India guide
India is an explosion of colour. The Golden Triangle glistens with culture, Rajasthan has pink and blue cities, and Kerala has lush green Ghat Mountains...
Top 10 things to do in Rajasthan
There’s far more to India’s largest state than multicoloured fortresses and the Taj Mahal. If you’re looking to delve a little deeper into the lesser-known step wells, street food stalls and sand dunes, then here is where your quest for the real Rajasthan begins to take shape. Climb aboard our overnight sleeper train to cultural enlightenment as you find out which rural villages to visit and how to view the city streets and their local inhabitants from a much more eagle-eyed angle.
Our Rajasthan Vacations
Rajasthan tours, India
Discover the evocative northern province of Rajasthan
From
US $1300 to US $1750
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan cycling vacation
Explore the palaces, temples and wildlife of India's desert state
From
US $2479 to US $2579
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan vacation, Christmas time
A relaxing trip to Rajasthan with mixed activities
From
£2095
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan Educational vacation on Art and Craft
Rajasthan Cultural Heritage and Educational Tour
From
£1110
14 days
ex flights
Luxury Rajasthan vacation, 14 days
Experience life as a Maharaja in wonderful Rajasthan
From
£4836
14 days
ex flights
Rajasthan 15 day tour
A well crafted northern Indian and Rajasthani experience
From
£1749
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan and Taj Mahal tour
Authentic experience of live like Royals of history.
From
£900 to £1650
12 days
ex flights
India vacations, The Golden Triangle, tailormade
An ideal trip for the first-time visitor to India
From
£710 to £970
7 days
ex flights
Rajasthan tailor made vacation, India
See the temples & palaces of Rajasthan
From
£755 to £900
12 days
ex flights
Rajasthan, off the beaten track tour
Discover the exotic extravagance of Rajasthan.
From
£1538
15 days
ex flights
India wildlife and culture tour, Rajasthan
Your stay in Jungle core, erstwhile hunting lodge of king.
From
£1270 to £2150
18 days
ex flights
Overland small group tour of India
Roam across India on this small group tour
From
US $900 to US $1299
20 days
ex flights
Rajasthan desert adventure
Explore India's desert state, tigers and Taj Mahal
From
US $1799 to US $2099
13 days
ex flights
Rajasthan cycling vacation with Taj and tigers
Enjoy cycling tour in Royal Rajasthan with Taj and Tiger.
From
US $2060
16 days
ex flights
Horse riding tour in Rajasthan, India
Recce ride across Rajasthan's desert by Royal Marwari horse
From
£3745 to £3935
11 days
ex flights
Tailor made Rajasthan tour, India
Discover the cultural wonders of Rajasthan
From
£1575 to £1895
14 days
ex flights
Rajasthan vacation vacation
Street photography tour to the most colourful state of India
From
US $3890
14 days
ex flights
Rajasthan rural tour in India
Explore the romantic hill forts and palaces of rural India
From
£3249 to £5095
18 days
ex flights
Rajasthan palace hotel in Jodhpur, India
Rajasthan, India Palace Stay with Local Culture and Wildlife
From
£35 to £40
1 day
per accommodation per night (sleeps 2)
Rajasthan cycling tour, Udaipur to Jodhpur
See the best of Rajasthan on a short cycling tour.
From
€1059
8 days
ex flights
Horse riding vacation in Rajasthan, India
Explore Taal Chapper Wildlife sanctuary on Mawari horses
From
£2626
8 days
ex flights
Rajasthan experience vacation
Explore the mysteries of Rajasthan
From
US $2495 to US $2835
15 days
ex flights
Rajasthan photography vacation in India
Incredible Rajasthan palaces and The Pushkar Camel Fair
From
£3950
14 days
ex flights
Rajasthan tours with Pushkar camel fair
Fort cities, rural villages & camel fair
From
£3635
15 days
ex flights
Northern India vacation, tailor made
Discover the vibrant and colourful culture of Rajasthan.
From
£3050
15 days
inc UK flights
Rajasthan tour, India
Discover magnificent forts, palaces and deserts of Rajasthan
From
£2655 to £2875
14 days
ex flights
India Christmas vacation, land of the Maharajas
Christmas in colourful Rajasthan
From
£2665 to £2795
14 days
ex flights
1. Take the train
Traveling by train is not just an efficient and affordable means of getting around Rajasthan, it’s also a great way to have an authentic Indian experience as you sit, stand or sleep alongside local people. Train rides from Delhi to Agra, and beyond, are fantastic for small guided groups with tickets, bunks and seats all organised in advance. Listen, watch and join in as kids play, families chat and a chorus of chai wallas, Bhangra beats and constantly sliding doors help to create the soundtrack to an extremely atmospheric overland adventure. Don’t forget your ear plugs!
2. Desert adventures
The vast Thar Desert extends across 200,000km2 of northwest India, creating a natural border with neighbouring Pakistan. More than 60 percent of the desert sits within Rajasthan and there’s no better way to watch the waves of shifting sand dunes than atop a camel. Setting out from the ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer encourages all of your Arabian dreams to come true, with visits to dhanis (small villages), stories around the campfire and nights under the stars.Our top Rajasthan Vacation
Rajasthan tours, India
Discover the evocative northern province of Rajasthan
From
US $1300 to US $1750
15 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 30 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 16 Aug, 27 Aug, 3 Sep, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 17 Sep, 27 Sep, 1 Oct, 3 Oct, 6 Oct, 8 Oct, 11 Oct, 13 Oct, 15 Oct, 17 Oct, 18 Oct, 19 Oct, 20 Oct, 22 Oct, 24 Oct, 25 Oct, 27 Oct, 29 Oct, 31 Oct, 3 Nov, 5 Nov, 7 Nov, 8 Nov, 10 Nov, 12 Nov, 14 Nov, 15 Nov, 17 Nov, 19 Nov, 21 Nov, 22 Nov, 24 Nov, 26 Nov, 29 Nov, 1 Dec, 3 Dec, 6 Dec, 8 Dec, 12 Dec, 13 Dec, 15 Dec, 17 Dec, 19 Dec, 20 Dec, 22 Dec ...
2019: 30 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 16 Aug, 27 Aug, 3 Sep, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 17 Sep, 27 Sep, 1 Oct, 3 Oct, 6 Oct, 8 Oct, 11 Oct, 13 Oct, 15 Oct, 17 Oct, 18 Oct, 19 Oct, 20 Oct, 22 Oct, 24 Oct, 25 Oct, 27 Oct, 29 Oct, 31 Oct, 3 Nov, 5 Nov, 7 Nov, 8 Nov, 10 Nov, 12 Nov, 14 Nov, 15 Nov, 17 Nov, 19 Nov, 21 Nov, 22 Nov, 24 Nov, 26 Nov, 29 Nov, 1 Dec, 3 Dec, 6 Dec, 8 Dec, 12 Dec, 13 Dec, 15 Dec, 17 Dec, 19 Dec, 20 Dec, 22 Dec ...
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Rajasthan or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
3. Ranthambore National Park
Once the hunting ground of the Maharajahs but now better known as one of Project Tiger’s original protected reserves, Ranthambore National Park is a worthwhile addition to a Golden Triangle itinerary. A 4WD safari at dusk is definitely the best way to catch a glimpse of those burning bright eyes, while a walking tour of Ranthambore’s 10th century fortress also makes for an enjoyable option if you fancy exploring on foot.
4. Stay in a heritage hotel
Checking into a heritage hotel in Rajasthan lets you enter an era that was dominated by the Raj and revelled in hunting parties, the finest of foods and some right royal socialising. Black and white photos reveal more about a heritage hotel’s previous occupants whilst shaded wicker chairs, chess tables and decadent architectural designs allow for a spot of R&R and respite from the midday sun. Massages, swimming and henna tattoos may all be available for guests although sitting under an ornate arch on the roof and watching the sunset may be all that you need.5. Jaipur street food
Sometimes street food shopping can be a little overwhelming, and in Jaipur you’ll certainly be spoiled for choice, with veggie samosas, kachori (spicy pastry parcels), mirchi bajis (batter-covered, fried sweet chillies), masala chai (spiced tea), jalebi (fried swirls of batter soaked in syrup) and sev (fried chickpea noodles). Eating here can require a touch of courage but therein is the fun. Best advice is to watch how the local diners do it before following suit: don’t be shy; ask questions, smile and remember it’s ok to try before you buy.6. Bird’s eye views
You don’t need to take a budget-busting balloon flight to view Rajasthan from up above. Practically every hotel will have its own roof terrace, while rooftop bars and restaurants offer everything from cold Kingfishers to delicious daal dishes. Watching the world go by from on high provides a unique look at life on the ground. You can learn the best way to successfully cross the road like a Rajasthani, what goes on in the industrious rooftop kitchens and where to watch eagles, monkeys and cheeky squirrels making the most of their concrete jungles.
7. Rural village walks
Amid the urban chaos, be sure to take the time to appreciate day-to-day life in some of Rajasthan’s rural villages. Madhogarh and Tordi Garh provide a complete contrast to city living with a guided walk allowing you to find out more about the work, the properties and the environmental pressures facing families living off the land. Colourful wedding invites adorn front doors; cows, pigs and goats cut through narrow alleyways; and traditional potters spin their wheels while the shouts from dusty, lumpy cricket pitches add to the often humbling appreciation of rural village life in India.8. Park life
Nowhere else do Rajasthanis relax quite like they do at an urban park. Although greenery can be sparse, you’ll find benches, walkways and sporadic patches of grass from where to watch the world wander by. Games of cricket and volleyball, workers strolling on their lunch breaks and young families enjoying an oasis of peace; seek out an urban park and before you know it you’ll be chatting, playing and people watching with everyone else.9. Step wells in Bundi
Step wells are an often overlooked architectural achievement in India. These beautiful stone clad structures provide steps to the source of groundwater, where women and children would come to fill their ceramic and copper water pots and stop for a natter along the way. Built by the ruling royals, and often displaying designs that are reminiscent of palatial grandeur, no trip to Rajasthan is complete without stepping back in time in Bundi.
10. Cooking classes in Udaipur
The beautiful city of Udaipur is the perfect place to discover the secrets of Rajasthan’s regional recipes, with everything from rotis and naan breads to the most flavoursome sauces, covered in a hands-on cooking class. The tastes and smells of India are so evocative, and learning how to recreate one or two delicious dishes in your own home will help keep your travel memories alive.More about Rajasthan
The best time to visit Rajasthan is between October to March as you’ll find less humidity and cooler nights.
Discover the delights of this northwest Indian beauty as you read our Rajasthan travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in this parched, yet perfect, province.
Although it is well known as India’s desert state, it is far from culturally arid.
When seeking out things to do in Rajasthan, we represent some of the finest tour operators who can either tailor make you a trip or show you some of the most carefully crafted itineraries for traveling in a small group around the state.
One of the best ways to find out more about the Mughal era of India is through its architecture.
Even if you can only do one night, it is always worth staying in one of Rajasthan’s palaces.
Seek out street food in Rajasthan and you might be surprised as to what lies in store.
If you’re traveling in Rajasthan then do your mind and body a favour by escaping into the silken sands of the Thar Desert.
There certainly are tigers shining bright, but there is also myriad other wildlife in Rajasthan, from birds to blue bulls to sloth bears.
Like so much of India, the responsible tourism in Rajasthan makes for a pretty long list as you can see below.
More relevant guides
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Photo credits: [Page banner: Nick Kenrick] [Chadni Chowk, Delhi: Karthikeyan K]
[Train journey: Santulan Mahanta]
[Ranthambore NP: JULIAN MASON]
[Jodhpur view: J A N U P R A S A D]
[Bundi step well: Hemant Shesh]
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