Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is India's largest state and was once a patchwork of Rajput kingdoms. Each former capital has its own fort, palace and character. Distances are long, so it is better to choose a handful of places and enjoy them than to try to see everything.

Jaipur

The state capital and the gateway to Rajasthan, with Amber Fort, the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and the best shopping in the state. Most trips include it. Jaipur travel guide.

Udaipur

The City of Lakes, with the City Palace rising from Lake Pichola. Udaipur is the place to slow down, and the base for day trips to Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh. Udaipur travel guide.

Jodhpur

The Blue City, dominated by Mehrangarh, one of the most impressive forts in India. A good stop between Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer. Jodhpur travel guide.

Jaisalmer

A golden sandstone fort rising from the Thar Desert, still home to thousands of people, with carved havelis below and sand dunes about an hour away. It is remote — around five hours from Jodhpur — but unforgettable.

Pushkar

A small pilgrim town around a sacred lake with 52 ghats and one of the few temples to Brahma in India. Relaxed for most of the year, crowded and colourful during the camel fair in October or November.

Ranthambore

A national park with tigers, leopards and the ruins of a hilltop fort, conveniently placed between Agra and Jaipur. Safaris must be booked through the forest department.

Bikaner and the Shekhawati towns

Bikaner has Junagarh Fort and a long trading history. On the way from Delhi, towns such as Mandawa have havelis painted with frescoes by wealthy merchant families.

How to combine them

• One week: Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Udaipur, as in our 8-Day Rajasthan Heritage Tour.
• Desert focus: Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, as in our 7 Days Exotic Rajasthan Tour.
• With the Taj Mahal: Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, as in our Royal Rajasthan Tour.

For a longer journey, see the 12-Day Rajasthan and Varanasi Tour.