Rajasthan is one of the prosperous states in India that drives maximum tourist footfall with its blend of rich cultural heritage, historical significance, ancient forts, palaces, folk music, dance, and lip-smacking foods, including the famous Dal Batti Churma, prepared with baked bati immersed in ghee, Panchkula dal, mixed churma, and jaggery.
To make your trip wonderful, there are the best places to visit in Rajasthan. Popularly known as the ‘Land of Kings’, there is so much to explore in this famous desert state of India. The breathtaking view of the Aravalli Range and the joyous camel ride at Thar Dessert are worth exploring as a solo traveller or with your partner. Today, in this blog, we bring you the checklist of those 20 places in Rajasthan that should be on your travel bucket list.
Top 20 places in Rajasthan that are worth visiting
1: Udaipur
Famously known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is an ideal romantic destination for couples. Also known as Venice of the East, Udaipur is a perfect destination for planning your wedding. With so many beautiful lakes to explore, the city is the right place to have reminiscing moments with your darling partner. If you are searching for the best resort in Udaipur, then there are hotels you can stay at.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Udaipur
- Lake Pichola
- Bagore Ki Haveli
- Sajjangarh Palace
- City Palace
- Jagmandir
- Saheliyon ki Bari
- Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Activities to do
- Watching the sunset at Lake Pichola while cruising
- Boating at Fateh Sagar Lake
- Relaxing at Ambrai Ghat
- Visiting Karni Mata Temple
How to reach
- By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station and Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport
- By Road: Buses and Cabs are available from all states
2: Ranthambore
If you have that unfulfilled dream of seeing a tiger in real, you can quench your desire by visiting Ranthambore in Rajasthan. The place is an abode for striped big cats. So grab the chance to watch these fearsome yet majestic felines while visiting Ranthambore National Park.
When to visit
- October to April
Best tourist places to explore in Ranthambore
- Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
- Bagore Ki Haveli
- Sajjangarh Palace
- City Palace
- Jagmandir
- Saheliyon ki Bari
- Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Activities to do
- Jeep safari
- Spotting tiger
- Bird watching
- Photography
How to reach
- By Train: Sawai Madhopur Junction
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport
- By Road: Take a taxi from Sawai Madhopur or Kota
3: Pushkar
Pushkar is a place to visit in Rajasthan, as you can find the famous Brahma Temple, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, who created the universe. This small temple town is 15 kilometres from Ajmer and is one of the famous pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Pushkar
- Brahma Temple
- Pushkar Lake
- Varaha Temple
- Savitri Temple
- Rangji Temple
Activities to do
- Camel ride
- Photography while boating at Pushkar Lake
- Enjoying Pushkar Mela
- Shopping for souvenirs and other things
- Sitting at Ghats during evening hours
How to reach
- By Train: Pushkar Terminus
- By Air: Kishangarh (KQH) Airport
- By Road: Buses and taxis ply from all Rajasthan states
4: Chittorgarh
Nestled in the southeastern region, Chittorgarh was once an erstwhile capital of Mewar that had been sacked three times, first during the reign of Allaudin Khilji, second during Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535, and last by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1567-68. To explore the nearby tourist sites, you can plan your stay at hotels in Chittorgarh. You can check out the best hotels in Chittorgarh for your luxury staycation.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Chittorgarh
- Chittorgarh Fort
- Padmini Palace
- Gau Mukh Kund
- Kalika Mata Temple
- Rana Kumbha’s Palace
Activities to do
- Touring Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary
- Exploring numerous ancient forts and palaces
- Jeep jungle safari at Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
How to reach
- By Train: Chittorgarh Railway Station
- By Air: Dabok Airport
- By Road: Buses and taxis ply from many parts of Rajasthan
5: Nathdwara
Nathdwara is also one of the best tourist places in Rajasthan, mainly for the famous Shrinathji Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his infant avatar. Many devotees come here to express their devotion to the god of love. You can even plan your staycation at the nearby best hotel in Nathdwara.
When to visit
- September to February
Best tourist places to explore in Nathdwara
- Shrinathji Temple
- Dwarkadheesh Temple
- Charbhuja Temple
- Eklingji Temple
- Vishwas Swaroopam
- Rakht-Talai in Haldighati
- Nand Samand Dam
Activities to do
- Visiting divine temples with your family
- Buying delectable sweets, attars, paintings, and other items
How to reach
- By Train: Nathdwara railway station
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport
- By Road: You can take state-owned or Volvo buses that ply from major cities, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Delhi, to Udaipur.
6: Kumbhalgarh Fort
When coming to Rajasthan, you will see many ancient forts and palaces. One such is Kumbhalgarh, a fort nestled in Aravalli’s mountain ranges. It is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is the next largest fort after Chittorgarh Fort.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Kumbhalgarh Fort
- Kumbhalgarh Fort
- Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Badal Mahal
- Vedi Temple
Activities to do
- Exploring Kumbhalgarh Fort
- Watching Nilgais, Antelopes, and Chinkaras
- Visiting divine temples, including Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Dining at local restaurants
How to reach
- By Train: Falna Railway Station
- By Air: Dabok Airport
- By Road: Buses and cabs ply from major cities in Rajasthan
7: Mandawa
Please don’t mistake it as Mandwa, a village in Raigad district in Maharashtra, while pronouncing it. It is Mandawa (muhn-daa-vaa), a small town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. The place is known for its archways, palatial havelis and fortress. Mandawa Fort is the prominent landmark of this culturally rich small town that attracts tourists.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Mandawa
- Mandwa Fort
- Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
- Murmuria Havel
- Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
- Harlalka Well
- Open Air Art Gallery
Activities to do
- Visiting Mandawa Fort
- Exploring havelis
- Visiting Open Air Art Gallery; must for art lovers
- Dining at rooftop restaurants
- Shopping from local stores
- Taking photographs of fascinating buildings and splendid architecture
How to reach
- By Train: Jhunjhunu Railway Station
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport
- By Road: You won’t face any issues travelling to Mandawa by road, as it is well connected with Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Delhi.
8: Jaipur
Famously known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the famous and princely capital of Rajasthan. As the name suggests, the city got its name due to its pink-painted buildings. It is one of the favourite places in Rajasthan to explore for its beautiful palaces, forts, and lively market. The one major attraction in this city is Hawa Mahal.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal
- Amer Fort
- Chokhi Dhani
- City Palace
- Jantar Mantar
Activities to do
- Kite flying during the Jaipur Kite Festival
- Tasting local food
- Participate in Jaipur Lit Fest
- Elephant ride
- Exploring Nahargarh Fort
How to reach
- By Train: Jaipur Junction
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport
- By Road: To reach Jaipur by road, you can board luxury and deluxe buses operated by RSRTC.
9: Jodhpur
If Jaipur is a Pink City, then Jodhpur is a Blue City in Rajasthan, famous for its blue-painted houses if looked at from above. This city also attracts tourists with its rich culture and places worth visiting.
When to visit
- October to February
Best tourist places to explore in Jodhpur
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Toorji Ka Jhalra
- Jaswant Thada
- Mandore Garden
Activities to do
- Camel safari
- Touring Bishnoi village
- Ziplining
- Shopping at Sardar Market
- Visiting Sardar Government Museum
How to reach
- By Train: Jodhpur Railway Station
- By Air: Jodhpur Airport
- By Road: Private and state-run buses
10: Ajmer
Besides exploring ancient forts and palaces, there are spiritual places in Rajasthan worth visiting. One such is Ajmer. This famous spiritual city is the abode of two major pilgrimage sites: Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Golden Jain Temple. For your information, Ajmer comes in the list of heritage cities under HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana).
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Ajmer
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah
- Ana Sagar Lake
- Ajmer Jain Temple
- Foy Sagar Lake
- Adhai Din ka Jhopara
Activities to do
- Sightseeing
- Visiting pilgrimage sites
- Hanging around at Durga Bagh Gardens
- Shopping at local markets
How to reach
- By Train: Ajmer Railway Station
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport
- By Road: Travel in RSRTC buses to reach Ajmer
11: Mount Abu
If you are expecting a hill station in Rajasthan, then yes, it does have, and it is Mount Abu. Located in the Aravalli range, it has all that tourists expect. Besides viewing the hilltops, you can also explore the outstanding architecture in this hill station of Rajasthan. It draws the attention of many history buffs and architecture enthusiasts worldwide.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Mount Abu
- Nakki Lake
- Guru Shikhar
- Toad Rock
- Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Dilwara Temple
- Mount Abu Sunset Point
Activities to do
- Cruising at Nakki Lake
- Visiting Achalgarh Village
- Climbing at Guru Shikhar
- Exploring Trevors Tank
- Experience peace at temples
How to reach
- By Train: Abu Road railway station
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport
- By Road: Public and private buses and cabs ply from all parts of Rajasthan.
12: Bundi
Nestled in the Hadoti region northwest of Rajasthan, Bundi is one of the famous places in the desert state with a history of battles fought in the past. Even today, if you ask any locals here, they can tell you about the stories of legendary warriors. Apart from bravery, Bundi is also gifted with natural beauty in abundance.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Bundi
- Moti Mahal
- Taragarh Fort
- Garh Palace
- Badal Mahal
- Chaurasi Khambon ki Chattri
- Moti Mahal
- Nawal Sagar Lake
- Sukh Mahal
Activities to do
- Touring Phool Mahal
- Attending Bandi Utsav
- Visiting Bhoraji ka Kund
How to reach
- By Train: Kota Railway Station
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport
- By Road: Take a bus or a taxi that runs from all parts of Rajasthan
13: Jaisalmer
Popularly called the Golden City, Jaisalmer is a famous city in Rajasthan that drives tourist footfall for its magnificent forts, beautiful Havelis, and sun-drenched dunes. Stargazing at night is a wonderful thing to do in this city in Rajasthan.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Gadisar Lake
- Patwon Ki Haveli
- Nathmal ki Haveli
- Kuldhara Village
- Desert National Park
Activities to do
- Camel Safari in Sam Sand Dunes
- Visiting the Jaisalmer War Museum
- Quad biking
- Camping in the desert
How to reach
- By Train: Jaisalmer railway station
- By Air: Jodhpur Airport
- By Road: Private and state-run buses are available.
14: Bikaner
Like the above popular cities, Bikaner is also a well-known city in Rajasthan that attracts tourists for its splendid havelis, forts, and palaces. There are many places in this city that you must visit during your staycation. Bikaner boasts its cultural paradise and is just a little behind in having sumptuous palaces and hosting festivals lavishly.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Bikaner
- Junagarh Fort
- Lalgarh Palace
- Gajner Palace
- Sursagar Lake
- Karni Mata Temple
Activities to do
- Desert Safari
- Attending camel festival
- Visiting the Prachina Museum
- Shopping at Kote Gate
How to reach
- By Train: Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway Junction
- By Air: Jodhpur Airport
- By Road: Bikaner can be reached through state-run and private buses.
15: Alwar
If you are a resident of Delhi and want to travel to Rajasthan, then the first town you will come across is Alwar. It is 150 kilometres from both Jaipur and Delhi. This beautiful city of Rajasthan comprises the Sariska Tiger Reserve, attracting tourist attention to glimpse tigers other than Ranthambore.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Alwar
- Sariska National Park
- Bala Quila Fort
- Moti Dungri
- Bhangarh Fort
- Kesroli
- Siliserh Lake palace
- Moti Dungri
Activities to do
- Visiting Bala Quila Fort
- Dipping your feet in the water at Garbhaji Falls
- Shopping at Churi Market
- Exploring Jai Pol
How to reach
- By Train: Alwar Junction
- By Air: Sanganer Airport
- By Road: Alwar can be reached through state-run and private buses.
16: Bharatpur
Located in the eastern part of Rajasthan is the city of Bharatpur. It is famous for Keoladeo National Park, listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One more tourist attraction to explore in Bharatpur is watching the migratory birds.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Bharatpur
- Bharatpur National Park
- Lohagarh Fort
- Banke Bihari Temple
- Bharatpur Palace and Museum
- Keoladeo National Park
- Ganga Mandir
Activities to do
- Shopping and eating at local stores and shops
- Jungle Safari
- Photography
- Bird-watching
How to reach
- By Train: Bharatpur Junction
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport
- By Road: Car rental services and buses are available to reach Bharatpur.
17: Sawai Madhopur
Joining the list of top 20 places in Rajasthan is Sawai Madhopur. The place is named after Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh, who laid its foundation. The closest spot you will notice here is Ranthambore National Park. Like the latter place, Sawai Madhopur is also an ideal destination for those who love to be around nature and animal lovers. There are other sanctuaries to be explored here.
When to visit
- October to April
Best tourist places to explore in Sawai Madhopur
- National Chambal Sanctuary
- Sawai Man Sanctuary
- Rameshwaram Ghat
- Ranthambore National Park
- Malik Talao
Activities to do
- Spotting tiger
- Photography
- Tasting local food
- Jungle Safari
- Bird watching
How to reach
- By Train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station
- By Air: Jaipur Airport
- By Road: Take a taxi or a bus to reach Sawai Madhopur.
18: Kota
When the name Kota is used, most of us would imagine IITT-JEE coaching classes, but folks, this is not the only reason that makes it into the list of prominent cities of Rajasthan. Nestled on the banks of the Chambal River, Kota is gifted with natural beauty to behold.
When to visit
- October to March
Best tourist places to explore in Kota
- Seven Wonders Park
- Kishore Sagar and Jagmandir Palace
- Garadia Mahadev Temple
- Kota Barrage
- Chambal Gardens
Activities to do
- Spotting crocodiles
- Touring Kaithoon
- Buying local Kota sarees
- Visiting City Palace
- Chambal River Safari
How to reach
- By Train: Kota Junction Railway Station
- By Air: Sanganer Airport
- By Road: You can board Deluxe buses to reach Kota. They ply from all places in Rajasthan.
19: Osian
Osian or Osiyan is an alternative to Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. With the mention of the latter place, you can easily understand that this place also has temples with erotic carvings. Osian is not just a place for Hindus but also Jain pilgrims.
When to visit
- November to March
Best tourist places to explore in Osian
- Sachiya Mata Temple
- Surya Temple
- Kali Temple
- The Mahavira Temple
- Harihara Temple
Activities to do
- Photography
- Visiting temples
- Sightseeing
- Shopping at local shops
- Dining at local restaurants
How to reach
- By Train: Osian Railway Station
- By Air: Jodhpur Airport
- By Road: You can refer to state-run buses to reach Osian.
20: Neemrana
Last on the list is Neemrana. This is a small town located near to Alwar. The famous spot for which it is recognised is Neemrana Fort. Tracing back to Indian history, it was the birthplace of Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan III. At present, it has turned into an opulent hotel.
When to visit
- March to July
Best tourist places to explore in Neemrana
- Neemrana Fort Palace
- Baori
- Sariska National Park
- Naraul
- Old Vrindavan Palace
- Paradise Waterpark
- Bala Quila
- Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri
Activities to do
- Ziplining
- Tasting local cuisine
- Shopping at local markets
- Village Safari
How to reach
- By Train: Rewari Railway Station
- By Air: Delhi International Airport
- By Road: Neemrana is located between Delhi-Jaipur Road. Hence, there won’t be any problem finding transport.
Conclusion
So these are the top 20 places in Rajasthan that must be on your travel bucket list. Every business is unique in its features. Just explore any of these cities, and you will know yourself. I hope you find our travel guide helpful in getting a brief idea about the top places in Rajasthan that deserve your attention.
So pack your bags and get ready to journey to this desert state of India. Some of the top hotels in Rajasthan for your luxury stay include jüSTa Sajjangarh Resort & Spa, Udaipur, jüSTa Ssatva Resort, Udaipur, jüSTa Rajputana Resort and Convention Centre, Udaipur, jüSTa Brij Bhoomi, Nathdwara, and jüSTa Lake Nahargarh Palace, Chittorgarh.
