About Rajasthan Travel Guide

Destination Overview – Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings”, is India’s most vibrant and regal state, known for its grand forts, royal palaces, golden deserts, colorful festivals, folk music, and rich cultural heritage. From desert safaris to heritage hotels, and from majestic temples to bustling bazaars, Rajasthan offers a royal experience unlike any other.

Top Attractions & Places to Visit

Heritage Cities & Forts:

• Jaipur: Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar

• Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Blue City streets

• Udaipur: Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon ki Bari

• Bikaner: Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)

• Chittorgarh: Largest fort complex in India with historical valor tales

• Kumbhalgarh: Fort with 2nd longest wall in the world

• Bundi: Stunning stepwells and forts with murals

Deserts & Cultural Towns:

• Jaisalmer: Golden Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, camel safaris

• Barmer: Desert craftsmanship, mud houses, music festivals

• Pushkar: Holy lake, Brahma Temple, and vibrant camel fair

• Ajmer: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ana Sagar Lake

Wildlife & Nature:

• Ranthambore National Park: Tiger safari and jungle lodges

• Sariska Tiger Reserve: Wildlife and ancient temple ruins

• Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur): UNESCO wetland bird sanctuary

• Mount Abu: Rajasthan’s only hill station with Dilwara Temples

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Pleasant and ideal for sightseeing & safaris

• July to September: Off-season with monsoon greenery in Udaipur, Mount Abu

• April to June: Hot, but good for summer discounts and photography in desert regions

How to Reach

• By Air: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer have airports

• By Rail: Well-connected to major Indian cities (Palace on Wheels is a luxury option)

• By Road: National highways and luxury buses link all major towns

Accessibility for Differently-Abled Travelers

• Many forts and heritage sites now offer wheelchair ramps and golf-cart rides

• Hotels in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur have accessible rooms

• Use private guided tours for smoother accessibility

Things to Do & Experiences

• Stay in heritage havelis or palaces (e.g., Neemrana, Samode)

• Camel and jeep safari in Thar Desert (Jaisalmer, Bikaner)

• Attend traditional folk dance & puppet shows (Bagore ki Haveli, Chokhi Dhani)

• Hot air balloon ride in Jaipur or Pushkar

• Shopping for block prints, mojaris, blue pottery, bandhej

• Rajasthani cooking classes and village walks

Accommodation Options

Luxury:

• Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur)

• Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur)

• Rambagh Palace (Jaipur)

• Suryagarh (Jaisalmer)

Mid-Range:

• Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur

• Karni Bhawan, Jodhpur

• Amet Haveli, Udaipur

• Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer

Budget:

• Zostel (Pushkar, Udaipur, Jodhpur)

• Guesthouses and homestays in every city

• RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism) hotels for affordable stays

Local Cuisine & Dining

Must-Try Dishes:

• Dal Baati Churma

• Laal Maas (spicy mutton curry)

• Gatte ki Sabzi

• Ker Sangri

• Pyaaz Kachori, Mirchi Bada

• Bajre ki Roti with garlic chutney

Popular Sweets:

• Ghevar

• Mawa Kachori (Jodhpur)

• Balushahi, Churma Ladoo

Recommended Restaurants:

• Handi (Jaipur)

• Indique (Jodhpur)

• Upre by 1559 AD (Udaipur)

• Desert Boy’s Dhani (Jaisalmer)

Travel Tips & Safety

• Keep sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat handy in desert cities

• Bargain while shopping in local markets

• Avoid traveling alone late at night in rural areas

• Wear modest clothing while visiting temples and dargahs

• Pre-book safaris and palace tours in peak season

Weather & Packing Suggestions

• Winter: Light woolens, jackets for desert nights

• Summer: Cotton clothes, caps, hydrating drinks

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for forts and camel rides

• Sunscreen, shades, scarf – must-haves year-round

Currency & Connectivity

• Currency: Indian Rupee (₹)

• Major towns have ATMs and currency exchange

• 4G/5G available in all major cities

• Wi-Fi at most hotels and cafés

Suggested Itinerary (8D/7N Royal Rajasthan Tour)

Day 1: Arrive Jaipur → City Palace, Hawa Mahal
Day 2: Amer Fort → Jantar Mantar → Local markets
Day 3: Drive to Jodhpur → Mehrangarh Fort → Clock Tower
Day 4: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer → Local market stroll
Day 5: Jaisalmer Fort → Sam Sand Dunes → Camel safari
Day 6: Drive to Udaipur → Evening Lake Pichola boat ride
Day 7: Udaipur sightseeing → City Palace, Jag Mandir
Day 8: Departure

Shopping & Souvenirs

• Block-printed fabrics (Bagru, Sanganer)

• Bandhani/Bandhej sarees and dupattas

• Mojari (leather footwear)

• Miniature paintings (Kishangarh, Udaipur)

• Lac bangles, blue pottery (Jaipur)

• Camel leather bags (Bikaner)

• Marble handicrafts and brassware

Cultural & Historical Background

Rajasthan’s legacy dates back to the Rajput kingdoms known for their valor, honor, and chivalry. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur were ruled by royal dynasties who left behind magnificent forts, temples, and palaces. The region also flourished in art, folk music, and handicrafts, and continues to celebrate its vibrant identity through festivals like Teej, Gangaur, Pushkar Fair, and Desert Festival.

Local Transport Options

• Auto-rickshaws and tuk-tuks in cities

• Cycle rickshaws in old bazaars

• App cabs (Uber/Ola) available in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur

• Private taxis for intercity travel

• Camel carts & desert jeeps in Jaisalmer & Bikaner

• Luxury trains: Palace on Wheels, Heritage Palace Train

Nearest Major Railway Stations

• Jaipur Junction

• Jodhpur Junction

• Udaipur City Station

• Bikaner Junction

• Jaisalmer Station

User Reviews & Testimonials

"Rajasthan felt like walking into a history book with colors everywhere." – Nidhi Sharma
"The palaces and forts were breathtaking, especially Udaipur’s lakes." – Abhay
"Camel safari in Jaisalmer was the highlight of our honeymoon." – Seema & Pranav
"People were warm, food was flavorful, and the photos were stunning!" – Varun Rao

FAQs About Rajasthan Tourism

Is Rajasthan good for solo travelers?
Yes, especially Jaipur, Udaipur, and Pushkar. Safe and tourist-friendly.

What’s the best time to see desert festivals?
Jaisalmer Desert Festival in February is iconic.

Are there budget travel options?
Yes, Zostel, RTDC, and homestays are budget-friendly.

How many days are enough for Rajasthan?
7 to 10 days for a rich experience covering 3–4 major cities.

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

• Respect local traditions and cultural norms

• Avoid littering in desert regions and heritage sites

• Support local artisans, weavers, and craft shops

• Choose eco-hotels or homestays where possible

• Travel light and avoid plastic water bottles—carry refillable bottles