway stations of the state. Rajdhani and Shatabdi are the standard trains of Rajasthan.
Conclusion
Those were some fascinating tourist destinations of Rajasthan. Which place do you like to visit for a family holiday this year? Do let us know.
