Rajasthan is located in the north-western region of India bordering Pakistan. This popular state of India is one of the most famous travel destinations for both international and domestic tourists. Culturally, Rajasthan is very significant because of its rich history and art. This destination is included in almost all popular Rajasthan tour packages available at various travel agencies.
With destinations located in the Thar desert to the ones located in Aravallis mountain range, both are equally popular among the tourists. Every year, this Indian state attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world to experience its unique heritage, its art, architecture and music. The land of Rajasthan is rooted in the history of its Rajput kings to whom many forts and monuments are dedicated.
Compared to all other states of India, Rajasthan has done a great job in promoting its culture through tourism and making it available to the world. Because of this Rajasthan has become a go-to destination for all people travelling to India. There are many places in Rajasthan that have been put on the world map as the best travel destinations with rich culture.
8 Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan
If you are a regular visitor to Rajasthan or if you are traveling to Rajasthan for the first time, there are several places that are available for you to explore. There are many destinations that can be considered unexplored places to visit in Rajasthan. These places are lesser-known to the regular tourists visiting Rajasthan.
Folk musician of Rajasthan (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
We have compiled a list that includes must-visit destinations including some of the most unique places to visit in Rajasthan. Following are some of the best tourist places in Rajasthan.
1. Pushkar
Pushkar Lake Ghats, Rajasthan (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Pushkar is a popular tourist attraction in Rajasthan that brings in thousands of tourists every year. One of the major attractions of Pushkar is the Holy temple and lakes of the Brahma temple. This destination is included in almost all popular Rajasthan travel packages available at Indian Travel Store.
This site is a place of pilgrimage and is an important religious destination for the devoted. There are regular gatherings of devotees that engage in the various chanting ceremonies that is one of the best experiences one can witness while in Pushkar.
The annual camel fair is also known as the ‘Pushkar Mela’ is one of the most important events that tourists enjoy. There are also several other temples dedicated to the Hindu gods and goddesses that are worth visiting. The month of November is when the Pushkar festival happens during which the pilgrimage and the camel fair takes place. Without a doubt, Pushkar is the most beautiful tourist place in Rajasthan.
Major attractions: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Varaha Temple, Man Mahal.
Suggested Read: Mysterious Places to visit in India
2. Udaipur
City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Udaipur is one of the most important cities of Rajasthan which is popularly known as the ‘City of Lakes’. The lakes that are found in this city are one of the most popular attractions for tourists to enjoy.
Among the lakes, Fateh Sagar and Pichola lakes are artificial lakes that are truly beautiful and are worth visiting at least once. Udaipur City Palace remains one of the best tourist places to visit in Rajasthan. This palace has beautiful architecture with gardens, temples, and museums that give you a glimpse into the culture and heritage of Rajasthan.
Also, the Jagdish temple is a famous temple dedicated to the God Vishnu and attracts devotees from all over India. This temple is beautiful because of its architecture and the carvings on the walls. Jagdish temple is also a very important landmark in Udaipur. Apart from these, there are several forts in Udaipur that you can explore and learn about their rich history.
Major attractions: City Palace, Lake Garden Palace, Moti Magri, The Royal Vintage Car Museum.
Suggested Read: Things to do in India
3. Bundi
Bundi Fort, Bundi, Rajasthan (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
One of the most unique places to visit in Rajasthan is the city of Bundi. What makes this city unique is the presence of the many step wells here which remain unused today. These step wells have been photographed many times and they have been trending in almost all travel-based Instagram posts of Rajasthan.
One of the most famous steps well here is known as the ‘Queen’s Step Well’ which is built around 15 century and it has around 200 steps. Another popular tourist attraction in Rajasthan located in Bundi is the famous Taragarh Fort. This fort was built in the 16th century and it is a very popular attraction among tourists. You can find many arts and handicrafts that are displayed here which are wonderful creations made by the local artists.
Bundi is also one of the unexplored places to visit in Rajasthan and is much lesser known compared to the other popular destinations. If you wish to travel away from the regular tourist crowd, then visiting the many lakes of Bundi is a great choice.
You can also find local markets and small temples selling a variety of handmade souvenirs and handicrafts. The Ramgarh Vishdhari sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary where you can enjoy a safari through the forest areas of Rajasthan. Another famous attraction to visit in Bundi is the ‘Palace of Bundi’ which is unique to this area and is very popular among international tourists.
Major attractions: Queen’s Step Well, Palace of Bundi, Taragarh Fort.
Suggested Read: Wonderful Places to Visit in India
4. Mount Abu
Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
This beautiful hill station in Rajasthan is famous for its scenic views of Rajasthan. This hill station is one of the top places to visit in Rajasthan which is full of many tourist attractions.
If you are a traveler on a budget you can add this destination to your budget Rajasthan tour package. Apart from many affordable accommodation options available in Mount Abu, you can also enjoy a budget-friendly paddle boat ride in the famous Nakki Lake. The beautiful view of the surrounding hills near Nakki Lake is a great way to enjoy a picnic with your friends and family.
Dilwara Temples is one of the popular tourist places in Rajasthan which is worthy of your time while you are in Mount Abu. Dilwara temples are particularly dedicated to the people of the Jain faith and were built around the 12th century. This temple is built with white marble and is a major tourist attraction for tourists from all over the world.
Mount Abu is also a popular destination for couples availing of their Rajasthan honeymoon tour package. Many couples visit Mount Abu for its serenity and natural beauty that is different compared to the rest of Rajasthan.
Major attractions: Dilwara Temples, Achalgarh, Wildlife Sanctuary, Nakki Lake.
Suggested Read: Mount Abu-Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Jodhpur is famously known as the ‘Blue City’ and it is considered the best tourist place in Rajasthan. Situated at the end of the Thar Desert, this city is famous for the houses painted in blue and hence the name ‘Blue City.
Jodhpur is full of many temples and forts to visit with rich historical significance. This tourist place in Rajasthan is particularly popular among international tourists. The Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is considered as one of the top places to visit in Rajasthan and was built in the 15th century.
This fort has amazing architecture with a beautiful mirrored hall and many other exquisite rooms full of historical items and art. There is a temple called Chamunda Mataji which is located within the fort and all the people managing the fort premises are dressed up in the historically accurate attire that adds to the majesty of this fort.
You can find many souvenirs, carpets, fabrics, and handicrafts in the markets of Jodhpur. No Rajasthan tour package is complete without the inclusion of Jodhpur in its itinerary.
Major attractions: Mehrangarh Fort, Mandore Gardens, Kailana Lake, Masuria Hills Garden.
Suggested Read: Top Budget Trip Destinations
6. Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Jaisalmer is famously known as the ‘Golden City’ among the tourist community. This great city is located in the Thar desert and is known as the ‘Golden City’ because of the golden sands of the desert. Jaisalmer is one of the important cities of Rajasthan because of its significance to tourism.
One of the best places to visit in Rajasthan is the Jaisalmer Fort which is quite popular among tourists. Within the premises of this fort, you can find many shops selling various souvenirs, food, jewelry, and art. You can also find some private residences in the fort as well. This unique feature cannot be found in any other fort of Rajasthan.
You can also find several temples in the fort dedicated to the Jain faith. These temples were built in the 12th century and are historically very important to the locals.
Major attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Bada Bagh, Thar Heritage Museum, Gadisar Lake.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations
7. Bikaner
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
The city of Bikaner was built in the year 1488 by a ruler called Rao Bika. This city has seen many wars in the past and rulers fought each other for the throne. Today, Bikaner is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan.
The two things that are famous in this city are its Forts and Food. Bikaner is home to many authentic Rajasthani sweets and delicacies. You can also enjoy the famous Junagarh Fort which was constructed in the 16th century and is now used as a museum with many historically significant items for tourists to see. You can also enjoy the camel safari which is an experience tourists enjoy in Bikaner.
If you are a person who enjoys food and activities to do, then Bikaner is the best place to visit in Rajasthan. Also, you can experience shopping in Bikaner for authentic handmade art and souvenir to take back home.
Major attractions: Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Shri Laxminath Temple, Camel Research Centre.
Suggested Read: Umaid Palace
8. Jaipur
City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and it is a bustling city full of culture and popular tourist attractions. Among the many tourist places to visit in Rajasthan, Jaipur is considered as part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ which also includes Delhi and Agra.
Jaipur is a gateway to Rajasthan and this modern city is also famous for its historical forts. The three main forts that are some of the best places to visit in Rajasthan are The Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort, and Jaigarh Fort.
Apart from these forts, another attraction that is popular among the tourists is the City Palace. The unique feature of this palace is that its architecture is a mix of influences of both Mughal and Rajput designs. The city of Jaipur is full of market areas and temples which you can explore during your time in Jaipur. Jaipur is also a popular destination that is included in the budget Rajasthan tour packages.
Major attractions: Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amer Fort, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned places in Rajasthan are among the top tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Do know that there are many amazing places to see in Rajasthan that are off-beat and lesser-known. These destinations deserve a list of their own.
If you are an explorer or a solo traveler, you can come across many attractions in Rajasthan and maybe even surprise yourself with the raw beauty of this amazing state of India. Our list includes many good places to visit in Rajasthan that you can use as a starting point for your journey.
