Rajasthan tourism deals with its own mélange of colourful royalty and an opulence of fairytale palaces, festivals and stunning desert vistas that stand unparalleled to any destination in the world. The best things to do in Rajasthan suit families, couples, friends and solo trips alike combining all these medieval features into a single touring place. Witness the different venues where the Rajputs fought the legendary battles or take a cherishing hike up Mount Abu.Experience their offbeat culture and tradition maintained for centuries, which have sprouted the beauty of Indian ethnicity from amidst strict orthodoxy.
If you were planning to visit Rajasthan, then the best time to opt for Rajasthan Tour Packages would be in the winter from October to March. This is the perfect time to witness the native wildlife in their grace, experience the pleasant weather and takes part in the cultural tours offered by several Rajasthan tourism vendors.
From desert tours and camel rides to exquisite handicraft shopping amidst the bustling marketplaces, Rajasthan tourism is so versatile that it would take weeks to squeeze out all the experiences you need to have. The rich culture of ancient Indian history, dramatic folk dances, exquisite royal panoramas of the grand palaces, fort ruins and the primitive lifestyle of some villages reflect a lot about Rajasthan making the state attract a horde of tourists from all over the world.
Never miss touring major Rajasthani cities such as the lake town of Udaipur, the golden city of Jaisalmer, the pink city of Jaipur and the sun city of Jodhpur. Renowned throughout the country, the cities themselves contribute typical activities and practices as some of the best things to do in Rajasthan. Be it their cuisine, eating habits, medieval bazaars, or the painted havelis, each of them is one of their kinds.
In the heart of Jaipur stands the City Palace, a marvel of architecture. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century, it is a grand complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens. This palace showcases the royal heritage of Jaipur, blending Rajputana and Mughal architecture.
Jaisalmer Fort, situated in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. Constructed in 1156, it is characterized by its golden sandstone architecture, intricate carvings, and a labyrinth of narrow lanes. The fort houses palaces, Jain temples, and offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape, making it a captivating historical and cultural landmark.
Among the best places to visit in Ranthambore, Ranthambore fort is an unavoidable spot which lies within the national park vicinity near the Sawai Madhopur. It is a well -known space since the rulers of ancient period used to reach here for hunting. It played a definite role in making the tourism part of Rajasthan to the next level.
The fort exhibits the exemplary glory and valor of Hammir Dev of the Chauhan dynasty. Also, it is considered as a precious spot since it is one of the World Heritage List. The fort is located amidst a pristine location abundantly nurtured by thick green forests and salubrious climate. In addition, nearby the fort, you can witness different types of valleys, lakes, picnic spots, wild life species etc. Along with the fort, there is a history travelled; the history of wars and captures, different conquerors and the changes happened to the fort in time to time.
Discover the luxury and grandeur of Rajasthan at the City Palace in Jaipur. This palace is an architectural wonder and a symbol of royalty. It was built between the years 1729-1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The palace served as the royal residence for the Maharaja. The last ruler to reside in this palace was Raja Man Singh II.
Chittorgarh Fort is one of the most important places to visit in Chittorgarh. This historical fort is the pride of the Rajasthani town as it stands imposingly upon the top of a hill, looking down protectively over the city. Nearly all of Chittorgarh’s attractions are housed inside the fort. The Chittorgarh Fort is a massive structure which was first built in the 7th century and covers an area of approximately 700 acres.
Kumbhalgarh Fort, located in Rajasthan, India, is a majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it boasts the second-longest wall after the Great Wall of China, stretching 36 kilometers. The fort's impressive architecture, historical significance, and scenic surroundings make it a popular tourist destination.
Vijay Stambha, also known as the Victory Tower, stands proudly in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, this nine-story structure symbolizes valor and triumph, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, narrating tales of Chittorgarh's historic resilience and glory.
Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Price: You only need to pay the entry price for the fort
Location: Chittorgarh Fort Village, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan 312001
Nahargarh Fort sits on the Aravalli Hills, offering stunning views of the entire city of Jaipur. Built back in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it showcases a blend of Indian and European architecture. Once a royal retreat, the fort is famous for its Madhavendra Bhawan which is adorned with intricate frescoes. With tales of haunted pasts and majestic architecture, it also attracts history buffs. It is the perfect spot to watch the sunset or explore Rajasthan's royal heritage.
Jaigarh Fort is a monumental fort located on the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, towering at an impressive height of 500m above sea level. The fort was constructed in 1726 by the famous Raja Jai Singh II as a means to fortify the Amer Fort.
In fact, you can see an unobstructed view of Amer Fort and its complex from the Jaigarh Fort and also witness a breath-taking view of the green hills and lakes that surround the fort. It is one of the most distinctive historical monuments in the Jaipur area and has many unique features that make it unique.
The largest canon in the world, which is called the Jaivana Cannon, can be found inside the premises. The canon was built inside the Jaigarh Fort itself and is said to have participated in many famous Rajput battles and wars. Other attractions inside the fort include the Vilas Mandir, the Aram Mandir, Laxmi Vilas and the Lalit Mandir.
Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur is a testament to Rajputana's bravery. Built-in 1726 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, it offers breathtaking views of Amer Fort and its lush surroundings. It is also home to Jaivana, the world's largest cannon. Featuring sprawling gardens and grand palaces, it is a fine example of Rajasthan's rich history and architectural brilliance.
Bhangarh Fort, nestled in Rajasthan's Alwar district, whispers tales from the 17th century. Known as India's most haunted site, it captivates tourists with its stunning ruins and mysterious legends. Surrounded by the Sariska Tiger Reserve, it promises an eerie yet fascinating experience. Its ancient architecture and spooky stories are interesting enough to draw adventure seekers and history buffs alike.
Jal Mahal, the Water Palace, is a stunning architectural marvel situated in the midst of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. Built in the 18th century, its unique feature is the single exposed story, showcasing exquisite Rajput and Mughal styles. Nestled against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills, the palace offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. Surrounded by water, Jal Mahal creates a mesmerizing reflection during sunrise and sunset, making it a prominent cultural and natural landmark in Rajasthan's Pink City.
Jhalana Leopard Safari in Jaipur offers a unique wildlife adventure, allowing visitors to witness leopards in their natural habitat. Located in the Jhalana Forest Reserve, this safari provides a thrilling experience as trained guides navigate through the terrain, increasing the chances of spotting elusive leopards. The reserve's diverse ecosystem and conservation efforts make Jhalana Leopard Safari a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an up-close encounter with these magnificent big cats.
The Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is a splendid architectural gem, showcasing a diverse collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Built-in 1887, it combines Indo-Saracenic and European architectural styles. The museum provides a rich cultural experience, narrating the history and artistry of Rajasthan.
Nestled in the small town of Ajmer, the Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah is one of the most prestigious pilgrimage sites in India. It houses the holy tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, a Persian Sufi saint. The dargah was built by the great Mughal ruler Humayun in 1236 to commemorate the saint. Today, the dargah stands as a symbol of devotion, peace and unity, attracting pilgrims from all over the country.
Neemrana Fort, a 15th-century heritage marvel in Rajasthan, seamlessly blends history and luxury. Perched on the Aravalli Hills, this architectural gem offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved structures, providing a unique experience of regal charm and panoramic vistas.
Price: 5000- 7000 INR/ 75- 120 USD per night approx.
Location: 122nd Milestone, Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Alwar, Neemrana, Rajasthan 301705
Gear up to explore the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan at Chokhi Dhani. It is an ethnic village located on the outskirts of Jaipur. It is designed to give insights into rural Rajasthan and its traditional art forms as well as cuisine. You can watch a live cultural folk show, savour authentic Rajasthani food, and shop for souvenirs. There are outdoor activities like camel safaris, and row boat rides as well for outdoor enthusiasts.
1. Wildlife Safari: The land of the wild and free, Rajasthan houses two significant wildlife parks, namely - Ranthambore National Park and the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. And at both these untamed sites live a variety of animals and plants.
Both these places are also counted under the top Tiger Reserves and make it possible to spot the wild cats in their natural habitat. Numerous trail and jeep safari adventures are also made available for visitors, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Rajasthan.
Location: Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur), Sarsiaka (Alwar).
Price:
Ranthambore National Park - (Indian Nationals) - INR 800 Jeep Safari (Foreign Nationals) - INR 1600 Jeep Safari.
- (Indian Nationals) - INR 600 Canter Safari (Foreign Nationals) - INR 1300 Canter Safari
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary - Indians: INR 75, Foreign Nationals: INR 500, Vehicles: INR 250.
Timings:
- Ranthambore National Park - Winters: 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Summers: 6:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
- Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary - October - February: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
March - September: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
2. Shopping: One can never return from a vacation without exploring the markets and shopping culture of a place. The same goes for Rajasthan. Just like its colourful lifestyle the markets in all the different cities are also vibrant and filled with liveliness.
Whether you are strolling across the old city area in Jaipur or the Clock Tower Market of Jodhpur, there will be something unique and exquisite that will catch your attention and make you splurge on beautiful artefacts and trinkets.
Location: Rajasthan (Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Pushkar etc.).
Timings: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
3. Hot-air Ballooning: Go on the heights to get a glimpse of places like Jaipur and Pushkar from a new angle. The clear and undisturbed skies, a stunning panorama of the landscape underneath and the company of your near and dear ones.
All this is something that one cannot experience over and over or be able to erase the idyllic memory. A hot-air balloon ride is also perfect to take your partner on a date, or to ask the big question (proposal) and seal the deal.
Location: Jaipur, Pushkar.
Price: Starts from INR 7000.
Timings: April-June - 5:30 AM, September- November - 6:15 AM and 4:00 PM, December to March - 6:45 AM and 3:30 PM.
4. Zip-lining: Starting from the Neemrana Fort, the zip-lining adventure is one that will cheer the adrenaline-junkies. One gets to go on a 25 to 30 minutes long journey across the beautiful landscapes and sceneries of Neemrana, at a speed of 40 kilometres.
There are different courses and lengths to choose from, each course covering a range of different attractions along the route. Moreover, It takes a short walk to the top of the Fort and a thorough briefing session before one can qualify to attempt the activity.
Location: Neemrana.
Price: INR 2000.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
5. Desert Camping: This is an experience that you will find nowhere else in the country. The vast extents of the Thar Desert covering the state of Rajasthan are fast becoming popular hubs for activities. One such is Desert Camping.
Many luxurious and well-appointed campsites are opened in parts of the region that lets the guests spend an evening in the middle of the dunes, isolated and away from the city buzz. Apart from a stay in spacious tents, one can enjoy bonfires, traditional dinners, special safaris and desert adventures, evening entertainment to make the camping wholesome.
Location: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer.
Price: Starts from INR 600.
6. Attending the International Kite Festival: The festival of Sankranti is celebrated with much penchant each year and to best experience it, one must attend and be a part of the International Kite Flying Festival that is organized in Jodhpur.
Every January, till the 14th, the kite-flying experts and enthusiasts come together and partake in competitive events. This is a three-day celebration that takes place at the Jodhpur Polo Ground. And even if you are no expert, you should still add this event to the things to do in Rajasthan itinerary to experience sheer joy.
Location: Jodhpur.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
7. Sightseeing: The list of things to do in Rajasthan can never conclude until there is mention of sightseeing. And to be fair, the resplendent state is like a kaleidoscope of places worth seeing. Be it the alluring forts, or the ruins of ancient towns and traces of earlier civilization. There is no dearth of points that will intrigue one and all.
Filled with temple, lakes, gardens, and impressive stepwell, among others, you can almost get transported back in time to the regality of the Maharajas and Rajasthani culture. Some of the top picks to add to the list include - Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Lake Pichola in Udaipur, the Brahma Temple in Pushkar, Mansion of Jaisalmer etc.
Location: Rajasthan.
Price: Varies depending on the site.
1. Parasailing: This activity is available in the desert waves of Jaisalmer. Arranged by the local campsites and resorts on prior request, the sandy take on the otherwise ocean surroundings make the experience one worth having.
2. Quad Biking: The dunes of the desert and other arid plains around Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur etc. are spots where one can ride and manoeuvre heavy-duty quad bikes and get a sense of thrill and excitement.
3. Flying Fox: Without a doubt one of the most exciting and fun adventure activities in Rajasthan, flying fox or any other zipline course can be attempted in Jodhpur, Neemrana etc. These courses run long covering many popular attractions all along. Harnessed to a cable string, flying across two tied ends and feeling a rush of adrenaline.
4. Desert Safari: The Thar Desert of Rajasthan that extends along many cities offers the opportunity to enjoy camel and jeep safaris to explore and cover vast regions of the golden sandy grounds. Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer are some of the topmost sites for this activity.
1. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Serving a contrasting landscape, the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is covered with lush forests that provide shelter to a range of native wildlife and flora. Surrounding the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort, during the safaris one can enjoy different sights of the regal and wild side of the Rajsamand district in Rajasthan.
2. Ranthambore National Park: This is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan and among the top places to experience wildlife safari adventures. Located in the Sawai Madhopur district, the park is home to several species of animals, including the main attraction ‘Royal Bengal Tigers’.
3. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: The land on which the wildlife conserve is situated was once used to be the hunting grounds for Royalties of Alwar. The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the other places where safari like activities in Rajasthan can be experienced. A large population of Tigers also inhabit the park.
4. Desert National Sanctuary: Spanning over an area of 3162 square kilometres near Jaisalmer, the Desert National Sanctuary is a recognized reserve that is situated entirely in the sand dunes. This unique feature is a major crowd-puller of people interested in wildlife and nature. During the safari tours, one can expect to spot many indigenous and endangered species of birds and animals.
1. Jaisalmer: Also named Golden City after the vast expanses of dunes of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer makes for one of the topmost locations to indulge in several adventure activities in Rajasthan. One of the most sought-after being a desert safat=ri on camels or jeeps.
2. Jodhpur: Another regal city that borders the deserted landscapes, Osian near Jodhpur is an ancient town that is home to archaic temples, ruins and desert adventures such as camping and safaris.
3. Pushkar: The sacred temple town of Pushkar is best known for its hundreds of temples and gurudwaras. However, it is the adventure activities offered here and the arid desert land that is worth your time. And if you are wondering what to do in Rajasthan, look no further than the camel desert safaris of Pushkar.
4. Bikaner: Trudging camels and racing jeeps on the bumpy dunes are the sights in Bikaner. It is another one of the cities of Rajasthan that offers a true desert experience and lets the travellers explore the unending sandy terrains.