Rajasthan Holidays — Forts, Palaces & Desert Dunes
Rajasthan
Holidays
India's most cinematic state — royal forts, painted palaces, desert dunes and the legendary Golden Triangle
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Flight Time
9–10h to Delhi or Jaipur, then domestic connection
Best Time
October to March — cool, dry and perfect for sightseeing
Country
India
Suppliers
our travel partners ·
Rajasthan Holiday Guide
Rajasthan is India at its most spectacular — a vast, sun-baked state of royal forts, painted havelis, camel caravans and desert sunsets. The Pink City of Jaipur, the blue city of Jodhpur, the romantic lake palaces of Udaipur, the golden sandstone city of Jaisalmer on the edge of the Thar Desert, and the holy city of Pushkar with its sacred lake and camel fair — Rajasthan is a state that rewards slow travel.
The classic Rajasthan circuit runs Jaipur–Ranthambore–Jodhpur–Jaisalmer–Udaipur over two weeks, with Agra and the Taj Mahal easily added at the start. Each city has its own distinct character, cuisine and architectural style — the journey between them is as rewarding as the destinations themselves.
October to March is the ideal time to visit — cool, dry and perfect for sightseeing. April to June is extremely hot (up to 45°C in Jaisalmer). The monsoon (July–September) brings welcome rain but can make some roads difficult.
Average Temperatures
Jan
18°C
Feb
22°C
Mar
28°C
Apr
34°C
May
38°C
Jun
36°C
Jul
32°C
Aug
30°C
Sep
30°C
Oct
28°C
Nov
23°C
Dec
18°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Rajasthan
The royal forts, painted cities, desert landscapes and tiger reserves that make Rajasthan the most visually spectacular state in India.
Amber Fort — Jaipur's Hilltop Masterpiece
The Amber Fort (Amer Fort) perched on a hill above Jaipur is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture in India — a vast complex of palaces, courtyards, temples and gardens built in pale yellow and pink sandstone and white marble. The Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is extraordinary — thousands of tiny mirrors set into the ceiling and walls create a dazzling effect when lit by candlelight. The fort is best visited early morning before the crowds and heat build.
Mehrangarh Fort — Jodhpur's Blue City
Mehrangarh Fort rises 125 metres above the blue city of Jodhpur on a sheer rocky outcrop — one of the largest and most imposing forts in India. The views over the sea of blue-painted houses below are extraordinary. Inside, the fort's palaces house an exceptional museum of royal artefacts, palanquins, howdahs and miniature paintings. The blue colour of Jodhpur's houses was traditionally used by Brahmin families but has spread across the old city.
Udaipur — City of Lakes
Udaipur is arguably the most romantic city in India — a city of shimmering lakes, white marble palaces and narrow lanes built in a valley surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. The Lake Palace (now a luxury hotel) appears to float on Lake Pichola, the City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, and the Jagdish Temple is one of the finest Hindu temples in the state. Sunset boat rides on Lake Pichola are unmissable.
Jaisalmer — The Golden City & Desert Dunes
Jaisalmer is the most remote and magical of Rajasthan's cities — a golden sandstone fort rising from the Thar Desert, 100km from the Pakistan border. The fort is still inhabited, with narrow lanes, havelis, temples and rooftop restaurants inside its walls. The Sam Sand Dunes, 40km outside the city, are the classic Rajasthan desert experience — camel safaris at sunset, camping under the stars and folk music around a fire.
Ranthambore — Tigers in the Ruins
Ranthambore National Park is one of India's best tiger reserves — and uniquely, the tigers here hunt and rest among the dramatic ruins of a 10th-century fort, creating extraordinary photographic opportunities. Morning and afternoon jeep safaris (book well in advance) offer the best chance of sightings. The park also has leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, crocodile and over 300 bird species.
Pushkar — Sacred Lake & Camel Fair
Pushkar is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism — a small town built around a sacred lake with 52 bathing ghats and the only Brahma temple in the world. The annual Pushkar Camel Fair (October/November) is one of the world's great spectacles — 50,000 camels, horses and cattle traded over five days, with folk performances, camel races and a full moon ceremony on the lake. Even outside fair time, Pushkar is a magical, unhurried place.
Shekhawati — The Open-Air Art Gallery
The Shekhawati region of northern Rajasthan is known as the 'open-air art gallery of Rajasthan' — a collection of small towns (Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Fatehpur, Jhunjhunu) whose merchant havelis are covered in extraordinarily detailed frescoes depicting everything from Mughal court scenes to early 20th-century scenes of trains, cars and aeroplanes. Almost entirely off the tourist trail, Shekhawati is one of India's great hidden treasures.
Rajasthani Cuisine & Culture
Rajasthani food is among the most distinctive in India — dal baati churma (lentils with baked wheat balls), laal maas (fiery red mutton curry), gatte ki sabzi (chickpea flour dumplings in yoghurt gravy) and ker sangri (desert beans and berries) reflect the harsh desert environment where fresh vegetables were scarce. Rajasthan is also famous for its folk music (the haunting sarangi and dholak), puppet shows, and the extraordinary embroidered textiles and block-printed fabrics of Jaipur and Barmer.
Explore Rajasthan on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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