I still remember the first time I visited Rajasthan—thanks to the Jane Kya Dikh Jaye tourism video that made me pack my bags and set out on this adventure. What I experienced was beyond my imagination. The golden deserts, magnificent palaces, bustling bazaars, and the warm hospitality of the locals made it an unforgettable trip.
If you’ve ever dreamt of walking through grand forts, riding a camel through the endless sand dunes, and savoring authentic Rajasthani food like Dal Baati Churma and Makkai ki Roti, then Rajasthan is the perfect destination for you. Let me take you through the best places to visit in this magical land.
1. Jaipur – The Pink City and Its Royal Grandeur
Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, was my first stop. The moment I entered the city, I noticed its pink-hued buildings, which instantly gave a royal vibe. The famous Hawa Mahal, with its 953 tiny windows, looked stunning in the golden sunlight. I climbed up to the top, and the breeze flowing through those jharokhas (windows) made me feel like a royal myself.
Then came the Amer Fort, standing majestically on a hill. I took an elephant ride to the fort entrance—something straight out of a historical movie! The Sheesh Mahal inside was breathtaking. Imagine standing in a room full of intricate mirrors, reflecting candlelight like a million stars.
Jaipur isn’t just about forts and palaces. The Chokhi Dhani experience gave me a taste of Rajasthan’s folk culture—traditional dances, puppet shows, and, of course, an unlimited platter of authentic Rajasthani food.
Where to Stay in Jaipur?
Luxury: Rambagh Palace | Budget-friendly: Zostel Jaipur
2. Jaisalmer – The Golden City Amidst Sand Dunes
As I stepped into Jaisalmer, it felt like I had entered a fairytale. The entire city, built with yellow sandstone, glowed under the sunlight, giving it the name The Golden City.
I explored the Jaisalmer Fort, one of the few “living forts” in the world, where people still reside within its walls. Narrow lanes, vibrant handicraft shops, and tiny cafes made it feel like an ancient kingdom frozen in time.
Then came the most thrilling part—the Thar Desert safari. Riding a camel through the dunes during sunset was surreal. As I sat by the bonfire at the desert camp, listening to folk music under a star-lit sky, I realized this was one of the most peaceful yet exciting experiences of my life.
Where to Stay in Jaisalmer?
Luxury: Suryagarh Jaisalmer | Desert Camp: Rajputana Desert Camp
3. Udaipur – The Venice of the East
If romance and serenity had a name, it would be Udaipur. The first thing that caught my eye was the stunning Lake Pichola, with the famous Lake Palace floating right in the middle. I took a boat ride at sunset, and the sight of the golden-lit City Palace reflecting in the water was nothing less than magical.
Udaipur is also a food lover’s paradise. At a rooftop restaurant by the lake, I tried Gatte ki Sabzi and Makkai ki Roti—simple yet incredibly flavorful dishes that define Rajasthani cuisine.
One hidden gem I discovered was Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace. The view from the top was breathtaking, with the entire city and the lakes spread out like a painting.
Where to Stay in Udaipur?
Luxury: Taj Lake Palace | Budget: Banjara Hostel
4. Jodhpur – The Blue City’s Royal Charm
As soon as I entered Jodhpur, I was greeted by houses painted in various shades of blue. It’s said that the color keeps the houses cool and also represents the Brahmin community.
The Mehrangarh Fort stood tall, dominating the city’s skyline. The view from the top was unreal—you could see the entire blue city below, stretching to the horizon. Inside the fort, I explored royal rooms, grand courtyards, and weapon galleries, feeling like a warrior from the past.
Jodhpur is also home to Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, an offbeat yet stunning landscape perfect for a nature walk. And how can I forget the bustling Sardar Market near Clock Tower, where I tried the famous Mirchi Bada and Makhaniya Lassi?
Where to Stay in Jodhpur?
Luxury: Umaid Bhawan Palace | Budget: Haveli Inn Pal
5. Pushkar – The Spiritual and Colorful Town
Pushkar has a unique vibe—spiritual yet lively. I visited the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. The energy at the temple was something I had never felt before.
The Pushkar Lake was serene, surrounded by 52 ghats where people performed prayers. I also experienced the famous Pushkar Camel Fair, where hundreds of camels were decorated and traded. It was one of the most colorful festivals I had ever seen!
Food in Pushkar was a highlight—especially the Malpua (sweet pancake) and Pyaaz Kachori, which were absolutely mouthwatering.
Where to Stay in Pushkar?
Luxury: Ananta Spa & Resorts | Budget: Zostel Pushkar
6. Ranthambore – The Land of Tigers
If you love wildlife, Ranthambore is a must-visit. I went on a jungle safari at Ranthambore National Park, and after hours of searching, I finally spotted a majestic tiger walking gracefully through the forest. It was a moment of pure thrill!
Apart from the safari, Ranthambore Fort is another place worth visiting. Perched on a hill, it offers a panoramic view of the lush greenery below.
Where to Stay in Ranthambore?
Luxury: Oberoi Vanyavilas | Budget: Rajbagh Jungle Resort
7. Bundi – The Hidden Gem of Rajasthan
Bundi is an underrated beauty. The Bundi Palace, with its intricate murals and rustic charm, felt like an untouched masterpiece. The best part? Hardly any crowd!
I also visited Chambal River, where I took a boat ride surrounded by peaceful landscapes. This was a stark contrast to the royal grandeur of other cities but equally mesmerizing.
Where to Stay in Bundi?
Luxury: The Hadoti Palace | Budget: Dev Niwas
My trip to Rajasthan was more than just sightseeing. It was about feeling the golden air of the desert, listening to folk songs by campfires, tasting flavors that lingered on my tongue, and experiencing hospitality that warmed my heart.
If you’re looking for a place that offers history, adventure, culture, food, and breathtaking landscapes, Rajasthan is where you should be. And trust me, once you visit, it stays with you forever!
So, when are you packing your bags to explore Rajasthan?