Not far from Jaipur, Pushkar is one Rajasthan’s most popular towns. This lakefront holy town is among the most picturesque in an already photo-worthy state, with a peaceful lake surrounded by 52 ghats and beautiful hills and temples in the distance.
Considered one of the world’s best examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Albert Hall Museum houses the Government Central Museum (the oldest museum in Rajasthan). Inside this striking building, you’ll find an extensive collection of international art, miniature paintings, and artifacts—there's even an Egyptian mummy.
Nicknamed the Taj Mahal of Marwar, the Jaswant Thada is a marble cenotaph located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It was completed in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Built in the style of a temple and enclosed by a lush garden, the resplendent building is a prime example of dazzling, go-for-broke Rajput architecture.
Jagdish Temple—in the heart of Udaipur's Old City—is a stone's throw from the City Palace. This 3-story structure dates back to 1651 and its architecture is the main draw. Its intricately sculpted bell roof and columns are stunning but it's also worth sticking around to listen to devotional singing—a regular feature here.
Built between 1928 and 1943, the sprawling Umaid Bhawan Palace can be seen for miles around. Part of the grand palace is a luxury hotel run by the Taj Group, and the royal family occupy a wing of the structure to this day. It’s also home to the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, full of palace-related exhibits and artifacts.
Saheliyon ki Bari means “Garden of the Maidens” in Hindi, and was built in the early 18th century for the women of the royal family. With fountains, lotus ponds, decorative pavilions, and marble elephants, the landscaped gardens are a relaxing place to take a walk. There’s also a small museum on-site with information on Rajasthani and Indian history.
Often referred to as the Birla Mandir, the Lakshminarayan Temple is a striking white marble Hindu temple in Jaipur. The modern edifice—built in 1988 with an adjacent museum—is dedicated to the god Vishnu (the Preserver) and his consort Lakshmi, and features idols of the two deities carved from a single piece of marble.
One of the largest forts in India, Chittaurgarh Fort—sometimes spelled Chittorgarh—is said to date back to the 7th century. The hilltop complex, which reigns supreme over the desert city of Chittor, comprises a series of temples, towers, and palaces, many of which are adorned with intricate carvings.
Sajjangarh Palace (known as the Monsoon Palace) is set on a hilltop with fantastic city views. It was originally built as a getaway during the monsoon season and as an astrological center, but the latter project was never finished. The palace has also been used as a royal hunting lodge, and even appeared in the James Bond film Octopussy.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a former royal duck-hunting spot that today hosts some 350-odd of species of migratory birds throughout the year. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is lush and expansive; depending on when you visit, you may spot everything from pelicans to osprey to elusive Siberian cranes.
Although Jaigarh Fort is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the better-known Amber Fort nearby, this majestic garrison in the Aravalli Range is certainly worth a visit, particularly for anyone with an interest in military history. The 18th-century red sandstone structure is also considered among the best-preserved old fortresses in India.
Set in northwest Udaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Fateh Sagar is one of the city’s famous lakes. Built in 1678 and expanded in 1888 by Udaipur ruler Maharana Fateh Singh, this artificial lake draws in visitors with its azure waters, picturesque islands, and mountain views.
Officially called Galtaji but usually referred to as Temple of the Sun God or simply the Monkey Temple, this temple complex of many names was built in the 18th century. Multiple storied water tanks, known as kunds, lead up to the main temple, with rounded roofs and pavilions typical to Rajasthan’s architectural traditions.
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Aravali Mountains, Royal Gaitor is a beautiful funerary complex that houses the intricately carved cenotaphs of many of Jaipur's former rulers, including Jai Singh II, who founded Jaipur. One of the quieter places in town, Royal Gaitor is a great spot to escape the noise of the Pink City.
One of the most important Shaivite sites in Rajasthan, this temple attracts devotees from across the state who come to pay their respects to the gargantuan four-faced idol of the god housed within its interiors. It’s also a popular side-trip from Udaipur, particularly suited to those interested in local spiritual customs.
Ajmer city, in the state of Rajasthan, is best known for being near the sacred Hindu town of Pushkar. Ajmer itself is an important city to Muslims—it’s home to Sharif Dargah, a shrine to a Sufi saint—as well as Jains. While many visitors use it as a base for exploring Pushkar, it’s also a worthwhile destination.
Located inside Ranthambore Fort in Ranthambore National Park, Trinetra Ganesh Temple is believed to be the oldest Ganesh temple in Rajasthan, constructed in about 1300. It’s an especially significant temple to devotees, who revere the temple because it contains idols of not only the Hindu elephant-headed god, Ganesh, but his entire family.
Jaipur is one of the best places in India to shop for handicrafts items, and some of the optimal places to pick up great bargains are located right in the heart of the Pink City. Bapu Bazaar offers a particularly good selection, with everything from jewelry to traditional Rajasthani textiles displayed colorfully in this lively market street.
One of the highlights of Amber Palace, the Hall of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal) is a beautiful room covered with mirror mosaics. Such halls are a typical feature in Rajasthani palaces and are designed to be particularly enchanting at night, when the reflection of candlelight creates a kaleidoscopic effect across the mosaic's surface.
SItuated on the grounds of Udaipur's Garden Hotel and Restaurant, the Vintage and Classic Car Collection Museum features a small group of vehicles from Mercedes, Rolls Royce, and Cadillac, along with a few other related objects, from rickshaws to an antique Shell gas pump that's still in working condition.
Tucked away deep in Rajasthan’s craggy Aravalli range, the 17th-century fortress town of Bhangarh has long been touted as the most haunted place in India. Many believe that the city was abandoned due to a curse, and rumors of ghoulish activity in Bhangarh has kept the place unoccupied for centuries.
One of a handful of tiger reserves across India, Sariska Tiger Reserve offers visitors the chance to see all sorts of birds and mammals in their natural habitat. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Alwar, the reserve occupies a forest on the edge of the desert and is home to all sorts of creatures, including tigers.
Situated in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, not far from Mount Abu, Guru Shikhar is a fantastic spot to take in views of the surrounding region. At an altitude of 5,650 feet (1,772 meters), it is the site of the Mout Abu InfraRed Observatory (MIRO) and several temples.
Also known as Isar Lat, Swargasuli Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Jaipur. Built as a victory memorial in 1749, it stands 42 meters (140 feet) above ground. You can climb to the top of the octagonal structure for sweeping views of the Pink City, or marvel at the architecture from the ground below.
Located in the 18th-century Nahargarh Fort, the Jaipur Wax Museum is a family-friendly attraction with many different displays. In addition to seeing some of their favorite celebrities, visitors to the Jaipur Wax Museum can also learn about the history and culture of the Rajput maharajas and maharanis of Rajasthan.
Straddling three states—Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh—the National Chambal Sanctuary protects a swathe of natural habitat where the Chambal and Yamuna Rivers meet. The sanctuary is a birdwatching and safari destination popular with visitors looking to catch glimpses of migratory birds, endangered Gharial crocodiles, and Ganges river dolphins.
Drive from Jaisalmer toward the Pakistan border, and you'll eventually reach the Longewala War Memorial. This memorial marks the spot where the 1971 Battle of Longewala, a key early battle in the Indo-Pakistan War, took place. Here, you can see ruined tanks and visit a museum with exhibits focused on the battle and the war.
Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake built in the 11th century. It’s a pretty respite for Ajmeris and visitors alike, with numerous grassy parks dotting its shores. Other highlights along the lake include marble pavilions, or baradari, built under the auspices of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who was also responsible for commissioning the Taj Mahal and Delhi's Red Fort.
Built in the early 20th century as a residence for the ruler of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, Lalgarh Palace is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Today it houses a hotel and the Sadul Singh Museum, though the royal family still lives in a small wing of the palace to this day.
The 7-story Chandra Mahal, situated within Jaipur’s City Palace complex, serves as the official residence of the descendants of Jaipur’s titular royal family. Beyond the inner courtyard and its magnificent gates representing the four seasons, visitors may explore the palace’s ground floor, a museum of carpets, manuscripts, and portraits of past maharajas.
