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A Beginner’s Guide to Rajasthan
?Where are the Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan?
The land of deserts, colors, and royals, Rajasthan is rich in culture, dotted with small havelis (traditional mansions) and known for its palaces converted into boutique hotels. You will definitely feel like a royal when you visit one of the many palaces or forts standing majestically over its kingdom. Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer are the major destinations, and each one has its own personality. Outside of these main cities are also some hidden gems where you can escape from the crowds and experience the desert and its people on a personal level. Rajasthan, the largest state of India, varies in characteristics as you travel from one end to the other.
1. Jaipur
The most popular destination, Jaipur is famed for its multiple royal forts and palaces, but the most famous is the Amber Fort, built in 1592, with the city growing around it. In 1876, the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Ram Singh, ordered the fort to be painted pink for the visit of the Prince of Wales, Edward Albert.
2. Jaisalmer
Moving from the lakes to the desert, the most western city of Rajasthan is Jaisalmer, set in the center of the Thar Desert. Known as the Golden City, it is characterized by its yellow sandstone buildings and is a bit off the beaten path. Jaisalmer Fort, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, is one of the very few “living forts” that still exist. Inside you will find homes, temples, shops, and much more, along with an ornate maharaja’s palace and intricately carved Jain temples. About 14 miles from the fort, you can adventure into the sand dunes and experience a camel safari or sleep under the stars.
3. Udaipur
Fall in love with the pearly white buildings of Udaipur, set amongst the Aravali Hills. The city is surrounded by seven glistening lakes but the heart of the city is Lake Pichola, with its two islands hosting the magnificent Jagmandir Island Palace and famous Lake Palace. In Udaipur, you can discover some of Rajasthan’s traditional crafts, textiles, and jewelry in the local bazaars as you stroll through narrow winding lanes along the banks of the lake.
4. Jodhpur
Jodhpur, the blue city, has been put on the map internationally for its love of art and heritage. Here the Mehrangarh Fort holds an impressive display of artifacts from the royal lineage, and is an architectural wonder in itself. The royal family is still very involved in setting up many events in the city, including the Rajasthan International Folk Festival, the Gypsy Flamenco Festival, and the World Sufi Festival.
When is the Best Time to Visit Rajasthan?
While Rajasthan can be visited anytime of the year, the winter season (October to March) is ideal, when it is cooler and drier. Temperatures begin to cool in October and by November, they range from around 86°F in the day and 59°F in the evenings. In January, temperatures are lower, with highs of 70°F and lows in the high 40sF.
Keep in mind if you are planning to visit Ranthambore National Park, it is closed from June to October, as are the other national parks. The Jawai region can be visited all year round, but after March, temperatures start heading into the high 80sF in the day and may feel hotter under the desert sun.
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
   | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| Jaipur | | 71° 48° 0.2″ | 77° 54° 0.3″ | 87° 64° 0.2″ | 97° 74° 0.3″ | 103° 81° 0.5 | 101° 82° 1.8″ | 93° 79° 5.5″ | 90° 77° 5.4″ | 92° 75° 2.2″ | 91° 68° 0.5″ | 82° 58° 0.1″ | 74° 51° 0.1″ |
| Jaisalmer | | 75° 48° 0.1″ | 81° 53° 0.1″ | 91° 62° 0.1″ | 101° 72° 0.2″ | 107° 79° 0.3″ | 107° 83° 0.6″ | 103° 83° 1.9″ | 100° 80° 2.1″ | 100° 77° 0.8″ | 96° 69° 0.2″ | 87° 60° 0.1″ | 78° 51° 0.1″ |
| Ranthambore | | 73° 50° 0.2″ | 79° 56° 0.3″ | 90° 66° 0.2″ | 100° 76° 0.2″ | 106° 84° 0.5 | 103° 85° 2.3″ | 93° 81° 7.0″ | 90° 79° 6.9″ | 92° 77° 2.7″ | 91° 70° 0.6″ | 84° 60° 0.1″ | 75° 52° 0.1″ |
Where are the Best Places to See Wildlife in Rajasthan?
if you wanted to add some wildlife adventure to your trip, nature reserves outside Jodhpur and Jaipur are great places to escape the bustle of the city.
About a three-hour drive from Jaipur lies the famous Ranthambore National Park. The park is scattered with beautiful ancient ruins, where many times a tiger can be spotted lazing around.
If you are near the city of Jodhpur, a drive of only about 1.5 hours brings you to the perfect rocky hills of Jawai, India’s leopard country. Both of these areas fit in perfectly with any Rajasthan tour.
When are Major Festivals & Fairs Celebrated in Rajasthan?
January–February
Nagaur Fair
Held in the small town of Nagaur, this lively cattle fair is one of the largest in Rajasthan. Farmers from across the region gather to trade camels, horses, and cattle, while vibrant stalls offer traditional crafts and local delicacies. In addition to the bustling livestock market, visitors can enjoy folk music, camel races, and tug-of-war competitions. It’s a colorful celebration of rural life in Rajasthan, providing an authentic cultural experience.
February
World Sufi Festival
The World Sufi Celebration invites Sufi craftsmen from all over India (and the world!) to showcase their music in a spiritual event held in various venues in Rajasthan. This is a profound experience and introduces you to the mystical world of Sufism, the pursuit of a direct, personal experience of God through love and devotion. Be sure to wear loose and comfortable clothing while dancing!
March
Holi Festival
India’s colorful Holi Festival symbolizes the beginning of spring, the victory of good over evil, and hope for a good harvest. Holi is a boisterous occasion in which families gather outside in the streets, douse each other with brilliantly colored powders and splash each other with water pistols to make the color stick!
October
Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF)
Timed to match the time of the brightest full moon of the year, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival is an annual music and art festival that promotes traditional Indian folk music and arts. It is held at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and is supported by UNESCO as a “People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development.”
mid-October to mid-November
Diwali
Diwali is the five-day Hindu festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Considered India’s largest and most important holiday of the year, the festival includes good food, fireworks, colored sand, and special candles and lamps. It’s also a time for new beginnings and is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists around the world.
november
Pushkar Fair
The Pushkar Fair, also known as the Camel Fair, is an iconic festival held in the holy town of Pushkar. This week-long event draws traders and pilgrims from across India to buy, sell, and race camels, all against the backdrop of one of the country’s most sacred lakes. The fair is a vibrant spectacle of camel processions, cultural performances, and local markets, making it a must-see for travelers seeking a true taste of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage.
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