When you hear Rajasthan, the image of proud castles and forts standing in the middle of an arid land comes to mind. Visit it, and its history, spicy food, colorful culture, and incomparable beauty will leave you speechless. Add to it the fantastic variety of places to visit in Rajasthan, and it’s a must-visit for all types of tourists, from naturalists to adventure seekers.
Rajasthan has a simple etymology. It is made of Raja, which means King, and Sthan, which means place. As such, it translates to the King’s place. It is the land of Maharana Pratap, that chose to live in exile rather than accept the rule of the Mughals. It’s the land of Prithviraj Chauhan, a fearless soldier and a benevolent ruler. It is the land of Panna Dhai, who saved Udai Singh and created history. Now, it’s your turn to visit it and sing its praises.
No matter where you are in Rajasthan, there is a tourist attraction and a legend behind it. Experiencing such diversity isn’t possible on a short visit. So, knowing the best places to visit in Rajasthan is essential. Here’s your rundown on what to visit when in this desert state.
1. Udaipur
The city is named after King Udai Singh, who escaped a murder attempt as a kid. His governess, Panna Dhai, sacrificed her son to protect the prince. Upon attaining adulthood, the prince returned to take the reins of the city. Udaipur was the capital of Sisodiya Rajputs, and the royal architecture greets you in every street and alley.
They call it the “City of Lakes” and “Venice Of The East.” The name is justified by the beautiful architecture and the lakes running alongside each other. Since the 16th century, this city has been a central Rajasthan tourist place for rulers and tourists who come here in abundance.
Situated on the foothills of Aravalli, this town is known for temples, museums, lakes, palaces, forts, markets, and unique evenings. It is also famous for destination weddings.
- Best Places To Visit – Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, City Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Moti Magri, Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple, Lake Garden Palace, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Instead of eating typical hotel food, enjoy street foods like Manoj Prakash Dal Poodi Stall, Pandit Ji ki Pav Bhaji, Sindhi Falooda, Kamlesh Tea Stall, Meals On Wheels, Shankar’s Vada Pav and Dabeli, etc.
- Best Time To Visit – Summers are too hot in Rajasthan, so visit Udaipur in winter from November to March.
2. Jaipur
Jaipur showcases the feasibility of the Vedic Vastu Shastra as the city is designed as per traditional Indian architecture. The broad roads and well-planned streets have earned it the glory of the 7th best place to visit in Asia and the best city in Rajasthan. Jaipur is also the state capital.
Jaipur was built by Kachwaha Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. It is known as “Pink City,” thanks to the scattered pink and saffron buildings. The city’s highlight is Hawa Mahal, whose architectural beauty will make you drop your jaw. Back in the day, the ladies of the Rajput family used this place to see life on the streets.
Also, the mahal is now UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. When you are in Jaipur, schedule an entire day to visit City Palace, a giant architectural masterpiece that takes so much time to explore and soak in its beauty.
- Best Places To Visit – Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Pink City Bazaars, Jal Mahal, Birla Temple, Govind Dev Ji Temple, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Check out these tempting eateries in Jaipur at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar’s Pyaaz ki Kachori, Gulab Ji Chaiwala’s Masala Chai, Al Bake’s Rolls, Sethi Barbeque’s Chicken Tikka, and most importantly, don’t miss Golgappa at Chawla’s and Nand’s.
- Best Time To Visit – Winters are best to explore Jaipur.
3. Jaisalmer
As you enter The Golden City, which is called so because of the yellow sandstone Havelis and forts, the proud Jaisalmer Fort welcomes you. At night, this imposing fort is a sight to behold. The fort was built in 1156, which means it is almost 900 years old, but its architectural beauty is intact. This fort is made of yellow sandstone and is built on the top of a hill.
Apart from Jaisalmer Fort, a camel safari in the expansive desert is something every visitor must experience. The city has numerous temples, Havelis, and forts that tell the glorious history of the place. Feel free to buy some souvenirs from the Jaisalmer Fort shops. The city was a walled city, so you would find shops, eateries, and even residences inside the fort. Tourism is its lifeline.
- Best Places To Visit – Jain Temples in Fort, Bada Bagh, Thar Heritage Museum, Gadisar Lake, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Gaji’s Dal Baati Choorma, The Bhaang Shop’s Lassi, Palace View Restaurant’s Rajasthani Thali, Trio’s Mutton Saag, Ghotua Laddoos at Dhan Rawal Bhatia Sweet Shop, Makhania Lassi at Kanchan Shree, etc.
- Best Time To Visit – Winters are perfect for relaxing, roaming around, and reading some good books inside the walls of Jaisalmer Fort.
4. Jodhpur
If you are visiting Jodhpur, plan it in a way so you can attend the annual Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival. Organized in Mehrangarh Fort, the festival attracts folk and gypsy artists worldwide. This colorful festival is a sheer treat; you will never forget it.
In terms of both population and area, Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan. It is the gateway to the Thar desert. The city is home to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, known for its intricate architecture. Built in the 15th century, it attracts a deluge of visitors a day in and day out.
They also call it the “Blue City.” You will understand the logic behind its name if you see the view from the top. The city is brimming with blue-colored houses. There’s a lot to do and experience in Jaisalmer. Take a safari or a Flying Fox Tour to adore the mesmerizing landscapes.
- Best Places To Visit – Umaid Bhawan palace (the only palace built in the 20th century), Mehrangarh Fort and its mirrored wall hall, Chamunda Mata Temple, Jaswant Thada, which is dedicated to Jaswant Singh, Mandore gardens, Clock tower, Kailana Lake, Masuria Hills Garden, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Kachori at Janta Sweet House, Darikhana’s Lal Maas (Red Meat), Gypsy restaurant’s Rajasthani Thali, Gulab jamun ki Sabji at Shandar restaurant, etc.
- Best Time To Visit – October to March is the best or you can plan your dates just when the Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival is underway.
5. Pushkar
Home to the only Brahma Temple in the world, Pushkar has excellent significance for Hindu pilgrims. There are several stories about why Brahma is not worshipped and his time is not elsewhere. A legend tells us Lord Shiva cursed Lord Brahma for lying to him. In his rage, Lord Shiva prohibited worshipping Lord Brahma but allowed it only in Pushkar.
According to other stories, Goddess Saraswati cursed Brahma for marrying Gayatri to complete a yajna. Whatever the story, Lord Brahma is only found in Pushkar, and one cannot complete a Pushkar trip without taking a dip in Pushkar Lake.
Apart from this, several other temples in Pushkar are worth a visit. The town is located near Ajmer, and you must attend its Camel Fair, which is quite an experience with enthralling music, dance, events, and camel races. Shopping is something you will enjoy in Pushkar’s markets.
- Best Places To Visit – Pushkar Lake, Pushkar Temple, Rangji Temple, Savitri Temple, Varaha Temple, Man Mahal, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Malpua at Radhey Ji restaurant, Aroma Hotel’s Dal Baati Churma, Ganga restaurant’s falafel, Shri Pushkar Raj Shahi’s Kachori and samosa, etc.
- Best Time To Visit – You can visit Pushkar anytime, especially during the camel fair.
6. Bikaner
As one of the places to visit in Rajasthan, the city is known for its architecture and palatable food. Bikaner is located five hours from Jodhpur. It is a historical city founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a Rathore Rajput Ruler. It is a walled city, and within these walls are found the tastiest foods of India. The local delicacy, Kesar Kulfi’s taste, will never leave your mind. Tourists throng it during the camel festival in January.
Bikaner is a prominent city in Rajasthan and the proud owner of one of the two models accepted by the British during World War I. The city is called camel country because of its fascinating camel rides. Bikaner has its fair share of forts, Havelis, museums, and tourist attractions to boast about. It also houses the National Research Center On Camels.
- Best Places To Visit – Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace and Museum, Rampuria Haveli, Ganga Government Museum, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Karni Mata Temple (where rats roam freely), Jain temple, Prachin Museum, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Bikaneri Bhujia has become a brand in itself. There are also Sankhla’s Kesar Kulfi, Chappan Bhog’s Raj kachori, Rasgulla, Khasta kachori at Daga Chowk, Ghevar at Bhikharam Chandmal Bhujiawala, Gatte Ki Sabzi at Laxmi Niwas Palace, Kesar Phirni at Kishan Sweets, Pakodi at Krishna sweet Centre, etc.
- Best Time To Visit – The best time is winter when the Camel festival is organized.
7. Sawai Madhopur
Sawai Madhopur is among the unique places to visit in Rajasthan. Every Indian knows about it, and thousands of tourists flock to the city yearly. The city was planned in 1765 AD by King Sawai Madho Singh, a Kachwaha Rajput. Some prominent rulers like Akbar and Aurangzeb have ruled the city. The area was earlier called Ranthambore.
If you are coming to Sawai Madhopur, plan a 2-3 day visit to fully explore the Ranthambore National Park and Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ranthambore National Park was first a tiger reserve, which later acquired the status of the National Park.
The Ranthambore Fort has a history that dates back to 944 AD. Since then, the fort has attracted tourists for its impressive architecture and magnificence. This is a great town to experience culture, nature, and architecture.
- Best Places To Visit – Ranthambore Fort, Ranthambore National Park, Sunhari Kothi, Ghushmeshwar temple, Hathi Bhata, Kandahar Fort, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Enjoy authentic Rajasthani food at Chokhi Dhani restaurant. Oberoi Vanyavilas is a popular restaurant that offers lip-smacking food. You can enjoy great food at Vivanta by Taj, Manisha Restaurant, Jharokha, Dosa Corner, etc.
8. Chittorgarh
The main attraction of this place is the Chittorgarh Fort. Each brick of the fort is a witness of the attacks the fort walls have endured in a long, eventful history. It was Rana Kumbha who turned this city into what it is today. He was an architecture lover who built the 30 forts scattered across the kingdom. The well-known Jauhar, a proud tale of the bravery of Rajput women, was undertaken here.
In 1303, Alauddin Khilji heard about the beauty of the Rani Padmini of Chittor. He pleaded with King Rattan Singh to show her face to him only once. Rajput women were prohibited from revealing their faces, so he only saw a reflection of the queen and was enamored. He betrayed Rattan Singh and made him hostage. With the help of a handful of warriors, Rani Padmini tricked him, freed Rattan Singh, and returned to Chittor.
Enraged, Alauddin Khilji then attacked the fort. When Ratan Singh’s army was about to lose the battle, the women gathered, adorning their best clothes and jewelry, and surrendered their lives to the holy fire. The idea was to escape being hostages to the enemy. This tale is part of the local folklore. We even have a movie based on the incident. But when you visit the fort, you can experience the events those walls have witnessed.
- Best Places To Visit – Rani Padmini’s Palace, Chittorgarh Fort, Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Fateh Prakash Palace, Jain Temples, Tulja Bhavani Temple, Kalka Mata Temple, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Chittorgarh Fort Haveli, Manuhar Dining hall, Gangour Restaurant, Hotel Pratap Palace, etc.
- Best Time To Visit – I prefer visiting it in winter.
9. Bundi
One of the leading tourist places in Rajasthan, Bundi is as sweet as Bundi (a dessert made from gram flour and dipped in sugar syrup). If you want to see the real Rajasthan, its culture, its colors, and its food, plan a visit to Bundi. It is a beautiful town only 36 kilometers from Kota.
Surrounded by various fruit trees, like guava, oranges, mangoes, and pomegranate, near the Aravalli mountain range, this town has also attracted the renowned author Rudyard Kipling. The author famously remarked that Boundi is “a palace men build for themselves in an uneasy dream – the work of goblins rather than men.” Such is the beauty of Bundi.
It was once the capital of the Hadoti Kingdom, which Hada Chauhans ruled. When Kota was separated in the 17th century, Bundi lost its significance. Dabhai Kund, or the stepwell, is one of the major attractions of Bundi. The city has much more to offer, making it one of Rajasthan’s famous places.
- Best Places To Visit – Ranjit Ki Baori, Taragarh Fort, Sukh Mahal, Kshar Bagh, 84 pillared cenotaphs, Lake Jait Sagar, Nawal Sagar Lake, Garh Palace Bundi, Phool Sagar, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Bundi offers every North Indian dish you crave for. Some prominent restaurants include Baori View Restaurant, Rainbow Restaurant, Lakha Restaurant, Café Romeo, Morgan’s Place, etc.
- Best Time To Visit – The cool weather from October to March is ideal.
10. Alwar
Alwar is the most historical city in Rajasthan, whose history can be traced back to 1500 BC. However, the city we see today was only in the 18th century. Alwar is also among the first of the towns to sign a treaty with the British East India Company and became a princely state. The city has been a part of various battles. It also houses a variety of temples, places, and forts, making it one of the places to visit in Rajasthan.
There is City Palace, which lets you have a sneak peek into the rich culture and history of the city. The government museum also has an excellent treasure for history lovers as you can understand the grandeur of the royal lifestyle.
It is just three hours away from Delhi. The Aravalli Range surrounds it. Sariska Tiger Reserve is a must-visit place here. The renowned haunted fort of Bhangarh is also situated nearby.
- Best Places To Visit – Bala Quila, City Palace, Moosi Maharani Chhatri, Palace Museum, Purjan Vihar, Bhangarh, Garbhaji Waterfalls, Sariska Tiger Reserve, etc.
- Best Places To Eat – Don’t miss out on Gatte ki Sabzi, Mirchi vada, Doodh ladoo, Sohan Halwa, Kachori, and Kaju Barfi. The best places to enjoy these foods are Angeethi Restaurant, Prem Pavitra Bhojanalaya, Dawat Restaurant, Inderlok Restaurant, etc.
- Best Time To Visit – Visit the town in October, November, and December and avoid the scorching sun.
Final Thoughts
Rising from the dunes of the desert is a beautiful state, Rajasthan, which has been an integral part of India’s history. Its culture is unique, the food is mouth-watering, the hospitality is mind-blowing, and places to visit in Rajasthan are just too many. If you are confused about Rajasthan places to visit, the above list will be helpful.
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