Rajasthan attractions

The former summer home of Jat rulers of the kingdom of Bharatpur, Deeg Palace is a beautiful palace dating back to 1772. It was commissioned by the ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal, a notoriously brave ruler known for plundering sites such as the Red Fort in Delhi and the Taj Mahal. In fact, much of the granite and marble used in the palace’s construction is believed to have come from the Red Fort itself.

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.

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century for his second queen, Sisodia Rani, Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden is a beautiful complex situated on the outskirts of Jaipur. The palace interiors feature exquisite frescoes depicting scenes from the story of Lord Krishna, while the terraced gardens are filled with fountains and greenery.

For much of its history, this majestic golden fort on Trikuta Hill was synonymous with the city of Jaisalmer, and parts of the city still reside within the citadel. Within its walls and 99 bastions, you’ll find meandering lanes, boisterous shops, temples, and a royal palace and museum fit for an Indian rajah.

Ajmer's star attraction is the dargah (shrine) of Ajmer Sharif, the final resting place of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chisthi, who brought the Chishti order of Sufism to India. It's one of India's most important Muslim holy sites, and legend says that Mughal emperor Akbar made an annual pilgrimage here during his reign.

Three centuries ago, this village in the heart of Rajasthan was a prosperous community of Paliwal Brahmins, members of the Hindu priest caste. Today it’s a barren ghost town, said to have been abandoned in the early 1800s due to political intrigue or an effective curse, depending on whom you ask. With its preserved houses surrounded by ruins, the village can be visited on a day trip from Jaisalmer.

Officially known as the Jagatpita Shri Brahma Mandir, the Pushkar Brahma Temple is one of the city’s main draws for religious pilgrims. Dating back to the 14th century, this temple is dedicated to Brahma, the creator in the Hindu trinity, and is believed to be one of only a few Brahma temples on earth.

An architectural marvel, Kothari’s Patwon Ki Haveli is the first, finest, and largest of five sections of Jaisalmer’s most elaborate haveli, a traditional manor house with intricate carvings and large courtyards. Dating back to the 19th century, this sandstone mansion showcases exquisite craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of bygone Rajasthani merchants, and is today a public heritage museum.

On the outskirts of the Rajasthani city of Mount Abu, the Dilwara Jain Temples are a group of five beautiful temples made of expertly carved white marble. Most date back to the 11th–13th centuries. The temples are a Jain site of worship to this day, but they're also open to non-Jain visitors who come to admire the artistry.

Camels are a common sight in Rajasthan and are an important part of the desert state’s ecosystem and workforce. Learn more about the hump-backed, long-legged creatures at Bikaner’s National Research Centre on Camel, run by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Tour the museum, ride camels, coo over babies, and even cool off with camel milk ice cream or lassi.

The red sandstone Junagarh Fort seems to rise organically from the Thar Desert around Bikaner. The 16th-century fort is a must-visit attraction in the northern Rajasthani city and is as well-maintained on the inside as it is outside, with beautiful interior details and museum displays. You could spend a long time wandering between the courtyards, palaces, and temples of the large complex.

The focal point of the Rajasthani town of Pushkar, Pushkar Lake is a body of water flanked by temples and a total of 52 ghats (steps leading down into the water). It’s considered incredibly sacred, and many pilgrims come to the town to take a dip in its holy waters.

On a hilltop overlooking the lakefront pilgrimage town of Pushkar, the Savitri Temple is dedicated to the goddess Savitri, Brahma’s first wife. This compact temple houses a small idol of the goddess and sees plenty of religious visitors, while the views it offers of Pushkar’s lake and skyline are its biggest draw for other travelers.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is among the oldest mosques in Rajasthan, if not India, and is one of the more popular attractions in Ajmer. Its name, which means (roughly) the two-and-a-half-day hut, comes from a legend that it was built in that short period.

The Akbari Fort is a 16th-century fort housing the Rajputana Museum. It's also known as Ajmer Fort or the Government Museum of Ajmer. It was established in 1908 to display collections of coins, religious sculptures, miniature art, and arms, much of which came from excavation sites.

Held every year during the month of Kartik in the fall, the Pushkar Camel Fair is a five-day event that draws in camel traders from across Rajasthan and beyond. It’s also a major tourist event, with a solid selection of cultural activities ranging from camel races to mustache competitions.

Also known as Bundi Palace, Garh Palace was constructed in the 13th century as a royal residence, which has since housed many generations of maharajas and maharanis. Appearing to emerge from the rocky hillside, parts of the structure are decaying, but there are plenty for visitors to see, from the intricate architecture to colorful murals.

Overlooking Bundi in India’s desert state of Rajasthan, Taragarh Fort is a 14th-century fortification where you’ll see ancient architecture while taking in fantastic city views. The fort gets its name for its starlike shape—tara means star and garh means fort.

Built in 1699, Raniji ki Baori is the largest stepwell in Bundi—and the most popular. It measures around 151 feet (46 meters) deep and features masterfully carved interiors complete with numerous tiny elephants, gods, and goddesses hewn from stone.

In the heart of Old Bikaner, Rampuria Haveli is a group of nine havelis (city mansions), constructed in pink Dulmera sandstone. Most of the havelis were likely built around the 15th century, and are a great example of Rajasthani architecture.

Situated on the outskirts of Udaipur, Marvel Water Park is an expansive outdoor water park that’s popular with local families. Here you'll find all sorts of water attractions for visitors of all ages, from shallow splash areas and wave pools to a smattering of exhilarating slides—there's even a special toddler zone for little visitors.

Bikaner's Bhandasar Jain Temple is among the key attractions in the city, drawing in tourists and pilgrims alike. It was built in the 15th century over the course of about 50 years, and features beautifully carved interiors adorned with intricate mirror work and paintings, many in the Rajasthani miniature style.

Situated on a hilltop in Rajasthan, outside of Jaipur, Rusirani Village is a typical traditional village that attracts travelers who want to see what life is like in rural India. Along with traditional homes, there's a Shiva temple that is believed to date back at least a millennium, along with a market full of local handicrafts.

A landscaped garden that combines Mughal and Rajput styles, peaceful Vidyadhar Garden (Vidhyadhar Bagh) has terraced lawns, lakes, fountains, and pavilions. Visitors can admire pavilions decorated with mirror mosaics and murals from Hindu mythology and spot peacocks and monkeys throughout the grounds.

Formally known as Soniji Ki Nasiyan and often referred to simply as the "Ajmer Jain Temple," this 19th-century temple is dedicated to Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankara (sage). Its key feature is a massive sculptural depiction of the city of Ayodhya gilded in brilliant and shining gold.

As one of the oldest and best-known temples in Bikaner, the 16th-century Shri Laxminath Temple gets its fair share of visitors. Pilgrims come to seek the blessing of Lord Visnu and the Goddess Laxmi who preside over the marble complex.

Situated in the town of Amber (Amer) in the outskirts of Jaipur in Rajasthan, Maota Lake was the main water source for the formidable Amber Fort (Amer Fort) back in its heyday. At the center of the lake is an island covered with lush gardens—including a saffron garden—planted by a 15th-century maharaja, Kesar Kyari Bagh.

Also known as the Shri Gyanodaya Tirth Kshetra, the Nareli Jain Temple is an important pilgrimage site for members of the Digambar Jain community. As it’s located near the tourist destinations of Ajmer and Pushkar, it’s a popular sight for travelers from all different backgrounds as well.

Overlooking Jait Sagar Lake in the northern reaches of Bundi, the Sukh Mahal is an elegant 18th-century palace that was commissioned as a summer home for the royal family. It’s characterized by beautiful Rajput architectural features, including domes known as chhatris and arched windows, plus lovely views across the water.

One of Bikaner's most recognizable landmarks, Kote Gate is considered the gateway to the Old City and acts as the de facto border between the old and new parts of town. While many visitors simply pass through, it's worth taking your time to check out the architecture of this massive entryway.