What Makes Rajasthan So Special? Explore These Top Places

From majestic palaces to golden sand dunes, Rajasthan is a vibrant tapestry of history, color, and culture. Whether you seek luxury, adventure, spirituality, or offbeat escapes—this guide highlights the 11 best places to visit in Rajasthan with travel tips, things to do, and who they’re ideal for.

1. Jaipur – The Pink City

What to See:

  • Amer Fort – Stunning hilltop fort with elephant rides

  • City Palace – Royal residence and museum

  • Hawa Mahal – Iconic honeycomb-shaped palace

  • Jantar Mantar – Ancient astronomical observatory

What to Do:

  • Explore local bazaars like Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar

  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the city

  • Enjoy authentic Rajasthani thali

Who Should Visit:

  • First-timers, families, heritage lovers, shoppers


2.  Jodhpur – The Blue City

What to See:

  • Mehrangarh Fort – One of India’s best-preserved forts

  • Umaid Bhawan Palace – Part-museum, part-luxury hotel

  • Jaswant Thada – Marble cenotaph with lake views

What to Do:

  • Wander the old city lanes with blue-painted houses

  • Dine on rooftops with fort views

  • Shop for leather and handicrafts at Sardar Market

Who Should Visit:

  • Photographers, history lovers, couples


3. Udaipur – The City of Lakes

Night view of Udaipur city palace by lake Pichola, a view from Ambrai ghat.

What to See:

  • Lake Pichola – Iconic boat ride views

  • City Palace – Regal palace with city and lake views

  • Jag Mandir – Island palace in Lake Pichola

  • Bagore Ki Haveli – Evening cultural shows

What to Do:

  • Stay in a lake-facing haveli or luxury resort

  • Dine at Ambrai or Upre restaurants

  • Watch the sunset at Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)

Who Should Visit:

  • Couples, honeymooners, luxury travelers, art lovers


4. Jaisalmer – The Golden City

What to See:

  • Jaisalmer Fort – One of the few living forts

  • Patwon Ki Haveli – Intricate merchant mansions

  • Bada Bagh – Royal cenotaphs

  • Gadisar Lake – Peaceful early morning spot

What to Do:

  • Go on a camel safari and desert camping at Sam Dunes

  • Enjoy folk music and Kalbelia dance

  • Visit Kuldhara—the abandoned village

Who Should Visit:

  • Adventure seekers, backpackers, culture lovers


5. Pushkar – Sacred & Spiritual

What to See:

  • Brahma Temple – One of few temples dedicated to Brahma

  • Pushkar Lake – Sacred ghats and rituals

  • Savitri Temple – Cable car or hike for panoramic views

What to Do:

  • Attend the famous Pushkar Camel Fair (Oct–Nov)

  • Explore quirky cafés and street food like malpua

  • Shop for bohemian clothes and silver jewelry

Who Should Visit:

  • Spiritual travelers, backpackers, solo explorers


6. Mount Abu – Rajasthan’s Hill Station

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What to See:

  • Dilwara Temples – Marble Jain temples with fine carvings

  • Nakki Lake – Boating and lakeside walks

  • Guru Shikhar – Highest point in Rajasthan

What to Do:

  • Sunset Point and Honeymoon Point for scenic views

  • Enjoy the cool climate and greenery

  • Visit Achalgarh Fort and wildlife sanctuary nearby

Who Should Visit:

  • Nature lovers, couples, families, pilgrims


7. Bikaner – Forts & Food

What to See:

  • Junagarh Fort – Unique for being built on flat land

  • Karni Mata Temple – The famous “rat temple”

  • Lallgarh Palace – Now a luxury hotel and museum

What to Do:

  • Visit the Camel Breeding Farm

  • Try Bikaneri Bhujia and Rasgulla

  • Attend Bikaner Camel Festival in January

Who Should Visit:

  • Cultural explorers, foodies, offbeat travelers


8. Bundi – The Hidden Gem

What to See:

  • Bundi Palace – Known for murals and step architecture

  • Taragarh Fort – With panoramic views

  • Raniji ki Baori – Ornate stepwell

What to Do:

  • Explore the charming lanes filled with heritage houses

  • Take a walking tour of stepwells and temples

  • Visit the nearby Badal Mahal and waterfalls in monsoon

Who Should Visit:

  • History buffs, artists, offbeat destination seekers


9. Chittorgarh – Tales of Rajput Valor

Chittor fort

What to See:

  • Chittorgarh Fort – India’s largest fort

  • Vijay Stambh & Kirti Stambh – Towering monuments

  • Rani Padmini Palace – Site of famous legend

What to Do:

  • Learn about the stories of Maharana Pratap and Queen Padmini

  • Attend the Jauhar Mela (February)

  • Enjoy a sound & light show in the evening

Who Should Visit:

  • History lovers, heritage tourists, school/college groups


10. Shekhawati – Open-Air Art Gallery

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What to See:

  • Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu – Known for painted havelis

  • Podar Haveli Museum

  • Castle Mandawa – A heritage hotel

What to Do:

  • Take a heritage walk through fresco-filled streets

  • Visit old mansions with mythological and colonial paintings

  • Great for architectural photography

Who Should Visit:

  • Art lovers, history buffs, offbeat explorers


10. Ranthambore – Jungle Meets Royalty

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What to See:

  • Ranthambore National Park – Home to tigers, leopards, and deer

  • Ranthambore Fort – UNESCO heritage inside the reserve

  • Padam Talao – Great for early-morning wildlife spotting

What to Do:

  • Go on a Jeep safari (zone 2 & 3 are tiger hotspots)

  • Visit the fort for sunrise views

  • Spot animals like sloth bears, crocodiles, and peacocks

Who Should Visit:

  • Wildlife photographers, families, adventure tourists


🌞 Best Time to Visit Rajasthan
  • October to March – Pleasant weather for sightseeing

  • April to June – Best for tiger sightings in Ranthambore

  • Monsoon (July–Sept) – Ideal for Bundi, Mount Abu, and Shekhawati

🌍 Popular with Foreigners & Backpackers

Top with Foreigners:
Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Ranthambore

Backpacker Favorites:
Pushkar (yoga & chill), Jodhpur (budget stays), Bundi (offbeat), Jaisalmer (desert camping)

🧭 Perfect for solo travel, hostels, and cultural experiences.


🧳 Travel Tips
  • Getting Around: Trains, buses, and private cars are common

  • Budget: ₹1000/day (budget travel) to ₹5000+/day (luxury)

  • Dress Code: Modest clothing for temples and forts

  • Cuisine to Try: Dal Baati Churma, Ker Sangri, Gatte ki Sabzi

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