Rajasthan is a state in west India and land of the kings. The state is an exotic and magical place to visit and popular among tourists. You can admire magnificent historical palaces, forts, temples and a vibrant art & cultural scene. The most interesting cities to visit in Rajasthan are Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Look around and admire the men with turbans and moustaches and women wearing colourful sari’s and jewellery.

Jaipur is the Pink City and renowned for the Palace of the Winds. And to go shopping at one of the many bazaars. Jaisalmer Fort is entirely made of yellow sandstone and the reason why the city is named the Golden City. The city is located close to the Pakistan border. The old city has a mystical Arabian Nights atmosphere. The immense fort of Jodhpur gives an impression of the warlike history of the city. Udaipur is famous as City of Lakes and the picturesque lake palaces. The romantic atmosphere in Udaipur is perfect for a honeymoon.

Jaipur

Jaipur, the Pink City, owes the name because the rose-red coloured sandstone of the houses. The city is located 300km southwest of Delhi and has more than 300 million inhabitants. The climate is dry and you can see the first characteristics of a desert landscape. Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and named after Sawai Jai Singh II (1699-1744). He was the ruler of Amber and left Amber Fort in 1727 to found a new capital city. It became Jaipur the City of Victory.

Jaipur is one of the best planned cities in India. Architect Vidyadhar Chakravarty from Bengal designed a walled city with seven gates. Until this day craftsmen with the same profession live and work in the same neighbourhoods. The old city of Jaipur is mostly intact and the place to visit the main attractions; Palace of the Winds, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Tripolia Gate and many bazaars.

Udaipur

The most romantic city of India is Udaipur. The city is idyllically situated in a valley, surrounded by the green Aravalli hills and at the banks of the Pichola- and Fateh Sagar Lakes. The city is referred to as the City of Lakes. The old city centre is a tangled web of streets and alleys with shops, restaurants, guest houses and workshops of craftsmen. Udaipur is famous for the beautiful palaces.

In the middle of Pichola Lake are two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. On both islands is a palace. In 1624 Shah Jahan lived at Jag Mandir. Today the palace is a luxury hotel. Tourists can visit the gardens of Jag Mandir. Go for a boat ride starting at the City Palace and they drop you off at the gardens. Jag Niwas was the palace of Jagat Singh II in 1746. This palace is also transformed to a luxury hotel, Taj Lake Palace. It is considered to be one of the most romantic hotels in the world.

The City Palace in Udaipur is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Technically it’s not one palace but the complex consists of seven palaces. The City Palace is built on top of a hill. The architectural style is a mixture of Mughal and Rajasthani designs. Close to the entrance of the City Palace is the Jagdish temple, a large Hindu temple.

Pushkar

Pushkar is a prominent pilgrimage for Hindus in India. The city owes its sacred status to the lake. They say the lake was made by Brahma, the creator of the universe. The lotus flower is the symbol of god and Brahma dropped three lotus leaves. When the leaves touched the earth, the lakes were created. The lake in Pushkar was the most important one. Throughout the centuries Pushkar became the city of temples with hundreds of shrines and temples.

The main temple in the city is the Brahma temple. Savitri, Brahma’s wife, discovered her husband did not share a distinguished ritual with her but with a milkmaid. Savitri cursed Brahma. She decided that worshipping Brahma was only allowed in Pushkar. The Brahma temple is one of the few Brahma temples in India. Just outside the city on top of a hill is the Savitri temple. From here you have an amazing view of Pushkar and scenery around.

Pushkar Camel Fair

Pushkar Mela is the largest livestock market in Rajasthan. It’s also called the Camel Fair because the trading of camels is most popular. Every year hundreds of thousands of people visit the festival to see the camel races, to go to the carnival and to see the dance shows.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur is located at the border of the Thar desert. The city is founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. He was the leader of the Rathores, a tribe originally from Uttar Pradesh. The city is named after Jodha. Today it’s the trade centre for livestock, grain, cotton and wood. The most impressive place in Jodhpur is Mehrangarh Fort.

Mehrangarh Fort is situated 125 metre above the city and is enclosed by an impressive thick defence wall. It is built in 1459 by Rao Jodh. His successors regularly expanded and reinforced the fort until it became impregnable. Some parts of the walls are 36 metre high and 21 metre wide. Other places to visit within the city is the Sardar Bazar next to the clock tower. Go for a stroll in the old city and see how the people live in their blue coloured houses. Jodhpur is also called the Blue City because of the blue coloured houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.

Mandore

Mandore is located 10km outside of Jodhpur. It used to be the capital city of the Marwar Kingdom until 1459. The Mandore gardens is popular by locals and tourists. The gardens used to be the Royal Crematorium until the 19^th century. At the gardens are the chhatri’s, grave monuments. The chhatri’s are the exact place where the royals were cremated.

Jaisalmer

In the middle of the Thar desert and close to the Pakistan border is the city of Jaisalmer. The city is a medieval desert town and it feels like you walk into an Arabian Nights fairytale. Jaisalmer Fort is built on an elevation out of yellow sandstone. The colour of the sandstone gave the city it’s nickname: the Golden City. The old centre of Jaisalmer is a maze of narrow streets and best to explore on foot. Because of the strategic location at the border with Pakistan the city serves as a garrison town. Jaisalmer is the administrative centre of the region.

The beautiful mansions (haveli’s) are an amazing architectural wonder in Rajasthan. In the 18^th and 19^th century rich merchants built the haveli’s to live in. The most beautiful example is Patwon ki Haveli. Another attraction to visit is Jaisalmer Fort and Museum. In the centre of the fort are a few Jain temples dating back to the 12^th and 15^th century. In total there are four temples but they merged together. From the outside it looks like it’s one temple. Jaisalmer is also famous for the beautiful embroidery items with small pieces of reflective glass woven in it.

Camel Safari

Explore the scenery around Jaisalmer and go on a camel safari. There are multiple options ranging from half a day to a multiple day trek through the sand dunes of Sam. The overnight stays are in the open air. If you go further away from the city you have the chance to see the beauty of the Thar desert. On the way you see villages, abandoned villages, temples, ruins and tombs. Don’t go wandering out alone. The raika’s (camel drivers) know the way, a necessity in a area with a limited number of wells.

In The World’s Jungle Archives

The most interesting cities to visit in Rajasthan is an overview of places to visit in Rajasthan. Read the articles about Jaipur and Udaipur to read in-depth information. Do you need inspiration about other places to visit in India? Explore the historical city and ruins in Hampi, admire the colonial architecture in Kochi, visit the capital city of India, Delhi, or go east and travel to the UNESCO- village of Mahabalipuram.

Are you going to India for the first time? Read the Beginners Travel Guide India and find the practical info you need. The Beginners Guide to Indian Culture and Hinduism is a good read when you like to know more about the Indian culture.

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