Rajasthan, India Travel Guide

Discover Rajasthan's regal palaces, historic forts, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Explore Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Ranthambore for an unforgettable journey.

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Rajasthan

Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of India, is a state known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. As you explore this enchanting region, you'll be transported back in time by its majestic palaces, formidable forts, and intricate temples. Each city in Rajasthan has its own unique charm, from the pink-hued Jaipur to the golden sands of Jaisalmer. Jaipur, the capital city, is often referred to as the 'Pink City' due to its distinct pink-colored buildings. Here, you can visit the impressive Amer Fort, City Palace, and the iconic Hawa Mahal. The bustling markets of Jaipur are a paradise for shoppers, offering everything from traditional Rajasthani textiles to exquisite jewelry. Udaipur, known as the 'City of Lakes,' is a romantic destination with its beautiful lakes, palaces, and gardens. The Lake Palace, situated in the middle of Lake Pichola, is a sight to behold. The city's narrow lanes are filled with charming havelis and temples, making it a delightful place to wander. Jaisalmer, the 'Golden City,' is famous for its yellow sandstone architecture and the imposing Jaisalmer Fort. The fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Thar Desert. A camel safari into the desert is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to witness the serene beauty of the sand dunes. Rajasthan is also home to the Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot tigers in the wild. The park's diverse flora and fauna, combined with its ancient ruins, make it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rajasthan.

Visit the palaces and forts early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the forts and markets.
Try the local Rajasthani cuisine, which includes dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and laal maas.
Carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong sun, especially in the desert areas.
Bargain at local markets to get the best prices on souvenirs and handicrafts.
Book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season from October to March.

Top City Travel Guides in Rajasthan

The cities of Rajasthan, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Manali

Jaipur

Shimla

Ranthambore

Rishikesh

Destinations in Rajasthan

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Himalayas

Rann of Kutch

Mcleodganj

Chopta

Auli

Explore Rajasthan: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Rajasthan

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Amber Palace

Explore the grandeur of Amber Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where history, culture, and stunning architecture converge amidst the hills of Jaipur.

4.6

Hawa Mahal

Discover the architectural brilliance of Hawa Mahal, the iconic 'Palace of Winds', in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and immerse yourself in its rich history.

4.5

City Palace

Discover the royal splendor of Udaipur at the City Palace, a stunning historical landmark offering a glimpse into Rajasthan's majestic heritage.

4.5

Mehrangarh Fort

Explore the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, a magnificent historical landmark filled with rich culture and breathtaking views of the Blue City.

4.6

Best landmarks in Rajasthan

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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The City Palace

Explore the grandeur of Jaipur's City Palace, a historical landmark that showcases the rich royal heritage of Rajasthan through stunning architecture and captivating museums.

4.4

Aaram Baagh by Pachar Group, Pushkar

Experience the tranquil beauty and rich culture of Pushkar at Aaram Baagh by Pachar Group, a luxurious resort hotel nestled in the heart of Rajasthan.

4.0

Pushkar Desert Karni Camp

Discover the enchanting Pushkar Desert Karni Camp, where luxury meets nature in the heart of Rajasthan's stunning desert landscapes.

4.8

Clock Tower

Discover the historic Clock Tower in Ajmer, a stunning architectural gem that symbolizes the vibrant culture and heritage of Rajasthan.

4.1

Best restaurants in Rajasthan

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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Thali & more

Experience the authentic flavors of Rajasthan at Thali & More - Jaipur's premier vegetarian restaurant serving exquisite Indian thalis.

4.4

Restaurant Harigarh

Experience the vibrant flavors of India at Restaurant Harigarh in Udaipur – where culinary traditions meet modern dining.

4.4

Jhumar Restaurant

Discover the exquisite flavors of India and beyond at Jhumar Restaurant near Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur.

4.1

Kalyan Restaurant & Bar

Experience the best of Indian and international cuisine at Kalyan Restaurant & Bar in Jaipur – where every meal is a celebration of flavors.

4.6

Best bars in Rajasthan

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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Blackout club in Jaipur

Discover Blackout Club in Jaipur: A vibrant lounge offering exquisite cocktails, delightful cuisine, and an unforgettable nightlife experience.

4.2

Queen's hub

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Jaipur at Queen's Hub, where exceptional dining meets an exhilarating bar atmosphere.

4.6

Once Upon A Terrace - OUT

Experience elegance and vibrant nightlife at Once Upon A Terrace, Jaipur's premier lounge offering exquisite cuisine and handcrafted cocktails.

4.4

Retreat Drink N Dine

Discover a perfect mix of luxury dining and breathtaking views at Retreat Drink N Dine in Jaipur, where every meal is a celebration.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Rajasthan

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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G Club

Discover Jaipur's nightlife at G Club, a lively night club offering a blend of great music, stylish ambiance, and unforgettable experiences.

3.5

Hype Bar & Bistro - Night Club In Jaipur

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Jaipur at Hype Bar & Bistro, where delicious cuisine meets exhilarating entertainment in a stylish setting.

3.9

Club Naila

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Jaipur at Club Naila, where eclectic music and exquisite cuisine create unforgettable memories.

3.8

Karma Club Ajmer

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Ajmer at Karma Club, a premier disco club offering vibrant music and a lively social atmosphere.

4.0

Best shops in Rajasthan

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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Ahluwalia’s the Great Mall of Kota

Experience shopping, dining, and entertainment like never before at Ahluwalia’s the Great Mall of Kota, a premier destination in Rajasthan.

4.3

Saraogi Mansion _jaipur

Discover unique local handicrafts and culinary delights at Saraogi Mansion, Jaipur's vibrant shopping destination.

4.0

Unique Fancy Sarees Subhash Nagar Jaipur

Shop for exquisite traditional sarees at Unique Fancy Sarees in Jaipur, where craftsmanship meets vibrant Rajasthani culture.

4.6

Unique Dressup

Explore Unique Dressup in Jodhpur for a delightful shopping experience featuring exquisite traditional and contemporary clothing that embodies Rajasthan's rich heritage.

4.8

Explore Rajasthan on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Rajasthan, mapped for you.

Rajasthan Essentials

Rajasthan is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Major cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer have airports that connect to major Indian cities and some international destinations. Jaipur International Airport is the busiest and serves as a primary gateway. Indian Railways offers extensive rail connectivity to Rajasthan from various parts of India, with Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur serving as major railway hubs. Buses operated by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and private operators provide road connectivity to neighboring states.
Within Rajasthan, you can travel by buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws. Uber and Ola operate in larger cities like Jaipur and Udaipur. For a more local experience, consider hiring a traditional 'tonga' (horse-drawn carriage) in smaller towns. Car rentals are available for those preferring to drive themselves. Trains and intercity buses provide efficient travel between cities. For desert areas, camel rides and jeep safaris are popular.
The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns. Digital payment methods like Paytm and Google Pay are increasingly popular.
Rajasthan is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Tourist scams, such as overcharging for goods or services, can occur. Areas like the Old City in Jaipur and some parts of Jodhpur have higher incidences of petty crimes targeting tourists. Always use registered taxis and avoid sharing personal information with strangers.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Major cities have good hospitals and medical facilities. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available. The local police are generally helpful, and most tourist areas have tourist police units.
Fashion: Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head when required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' with folded hands. A handshake is also acceptable in urban areas. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Rajasthan like a local, visit the vibrant bazaars where you can buy traditional Rajasthani crafts, textiles, and jewelry. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the local festivals, which offer a deep dive into the state's rich traditions. For a unique experience, stay in a heritage hotel or a desert camp, and try traditional Rajasthani cuisine such as Dal Baati Churma and Ghewar.

When is the best time to visit Rajasthan?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Rajasthan

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Rajasthan. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
- Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
- Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
- Noनहीं
  [Nahin]
- Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत है
  [Kripya/Swaagat hai]
- Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
- Excuse me/Sorryमाफ कीजिए/क्षमा करें
  [Maaf kijiye/Kshama karen]
- How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
- Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aur aap?]
- Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेजी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?]
- I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आता
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahin aata]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मुझे मेनू दिखाएं
  [Kripya mujhe menu dikhayein]
- I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahin khata]
- Cheers!स्लाम
  [Salaam]
- I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे भुगतान करने दें
  [Kripya mujhe bhugtaan karne den]
- Help!मदद करें!
  [Madad karein!]
- Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
- Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
- Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
- I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon]
- I'm illमैं बीमार हूँ
  [Main beemar hoon]
- I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा...
  [Main kharidna chahunga...]
- I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha hoon]
- How much is it?यह कितना है?
  [Yah kitna hai?]
- That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yah bahut mehenga hai]
- Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]
- What time is it?कितने बजे हैं?
  [Kitne baje hain?]
- It's one o'clockयह एक बजे हैं
  [Yah ek baje hain]
- Half past (10)साढ़े (10)
  [Saade (10)]
- Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
- Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
- Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
- Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
- Todayआज
  [Aaj]
- Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
- 1१
  [1]
- 2२
  [2]
- 3३
  [3]
- 4४
  [4]
- 5५
  [5]
- 6६
  [6]
- 7७
  [7]
- 8८
  [8]
- 9९
  [9]
- 10१०
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?कहाँ है ...?
  [Kahan hai ...?]
- What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे (नक्शे पर) दिखा सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap mujhe (nakshae par) dikha sakte hain?]
- When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
- A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

History of Rajasthan

Rajasthan, often referred to as the Land of Kings, is synonymous with the valiant Rajput warriors who ruled this region from the 6th century onwards. The Rajput clans, such as the Sisodias of Mewar, the Rathores of Marwar, and the Kachwahas of Amber, established powerful kingdoms that left an indelible mark on the history and culture of Rajasthan. This era is characterized by grand forts, palaces, and temples, which stand as a testament to the architectural brilliance and martial prowess of the Rajputs.
The Battle of Haldighati, fought on June 18, 1576, was a significant event in Rajasthan's history. It was a fierce clash between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal forces led by Man Singh I of Amber. Though the Mughals emerged victorious, Maharana Pratap's valor and determination became legendary. The battle site, near the town of Gogunda, remains a symbol of Rajput bravery and resistance against Mughal dominance.
Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is one of Rajasthan's most iconic cities. Known as the Pink City due to its distinct pink-colored buildings, Jaipur was meticulously planned according to Vastu Shastra principles. The city is renowned for its architectural marvels, including the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the 18th century, the Marathas began to exert their influence over Rajasthan, leading to significant political and military confrontations. The Maratha invasions weakened the Rajput kingdoms, leading to alliances and conflicts that reshaped the region's political landscape. This period saw the rise of prominent Maratha leaders like Mahadji Shinde, who played a crucial role in the power dynamics of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan came under British rule in the early 19th century, following treaties with various Rajput states. The British established control over the region through the policy of subsidiary alliances, leading to the creation of the Rajputana Agency in 1818. This period saw the construction of railways, roads, and educational institutions, which brought significant changes to the socio-economic fabric of Rajasthan.
Post-independence, Rajasthan underwent a major reorganization. In 1949, the princely states of Rajputana merged to form the state of Rajasthan, with Jaipur as its capital. The integration process was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. This period marked the beginning of a new era of development and modernization for Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which includes folk music, dance, and art. Traditional dance forms like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, along with the soulful tunes of the Rajasthani folk instruments, reflect the vibrant spirit of the region. The state is also famous for its handicrafts, including block printing, blue pottery, and Pichwai paintings, which continue to attract art enthusiasts from around the world.
Rajasthan is a land of festivals, each celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Major festivals include Diwali, Holi, Teej, and Gangaur, which showcase the state's rich traditions and customs. The Pushkar Camel Fair, an annual event held in the town of Pushkar, is one of the world's largest livestock fairs and a major tourist attraction, offering a unique glimpse into Rajasthan's rural life and culture.