Explore Destinations
Jaipur
Udaipur
Jodhpur
Jaisalmer
Pushkar
Bikaner
Ranthambore
Mount Abu
Jaipur - The Pink City
About
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known as the "Pink City" due to the distinctive terracotta pink color of its buildings. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it's renowned for its magnificent palaces, formidable forts, and vibrant bazaars. As part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, Jaipur showcases the rich heritage and architectural splendor of Rajasthan.
Top Attractions
- Amber Fort - Magnificent fort complex with stunning views
- Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds with its honeycomb façade
- City Palace - Royal residence with museums and courtyards
- Jantar Mantar - UNESCO World Heritage astronomical observatory
- Jal Mahal - Elegant water palace in Man Sagar Lake
Activities
- Elephant ride to Amber Fort
- Shopping at Johari Bazaar for traditional crafts and jewelry
- Experience block printing at Sanganer
- Hot air balloon ride over the Pink City
- Attend the sound and light show at Amber Fort
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant weather. January hosts the Jaipur Literature Festival, and March features the colorful Elephant Festival.
Udaipur - City of Lakes
About
Udaipur, known as the "Venice of the East" and "City of Lakes," is one of India's most romantic destinations. Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city is set around serene lakes against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills. With its marble palaces, ornate temples, and scenic lakes, Udaipur captures the essence of royal Rajasthan.
Top Attractions
- City Palace - Largest palace complex in Rajasthan
- Lake Pichola - Picturesque lake with island palaces
- Jag Mandir - Island palace on Lake Pichola
- Saheliyon-ki-Bari - Garden of the Maidens
- Jagdish Temple - Intricately carved Hindu temple
Activities
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset
- Explore Shilpgram craft village
- Cultural performance at Bagore Ki Haveli
- Shop for miniature paintings and textiles
- Cable car ride to Karni Mata Temple for city views
Best Time to Visit
September to March offers comfortable weather. Visit during Mewar Festival (March-April) or Shilpgram Crafts Fair (December) for cultural experiences.
Jodhpur - The Blue City
About
Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, is known as the "Blue City" for its blue-painted houses. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the city is dominated by the imposing Mehrangarh Fort perched on a rocky hill. With its medieval old town, vibrant markets, and distinct blue architecture, Jodhpur offers a captivating glimpse into Rajasthan's royal past.
Top Attractions
- Mehrangarh Fort - One of India's largest forts with panoramic views
- Umaid Bhawan Palace - Part royal residence, part museum, part hotel
- Jaswant Thada - Marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II
- Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) and Sardar Market
- Mandore Gardens - Ancient capital with cenotaphs and gardens
Activities
- Zipline tour around Mehrangarh Fort
- Shop for textiles and handicrafts at Sardar Market
- Explore the blue lanes of the old city
- Take a cooking class to learn Rajasthani cuisine
- Desert excursion to nearby Osian
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant weather. The Marwar Festival (October) celebrates Rajasthan's folk music and dance.
Jaisalmer - The Golden City
About
Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City" due to its yellow sandstone architecture, rises like a mirage from the heart of the Thar Desert. Founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, this remote fortress city is famous for its intricate architecture, ornate havelis, and desert landscapes. The living fort, one of the few in the world, houses a quarter of the city's population.
Top Attractions
- Jaisalmer Fort - UNESCO World Heritage Site living fort
- Patwon Ki Haveli - Cluster of five intricately carved havelis
- Sam Sand Dunes - Spectacular desert landscape
- Gadisar Lake - Man-made reservoir with temples and ghats
- Bada Bagh - Cenotaphs of Jaisalmer's rulers
Activities
- Camel safari in the Thar Desert
- Desert camping under the stars
- Jeep safari to explore desert villages
- Folk music and dance performances
- Paragliding over sand dunes
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers comfortable temperatures. Visit during the Desert Festival (January/February) for cultural performances and camel races.
Pushkar - Sacred Town
About
Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India and a sacred pilgrimage site, is set around the holy Pushkar Lake. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was created when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower. With its 52 bathing ghats and the world's only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, Pushkar offers a unique blend of spirituality, tranquility, and vibrant culture.
Top Attractions
- Pushkar Lake - Sacred lake with 52 ghats
- Brahma Temple - Only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma
- Savitri Temple - Hilltop temple offering panoramic views
- Pushkar Bazaar - Colorful market selling handicrafts
- Rose Gardens - Vast fields producing export-quality roses
Activities
- Witness the evening aarti at Pushkar Lake
- Trek to Savitri Temple for sunrise views
- Shop for silver jewelry and colorful textiles
- Take a camel ride in the desert
- Practice yoga and meditation at lakeside retreats
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant weather. The Pushkar Camel Fair (October/November) is world-famous and attracts thousands of visitors.
Bikaner - Desert Kingdom
About
Bikaner, founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, is a desert city known for its imposing forts, ornate palaces, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the Thar Desert, the city was an important trading center on the ancient caravan routes. Today, Bikaner is famous for its magnificent architecture, sweets, namkeens (savory snacks), and the unique Karni Mata Temple.
Top Attractions
- Junagarh Fort - Impressive fort with ornate palaces and temples
- Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) - Unique temple with thousands of rats
- Lalgarh Palace - Red sandstone palace with Rajput and European design
- National Research Centre on Camel - Camel breeding farm
- Bhandasar Jain Temple - Beautiful temple with golden paintings
Activities
- Camel safari in the Thar Desert
- Visit to the camel breeding farm
- Shop for Bikaneri bhujia and sweets
- Tour of the miniature painting workshops
- Explore traditional havelis in the old city
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant temperatures. The Bikaner Camel Festival (January) showcases camel performances and folk culture.
Ranthambore - Tiger Territory
About
Ranthambore National Park, one of India's most famous tiger reserves, spans over 1,334 sq km of wild jungle. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, it's now a prominent wildlife conservation area. The park features dramatic landscape with ancient ruins scattered among forests and lakes, providing a unique backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Top Attractions
- Bengal Tigers - The park's most famous inhabitants
- Ranthambore Fort - 10th century fort overlooking the park
- Padam Talao - Lake with water lilies and wildlife
- Jogi Mahal - Old hunting lodge near a large banyan tree
- Trinetra Ganesh Temple - Ancient temple within the fort
Activities
- Jeep safari for wildlife spotting
- Canter safari (larger vehicle option)
- Bird watching around the lakes
- Visit to Dastkar Craft Center run by local women
- Nature walks in buffer zones
Best Time to Visit
October to June when the park is open. March to May offers the best tiger sightings as vegetation is thinner and animals visit water bodies frequently.
Mount Abu - Oasis in the Desert
About
Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, is situated at an altitude of 1,220 meters in the Aravalli Range. This oasis in the desert state offers cool climate, lush green surroundings, serene lakes, and spectacular viewpoints. Mount Abu is also a significant pilgrimage site with ancient temples, including the famous Dilwara Jain Temples.
Top Attractions
- Dilwara Jain Temples - Exquisitely carved marble temples
- Nakki Lake - Natural lake with boating facilities
- Guru Shikhar - Highest peak in the Aravalli Range
- Sunset Point - Panoramic views of surrounding landscapes
- Achalgarh Fort - Ancient fort with Jain temples
Activities
- Boating on Nakki Lake
- Trekking to Guru Shikhar
- Wildlife spotting at Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shopping for Rajasthani handicrafts and tribal jewelry
- Visit to Trevor's Tank for bird watching
Best Time to Visit
October to June offers pleasant weather. The Summer Festival (May/June) and Winter Festival (December) celebrate local culture with music and dance.
Cultural Experiences
Desert Safari
Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Pushkar
Experience the magic of the Thar Desert on camel back as you traverse golden sand dunes and witness spectacular sunsets. Spend the night in desert camps, enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine under the stars, and be entertained by local folk musicians and dancers around a campfire.
Pro Tip: Opt for an overnight safari for the full desert experience. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for cool desert nights. Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer offer the most picturesque dunes.
Folk Music & Dance
Throughout Rajasthan
Immerse yourself in Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage through its vibrant folk performances. From the graceful twirls of Ghoomar to the energetic Kalbelia dance, and from the soulful melodies of Manganiyar musicians to the puppetry traditions, these art forms tell the stories of Rajasthan's history and way of life.
Pro Tip: Visit Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur or Dharohar at Shilpgram for authentic evening performances. The Desert Festival in Jaisalmer and Teej Festival in Jaipur feature spectacular cultural showcases.
Heritage Walks
Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur
Explore the hidden gems of Rajasthan's historic cities through guided walks that take you through narrow lanes, ancient havelis, local markets, and architectural marvels. These walks offer insights into the royal past, cultural traditions, and daily life of local communities.
Pro Tip: Take early morning walks to avoid the heat and crowds, especially in the blue lanes of Jodhpur or the pink streets of Jaipur. Many cities offer specialized walks focused on food, architecture, or crafts.
Culinary Journey
Throughout Rajasthan
Savor the rich and diverse flavors of Rajasthani cuisine, developed to thrive in the desert environment. From the royal Dal Baati Churma and Laal Maas to street foods like Pyaaz Kachori and Mawa Kachori, each dish tells a story of innovation, tradition, and the region's history.
Pro Tip: Try a traditional Rajasthani thali for a complete culinary experience. Don't miss regional specialties like Bikaner's bhujia, Pushkar's malpua, Jaipur's ghewar, and Jodhpur's mirchi bada. Food walks are available in most major cities.
Arts & Crafts
Various Locations
Discover Rajasthan's exquisite craftsmanship through its diverse handicrafts, each region specializing in unique art forms. From blue pottery, block printing, and bandhani tie-dye to Thewa jewelry, miniature paintings, and camel leather work, these traditional crafts have been passed down through generations.
Pro Tip: Visit craft villages like Sanganer for block printing, Bagru for natural dyes, Nathdwara for pichwai paintings, and Jaipur's Nila House for various textile crafts. Many places offer workshops where you can learn techniques from master artisans.
Rural Experience
Bishnoi Villages, Barmer, Shekhawati
Step away from the tourist trail and experience the authentic village life of Rajasthan. Stay in traditional homes, interact with local communities, witness age-old traditions and rural occupations, and learn about sustainable practices that have allowed desert communities to thrive for centuries.
Pro Tip: Visit the Bishnoi villages near Jodhpur to learn about their conservation ethics. The Shekhawati region offers stays in restored havelis. Many villages organize cultural programs with local artists for a genuine cultural exchange.