Places to roam in Rajasthan in 2024-25
Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, is a treasure mine of ancient history, vibrant culture, and magnificent scenery. If you want to visit this stunning state in 2024, prepare to be fascinated by its royal palaces, magnificent forts, and captivating deserts. Let’s have a look at some of the best places to roam in Rajasthan in 2024-25 that will make your trip truly unforgettable!
Jaipur – The Pink City:
Start your Rajasthan journey in Jaipur, the capital city famous for its pink-hued buildings. Explore the majestic Amber Fort, marvel at the intricate Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and visit the opulent City Palace. Don’t miss the bustling markets of Jaipur, where you can shop for beautiful handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional attire.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. The weather is pleasant, perfect for sightseeing.
Tourist Attractions:
- Amber Fort
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
- City Palace
- Jantar Mantar
- Nahargarh Fort
- Jaigarh Fort
- Jal Mahal
- Albert Hall Museum
- The bustling markets of Jaipur for handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional attire
Nearest Railway Station: Jaipur Junction
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (hot and dry)
- Monsoon: September-October (moderate rain)
- Winter: November-February (cool and pleasant)
Udaipur – The City of Lakes:
Next, head to Udaipur, often called the Venice of the East. Lose yourself in the romantic charm of Lake Pichola, visit the iconic Lake Palace, and wander through the narrow streets of the old city. Udaipur is also home to stunning palaces like the City Palace and Jag Mandir, offering panoramic views of the city.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. The weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for boating and exploring.
Tourist Attractions:
- Lake Pichola
- City Palace
- Jag Mandir
- Lake Palace
- Jagdish Temple
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Saheliyon Ki Bari
- Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace)
- Shilpgram
- Bagore Ki Haveli
Nearest Railway Station: Udaipur City Railway Station
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (hot)
- Monsoon: September-October (moderate rainfall)
- Winter: November-February (cool and romantic)
Bundi:
Located in the Hadoti region, Bundi is a small town known for its mesmerizing palaces, forts, and stepwells. The Taragarh Fort, with its stunning architecture and panoramic views of the town, is a must-visit. Don’t miss the intricately carved Chitrashala and the stepwells such as Raniji ki Baori and Nagar Sagar Kund. Bundi also offers a glimpse into rural Rajasthan with its narrow lanes, traditional markets, and friendly locals.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. The weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for exploring historical sites.
Tourist Attractions:
- Taragarh Fort
- Chitrashala
- Raniji ki Baori (stepwell)
- Nagar Sagar Kund (stepwell)
- Garh Palace
- Sukh Mahal
- 84 Pillared Cenotaph
- Nawal Sagar Lake
- Phool Sagar Lake
Nearest Railway Station: Bundi Railway Station
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (hot and dry)
- Monsoon: September-October (moderate rainfall)
- Winter: November-February (cool and pleasant)
Bikaner:
Famous for its well-preserved forts and palaces, Bikaner is a city that should not be missed. Start your exploration with the Junagarh Fort, an architectural marvel showcasing a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. The Lalgarh Palace, built in red sandstone, is another attraction worth visiting. Don’t forget to indulge in the city’s famous snacks like Bikaneri bhujia and rasgulla.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. The weather is pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the desert city.
Tourist Attractions:
- Junagarh Fort
- Lalgarh Palace
- Ganga Singh Museum
- Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)
- Rampuria Havelis
- National Research Centre on Camel
- Bhandasar Jain Temple
- Laxmi Niwas Palace
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Junction
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (extremely hot)
- Monsoon: September-October (minimal rainfall)
- Winter: November-February (cool and dry)
Mandawa:
Known as the Open-Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan, Mandawa is a small town in the Shekhawati region. It is renowned for its beautifully painted havelis (mansions) adorned with frescoes depicting mythological scenes, royal portraits, and intricate designs. Take a leisurely walk through the narrow lanes of Mandawa to admire these artistic masterpieces. Don’t miss the Mandawa Fort, which offers a panoramic view of the town.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. The cool weather allows for comfortable exploration of the outdoor art galleries.
Tourist Attractions:
- Mandawa Fort
- Painted Havelis with Frescoes
- Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
- Jhunjhunwala Haveli
- Murmuria Haveli
- Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
Nearest Railway Station: Jhunjhunu Railway Station (Nearest major station)
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (hot and dry)
- Monsoon: September-October (minimal rain)
- Winter: November-February (cool and ideal for outdoor activities)
Alwar:
Located in the Aravalli Range, Alwar is a city rich in history and natural beauty. The majestic Alwar Fort is a must-visit, offering breathtaking views of the city. The Sariska Tiger Reserve, situated nearby, is home to various wildlife species including tigers, leopards, and deer. A visit to the stunning Siliserh Lake Palace will add a touch of romance to your trip.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. The weather is pleasant for wildlife safaris and exploring forts.
Tourist Attractions:
- Alwar Fort (Bala Quila)
- Sariska Tiger Reserve
- Siliserh Lake Palace
- City Palace Alwar
- Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri
- Vijay Mandir Palace
- Fateh Jang Gumbad
Nearest Railway Station: Alwar Junction
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (hot)
- Monsoon: September-October (moderate rainfall)
- Winter: November-February (cool and suitable for wildlife excursions)
Barmer:
For those seeking an authentic Rajasthani experience, Barmer is the place to be. This desert city showcases vibrant culture through its folk music, dance performances, and traditional handicrafts. Explore the intricately carved temples like Kiradu Temples and Ramdevra Temple. Don’t forget to shop for exquisite hand-block printed textiles and embroidered fabrics.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. The cooler months provide a comfortable climate for exploring the desert landscape.
Tourist Attractions:
- Kiradu Temples
- Mahabar Sand Dunes
- Barmer Fort
- Nakoda Jain Temple
- Devka-Sun Temple
- Wood Fossil Park
Nearest Railway Station: Barmer Railway Station
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (extremely hot and dry)
- Monsoon: September-October (minimal rainfall)
- Winter: November-February (cool and pleasant)
Shekhawati:
Known as the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan, Shekhawati is dotted with numerous villages showcasing beautifully painted havelis (mansions) adorned with frescoes. Each haveli tells a unique story through its intricate paintings. Some must-visit villages include Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Fatehpur, and Dundlod.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. Ideal for walking tours and exploring the outdoor art gallery in cool weather.
Tourist Attractions:
- Mandawa Havelis
- Nawalgarh Fort and Havelis
- Fatehpur Havelis
- Dundlod Fort and Havelis
- Podar Haveli Museum
- Murarka Haveli
- Aath Haveli Complex
Nearest Railway Station: Jhunjhunu Railway Station (for Mandawa and nearby villages)
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (hot and dry)
- Monsoon: September-October (minimal rain)
- Winter: November-February (cool and perfect for exploring havelis)
Pushkar – The Holy City:
Make a stop at Pushkar, a holy town renowned for the Brahma Temple and its tranquil lakes. Immerse yourself at the sacred Pushkar Lake, encircled by over fifty ghats (steps). If you’re going to be in the area in November 2024, make sure not to miss the colourful Pushkar Camel Fair. This extraordinary cultural event draws visitors from all over the world.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. November is especially famous for the Pushkar Camel Fair.
Tourist Attractions:
- Pushkar Lake
- Brahma Temple
- Savitri Temple
- Varaha Temple
- Rangji Temple
- Pushkar Camel Fair (November)
- Ghats of Pushkar Lake
Nearest Railway Station: Ajmer Junction (closest to Pushkar)
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (hot)
- Monsoon: September-October (moderate rainfall)
- Winter: November-February (pleasant)
Ranthambore National Park:
Nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s finest tiger reserves. Embark on an exciting wildlife safari and spot tigers, leopards, deer, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Best Time to Visit: October to April. The park is open for safaris, and sightings of wildlife are more frequent.
Tourist Attractions:
- Wildlife safari (tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and more)
- Ranthambore Fort
- Padam Talao (lake)
- Raj Bagh Ruins
- Kachida Valley
Nearest Railway Station: Sawai Madhopur Junction
Weather:
- Summer: March-August (hot)
- Monsoon: September-October (park remains closed)
- Winter: November-February (cool and good for wildlife spotting)
Remember to plan your trip well in advance to make the most of your time in Rajasthan. Whether you’re captivated by history, fascinated by architecture, or seeking adventure, Rajasthan has something for everyone. So pack your bags, immerse yourself in its rich heritage, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
FAQ’s related to Places to roam in Rajasthan in 2024
1. What is the best time to visit Rajasthan?
The finest months to visit cities such as Bundi, Bikaner, Mandawa, Alwar, Barmer, and Shekhawati are October to March. The temperature is cool and pleasant during these months, making it excellent for visiting forts, palaces, and havelis. Summers can be exceedingly hot, particularly in desert areas such as Barmer and Bikaner.
2. What are the must-visit attractions in these cities?
- Bundi: Taragarh Fort, Chitrashala, Raniji ki Baori, Nagar Sagar Kund
- Bikaner: Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Karni Mata Temple, Rampuria Havelis
- Mandawa: Painted Havelis, Mandawa Fort, Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
- Alwar: Alwar Fort, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Siliserh Lake Palace, Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri
- Barmer: Kiradu Temples, Mahabar Sand Dunes, Barmer Fort
- Shekhawati: Mandawa Havelis, Nawalgarh Fort, Dundlod Fort, Podar Haveli Museum
3. How can I travel between these cities in Rajasthan?
You can travel between these cities via road (taxis and buses) or train, depending on the location:
- Car Rentals: Renting a car or hiring a private taxi is a popular option for exploring these cities at your own pace.
- Train Stations: Bundi, Bikaner, Alwar, Barmer, and Jhunjhunu (for Shekhawati and Mandawa) have railway connections.
- Buses: There are well-connected state and private bus services.
