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From Palaces to Desert: 15 Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

best-places-to-visit-in-rajasthan

Planning for an India visit and looking for the best places to visit in Rajasthan? If so, Rajasthan—the largest state in India—has many acclaimed places which attract tourists from all around the world. From historical forts and palaces to ancient temples, desert landscapes, and some cities that are exceptionally beautiful. Many of Rajasthan’s monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well.

In general, there are many places to visit that will ensure you have the best experience of Rajasthan tourism. It is not feasible to explore all the tourist spots and places of the state on a single tour. This is why we have curated a list of the top 15 best places to visit in Rajasthan that you should not miss during your tour. We are pretty sure that exploring these interesting places will ensure you feel the grandeur, rich culture, heritage, and exceptional charm of Rajasthan.

Each city in the state of Rajasthan has myriads of places to visit. From royal palaces to gigantic forts, the royal grandeur of Jaisalmer to the awe-inspiring landscape of the golden Thar Desert, the state has everything that will amuse history buffs and tourists alike. When in Rajasthan you should not skip the top attractions that are a must-visit. Every attraction in each city awaits your exploration. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey to experience the royal legacy of Rajput Kings and Indian history.

Top 15 Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Our Rajasthan tour places list has something for everyone and every kind of tourist. Whether you are on a romantic trip with your partner, a honeymoon trip, or a vacation with family and friends, here are the top places that every visitor must visit in Rajasthan. Each city has something unique to experience and explore. Check now the best places to visit in Rajasthan and add them to your Rajasthan tour itinerary: 

udaipur-best-places-to-visit-in-rajasthan

Surrounded by the Aravali hills, Udaipur is one of the best cities to visit in Rajasthan. Since the city has many artificial lakes, it is called “The City of Lakes”. This picturesque city is one of the best honeymoon destinations in India and welcomes visitors from all over the world. Due to its magnificent white palaces, enchanting lakes with scenic landscapes, and unique hotels, Udaipur is called the “Venice of the East”.

The beautiful marble-clad palaces in the town gave it the epithet of “White City”. The grandeur of the City Palace and Sajjangarh Palace is one of the top attractions of the city. Their build and design add to the city’s architectural beauty.

The city of lakes—Udaipur boasts of 7 man-made lakes. These all are interconnected with each other, ensuring no overflow but enough flow for all needs. The most famous lakes of the city are Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Rajsamand or Rajsamudra Lake, and Swaroop Lake. Boat rides at Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake make an everlasting experience for visitors. Check out your complete Udaipur Travel Guide.

Highlights of Udaipur Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: The peak tourist season in Udaipur is from October to March. This is the time when you find pleasant days and cold nights. Due to the peak season, you will find costly hotels and accommodations in the city.

Top Attractions: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Bagore Ki Haveli, Shri Ekling Ji Temple, Jagdish Temple, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Jaghmandir, Sahelio ki Bari, and Karni Mata Temple.

Popular Packages for Udaipur Tour: 3-Days Udaipur Tour, Mumbai and Udaipur Tour, Taj Mahal and Udaipur Tour

Best Things to Do: Boating in Lake Pichola, staying in Taj Lake Palace, Visiting Kumbhalgarh Fort, Visiting Karni Mata Temple by cable car, and Photography at Monsoon Palace.

The gateway to Rajasthan and its capital city is Jaipur. Every Rajasthan tourism tour package is incomplete without including Jaipur in the itinerary. The city is fondly known as “The Pink City” because of its pink pastel-colored buildings. Jaipur is one of the best tourist destinations in India famous for its vibrant markets. These markets are replete with jewelry, Bandhani sarees, lehenga cholis, mojari footwear, and many other things. Jaipur was India’s first planned city built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1727.

From forts to palaces, the town has myriads of attractions to explore. Whether you are on a romantic trip or a family vacation with children, Jaipur has a lot to offer to its visitors. You will be enthralled to see a palace called Jal Mahal floating on the still water of Man Sagar Lake. Hawa Mahal is famous for its unique façade with 953 small windows (Jharokhas). The breathtaking view of the sunset from Nahargarh Fort is unmatchable. Jantar Mantar in the city center stands as a testament to human insatiable thirst for knowledge. Apart from this, the city has other wonders that will take you back to the history of the glorious Indian era.

Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The beauty of its charm lies in its forts and palaces. One of the best things to experience is visiting the City Palace, which is still the home of the last ruling family. Every attraction and tourist destination in Jaipur maintains a heavenly aspect apt for all kinds of tourists. Check out the complete Jaipur Travel Guide.

Highlights of Jaipur Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March when the temperature remains moderate. The monsoon season from July to September is also the best time to visit Jaipur.

Top Attractions: Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace of Jaipur, Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Birla Temple Mandir, and Elefantastic.

Popular Packages for Jaipur tour: Golden Triangle Tour, Same Day Jaipur Tour, Agra and Jaipur Tour, Delhi and Jaipur Tour, One Night Jaipur Tour

Best Things to Do: Elephant ride at Amer Fort, watch the sunset at Nahargarh Fort, shop at Johari Bazaar, visit Albert Hall Museum, and enjoy village jeep safari.

jaisalmer-the-golden-city-tour

One of the most popular cities to visit in Rajasthan is Jaisalmer. This famous tourist destination in Rajasthan is known as the gateway to the Thar Desert. It is popular for its yellow stone architecture due to which the city is called “The Golden City” of Rajasthan. Alongside, Jaisalmer is famous for its historic forts, desert safari, ancient Jain temples, vibrant markets, and cultural performances. The town has a majestic charm in its laid-back environment. People from around the world, visit Jaisalmer to enjoy desert camping here. Everything looks magical with golden sands, folk dance, and delicious Rajasthani cuisine.

Jaisalmer has numerous tourist destinations but the major attraction is its shining fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the Thar Desert on the Trikuta Hill. The fort is still inhabited by 4000 locals, making it the only living fort in the world. This is one of the best things you could ever experience in your life. Inside the fort, there are many Jain Temples that were built between the 15th and 16th centuries. They are carved with yellow stones and have intricate designs that are a must-see. If you are expecting a thrilling experience, include Jaisalmer on your Rajasthan tour itinerary. Here is the complete Jaisalmer Travel Guide.

Highlights of Jaisalmer Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit Jaisalmer as the maximum temperature does not go above 24°C. Monsoon season is also the best time to visit Jaisalmer as you get some respite from the summer heat.

Top Attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Tanot Mata Temple, Longewala War Memorial, Gadsisar Sagar Lake, Desert National Park, Jain Temples, Bada Bagh, Kuldhara Abandoned Village, and Kothari’s Patwaon-Ki-Haveli.

Popular Packages for Jaisalmer Tour: Jaisalmer Desert Festival Tour, Rajasthan Camel Safari Tour

Best Things to Do: Desert Safari in Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer Old City Heritage Tour, Desert Camping, and Camel Safari.

jodhpur-tours-in-rajasthan

The next destination in our list of the top 15 places to visit in Rajasthan tourism is Jodhpur—The Blue City. Jodhpur is a sunny city with hot and humid temperatures throughout the year. Since the majority of the houses and buildings are painted in blue color, Jodhpur is called the Blue City of Rajasthan. The city is the perfect blend of modern and ancient eras, which divided the city into two parts—Old and New Jodhpur.

The old Jodhpur is a place where you will the old houses painted in blue colors and the rustic side of the town. Whereas, the new Jodhpur is full of new malls, upscale restaurants, cafes, accommodations, and amusement parks. This tourist destination provides enriching and fulfilling experiences to all kinds of visitors like families, history lovers, students, honeymooners, and even solo travelers. Check out the ultimate Jodhpur travel guide.

Highlights of Jodhpur Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: November to February is the best time to visit Jodhpur. The pleasant weather allows you to indulge in outdoor activities and explore the city.

Top Attractions: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Museum, Rao Jodha Rock Park, Mandore Garden, Toorji’s Step Well, Ghanta Ghar, and Balsamand Lake.

Popular Packages for Jodhpur Tour: Udaipur and Jodhpur Tour, Rajasthan Marwad Tour from Mumbai

Best Things to Do: Desert Safari, A walk to Bluecity Heritage Tour, Jeep Safari, and Attend Cultural Events.

pushkar-rajasthan

Pushkar is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus in India. It is one of the oldest cities in India located near Ajmer. The city is admired for its serenity which attracts thousands of tourists and devotees. It has numerous attractions to explore. From spiritual shrines to quirky cafes, you find an abundance of tourist attractions in Pushkar. This is home to the only temple of Lord Brahma called Jagatpita Brahma Temple. The place is not a city but a rustic village—a perfect escape from bustling city life. Pushkar borders the Thar Desert. So, people can enjoy desert safari which is one of the best things to do in Pushkar.

Pushkar is famous for its camel fair and the Pushkar Lake, which is one of the holiest lakes in India. The lake has 52 Ghats where devotees can bathe. Various Ghats were built by former rulers and are approx. 300 years old. Each ghat has small temples Hindus consider Pushkar an important pilgrimage to undertake to attain salvation.

Highlights of Pushkar Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Pushkar is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and the place hosts many fairs and festivals.

Top Attractions: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple, Varaha Temple, and Rangji Temple

Popular Packages for Pushkar Tour: One Night Pushkar Tour, Pushkar Fair Tour Package

Best Things to Do: Enjoy Camel Safari, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Jeep Safari, Attend Evening Aarti at Varaha Ghat, Hike to Ratnagiri Hill, Enjoy Kalbelia Dance Performance, and Spend an Evening at Pushkar Lake.

bikaner-best-places-to-visit-in-rajasthan

Bikaner is a royal city and a treasure trove of culture, heritage, and history. It is known as “Red City” as the place is fortified with red sandstone buildings. Usually, travelers overpass the city but some linger to explore. If you want to embark on Rajasthan Heritage Tours then you should not miss visiting Bikaner. This place has endless tales of our glorious history. One can explore the royal palaces, gigantic forts, intricately designed temples, and vibrant markets that enchant every visitor.

Apart from this, Bikaner is famous for its spicy delicacies like Bhujia and Rasgulla which are world famous. Indulge yourself in street delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds. During your trip to Bikaner, you will discover one of the rarest sights in Karni Mata Temple, where thousands of rodents are considered holy. Devotees respect these rats and offer them milk and food. Spotting a white rat is considered auspicious.

Highlights of Bikaner Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: During winter season from October to February is the best time to visit Bikaner.

Top Attractions: Junagarh Fort, Jain Temple Bhandasar, Jorbeer Conservation Reserve, Lalgarh Palace and Museum4, Rampuria Havelis, The Royal Cenotaphs, Shri Laxmikanth Temple, Shiv Bari Temple, and Jorbeer Conservation Reserve

Best Things to Do: Attend the Bikaner Camel Fair, Visit Camel Center, Visit Rat Temple, and Relish Street Food.

ajmer-rajasthan

Situated in the Aravalis southwest of Jaipur, Ajmer is a pilgrimage site. The name is given from “Ajay Meru” which means ‘invincible hill’. Ajmer is one of the popular Rajasthan tourist destinations in India due to its religious significance and scenic beauty. From serene lakes to towering forts to holy shrines, the place has many places to explore. Whether you are a history buff, spiritual seeker, or nature lover, Ajmer has everything that will fascinate you and make your trip memorable.

Ajmer is a must-visit city for everyone visiting Rajasthan. It’s home to the famous Dargah Sharif, where you’ll find the tomb of Moinuddin Chisti, also known as Garib Nawaz. Ajmer is a spiritual site for both Hindus and Muslims. The city is full of history, culture, and some beautiful spots. It’s just one of those places that’s got a little something for everyone.

Highlights of Ajmer Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: Winter is the best time to visit Ajmer between October and March.

Top Attractions: Adhai Din ka Jhopra, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ana Sagar Lake, Soniji ki Nasiyan, Nareli Jain Temple, Ajmer Government Museum, and Gateway Of Taragarh Fort.

Best Things to Do: Boating at Ana Sagar Lake, Visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Attend a Sufi Qawwali Performance, Photography at Taragarh Fort, and Explore Local Markets,

bharatpur-rajasthan-tours

If you are planning a Rajasthan tour, Bharatpur is one of the good places to visit in Rajasthan. The town is filled with beautiful places to explore. The one that you cannot miss during your Rajasthan Tourism is Keoladeo Ghana National Park. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With so many birds flocking in, this National Park is a paradise for bird lovers and photographers.

Bharatpur is not all about birds and wildlife only. There is an abundance of tourist places to explore. Lohagarh Fort, built in the 18th century, is a major attraction. For history buffs, the Palace and the Government Museum are worth a visit too. And The Ganga Mandir is for spiritual seekers. Bharatpur is a concoction of history, culture, and wildlife, making it one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.

Highlights of Bharatpur Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: Winter is the perfect time to explore Bharatpur from November to February. An ideal time for bird watching, and sightseeing. 

Top Attractions: Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Lohagarh Fort, Bankey Bihari Temple, Bharatpur Palace And Museum, Ganga Mandir, Laxman Mandir, Government Museum Bharatpur, Dholpur Palace, Seetharam Temple, and Chawad Devi Temple.

Best Things to Do: Visiting the National Park, Boating in the park’s water bodies, Exploring Lohagarh Fort, Taking photos at Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj, Strolling through Bharatpur Palace, and Shopping at local markets for handicrafts.

alwar-tours-in-rajasthan

Alwar is a wonderful and charming city located in the heart of Rajasthan and one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. It is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and glorious history. This magnificent city has many natural attractions like lakes, gardens, and hills. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. Sariska Tiger Reserve is a famous wildlife sanctuary located in Alwar which is home to many exotic flora and faunas like Bengal Tigers, Leopards, and other animals.

Alwar is also rich in history and culture dating back to the 11th century. It has many old forts, palaces, and temples. The city’s museums showcase its glorious past. Tourists can learn about the city’s royal heritage and see many artifacts.

Alwar should be in your Rajasthan tour package to witness its natural beauty, cultural significance, and historical importance which make it a fascinating place. A hidden gem in Rajasthan that everyone must explore as it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore Alwar’s many attractions and experience its warm hospitality.

Highlights of Alwar Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit Alwar as the pleasant weather makes it an ideal time for sightseeing.

Top Attractions: Sariska Tiger Reserve, Siliserh Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Alwar Fort, City Palace, Fateh, Jung Ka Gumbad, Alwar Museum, Pandupole Hanuman Ji Temple, and Bala Qila Fort.

Best Things to Do: Wildlife Safari at Sariska Tiger Reserve, Boating at Sariska Lake, Visit Forts and Palaces, and Explore Alwar Museum.

bundi-tours-rajasthan

You might not have heard about this, but Bundi has some of the most magnificent places to explore in the Rajasthan state. The top attractions you will explore here are the royal places, forts, and step wells (Baolis). It is a pure hidden gem in Rajasthan—a treasure trove of history. It is located in the Aravalli hills and boasts a rich heritage. One can see the architectural legacy of the place by exploring Taragarh Fort, Bundi Palace, and Rani Ji Ki Baori. This place is one of the offbeat places in Rajasthan to explore.

Bundi has narrow streets and bustling bazaars. While roaming there, you will see the market full of vibrant colors and sounds of local artisans, merchants, and villagers. The town’s scenic surroundings, including the tranquil Jait Sagar Lake and the picturesque hills, offer ample opportunities for fun activities. Tourists can enjoy trekking, boating, and relaxation. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Bundi is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic and offbeat travel experience.

Highlights of Bundi Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to Visit Bundi.

Top Attractions: Taragarh Fort, Garh Palace, Raniji ki Baori, Sukh Mahal, and Dabhai Kund.

Best Things to Do: Explore the Miniature Paintings, Explore Stepwell, Thikarda Village Tour, and Enjoy Bundi Utsav.

chittorgarh-best-places-to-visit-in-rajasthan

Another top destination to visit in Rajasthan is Chittorgarh—a place known for its valor, chivalry, and sacrifice. Chittorgarh also called Chittor, was the capital of Mewar under the Rajputs from the 7th to 16th Century. The name of the town is named after the Chittorgarh Fort perched on a steep hill. Your trip to this brave town would be an experience for a lifetime.

The place has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles that are ever recorded in history. In 1303 A.D; Alauddin Khilji attacked Chittorgarh. It is said that he was captivated by the beauty of the Queen—Rani Padmini. But Rani Padmini chose death and committed Jauhar with other women in the complex. Since then, the city has stood as a testament to bravery, sacrifice, and cultural pride. As you enter the city, you still feel the echoes of the battle reverberating from the forts and other palaces. The main attraction of the town is the Chittorgarh Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a 700-acre structure which makes it one of the largest forts in the world.

Highlights of Chittorgarh Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: Winter is the best time to visit Chittorgarh.

Top Attractions: Chittorgarh Fort, Meerabai Temple, Rani Padmini’s Palace, Ratan Singh Palace, Sathis Deori Temple, Tulja Bhavani Temple, Padmini Garden, Fateh Prakash Palace Museum, and Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Things to Do: Visit Chittorgarh Fort, Visit the Rani Padmini’s Palace, and Enjoy Wildlife Safari in Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary.

mount-abu-rajasthan-tours

Mount Abu is renowned as “The Oasis in the Desert”. The place is famous for its serene environment, picturesque locations, lovely climate, blue lakes, and green vegetation. It is a pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills. It is the only hill station in the Rajasthan state. The pleasant climate and scenic beauty of the place make it one of the best tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Mount Abu’s perfect climate, serene lakes, and lush greenery offer a perfect getaway from the scorching heat of the Desert. So, during Rajasthan Tourism, plan your trip to Mount Abu to escape the dusty, hot, dry, and heat of the desert.

Highlights of Mount Abu Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: Winter season from October to March is the perfect time to explore Mount Abu. But the summer season from April to June also a good time to visit Mount Abu.

Top Attractions: Nakki Lake, Dilwara Jain Temples, Guru Shikhar, Gaumukh Temple, Sunset Point, Adhar Devi Temple, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, and Achalgarh Fort.

Best Things to Do: Enjoy a boat ride at Nakki Lake, Photography at Guru Shikhar, Watch Sunset at the Sunset Point, and Wildlife Encounters at Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.

kota-rajasthan

When it comes to Rajasthan Tourism, people may not consider Kota but this city is worth visiting. Kota is a vibrant city in Rajasthan which is popularly known as the educational district of the state. Students from all around the country come here for competitive examination preparation. But it is also a town with picturesque landscapes, architectural marvels, and rich history. One of the top sightseeing attractions is the Seven Wonder Park. Although newly opened but has now become the premier tourist attraction. The park has the replicas of all the Seven Wonders of the World. Not only this, but Kota is replete with many natural beauties that await your exploration.

Highlights of Kota Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: The winter season between November and February is the best time to visit Kota.

Top Attractions: Seven Wonders Park, Garadia Mahadev Temple, Khade Ganesh Ji, Kishore Sagar, Chambal Gardens, Godavari Dham Temple, and Kotah Garh (City Palace).

Best Things to Do: Boating at Kishore Sagar, Photography and boating at Jawahar Sagar Dam, Shopping at Ahluwalia’s The Great Mall of Kota, Worship at Khade Ganesh Ji Temple.

jahalawar-rajasthan-tours

A hidden gem in Rajasthan, Jhalawar is a historical city that is worth visiting. The city is lesser explored. Hence, you will find less crowd in the city. People who are on a trip to find solace should visit Jhalawar. Along with serenity, you will get to explore the royal history of Rajaputanas’ in the town. Tourists who are looking for different aspects of Rajasthan must come here. It used to be called Birjnagar, known for its rich history and royalty. Besides, this city is filled with vibrant flora and fauna. You will also explore many palaces and religious sites that date back to the Rajput and Mughal periods.

Highlights of Jhalawar Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: October to February is the best time to visit Jhalawar.

Top Attractions: Garh Palace/Jhalawar Fort, Government Museum, Bhawani Natyashala, Gagron Fort, Chandrabhaga Temple, Sun Temple, and Dwarkadhish Temple.

Best Things to Do: Visit Gagaron Fort, Explore Bhimsagar Fort, and Discover Prithvi Villas Palace.

ranakpur-jain-temple-rajasthan

Ranakpur is a beautiful village located in the Pali District of Rajasthan. This is a serene village ideal for nature lovers. This mesmerizing town is a remote valley set amidst the Aravali mountains and lush greenery making it a tranquil and picturesque location. Ranakpur is also famous for its revered Jain Temples.  This makes the town one of the holy places for the Jains. The structural marvels of the Jain temples in the villages show the brilliance of Jain artistry and sculpturing. Apart from this, you can also go to the Jaba Wolf Point for wolf-spotting and enjoy the sunset at Ranakpur Dam.

Highlights of Ranakpur Tours in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit: Winter from November to February is the best time to explore Ranakpur.

Top Attractions: Surya Narayan Temple, Ranakpur Dam, Shri Falna Swarna Jain Tirth -Golden Jain Temple, Sun Temple Nohargal, and Shri Neeminath Jain Temple.

Best Things to Do: Jungle Safari, Camping, Watch Sunset at Ranakpur Dam, Worship at Jain Temples.

If you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, these are the top 15 places to visit in Rajasthan. We recommend you book your Rajasthan tour packages considering these top attractions and the best time to visit Rajasthan to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

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