Rajasthan Tourism Guide

Why Visit Rajasthan

What makes Rajasthan stand out isn’t just its majestic architecture or golden deserts—it's the feeling of stepping into a regal past, where every stone tells a story and every city has a soul. From the pink hues of Jaipur and blue-washed houses of Jodhpur, to the white charm of Udaipur and the golden glow of Jaisalmer, each city has its own style of beauty. All these are among the most-preferred tourist places in Rajasthan for Indians and foreigners alike. 

Additionally, the region is generally safe for tourists. Cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur have well-established tourism infrastructures, with ample local support and connectivity. Solo travellers and families alike often find the locals friendly and helpful. 

Best Activities to do

Here are some of the top activities to indulge in on a trip to Rajasthan. 

Exploring Amber Fort, Mehrangarh, and Chittorgarh

Boating on Lake Pichola in Udaipur

Sunset over the Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer

Camel rides and cultural shows

Wildlife safaris in Ranthambore or Sariska 

Walking through Pushkar’s ghats and Ajmer’s Sufi shrines

Shopping for textiles, jewellery, blue pottery, and leather goods

Culture of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a multi-sensory experience. Expect large forts, bustling bazaars, palace hotels, traditional Rajasthani thalis, camel rides in the Thar Desert, and music filling the air in open stone courtyards.

The culture here is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions. Turbans, ghagras, mirrorwork, puppet shows, folk dances, and elaborate festivals such as the Pushkar Camel Fair and the Desert Festival bring the state to life. The lifestyle remains traditional in many areas, especially in smaller towns and villages, offering travellers an authentic glimpse into rural India.

Food And Dining

Rajasthani cuisine is a delight. Expect spicy, flavorful dishes like dal baati churma, ker sangria, laal maas, and gatte ki sabzi, as well as sweets like ghewar and mawa kachori. Although meat dishes are popular, vegetarian options are common and easy to find. Some well-known places to enjoy authentic Rajasthani meals are Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur, Rawat Mishthan Bhandar for snacks and sweets, Handi Restaurant for laal maas, and Niros on Jaipur’s MI Road. In Jodhpur, Gypsy Restaurant and On the Rocks are also popular with locals and visitors alike.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Rajasthan is a shopper’s paradise. Popular items include Buy hand-block prints, silver jewellery, mojari shoes, camel leather bags, puppets, and miniature paintings. In Bapu Bazaar (Jaipur), check out Nandani Textiles (Shop No. 52) for block prints and National Handloom (near Shop No. 98) for a wide range of souvenirs. For traditional footwear, Ramdev Mojari Wala (Shop No. 45) is a local favourite. In Clock Tower Market (Jodhpur), visit MV Spices (Shop No. 209) for famous Rajasthani spice blends and Rajasthan Arts (Shop No. 192) for leather goods and handicrafts.

Ideal Time to Visit

Rajasthan can be visited year-round, but the ideal time is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and perfect for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, especially in desert cities like Jaisalmer and Bikaner, while winters can get chilly in the evenings.

How to Get Around?

Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur have airports with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and other metros. Trains and buses also connect most cities.

Travelling within Rajasthan is smooth as private taxis, self-driving options, and buses are readily available. Many travellers prefer hiring a cab for multi-city trips. Driving alone is possible, but navigating city traffic and rural roads may be challenging for first-timers. 

What to Pack?

Rajasthan’s climate varies. Winters (Oct–Feb) require layers, as mornings and evenings can be cold. 

For Summer, pack light cottons, sunblock, sunscreen, and hats. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. 

For desert areas, carry scarves that help with dust and sun protection. 

Bring proper footwear and gear if visiting wildlife parks or planning hikes (like at Mount Abu). 

Warm clothes and basic items are available for purchase in local markets.

Bonus Tips

Rajasthan is kid-friendly, but hot summers may be harsh on health.

Accessibility is improving, but not all forts and havelis are wheelchair-friendly.

Camping is allowed only in designated areas.

Shops usually close by 9 or 10 PM.

Locals understand Hindi, while English is spoken in most tourist areas.

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and temples. Respect local customs—remove footwear where required. 

Alcohol is allowed and available in licensed venues, but not all restaurants serve it. 

Always check forecasts before visiting the rural or desert regions, especially during monsoon or extreme heat.

Tap water is unsafe to drink, so stick to bottled or filtered water.

Entry tickets for forts and museums range from ?50 to ?300. ATMs are available in towns and cities, and UPI payments are widely accepted. Still, carry some cash for small shops, villages, and tipping.

Network and connectivity issues can occur in desert or forest areas. To improve connectivity, purchase the SIM for that place.

Pre-booking is recommended during peak tourist months and festivals.

Rajasthan is not just a destination; it’s an immersive journey into India’s regal, rustic, and colourful soul. With careful planning and open eyes, it offers travellers a holiday and a story to live and tell. Pack the bags and head here for an authentic cultural experience!