Rajasthan Tourist Destinations | Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India bordered by Pakistan in the west, Punjab in the north and Gujarat in the southwest. Its capital, Jaipur, is nicknamed the "pink city" with reference to its splendid buildings painted in pink. The city is home to sumptuous monuments, open to the public, and which make all its fame. There are several tourist attractions in Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal also called "Palace of the Winds" is a jewel of Rajput architecture. Built in the eighteenth century, the palace has a facade pierced by a multitude of small windows behind which the royal ladies once looked at life outside without being seen. Further, the Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory dating from the 18th century, composed of several dials including a 27 meters high Sun Dial. About 10 kilometers from the city, the ancient capital of Jaipur, Amber Fort, is remarkable for wall decoration.

Jodhpur, the city with blue houses, is located on the edge of Thar desert. Its Mehrangarh Fort overlooks the blue city from the top of a 122 meter high hill. The fortress contains not-to-be-missed richly decorated palaces. Inside the enclosure, a museum exhibits a unique collection of palanquins, howdahs (elephant palanquins) and musical instruments. Jaswant Thada, Mandore Gardens, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Sadar Bazaar, Clock Tower etc are other places to visit in Jodhpur.

Jaisalmer, founded in 12th century on ancient Carvan route and located to the north-west of Jodhpur, is a Rajasthan city famous for its "havelîs" (mansions). These houses are admirable for their facades often decorated with finely worked sculptures or beautiful murals. The best known are probably Moti Mahal, Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli. Jaisalmer is also a starting point for excursions to the Thar Desert.

Udaipur, known as Venice of the East, is historical and second most visited city of Rajasthan. Home to several artificial lakes, Udaipur, once capital of Mewar region of Rajasthan, was ruled by Sisodiya dynasty, known for their bravery, patriotism, uprightness and uncompromising self-esteem. City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan, is probably the most beautiful also. Jag Mandir Palace, Jag Niwas (Lake Palace), Bagore Ki Haveli, Lake Pichola etc are must-see places of Udaipur.

Bikaner, the city of desert and dessert, is also known as Camel City of Rajasthan and Desert City of Rajasthan. Erstwhile a Rajput principality, Bikaner is famous for its Junagarh Fort, Camel Farm & Research Centre, Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple), Lalgarh Palace, Ganga Golden Jubli Museum, Gajner Palace, havelis, camel safaris and ancient Hindu temples.

In addition to these prominent cities of Rajasthan, there are numerous historical and cultural tourist destinations. These places to visit in Rajasthan are known for their ancient forts, palaces, temples, stepwells (baoris), gardens, colorful bazaars, craftsmanship, diverse flora & fauna and magnificent landscape. Among the famous & exotic tourist destinations in Rajasthan are Abhaneri, Bundi, Pushkar, Chittorgarh, Ranakpur, Manvar, Rohet, Sardargarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambhore, Bharatpur, Dholpur etc.