Things to do in

Rajasthan

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is a restored 72-hectare rocky tract at the foot of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, designed to conserve and showcase the native Aravalli desert flora. The park features interpretive walking trails that guide visitors across ancient basalt rock outcrops, seasonal shrublands and grasslands, with dramatic views of Mehrangarh Fort and the blue city of Jodhpur. The trails focus on ecology, geology and traditional desert plants.

A combined cultural and desert experience visiting the ancient Osian temple complex — a cluster of Hindu and Jain temples dating from the 8th–12th centuries — followed by a classic Rajasthani desert safari across sand dunes near Osian, culminating in a sunset, optional dinner and folk-performance at a desert camp.

Jaisalmer Fort, locally called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort), is a living hill fort made of honey‑coloured sandstone that glows at sunrise and sunset. This walking tour takes you through the fort’s narrow lanes, historic palaces, Jain temples, bustling bazaars and panoramic ramparts — offering architecture, local life and photo opportunities in one compact experience.

Patwon Ki Haveli is the most famous of Jaisalmer's carved sandstone mansions and part of a cluster of heritage havelis in the old city. Built in the early 19th century by the wealthy trader Patwa family, the havelis display exquisitely detailed yellow sandstone carvings, ornate jharokhas (balconies), mirror work, woodwork and antique furnishings. Visiting offers a compact experience of Rajasthani merchant architecture and everyday life inside the "Golden City."

Experience the Thar Desert at Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer with traditional camel rides, thrilling jeep safaris and authentic desert camping. The activity blends adventure (dune-bashing and jeep trails) with culture (Rajasthani folk music, dance and local cuisine) and is ideal for photographers and travelers seeking a desert overnight experience or short sunset/sunrise excursions.

Overnight desert camp near Jaisalmer's Sam Sand Dunes offering a blend of Rajasthani folk music and dance, traditional cuisine, camel/jeep activities and guided stargazing under the clear Thar Desert sky. Ideal for cultural travellers, photographers and astronomy enthusiasts who want an authentic desert experience away from city lights.

Gadisar Lake Boat Ride offers a peaceful, photogenic short cruise on the historic reservoir at the heart of Jaisalmer. Built in the 14th century, Gadisar Lake is surrounded by ornate ghats, chhatris, temples and shrines — the boat ride provides close-up views of these heritage elements, waterbirds and spectacular sunrise/sunset reflections.

Kuldhara is a deserted 18th-century Paliwal Brahmin village located near Jaisalmer. Famous for its atmospheric ruins and local legend that the entire village was abandoned overnight, Kuldhara offers a short cultural and photographic excursion into Rajasthan's desert history. The site features crumbling havelis, narrow lanes, carved doorways and wind-swept courtyards — ideal for history lovers, photographers and those interested in folklore.

Desert National Park near Jaisalmer offers exceptional desert-adapted birdwatching where arid-land specialists and winter migrants congregate among dunes, saline flats (dhands) and sparse scrub. The park is best known for its desert ecology and is a potential stronghold for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (sightings are rare and require patience and luck). Guided birdwatching tours focus on early-morning and late-afternoon sessions to maximize sightings.

City Palace is a sprawling royal complex on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, showcasing centuries of Mewar architecture — a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles — with courtyards, balconies, towers and gardens. The Crystal Gallery (housed in a wing of the Fateh Prakash Palace within the complex) exhibits an extensive collection of crystal artefacts and cut-glassware from the royal household, including chandeliers, dinnerware, and decorative pieces that reflect the opulence of the Mewar dynasty.

This combined visit offers history, panoramic lake and city views, and a unique glimpse into royal material culture.

A short, scenic boat cruise on Lake Pichola offering panoramic views of Udaipur’s landmarks—City Palace, Lake Palace (Jag Niwas), Jagmandir, and the Aravalli hills—best experienced during golden hour as the sun sets over the city.

Perched on a hilltop in the Aravalli range overlooking Udaipur, the Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) viewpoint is a late-19th-century palatial structure offering sweeping panoramic views of Lake Pichola, the city’s lakes, palaces and surrounding hills. Built originally as a monsoon retreat for the Mewar royal family, today it is a popular spot for sunset photography, short walks, and enjoying cool breezes during the monsoon and post-monsoon months. The area also forms part of the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, adding a nature-and-history mix to the visit.

An evening cultural performance held at the historic Bagore Ki Haveli on Gangaur Ghat, Lake Pichola. The show (often called the "Dharohar" night show) features Rajasthani folk dances, puppetry, folk music and traditional costumes performed by local artists, presented inside a restored 18th-century haveli with views of the lake and City Palace.

Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex near Udaipur showcasing traditional village arts from Rajasthan and neighboring states. It functions as a living museum where artisans demonstrate making handicrafts, textiles, and folk art. The site also hosts seasonal cultural festivals (notably the annual Shilpgram Utsav) with performances, workshops, and regional food stalls.

Hands-on traditional cooking class in a local Udaipur home or small cooking studio focused on authentic Rajasthani dishes. Participants learn about regional ingredients and cooking methods, prepare multiple courses (starters, main, bread, dessert), and enjoy a shared meal. The experience combines a practical cooking session with cultural stories, spice explanations, and a recipe booklet to take home.

Hathi Pol Market is a vibrant, historic bazaar located in Udaipur's old city near the City Palace. Famous for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles and miniature paintings, it's an atmospheric maze of narrow lanes, artisan shops and local food stalls. The market is ideal for shoppers looking for authentic souvenirs, hand-block printed fabrics, silver jewelry, puppets and colorful Rajasthani decor.

Karni Mata Ropeway provides a quick and scenic cable-car connection up to the Karni Mata Temple on the hill near central Udaipur. The ride offers panoramic views of Udaipur's lakes and palaces and a short walk to a popular viewpoint and small temple complex. It's ideal for visitors who want a compact experience combining a short adventure ride with spiritual and photographic viewpoints.

Ranakpur Jain Temple (Chaumukha Temple) is a 15th-century marble temple complex dedicated primarily to Adinath (Rishabhanatha). Renowned for its intricate marble carvings, extraordinary symmetry, and the famous 1,444 carved pillars (each unique), the temple is one of the finest examples of Jain architecture in Rajasthan. Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha and commissioned by a Jain patron, it remains an active pilgrimage site and a must-visit heritage monument.

Kumbhalgarh Fort is a 15th-century Mewar fortress built by Rana Kumbha. Perched on a 1,100–1,200 m ridge of the Aravalli range, the fort is best known for its massive 36 km defensive walls — often called the "Great Wall of India" — and for panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The activity combines heritage sightseeing inside the fort (palaces, temples, gates) with a wall walk on restored sections for spectacular vistas, sunrise/sunset photography and an immersive historical experience.

The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary trek is a scenic, moderately challenging trek through the Aravalli hills surrounding the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort. The trek combines wildlife viewing (spotted deer, sambar, langurs, and the occasional leopard or sloth bear), sweeping views of the fort and valley, and a chance to walk through dry deciduous and scrub forest typical of southern Rajasthan. Best for nature lovers, birders, and history buffs.