Things to do in

Rajasthan

Chittorgarh Fort (Chittor Fort) is one of the largest forts in India and an iconic symbol of Rajput valor and heritage. Perched on a hill overlooking the town of Chittorgarh, the fort complex spans several square kilometers and contains palaces, towers, temples, reservoirs and memorials. This exploration provides history, architecture and panoramic views — ideal for history buffs, photographers and culture travelers.

Bundi’s two crown jewels: the ornate murals of Bundi Palace (Garh Palace) — a superb example of Rajasthani miniature-style frescoes, intimate courtyards and painted chambers — paired with the rugged, dramatic ramparts of Taragarh Fort (Star Fort) that loom above the town. This combined visit blends delicate art and stronghold architecture, offering panoramic views, photogenic frescoes, and a deep dive into Bundi’s royal past.

Raniji ki Baori is the centerpiece of a compact, highly photogenic stepwell trail through Bundi's old town. These baoris (stepwells) combine practical water management with richly carved architecture and painted chambers. The trail guides visitors through the most ornate stepwell in the city and several lesser-known neighborhood baoris, offering insight into 17th–18th century Rajput craftsmanship, urban water design and everyday life in historic Bundi. (Descriptions and timings below are for a self-guided or guided walking trail.)

World-famous wetland and bird sanctuary (a UNESCO World Heritage site) located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a mosaic of shallow lakes, marshes, scrub and grasslands that host hundreds of resident and migratory bird species, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography and nature study.

Ranthambore Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National Park (Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan) is one of India’s most famous wildlife experiences, offering high chances to see Bengal tigers in a classic dry-deciduous forest landscape. The park also combines wildlife viewing with cultural and historical interest — the dramatic Ranthambore Fort sits within the reserve. Safaris operate as jeep (private) and canter (shared) drives across multiple zones (1–10), with morning and afternoon sessions for the best wildlife activity.

Ranthambore Fort is a historic hill fort located within the Ranthambore National Park area near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the fort offers panoramic views over the surrounding forest, lakes and plains. It combines natural scenery with centuries-old architecture—walls, gates and temples—reflecting Rajput and medieval history. Best for: history lovers, photographers, and visitors combining heritage with wildlife safaris.

Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in the Aravalli hills of Alwar district in Rajasthan, offers a classic dry-deciduous forest wildlife safari experience close to Delhi. The reserve is known for its population of Bengal tigers (reintroduced in recent decades), leopards, nilgai, sambar, chital, hyena, and a rich variety of birds. Safaris are conducted by government-authorized gypsies (open 4x4 vehicles) and can be taken in morning or afternoon slots. The terrain is hilly with ruins, dry riverbeds, and rocky outcrops which make for dramatic wildlife sightings and photography opportunities.

Bhangarh Fort near the village of Bhangarh in Alwar district, Rajasthan, is one of India’s most famous ruined forts — known for its striking 17th-century architecture, extensive ruins, and strong local legends. The activity is a guided or self-guided exploration of the fort complex, nearby temples, stepwells and old bazaar areas set against the Aravalli hills.

Shekhawati Fresco Trail explores the painted open-air art gallery of Rajasthan — the richly frescoed havelis (merchant mansions), forts and temples of the Shekhawati region. Centered on the towns of Mandawa and Nawalgarh, the trail showcases 18th–early 20th-century mural painting traditions, blending Rajput, Mughal, European and folk motifs executed by skilled local artists.

Chand Baori is a monumental stepwell in the village of Abhaneri (near Dausa), Rajasthan. Built between the 8th and 9th centuries CE and attributed to rulers of the Nikumbh/Chanda dynasty, it is famous for its geometric precision: a 13-storey deep, symmetrical stairway of thousands of steps leading down to the water. The stepwell was both a community water-harvesting structure and a cool social space, and stands adjacent to the ruined but ornate Harshat Mata Temple complex.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah Qawwali & Ziyarat is a spiritual and cultural experience centered on the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Visitors participate in ziyarat (visitation) to the mazar (tomb) and can attend moving qawwali (Sufi devotional music) sessions that create a devotional atmosphere. The activity blends history, devotion, music and community service (langar).

Ana Sagar Lake promenade is a peaceful lakeside walk in the heart of Ajmer, Rajasthan, surrounding the historic Ana Sagar Lake—a 12th-century artificial lake built by Anaji Chauhan. The promenade offers a mix of scenic views, historic marble pavilions, landscaped gardens, boating options, and excellent vantage points for sunrise and sunset. It's ideal for short leisure walks, photography, and evening outings.

Key features: scenic waterside walkway, historic Baradari (marble pavilions) on the lake, boating, landscaped gardens (Daulat Bagh), and views of the Aravalli hills.

Pushkar Brahma Temple is the principal Hindu shrine in the holy town of Pushkar (Rajasthan) dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator. The temple is a focal point for pilgrims who come for darshan (worship), to attend aarti ceremonies, and to visit the sacred Pushkar Lake nearby. The temple complex is compact and atmospheric, set amid narrow lanes and colourful bazaars.

Evening Aarti at Pushkar Lake is a serene, sensory-rich ritual held on the ghats of Pushkar Lake as the sun sets. Priests chant Vedic mantras while offering rows of oil lamps (diyas) and incense, creating a golden spectacle reflected on the water. It's a living cultural experience—part devotion, part theatrical performance—and a highlight for visitors to Pushkar.

Experience a serene early-morning hot air balloon flight above the sacred town of Pushkar and the surrounding Aravalli hills. This seasonal activity offers panoramic views of the Pushkar Lake, colourful ghats, desert dunes and, during November, the lively Pushkar Camel Fair. Flights are typically conducted at sunrise to take advantage of calm winds and spectacular golden light.

Annual livestock fair and cultural festival centered around camel trading, cultural performances and religious observances at Pushkar Lake and surrounding grounds. The fair combines traditional camel and cattle trading with competitions (camel races, moustache contests), folk music and dance, handicraft markets, and religious activities culminating around Kartik Purnima (full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik).

Junagarh Fort is a late 16th-century fort in Bikaner, Rajasthan, notable for being one of the few major forts in Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Constructed under Maharaja Rai Singh, the fort complex contains exquisitely decorated palaces, courtyards, temples and a museum that houses royal artifacts, frescoes and textiles illustrating the region's rich Rajputana heritage.

Karni Mata Temple, popularly known as the Rats Temple, is a 15th-century shrine dedicated to the Hindu goddess Karni Mata in Deshnoke village near Bikaner, Rajasthan. The temple is renowned for its large population of locally revered black rats (kabbas) that freely roam the temple precincts and are considered sacred. The temple architecture features marble floors, silver doors, ornamental balconies and a sanctum housing the idol of Karni Mata.

Visit the National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) at Bikaner — a unique research and conservation facility dedicated to camel breeding, health, and products. The centre houses a camels' farm, a small museum on camel biology and culture, a camel dairy, veterinary facilities, and demonstration areas where visitors can learn about camel husbandry, research, and value-added camel products.

Dilwara Temples are a group of exquisitely carved Jain temples located near Mount Abu in Rajasthan. Renowned for their extraordinary marble architecture and intricate sculptures, they date from the 11th to 13th centuries and are considered a masterpiece of Indian temple art. The complex offers a serene spiritual atmosphere combined with outstanding craftsmanship that draws pilgrims, history lovers, and art enthusiasts.