Rajasthan is one of the most important states in North India and the Hindi belt. It shares a common border with our neighbour Pakistan. This vibrant state is a world-famous travel destination, and there are many places to visit in Rajasthan that could simply wow you. It has India’s largest desert, the Thar, and the splendid Aravalli’s mountain ranges. However, the cynosure of attraction in the state is its rich culture ingrained in its everyday traditional fabric. Some of the top tourist places in Rajasthan include ancient and medieval temples, shrines and palaces built by the erstwhile Rajput rulers. As you travel in and around the state, there are several tourist places in Rajasthan you need to explore that suit your tour itinerary and budget of course. Here is a compilation of some of the most popular places to visit in Rajasthan and the best things to do on your tour.
Jaipur
The capital city of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is popularly termed as the “Pink City of India”. One of the popular tourist places in Rajasthan, Jaipur, in fact, is the largest city of the state. Jaipur is best known for the Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer Fort and many others. Jaipur has many folklores that have been retold and readapted in popular cultures such as Rani Padmavathi, and Jodha Bai. Every place in the city has a myth of its own that celebrates its heroes and legendary figures making it even more unique. Jaipur is also a well-planned city. The Jantar Mantar observatory, one of Rajasthan tourist places, is a World Heritage site declared by the UNESCO. You can find a range of architectural astronomical tools, either built or collected by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, who marveled at the wonders of the sky. The world-famous Hawa Mahal, constructed by Maharaja Sawai Singh, permitted the ladies of the royal household observe the daily activities of the narrow street below without drawing public attention. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium, established during the rule of Maharaja Sawai Singh II, can accommodate 30,000 people, and has been the host to many cricket matches at the domestic and international level.
Udaipur
Udaipur is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan, and is dubbed as the “City of Lakes”. As the name implies, lakes form a major attraction in Udaipur as Pichola and Fateh Sagar, the two biggest lakes here, are man-made but nonetheless natural-looking. Udaipur is also a city of palaces, gardens, and museums, all boasting a confluence of different architectural styles. The City Palace also houses several Hindu temples, royal residences of the brave Rajput rulers, and compelling art collections. Don’t miss out on visiting the Jagdish Temple, located on the north of the palace, important among the major religious places to visit in Rajasthan and an iconic city landmark. The main deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu and is known for its mind-blowing carvings.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is one of the best cities to visit in Rajasthan, and is described as the “Golden City”. Jaisalmer is an amazing city on the backdrop of the sands of the great Thar. The most popular tourist places in Rajasthan can be found in Jaisalmer including the Sonar Qila or Jaisalmer Fort, which is still populated. Contrary to all other forts in the country, Jaisalmer is fully operational, and within the walls of the fort, you’ll be able to find shops, and private residences besides restaurants. It is fun to shop in the fort, and buy souvenirs such as silver jewellery and bronze statues for your loved ones. There are also a number of temples. The Jain temples belonging to the 12th century are major temple attractions, which are still open to the public for the morning darshans.
Jodhpur
Another colorful city, and among the top places to visit in Rajasthan, Jodhpur, is also known as the “Blue City”, located edging the Thar . This name is due to the iconic blue houses in the old town if you give a bird’s eye view. The city is full of temples and fort, making it a historic tourist destination in Rajasthan with numerous attractions. Any Rajasthan trip will be incomplete without visiting the Mehangarh Fort, dating back to the 15th century, and the biggest fort in the entire state. Inside the fort you can witness the splendid mirror hall, intricately ornate sandstone screens of the Chamunda Mataji Temple, the Zenana Deodi and even numerous costumed persons who infuse life to the fort.
Pushkar
There are several tourist places to visit in Rajasthan that offer the most picturesque scenes of traditional ‘Melas’ or festivities, but Pushkar is the most famous among all. Best known for its camel fair held annually, Pushkar houses the Brahma temple, one of the very few temples devoted to the Hindu God Brahma in India. A must-visit temple, the incessant chanting of the mantras is heard throughout the day. Pushkar tops the list of the best places to visit in Rajasthan, and is also the abode to several more temples dedicated to Shiva, Savitri and Vishnu. Travel to this holy city during November, and watch it unfold with hundreds of Hindu temples and the popular annual camel fair.
Bundi
If you think you’re done travelling to the best places in Rajasthan, a visit to the city of Bundi in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan might make you give it another thought. Bundi is one of the unique tourist places in Rajasthan and here is why. It has the largest number of step wells. Though water collection using this method is no longer in use in Bundi, it still boasts of 50 step wells. The 15th century old Queen’s Step Well is the most famous step well having over 200 steps. Another notable attraction in this city is the 16th century Taragarh Fort which houses an amazing collection of art display. Visit the lake surrounding the city of Bundi as an escape from the urban milieu, or take a safari ride to the famous Ramgarh Vishdhary Sanctuary, which was recently converted into a tiger reserve by the government.
We aren’t yet done with the compilation of the list of tourist places in Rajasthan, and you’re most welcome to add more places in Rajasthan to make the list complete for our readers.
FAQ
1. Why is Rajasthan famous for tourism?
Rajasthan is one of the most favorite tourist spots in North India. It has never failed to attract tourists, both domestic and international, as it is the land of forts and palaces belonging to different eras. The ‘Great Indian Desert’ in the state is also a major attraction. Above all this historical state boasts of rich culture, heritage, tradition, and different regional flavors. It also has a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that account for its high popularity.
2. Which place is most visited in Rajasthan?
There are over 100 major attractions in Rajasthan, in addition to the tourist places mentioned above. Though it is not possible to list all the touring destinations, plan your itinerary in such a way that you visit the following major cities in Rajasthan without fail: Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Bikaner, Pushkar, Ajmer, and Sikar
3. What is Rajasthan’s famous food?
Rajasthan is a paradise for foodies. Its various regional cuisines with their distinct aromas and flavors, combined with their unique preparation methods, are popular all over India. The most famous dishes of Rajasthan, according to a popular stat, include Dal Bati Churma (hard, unleavened bread), known for its extended shelf-life, and Laal Maas (lentil curry).
4. What are the popular places to visit in Rajasthan?
The top 10 popular places to visit in Rajasthan include Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Bundi, Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh, Bikaner, and Mount Abu.
5. Which is the best time to visit Rajasthan?
Though Rajasthan can be visited any time of the year, the recommended time to visit the state is between November and February, when the heat isn’t too intense. When you travel between the months of December and January, the temperature can vary widely in the day and night time. Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is characterized by a warm climate, but we recommend visiting the ‘pink city’ only between October and March.
