Jaipur – The Pink City
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a beautiful city that never shies away from showing off its ancient finery and magnificent culture. Chaotic, bustling and edgy, Jaipur takes you in a single day from timeless bazaars as old as the city itself to modern restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines, from historic palaces and forts whose stories and histories are as famous as their architectural beauty to luxurious hotels. Also called the ‘Pink City’ because of the colour of its historic buildings, Jaipur is arguably the best way to experience the glorious past of the Mughal Empire.
Highlights
- Discover the city behind the latticed windows of the most famous Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of Winds’.
- Fall in love with the sculptures of Jantar Mantar, the world’s largest stone observatory.
- Explore the city’s bustling bazaars.
- Once you are done enjoying the Amber Fort, you will have a bird’s eye view of the city.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan Jaipur: The best time to visit is during the winter (October – March). Daytime temperatures are pleasant, but nights can be cold. During the summer (April – June), temperatures can be extremely hot. The monsoon season occurs from July to September, but Jaipur receives relatively little rainfall. If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with the Jaipur Elephant Festival, which is held every year in March.
Jaisalmer – The Golden City
A glittering city of sandstone houses, palaces and forts, Jaisalmer is an oasis in the middle of a desert – the Thar Desert to be exact. A tourist magnet, the city offers an opulent experience of culture, heritage, architecture and history. While the gigantic Jaisalmer Fort is a must-see and a highlight, the ancient lanes and byways are home to enchanting homes waiting to be discovered and whose stories are just waiting to be heard. The desert city is also the most popular base for camel safaris in the Thar Desert, which take you through rolling dunes, exotic desert scenes and probably the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises you will ever see.
Highlights
- Visit the Jaisalmer Fort, get lost in the maze of streets and look out for havelis, extravagant mansions with intricate latticework and floral motifs.
- Take a camel safari in the Thar Desert.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan Jaisalmer: October, when the weather is at its most pleasant, is considered the best month to visit Jaisalmer. Summer (April – July) is unbearable, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees. Monsoon (August – September) is not always very rainy, but the humidity is unpleasant.
Udaipur – The City of Lakes
Udaipur, the land of lakes and palaces, needs no introduction. Famous for being the most romantic city in the country, Udaipur’s landscape never fails to leave you spellbound. With neighbors like the serene Lake Pichola and the magnificent Aravalli Hills, who wouldn’t feel beautiful and special? The city is dominated by its two most sought-after gems – the Lake Palace, a seductive palace-hotel for the wealthy, and the City Palace, an architectural gem – but it also boasts a fascinating art scene, old-world experiences, historic bazaars and leisurely boat rides.
You can also spend time exploring the 14th-century Jain temple of Ranakpur, considered one of the most beautiful temples in India, and enjoy a unique sound and light show at Kumbhalgarh Fort. Destination Asia recommends that you try visiting the Shilpgram Craft Fair, which is held every year in Udaipur. Rajasthan is famous for its handicrafts and textiles, and Shilpgram is one of the best destinations to admire the finest embroidery, hand-woven garments, and camel leather work.
Highlights
- Visit the City Palace,
- Admire the serenity of Lake Pichola, and watch Octopussy at one of the restaurants while you have a drink or a meal. A part of this James Bond movie was filmed in Udaipur, and it plays on loop in most locations.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Udaipur: Try to visit in winter (October – March) when the days are warm and the nights are cold. Summer (mid-March – June) is uncomfortably hot; the monsoon season (July – September) brings occasional heavy rains, thunderstorms and dust.
Jodhpur – The Blue City
Huge fort walls rise in stark contrast to the enchanting Thar Desert to protect the ancient city of Jodhpur, another Rajasthani gem famous for its palaces, temples, forts and bazaars. The majestic Mehrangarh Fort may be your first introduction to the city. After all, it can be hard to look past its architectural splendor. But the best experiences in the “Blue City” are still to be found in its historic streets and alleys.
Other places of interest include the Umaid Bhawan Palace, famous for its collection of vintage cars, murals and miniatures, clocks and art-deco interiors, and Jaswant Thanda, a magnificent memorial dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Before leaving the city, be sure to spend some time in its ancient bazaars and buy some of its breathtaking antiques, carpets, textiles, leather goods and figurines.
Highlights
- The Meherangarh Fort, perhaps the most impressive and imposing fort in Rajasthan, is the city’s main attraction.
- The maze of streets in the old city is also worth exploring to get a taste of the traditional city life. The view of the old city from above is also not to be missed.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan Jodhpur: Winter (October – March) is the best time to visit, and during this time there are several interesting festivals – bring warm clothes as temperatures can be chilly. Summer days (April – July) are warm, but evenings can be cool and pleasant. The monsoon season (July-August) is cooler than summer and less crowded, but during this time the city experiences moderate rainfall.
Ranthambore National Park (Tiger Reserve)
Ranthambore is one of the most famous and visited national parks in India. There’s a good reason for this: while tigers aren’t present in large numbers, they are well-accustomed to humans and tend to ignore busloads of tourists, making them particularly easy to spot. Besides tigers, the park is characterised by evocative landscapes and an abundance of other wildlife, making it a place worth visiting.
Highlights
- While it’s never guaranteed, you have a good chance of spotting a tiger in the wild here.
- The park is also home to many other species, including leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears and crocodiles.
- The UNESCO-listed Ranthambore Fort, dating back to the 10th century, after which the park is named, is also recommended.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Ranthambore: The park is open from October to June, but the best time to see tigers is from October to March. November is considered the best month of all.
Pushkar – The Holy City of Lotus
Although part of Rajasthan, Pushkar seems quite unique. Famous as a pilgrimage town, Pushkar is built around an ancient lake that is said to have formed when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus. The town is also known for being one of the few destinations in the world that has temples dedicated to Lord Brahma.
That said, Pushkar’s popularity on the international scene is mainly due to the grand Pushkar Camel Fair, which is considered one of the most popular events in India. The fair attracts nearly 200,000 people and 50,000 camels and allows locals to buy and sell horses, cattle and camels, and take part in traditional sporting events and moustache competitions. Tourists can enjoy unique scenes, take part in exciting desert activities and experience Indian culture at its best.
Highlights
- India’s largest mela (camel market) is held every year west of Pushkar.
- Two of the most unique are the Brahma Temple and the Savitri Temple.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Pushkar: In terms of climate, the best time to visit is winter (October to March), when temperatures are pleasantly cool. However, this is also the busiest time, especially during the mela, which spans 14 days around the full moon in November. Hotels are also the most expensive. Summer (April – June) is uncomfortably hot; monsoon season (July – September) is humid but can be pleasant as there are fewer tourists.
Bikaner – Gateway to the ‘Rat Temple=Karni Mata Temple’
First impressions of Bikaner aren’t always positive. It’s a busy, noisy commercial city that sees far fewer visitors than the state’s more well-known tourist destinations, and those who do visit can feel a little overwhelmed. However, if you dig a little below the surface, you’ll find enough attractions to keep you busy for a few days. Bikaner is also the best base for visiting the infamous ‘Rat Temple’, one of Rajasthan’s most unusual sites.
Highlights
- Junagarh Fort, which contains elaborate decorations as well as various curiosities and artefacts.
- Karni Mata Temple, about 20 km south of Bikaner – this temple is home to hundreds of revered rats, considered to be reincarnated souls, that run free throughout the building.
- Bikaner is also an alternative base for camel treks in the Thar Desert.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Bikaner: Winter (October – March) is the best season as the weather is cool and dry, though nights can be cold. Summer (April – June) is best avoided due to excessive heat. During the monsoon (July – September), Bikaner receives moderate rainfall and humidity is high.
Chittorgarh – Ancient Capital of Heroic Rajput Kings
Chittorgarh is renowned as a stubborn outpost of Hindu resistance against Muslim invaders, and its name is synonymous with Rajput heroism, bravery and courage. Its name is synonymous with Rajput heroism, bravery and courage. The imposing fort resisted the invaders for many years, although it was taken three times. On one occasion, 13,000 women from the city committed johar by throwing themselves and their children onto a large funeral pyre in defiance of the conquering army. Today, most tourists come to see the UNESCO-listed fort.
Highlights
- The main attraction is Chittorgarh Fort, probably the largest of the Rajput defensive structures. Inside, you will find palaces, an archaeological museum and several ornate Jain temples.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Chittorgarh: Winter (October to March) is the best time to visit, provided you bundle up; temperatures are cool and the weather is dry. Summer (April – July) is unbearably hot and the monsoon (July – September) brings unpredictable downpours.
Ajmer – The City of Gods
Ajmer is best known as the final resting place of Shah Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, the founder of the Chishtiya order. His tomb is today revered as one of the holiest shrines in Islam and is considered the most important in India. Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the shrine complex, and the bustling streets and bazaars around the tomb are also worth exploring. Just outside the city, on top of a hill, is the Taragarh, the remains of a 2,000-year-old fortress that once controlled the region’s trade routes.
Highlights
- The tomb of Shah Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti is the undisputed highlight of this place, and the main reason people come here.
- The rewarding hike to Taragarh is also a popular one.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during winter (October to February), when the weather is pleasantly cool. Summer is not recommended due to high temperatures (over 40°C). From June to September, it is the monsoon season; this period is marked by some rain, but the region is also the greenest.
Bundi – The Lesser-Known
Bundi is one of the lesser-known destinations in Rajasthan and goes unnoticed by many visitors. However, in its heyday, it was the capital of a major Rajput state. The city is largely untouched by tourism and modern developments. Its main attraction is the magnificent palace, described by Kipling as “the work of goblins rather than men,” and the magnificent murals it contains. For a glimpse into a crumbling past that few tourists witness, Bundi can be a fascinating destination.
Highlights
- The main attraction is the palace and its famous murals.
- For the best view of the city, climb up to the hilltop fortifications of Taragarh.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Bundi: Winter (October to March) is the best time to visit, but be prepared for chilly temperatures. Summer (April – June) can be brutally hot; the monsoon season (July – September) is humid and wet and not recommended.
Mount Abu – Rajasthan’s only hill station
Mount Abu is famous for being the only hill station in the state. The focal point is Nakki Lake, which is said to have been carved out by the gods using their fingernails. The area is renowned for its scenic landscapes and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the countryside. The other major attraction in the area is a Jain temple complex that is said to house the most intricate marble sculptures in the world.
Highlights
- Jain temples are popular with foreign visitors and Indian tourists alike.
- Nakki Lake is a must-see. But be prepared for paddle boats and ice cream rather than anything particularly spiritual.
Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Mount Abu: Due to the higher altitude, winter temperatures are lower than elsewhere (between 16 and 22°C) and nights can be cold. This is a good time to visit, but pack appropriate clothing. Summer (mid-April to June) is slightly cooler than other major tourist destinations in Rajasthan, but it is also the busiest time, if you want to enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery, it is best to avoid this period. The monsoon rains (August-September) are the heaviest in the state, but this is also when Mount Abu is at its lushest and the waterfalls are at their most spectacular.
Travelling in India can often seem overwhelming and one always wonders if one has managed to cover the best experiences it has to offer. Here is our advice: don’t miss out on a Rajasthan tour! The number of must-see sites and attractions in this state makes it impossible to see everything in one trip, but that’s one reason why you should plan a second one. In that case, Delighted Journey has you covered! Contact our travel expert to create a beautiful Rajasthan itinerary.
Thankyou, for reading our blog Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan by Delighted Journey.
