Explore the Land of the Kings in 2024 with these 14 Must-See Places in Rajasthan!

The beauty of Rajasthan is an intermix of proud heritage and lazy new age. When you wander around lofty forts, enchanting palaces and bustling bazaars, you realize that Rajasthan clings closely to its past. A magical place, which seems bewitching when you see the bargaining of camels, twirling moustaches, and intricate crafts. Rajasthan quite accurately stands for a ‘Land of Kings.’ With a history of ruling maharajas who promoted art over centuries this sandy paradise has become a great culture hub. Be it spending your day riding a camel in the sands strolling within the majestic royal architecture or enjoying the flavor of local food in your mouth, that there never is a dull day in Rajasthan. It is a rainbow destination which is the ideal escape. Tumbling in love with the desert state is not hard cunning, and to make it even easier for you, below is a comprehensive list of things to do in Rajasthan that you must visit at any cost if you visit the biggest state in India.

JAIPUR— THE PINK CITY BECKON, Rajasthan

On the other end of the Thar Desert, flanked by Aravalli Hills the Pink City is the focal point of Rajasthan. You can travel alone or with your dear ones, Jaipur will fascinate you with palaces, forts, markets and cuisines. A sight to behold, the pink colour scheme of the city should be enough to paint your powder smiles back on your faces and an even brighter shade at that, the Jaipur, is a tour full of attractions and one that will require more than a few days of tranquilly. Be it wandering around the royal observatory or hurrying across a colourful bazaar through people, in Jaipur you have the most memorable. Not surprisingly, Jaipur is a part of India’s “Golden Triangle” travel circuit, comprised of Agra and Delhi.

JAISALMER— THE GOLDEN CITY STRAIGHT OUT OF ARABIAN NIGHTS

As a traveller enters Jaisalmer, it isn’t hard to realize why it is nicknamed the Golden City. Situated in the middle of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer’s undulating dunes, and fort situated on Trikuta (three-peaked) Hill, is the perfect introduction to this city’s historical wonders. The fort is not simply a tourist destination; the families that continue to live there are descendants of the former maharaja workers. Jaisalmer was founded in the 12th century and as you explore this city, you will find that its history is intertwined with modernity. The sandstone hail of the old city, kaleidoscopic curio shops, and camel safaris make Jaisalmer one of the most attractive places to visit in Rajasthan Best Places.

UDAIPUR— THE TRANQUIL CITY OF LAKES

The name, ‘Venice of the East’, doesn’t fully reflect the glory of the city as Udaipur is a destination by itself. The blue lakes and the rolling green hills of Aravalli Hills add to the natural beauty of the city making it part of the southern Rajasthan. Udaipur came into existence in the mid-16th century as the capital of the Mewar Kingdom. The beauty of the palaces, temples, and lakes here attests to a long-gone dynasty which marvels and captivates travellers. Find the cream-coloured City Palace set in the middle of Pichola Lake, or the Monsoon Palace perched on a peak like the ideal illusive mirage, for a glimpse of Udaipur’s artificially created structure. You could walk or ride a horse while viewing this romantic city and its fascinating natural beauty and royal opulence will enchant you. With regards to the romantic places to visit in Rajasthan however, none takes second place to Udaipur.

JODHPUR— WANDER AROUND THE BLUE CITY

As soon as you step into Jodhpur, the western part of Rajasthan, the shock you feel, the first thing that strikes you, is the sheer mass of blue houses. The dazzling blue walls welcome you into the old city towards midday which elevates the aura of the 16th-century fortified city of Jodhpur. They also for a walk through the twisting lanes of medieval bazaars of Jodhpur has many surprises. In curio shops shoppers buy trumpets, saris and wooden miniatures. Roses and incense aromas pervade the air. Udaipur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan and has a huge granite fort on a rocky ridge which looks over the turquoise houses of Jodhpur.

PUSHKAR— THE LAND OF MULTI-HUED FAIRS

The uniqueness of Pushkar mythological history and modern touristy settings makes it. It is a Hindu pilgrimage town that has four hundred temples, more than fifty bathing ghats, and sits on the banks of a sacred lake which, according to Hindu mythology, appeared, when a lotus flower fell from Brahma’s hands. The peace available in the surroundings of the town attracts non-religious travelers especially and this town accounts for a good balance between religiousness and tourism. While tourists flock here substantially, Pushkar remains suffused with mystique. The camel fair that is held in October/November is of a one-of-a-kind lifetime experience and should not be missed at all if you’re in Rajasthan during this period. Pushkar is the so-called rose garden of Rajasthan; Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain) separates Pushkar from Ajmer.

MOUNT ABU— THE ONLY DESERT HILL STATION

It is from above 1700 m above sea level where tourists come to relax from the exhausting heat at Mount Abu. The wakes of green unfashioned because of the Aravalli Hills, makes this a travel destination for Indians and international tourists alike. Adding to the mild temperatures, paintings of water streams and calm lakes, Mount Abu is a nature holiday nestled between. The sole only hill station in Rajasthan is a wonderful destination for adventure enthusiasts since there are several short treks in the locality. One of the main draws is the wildlife sanctuary which covers 289 sq km. of the mountain. Over 80 Hindu and Jain shrines and temples are found on Mount Abu for the religious traveller. Quite literally, Mt Abu is a cool place to go in Rajasthan.

BHARATPUR— A BIRDWATCHER’S PARADISE

Bharatpur for his part, is well known for two major tourist destinations. Locally, it harbours the Keoladeo National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a significant migratory bird haven and wetland. Second, the local colour is seen at the exuberant and multi-hued Brij Festival that occurs here before Holi is a must for the culture-seeker. While most of us have heard about the other 2 major cities of Rajasthan – Jaipur and Udaipur – few have heard about the eastern gateway into Rajasthan of the city that we are more familiar with in terms of context, London. In case you’re looking for some Rajasthani arts and crafts, this town presents a fare range of a selection at prices marginally lower than the rest of the popular traveller’s cities. The historic structures and the cultural archaic processes of Bharatpur are what can be deemed to be an amalgamation.

BIKANER— HOME TO THE SHIP OF THE DESERT

Bikaner is an outlier among the touristy cities of Rajasthan- the city still clings to its rural character. In the case of a traveller who is looking for a scene change, the old town centre is barricaded by a battlement wall, hence Bikaner is there in the list. The brick and stone havelis and the snug by-lanes make the setting almost medieval and this alone makes this a unique travel destination. The first is an extended camel-safari scene and the Karni Mata Temple where pilgrims adore rats. At the Bikaner Camel Festival, alongside the appearances and the Camel acrobats, there is the fire dance which is done by the Jas Naths – Hindu sect, which is yet another attraction. Altogether, Bikaner is a paradise for camel safaris and a city in its own right with Rajasthani flavour.

BUNDI— THE CITY OF STEPWELLS

For the traveller who yearns to get away from the popular routes, Bundi is his haven. This town is bluish and lies practically under a precipice palace. The ideal break from the glitter of Udaipur by the shiny lakes is in Bundi with the town bazaars, burgeoning streets, hills and lakes. Located in southern Rajasthan, this is also the place where Rudyard Kipling wrote his novel and it is easy to see why. Bundi is where unwinding is total and one enjoys the rich culture of Rajasthan in its pure state. Meanwhile, don’t miss the murals inside the palace and in August – September you can enjoy the Kajli Teej mass that glorifies the coming of the monsoon season. Also, Bundi is referred to as the Stepwell City.

KOTA— WHERE THE RIVER CHAMBAL FLOWS

And if you are in a town the name of Kota, there is at least no way that you would like to have a trip by boat or up to three of them. Based along the east bank of the Chambal River, Kota boasts scenic river cruises providing the privacy to sight fish, a crocodile or two or a genuinely rare bird, if you are lucky enough. These extraordinary Kota doria saris originate from a village to a town, and the countless insect stitching on the multi-colour cotton and silk makes for a good Rajasthani offer. You should be present at this time of the year if you get here in either October or November to enjoy the festival of Dussehra. You should also ensure that you can see the miniature sketches of the kota including a selection of socio-pastoral movements.