How to have a balanced experience of Rajasthan's varied attractions
As Rajasthan is such a vast state with a huge variety of things to see and do, deciding what to do can be tricky. Read our guide for some suggestions of places to visit and activities to try to make sure you have a varied Indian adventure.
Visit its impressive palaces and forts
Rajasthan is famous for its exciting, colourful architecture, being home to some of the country's most stunning palaces and forts. It is perhaps no surprise, then, that these rank among the ultimate must-sees during any trip here.
Jaipur, the state's capital, is probably the top place you should go to if you want to see palaces and forts. Start off with Hawa Mahal (also known as the Palace of the Winds) to view its striking facade, which famously resembles honeycomb, before visiting the City Palace, which sits just behind it.
The Amber Fort, situated a short distance outside Jaipur, is another absolute must. During the Mughal era, this was the seat of the ruling Kachwaha family, before Jaipur became the official capital. Occupying an impressive position atop a hill, this marble and red sandstone structure is famous for its opulent halls and pavilions.
Over in Udaipur - often referred to as the City of Lakes thanks to its abundance of water - you can see the fairytale-like Lake Palace, which is perched on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola. You can also view the sprawling City Palace on its banks, which, comprising some 11 palaces in total, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
Explore its temples
Rajasthan is also home to some marvellous historic temples, and one of the best places to see them is Mount Abu. Situated in the south of the state, this destination is widely considered to be the top spot to view Jain temple architecture.
If you only have time to visit one set while you're here, make sure it is the Dilwara Temples. Although they may look a little plain on the outside, their interiors are richly decorated with beautiful white marble carvings. At their oldest, the structures date all the way back to the 11th century, so you can see a real slice of history here.
Go camel trekking in the desert
No visit to Rajasthan would really be complete without experiencing a little of the desert. One of the most exciting - and best - ways to do this is to go on a camel trekking adventure in the Thar Desert, which will give you an utterly different experience to the state's bustling cities.
In fact, you are likely to see little more than vast expanses of sand, the occasional tiny village and some of the most gorgeous night skies you have ever seen.
See some wildlife
Rajasthan is also home to some really fascinating wildlife, so it would be a shame to come all the way here and not see any. If you are keen to have as exciting an experience as possible, make your way to Ranthambore National Park. One of the best places to see tigers in the country, it is has a relatively high concentration of them, which means you are quite likely to be lucky enough to spot one! Plus, you will also have the chance to see a number of other creatures, such as leopards and sloth bears.
You can get some more inspiration about places to visit in Rajasthan here, while it is also worth speaking to friends and family who have made similar trips to see where they would recommend.
