With imposing forts emerging from the sun-bathed Thar, alleyways embellished with vibrant bandhani textiles and carved lacquer bangles, tranquil blue lakes reflecting palace spires, and wildlife-dotted parks where peacocks roam remnants of dynasties past, Rajasthan captivates visitors as India’s majestic royal state.
As the ancestral land of warrior rulers and kings belonging to clans like the Rajputs, Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage and splendour is evident in its lavish palaces ornately carved from pink sandstone, intricately sculpted Hindu and Jain shrines, rippling sound of stringed instruments accompanying traditional Kalbelia dance performances, the aromatic bite of Dal-Bati-Churma simmering over coals, and vibrant patchwork quilts warming camel herders braving cold desert nights.
If you want to explore the interesting state of Rajasthan, consider Rajasthan tour packages. They offer different trip options based on your interests.
To help narrow down top attractions, here are eight must-visit destinations in Rajasthan and details on the ideal time to visit them for an unforgettable trip back in time:
1. Amber Fort, Jaipur
Constructed in 1592 on the orders of Raja Man Singh I of the Kachwaha line, Amber Fort blankets the rugged Aravalli slopes some 11 kilometres from Jaipur’s rosy-hued walls. Masons quarrying stone and kilning lime plaster built up Amber’s formidable defences to prevent invading armies.
Don’t miss critical highlights of Amber Fort:
- Sheesh Mahal hall with intricate mirror-work ceiling
- Diwan-i-Aam courtyard that hosted celebrations
- Palace of Man Singh with a private garden
- Temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali
- Zenana complex for royal women
- Maota Lake below for boating
October to March is the best time to explore Amber before the heat rises. May and June bring intense heat, with temperatures scaling to blistering heights.
2. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
The large Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur sits on a tall, 400-foot cliff. This fort is still one of India’s most remarkable and defended, with substantial stone walls and damaged ramparts around centuries of Jodhpur’s warrior kings, between giant gates and lookout towers.
Past its seven colossal gates lie palaces, temples and galleries that chronicle the exploits and excesses of the Rathore rulers who walked these passages. Through its bruised exteriors and opulent interiors, Mehrangarh Fort is a monument to the tenacious vision and courage that led Rao Jodha to establish his kingdom’s first citadel.
You cannot miss these attractions:
- Ornate Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal
- Intricate Sheesha Mahal embellished in mirrors
- Elephant howdahs and palanquins at museums
- Shop for antiques like swords and paintings
- See handprints of royal Rajput wives committing sati
- Marvel at the fort’s bruise-blue facade
Visiting between October and March allows comfortable exploration before the intense summer heat.
3. Ranthambore National Park
Speckled with shimmering lakes, rugged granite ridges and the haunting thousand-year-old ruin of Ranthambore Fort, the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park sets a scenic stage for
sighting magnificent royal Bengal tigers roaming their natural habitat during open-air jeep safaris at dawn and dusk for an exciting experience.
Other highlights include:
- Seeing tigers quench their thirst at water holes
- Spotting leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, chitals etc.
- Capturing crocodiles basking along lake shores
- Countless bird species sightings like eagles, woodpeckers, etc.
- Stopping by 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort ruins
October to May is best for safaris before monsoon rains arrive. Summers should be avoided due to intense heat.
4. Udaipur’s City Palace
Built over 400 years ago and expanded by Mewar rulers, City Palace sits on Lake Pichola’s banks. Its carved arches, painted chambers, glasswork, and gardens exemplify Rajput-Mughal blend architecture.
The top attractions within the palace complex are:
- Peacock Courtyard or Mor Chowk with ornate wall mosaics
- Crystal Gallery flaunting rare collection
- Durbar Hall for grand events
- Fateh Prakash converted into a hotel
- Government museum within a medieval palace
- Sunset views from Lake Pichola
Pleasant weather between September and March is ideal for exploring City Palace and Udaipur before the heat rises.
5. Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple
Enveloping Pushkar Lake, over 500 temples dot the town where Lord Brahma is said to have performed a sacred yagna years ago when the lake emerged. The rare Brahma Temple, built in the 14th century, sits beside the lake while ghats with bathing pilgrims descend to the holy waters.
Top things to experience are:
- Taking a holy dip in the tranquil lake
- Witnessing the evening aarti at Varah Ghat
- Hiking up Savitri Temple on Ratnagiri Hill
- Shopping in colourful bazaars near the lake
- Visiting the one-and-only Brahma Temple
- Watching the sunset over the temples
Between October and March, there is pleasant weather to enjoy Pushkar before extreme heat begins.
6. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
Lore hints that Chittorgarh traces its genesis to a formidable hilltop citadel ordered into creation by Mauryan conquerors in the 7th century BC. The citadel established an unassailable stronghold encompassed over 700 acres of rugged terrain at a height of 180 meters, overlooking the Berach River basin below.
Must-see highlights include:
- Vijay Stambh – 37m high 9-story’ Tower of Victory’
- Kirti Stambh – 22m high 12th-century tower
- Gaumukh Kund – reservoir named after its cow-mouth shape
- Rani Padmini Palace, from where she committed Jauhar
- Fateh Prakash Palace and Rana Kumbha Palace
- Visit Padmini’s Chhatris – cenotaphs of Alauddin battle
The best months to visit Chittorgarh Fort are October to February before the hot summer temperatures arrive.
7. Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur
In the 1950s, Keoladeo was a royal duck hunting area. It was flooded and planted to make an artificial wetlands refuge. It was later protected as a sanctuary for over 230 birds that find haven within its marshy bounds.
Along with dozens of resident waterfowl species like herons, storks, spoonbills and whistling ducks that nest amidst the park’s dense mangroves and woodlands, Keoladeo also hosts migratory birds that fly from as far as the freezing Central Asian steppes and Siberian tundra to winter in its relatively warmer climes through February. Today, the park stands proudly as a World Heritage Site, providing refuge and a critical breeding habitat for endangered avians.
Top things to enjoy are:
- Spotting rare birds like Eurasian spoonbill, common teal, etc.
- Capturing migratory birds like pintails, wigeons, etc.
- Cycling through the park’s dense woods and wetlands
- Seeing nilgais, golden jackals, civet cats etc.
- Visiting the Shanti Kutir Museum inside the park
- Witnessing egret, heron, and stork nesting sites
The best time for birding is October to February. The park is open every day of the year.
8. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Constructed in 1156 AD atop Trikuta Hill by Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal from golden yellow sandstone, Jaisalmer Fort blends into the desert landscape with 99 bastions and still inhabited homes.
Attractions within the fort not to miss are:
- Intricately carved Jain temples
- Observe life inside this living fort
- Shop for handicraft items from local artisans
- Enjoy Kalbeliya folk dances and puppet shows
- Gaze at the desert sunset on camelback
- Walk along the ramparts for panoramic views
October through March has comfortable weather for fort visits before peak summer.
Conclusion
From glimpsing tigers prowling through Ranthambore’s wilderness to soaking in Pushkar’s spiritual vibe, marvelling at Udaipur City Palace’s grandeur to experiencing Jaisalmer Fort’s golden glory, Rajasthan’s regal forts and natural beauty enchant. If you are planning trips to Jaipur, consider getting Jaipur tour packages to improve your experience. They help make sure you see the main attractions of the Pink City.
Plan your travel according to the best season suggested for each key destination above for a memorable royal rendezvous.
