The northern state of Rajasthan is the epitome of India’s regal beauty. Forts, palaces, vibrant local culture, golden sand dunes, and a lot more, Rajasthan offers a glimpse of India’s enthralling beauty. Very close to the capital city of New Delhi, Rajasthan is well connected by air and train. You can also drive down from Delhi while enjoying the countryside views. The Golden Fort and Sam Desert in Jaisalmer, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the majestic Chittorgarh Fort, and the Lake Palace in Udaipur are among the best places to visit in Rajasthan.

The Best City to Visit in Rajasthan

At a driving distance of nearly 300 km from Delhi, there are many amazing cities to visit in Rajasthan. Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is among the best cities to visit in Rajasthan. Known for its forts, museums, and the most mesmerizing royal culture, Jaipur can be visited almost throughout the year, except for the peak summer months of May and June when the Indian summer gets hot and sultry.

As you enter Jaipur, the magnificent Amer Fort welcomes you on the outskirts of Jaipur. Later, when you visit the fort, you will enjoy the most amazing elephant ride. The elephants take tourists up to the gigantic fort, and the guests are happy to get a taste of India’s regal era when the kings used elephants as their primary means of transport. The fort showcases exquisite carved pillars and ceilings, with precious stones embedded, creating a picture-perfect beauty.

The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a sight of beauty and grandeur at the centre of Jaipur. Built in red sandstone, there are hundreds of windows through which the ladies of the royal family watched the outside world (In India, ladies in the bygone times were not allowed to go outside often). When you come out of the Hawa Mahal, do visit the shops around this popular market. You can buy apparel, jewelry, jutties (leather footwear), and the famous lac bangles from here. The other must-visit places in Jaipur are the Jal Mahal, the Albert Museum, and the Jaigarh Fort.

The Best Palaces in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is filled with grand palaces that were once the homes of India’s royal families, and a few of them have been turned into hotels. These luxury hotels offer the most memorable stay in royal settings with huge poster beds, butler service, food served with silver cutlery, evening soirees, and much more. The City Palace in Udaipur, Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, and the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur have now been turned into hotels making them the best hotels in Rajasthan.

The Udaipur City Palace, situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Constructed in Medieval and European architecture, the palace is comprised of towers, domes, courtyards, pavilions, terraces, rooms, and hanging gardens. It also houses a well-stocked museum showcasing the art, culture, and exquisite weaponry that were once possessed by the royal family.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is another palace worth visiting. Known for its grandeur and breathtaking architectural beauty, the palace is spread across 26 acres of open land, including a beautifully ornamented garden spread over six acres. This amazing palace is now among the best hotels to stay in Rajasthan. High-ceiling halls, life-size paintings of members of the royal family, weapons on the walls, glass chandeliers, and superbly decorated interiors offer guests a fairytale experience beyond imagination. During your stay here, you will be fed like kings. Though special dishes from the royal kitchen are always on the menu, a choice of international cuisine is also available.

Rajasthan can never be a one-time destination. It takes a lifetime to soak in the grandeur and beauty of this amazing royal state. Apart from the palaces, forts, lakes, and breathtaking natural vistas, Rajasthan welcomes you with unheard-of hospitality and a vibrant culture. The Thar Desert and the Golden Fort in Jaisalmer, the colourful palaces in Shekhawati, the gigantic Chittorgarh Fort, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur are among the best places to visit in Rajasthan, and the list can go on.

A destination for history and museum lovers, Rajasthan is also loved for its amazing wildlife. The Ranthambore National Park, Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, and Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary are among the most popular wildlife destinations where the big cats, Asiatic elephants, and breathtaking flora and fauna will leave you mesmerized.

Elephant and camel rides, jungle safaris, local music and dance shows, jewelry shopping, the animal fair at Pushkar, and even hot air balloon rides capture the unimaginable beauty of the state. The people here are very friendly and will pamper you with their warm hospitality. In this fast-paced life, if you are looking for a holiday that will take you to the yesteryears and indulge you with royal hospitality, Rajasthan is a must-visit with friends and family.