Explore the best spots in Rajasthan! Top tourist locations that are of historical significance. Learn how to visit and the best time to go. Spend your time at these top tourist spots in Rajasthan and discover new ways to travel with us!
Starting with popular destinations such as Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur, to offbeat locations such as Kumbhalgarh, Mandawa, etc., exploring Rajasthan will catch you by pleasant surprise. With varying green cover, art styles, architectural beauty, and weather conditions, the state is an all-in-one package. Before you step into planning your tour itinerary, here are a few top tourist spots in Rajasthan that are no less than wonders, a must-visit if you want to experience the real Rajasthan:
1. Bhangarh Fort, Alwar
Rajasthan is known for its forts, palaces, and havelis. A day trip from Jaipur, Bhangarh Fort is just 85 km away from the city. Located in Alwar, the fort is known as the “most haunted place in India.” While the curse is said to be placed by a wizard, owing to his failure in creating a ‘love potion’ to attract Princess Ratnavali, other versions of the myth also prevail. The fort is immensely popular among history buffs, parapsychologists, paranormal investigators, and adventurers for its stories of curses, spirits, and abandoned architecture.
While stories have been spun and passed on from generation to generation, some simply believe that the place was deserted due to a famine, calling the myth a ‘gimmick.’ The fort has stood the test of time since its construction in the 16th century, during the reign of King Bhagwant Das. The architectural excellence and eerie backdrop serve as a great spot for photographers.
- Other Spots to Explore: Also visit the Alwar City Palace, Government Museum, Neemrana Fort, Tijara Jain Temple, Sariska National Park, and more!
- Nearest airport/bus/railway station: Jaipur Airport (90 km), Dausa Railway Station (35 km).
- Best time to visit: October to February (entry allowed only from sunrise to sunset).
2. Mandawa, Shekhawati Region
An epitome of the royal aesthetic, the Shekhawati region is renowned for its extravagant havelis, characterised by elaborate architecture adorned with murals and carefully designed frescoes. Mandawa, a haven for artists and designers, is a town located in this region. Located 29 km away from Jhunjhunu city, Mandawa is known for its havelis and artistic charm. You can find stills and shots of Mandawa in popular Bollywood movies such as PK (2014), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015). Often known as an ‘open-air art gallery,’ the town boasts of picturesque locations such as the Mandawa Fort, Mandawa Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, perfect for photographers and videographers!
- Other Spots to Explore: After a tour of the havelis and open-air gallery, visit nearby towns of the Shekhawati region such as Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Nawalgarh, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Churu, and Khetri.
- Nearest airport/bus/railway station: Jaipur Airport (168 km) & Jhunjhunu Railway Station (30 km)
- Best time to visit: October to March
3. Pushkar Lake & Brahma Temple, Pushkar
Rajasthan is the embodiment of vibrance with a blend of spiritual bliss. Pushkar is a spiritual hotspot with its surreal ghats, temples, and festivities. The town is home to a unique and the most famous Brahma Temple in India, the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir. The shrine we see today is from the 14th century, but it is believed to be an ancient site that dates back 2000 years. The radiant Pushkar Fair, the world’s largest camel and livestock fair, is one of the major attractions of the town. If you visit Pushkar, do not miss the chance to attend this mass fair, an opportunity of a lifetime!
- Other Spots to Explore: Savitri Mata Temple, Rangji Temple, Gurudwara Sahib, Ghats of Pushkar, Bazaar and handicraft marts
- Nearest airport/bus/railway: Kishangarh Airport (40 km) & Ajmer Railway Station (15 km).
- Best time to visit: October to March, especially during the Pushkar Camel Fair (usually November).
4. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
Around 215 km from Pushkar, Chittorgarh Fort is a powerful reminder of Rajput bravery and sacrifice. Spread across 700 acres on a hilltop, it’s India’s largest fort and steeped in stories, from Rani Padmini’s Jauhar to battles that shaped Mewar’s history.
Another soul of the fort is Meera Bai, the 16th-century poet-saint and princess of Mewar, known for her deep, unconditional love for Lord Krishna. Despite royal pressures and criticism, she chose a spiritual path, composing hundreds of bhajans (devotional songs) still sung across India today. The Meera Bai Temple, dedicated to the poet-saint princess, is situated inside the complex, offering a peaceful resting place to its visitors. Don’t miss the Vijay Stambh, Padmini Palace, and the Gaumukh Reservoir while you’re there.
- Other Spots to Explore: Some spots to explore in Chittorgarh include the Kirti Stambh, Chudiya Falls, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Suraj Pol, Archaeological Museum, etc.
- Nearest airport/bus/railway station: Udaipur Airport (90 km) & Chittorgarh Railway Station (6 km)
- Best time to visit: October to March
5. Bundi: Stepwells, Palaces, and Forts
With stepwells everywhere, Bundi is a town that is a haven of artistically designed murals, utility structures, and palaces. Bundi is home to over 50 stepwells, for which it is famously known as the ‘city of stepwells.’ Although Bundi is a hub for cultural tourism, it is one of the less-explored parts of Rajasthan, making it an ideal location for explorers who wish to wander through new landscapes.
To experience the best of Bundi, visit the Taragarh Fort, Bundi Palace, Dhabhai Kund, Garh Palace, and Mahals such as the Moti Mahal, Sukh Mahal, and Badal Mahal. You can also go on a shopping spree at the bazaars and stop by a few lakes in the town.
- Other Spots to Explore: Also explore the cave paintings and jewellery manufacturers in the town. Do not miss places such as Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, Raniji Ki Baori, and Chitrashala.
- Nearest airport/bus/railway station: Kota Railway Station (35 km) & Jaipur Airport (210 km).
- Best time to visit: October to March
6. Ramgarh Crater, Baran District
Roughly 85 km from Bundi, you can explore one of the most unique geological wonders of India. The Ramgarh Crater in Baran District is recognised as India’s first geo-heritage site, with temples, flora, and fauna adorning an impact crater from a meteorite. Estimated to be over 1.4 km in diameter, this nearly circular depression is believed to have been formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. In the present, the crater is home to the Ramgarh Bhand Deora Temple, a beautifully carved 10th–11th century temple dedicated to Shiva.
The crater is of immense interest to geologists, astronomers, space enthusiasts, and even aerial photographers. With a blend of spiritual bliss and scientific intrigue, the spot is guaranteed to kindle an interest in geoheritage tourism for any curious traveller!
- Other Spots to Explore: While visiting the Baran district, also visit Ramgarh Bhand Devra Temple, Sitabari, Shergarh Sanctuary, and Shahbad Fort.
- Nearest airport/bus/railway station: Kota Railway Station (100 km) & Jaipur Airport (300 km)
- Best time to visit: October to March
7. Banswara: The City of Hundred Islands
With its lush green jungles and rivers, Banswara is a hidden gem that boasts of rich tribal culture and islands on the Mahi River. Banswara is an absolute contradiction to the stereotypical imagery of Rajasthan, often termed as the ‘Cherrapunji of Rajasthan.’ The city is also known as the ‘city of hundred islands’ due to the island masses formed by the Mahi River, a pinnacle of geographical beauty. Visit the historical Banswara Garh Fort, and also do not miss Anand Sagar Lake, Mahi Dam, Cheench Brahma Temple, Raj Mandir, Kagadi Pikup Weir, and Dialab Lake.
- Other Spots to Explore: Banswara is well-known for its temples; hence, visit Goddess Tripura Sundari Temple, Madareshwar Temple, Talwara Temple, and Vithala Deo Temple.
- Nearest airport/bus/railway station: Udaipur Airport (160 km) & Ratlam Railway Station (85 km)
- Best time to visit: July to March (especially during monsoon for its green beauty).
8. Ranakpur Village & Jain Temple
Dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, the Ranakpur Jain temple is a pinnacle of spiritual architecture, with structures dating back to the 15th century. The most popular structure here that attracts a majority of architects and enthusiasts is the 1444 intricately carved marble pillars, a wonder of its kind.
If you visit the temple, it is also a given to take a tour of the village, known for its heritage and, of course, marvellous constructions such as the Surya Narayan Temple! A popular destination among pilgrims, the village opens the pearly gates of spirituality with destinations such as Muchhal Mahavir Temple, Desuri, Narlai, Sadri, and more. If you are looking for some adventure amidst the spiritual journey, do not miss your chance to enjoy the jungle safari and a tour of the Ranakpur dam.
- Other Spots to Explore: Once done with a tour of the temples and the village, visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort (40 km from Ranakpur) and Thandi Beri Lake (75 km from Ranakpur).
- Nearest airport/bus/railway: Udaipur Airport (120 km) & Falna Railway Station (30 km)
- Best time to visit: October to March
Rajasthan, with its camel rides and camping out during cold winters, is a wonder in itself, with a lot to unravel. Rajasthan offers the pinnacle of exquisite travel, making everyone feel special with its ‘royal touch,’ packed into wondrous tourist packages and recommendations for your amusement. The forts, roads, and even the souvenirs remind you that you are in the ‘Land of the Kings,’ giving a majestic charm to your time spent on the tour. Add these unique spots to your bucket list today and get exploring!