Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan – The Ideal Itinerary

Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is famously called the Pink City. It stands out for its distinct charm and bursts at the seams with its vast spectrum of architectural gems, fantastic heritage sites, and unique festivals and events. Not to mention, it is packed with some really appealing attractions and experiences that journey you through the region’s past and present.

• City Palace
• Hawa Mahal
• Jantar Mantar
• Jal Mahal
• The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Amber Fort
• Birla Mandir
• Amrapali Museum

Udaipur

Udaipur is popular as the City of Lakes. But, this picturesque place is more than its lakes as people flock here for many reasons. First of all, it’s a clean city; yes, it has been voted as the cleanest city in the state. Its rich tradition in folk music and dances is another reason that draws visitors year-round. Moreover, it is a shoppers’ paradise, photographers’ delight, and a favorite of people who are romantic at heart, thanks to its mix of extravagant palaces (which are now converted into tourist spots), stunning backdrops, beautiful lakes, colorful bazaars and rich heritage – all rounded out with pleasant moderate weather throughout.

• Udaipur City Palace
• Lake Palace
• Lake Pichola
• Bagore ki Haveli
• Lake Garden Palace
• Moti Magri
• Vintage Car Museum

Bikaner

Bikaner is one place that is often missed out on a Rajasthan itinerary. But trust us; this quaint desert city, about 350 kilometers from the capital city, has plenty on offer that is sure to blow you away. Its imposing palaces, forts, sanctified shrines and the attractions across the Old City are so distinct and royal that they appear as if they have strayed into this age from an altogether different era.

Bikaner is home to Asia’s largest camel breeding farm, so don’t miss the chance to interact and mingle with camels with an exquisite ride on its back across the Thar Desert. It is further a treat for street food lovers (with tonnes of savories, snacks and desserts to satiate your taste buds); a definite must-taste is Bikaneri bhujiya. About 30 kilometers from Bikaner is Karni Mata Temple with over 25,000 rats which interestingly are held sacred.

• Lalgarh Palace
• Laxmi Niwas Palace
• Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sadul Singh Museum
• Jain Temple Bhandasar
• Camel Research Institute
• Karni Mata Temple

Jodhpur

Rajasthan is not only famed for its Pink City, but also equally admirable for its blue city. Experience it for yourself with a visit to the state’s second-largest city – Jodhpur. Yes, it is alluring for its blue architecture and especially the stunning Mehrangarh Fort; this stronghold atop a rocky mountain remains one of the best-preserved forts in the state. With attractions such as the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and the marble crematorium of Jaswant Thada, it promises you some exciting step-back moments.

• Mehrangarh Fort
• Jaswant Thada
• Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
• Kailana Lake
• Mandore Gardens
• Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park

Jaisalmer

Visitors are attracted to the Golden City for many fascinating reasons. They come here for the Golden Fort where half of the city lies within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. They come here to take in the unequaled beauty of the Thar Desert with camel safari, desert camping, dune bash etc. They come here to discover the region’s spooky and haunted side, with a visit to Kuldhara Village that is shrouded in mystery. And of course, they come here for the authentic Rajasthani folk scene, particularly the unique Merasi Community which has to its credit a musical heritage of over 800 years old.

• Jaisalmer Fort (Golden Fort)
• Patwon ki Haveli
• Gadsisar Lake
• Jaisalmer War Museum
• Khuri Sand Dunes
• Desert National Park
• Tazia Tower

Pushkar

Pushkar is one of the country’s oldest cities. Located about 150 kilometers away from Jaipur, it is a highly revered pilgrimage site, being the venue of the world’s only temple that is dedicated to Lord Brahma as well as the holy Pushkar Lake. Did you know that place is further renowned as Rajasthan’s Rose Garden? Courtesy to its heavenly and fragrance-overload rose farms. Apart from these, it is where the highly acclaimed five-day Pushkar Camel Fair is held every year (in October – November.)

• Pushkar Lake
• Brahma Temple
• Rose Garden
• Man Mahal
• Gurudwara Singh Sabha
• Naga Pahar
• Sarafa Bazaar
• Pushkar Bazaar

Ajmer

Just 14 kilometers from Pushkar, Ajmer is another of the most venerated places to visit in Rajasthan. It is where the holy Dargahor Mausoleum of Khwaja Moin-ud-Din Chishti (the Sufi saint) is enshrined along the foot of Taragarh Hill. The place is revered by Muslims and non-Muslims alike and is considered one of the sacred spots in South Asia. That’s not all; it is equally spellbinding for its commanding location amidst the Aravalli mountain range, plus a variety of palaces, museums and heritage hotels that abound the place.

• Ajmer Sharif Dargah
• Anasagar Lake
• Taragarh Fort
• Nareli Jain Temple
• Prithvi Raj Smarak
• Akbar’s Palace and Museum
• Mayo College and Museum

Mount Abu

Think about Rajasthan – it generally conjures up the images of the desert, unfathomable forts, and royal palaces. But you can go beyond all these with a visit to Mount Abu. It is the only hill station in Rajasthan. It is not only revered for its age-old temples(including the 11th-century Jain temple) but also for its marvelous sunset point, exuberant bazaars and mostly the wildlife sanctuary.

• Dilwara Jain Temples
• Guru Shikhar (Mount Abu’s highest peak)
• Nakki Lake
• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
• Brahmakumaris Peace Park
• Toad Rock
• Trevor’s Tank
• Sunset Point
• Achalgarh Fort
• Mount Abu Bazaar
• Tibetan Market

Ranthambore National Park

There are many places in Rajasthan that prove that it’s one of the ultimate destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. And one of the most popular and hard to miss among them is Ranthambore National Park. It is abode to several unique, rare and ferocious wildlife species, in particular, Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopard, Indian Flying Fox, Rattles and Sloth Bears to name a few. Rich in natural beauty and biodiversity, it goes without saying that this place is adored by sightseers and photography aficionados alike. You can enjoy a first-hand look at the region’s amazing flora and fauna on a thrilling jungle safari.

• Ranthambore Fort
• Surwal Lake
• Trinetra Ganesh Temple
• Jogi Mahal
• Raj Bagh Ruins
• Malik Talao
• Kachida Valley

Shekhawati

Are you a hardcore art and culture lover? Be sure to add this place (in the Delhi-Jaipur-Bikaner triangle) to your Rajasthan travel program. Featuring old mansions / Havelis (from 18^th to 20 century) decorated with remarkably painted frescos, it is considered the largest open-air art gallery in the world and is surely one of the ultimate places in the state to indulge your artistic side and creative passions.

• Mandawa
• Nawalgarh
• Badalgarh Fort
• Fatehpur
• Ramgarh
• Mahansar

Rajasthan is one of the unmissable parts of India. But to make the most of your visit here, you should definitely know where to visit and what to see here. So go ahead and take some cue from the above list to amass your perfect Rajasthan itinerary.