- Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur are the big three, with Jaisalmer for the desert
- Hiring a car and driver is the easiest way to tour
- Heritage havelis and palace hotels are the highlight of a stay
- Avoid April to June, when temperatures soar past 40 °C
- Airports
- Jaipur (JAI), Udaipur (UDR), Jodhpur (JDH); Delhi (DEL) for international flights
- Best time to go
- October-March
- Type
- Region
Rajasthan is where many people fall for India. The state is a roll call of forts and palaces built by Rajput rulers, set in cities painted pink, blue and gold, with the Thar Desert stretching west towards Pakistan. It works as a first trip, especially combined with Delhi and the Taj Mahal at Agra, and it rewards return visits. For the bigger picture, see our India guide.
Where to stay
- Jaipur – the capital and the closest to Delhi, about four to five hours by road or a few hours by train. Stay near the old Pink City for the sights, or in a quieter heritage haveli in Civil Lines or Bani Park.
- Udaipur – the most romantic city in Rajasthan, built around Lake Pichola. Hotels with lake-view rooftops in the old city around Lal Ghat and Gangaur Ghat are ideal; the famous Taj Lake Palace sits on an island in the lake.
- Jodhpur – the Blue City, overlooked by Mehrangarh Fort. Guesthouses in the old town near the clock tower have the best fort views.
- Jaisalmer – a sandstone fort town in the desert. Stay just outside the fort walls to reduce pressure on the ageing structure, and consider a night at a desert camp.
Things to do
- Amber Fort, Jaipur – a vast hilltop palace complex just outside the city, best visited early before the coach groups arrive.
- City Palace and Hawa Mahal, Jaipur – the honeycomb façade of the Palace of the Winds is best photographed in morning light from the cafés opposite.
- Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur – one of India's most impressive forts, with an excellent audio guide and a zipline tour on the walls below.
- Lake Pichola, Udaipur – take a sunset boat trip and visit the City Palace on the shore.
- Jaisalmer Fort and the Sam dunes – wander the lived-in fort, then head out for a camel ride and sunset in the dunes.
- Ranthambore National Park – one of India's best places to see wild tigers, with safaris in jeeps or open-topped canters. Book permits well ahead.
- Pushkar – a holy lakeside town known for its huge camel fair in October or November.
Getting there and around
Most visitors fly into Delhi and either drive or take the train to Jaipur. Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur have airports with domestic flights from Delhi and Mumbai. Distances between cities are long, often five to seven hours by road, so most travellers hire a car with a driver for the whole trip, which is affordable and flexible. Trains link most cities too; book air-conditioned classes well ahead.
When to go
October to March is the season, with warm, dry days. December and January nights can be cold in the desert, so pack a warm layer. April to June is very hot, often above 40 °C, while the July to September monsoon brings humid heat and occasional heavy rain, though Udaipur's lakes look their best afterwards.
Top attractions in Rajasthan
Rajasthan on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Rajasthan?
Ten days covers Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur at a comfortable pace. Add three or four days for Jaisalmer, and two for a Ranthambore safari.
Is it better to hire a driver or take trains in Rajasthan?
A driver is easier, lets you stop at villages and stepwells en route and costs less than you might expect. Trains are cheaper and comfortable in AC classes but need booking ahead.
What should I wear in Rajasthan?
Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful and keeps the sun off. Bring a scarf for temples and a fleece for winter evenings.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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