Rajasthan is not just an Indian state; it is more like an assault on the senses in the most beautiful way possible. There are cities and deserts, the turbans are neon pink, and every hilltop seems to be crowned by a fortress that has seen a thousand years of history. But cities aside, there are some seriously cool Things To Do in Rajasthan that need to be on your India Itinerary.
Having visited India many times, we can confidently say that Rajasthan is the heart of the “classic” Indian experience.
In this guide, we are diving deep into our favourite corners, including the must-see forts, the quirky temples, and the secret family lunches that make this state so special.
Destinations and Things To Do in Rajasthan
These are our recommendations and favourite Things To Do in Rajasthan.
1. Jaisalmer: The Golden City
Some of very cool things to do in Rajasthan are in the far west city of Jaisalmer.
It is named as the ‘Golden City’ and it really does feel like it was plucked straight from a storybook. Built almost entirely of yellow sandstone, the city glows like a nugget of gold under that desert sun!
It is one of our favourite places in India.
Jaisalmer Fort
Unlike most forts in India, which are empty monuments, Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. Nearly 3,000 people still live inside its walls.
Wandering the narrow, winding alleys is a highlight—look for the wedding invitation murals painted outside front doors and the stunning Jain Temples with carvings so fine they look like lace!
There is lots to see inside Jaisalmer Fort.
The Ultimate Camel Safari
You haven’t truly experienced the Thar Desert until you’ve spent a night under the stars. And ridden a camel in Jaisalmer!
We always recommend an ethical camel safari. Avoid the crowded, noisy “tourist” dunes. Instead, head for the quiet, non-tourist dunes. Sleeping on a mattress on the sand under the Milky Way is a totally unique experience and one of the very iconic things to do in Rajasthan.
A Special Lunch with a Local Family
Our most cherished memories in Jaisalmer aren’t of monuments, but of people. We highly recommend arranging a lunch with a local family. There is something incredibly special about sitting on a floor in a traditional home, sharing Moong Dal and fresh rotis while learning about desert life.
It’s an authentic connection that no museum can provide.
If you get the chance to visit a family home and really meet people, this is hands down one of the most special things to do in Rajasthan.
- Where to Stay: Wanderlust Guesthouse. Located outside the fort, it offers incredible views of the ramparts and the best rooftop vibe in town. Not to mention this is the Camel Safari that we highly recommend in Jaisalmer.
2. Jaipur: The Pink City
As the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a chaotic, vibrant mix of old and new. It’s a city of grand gateways and bustling bazaars – and it is busy!
The Trio of Forts
Jaipur is famous for its defensive architecture:
- Amer Fort: The grandest of them all, known for its artistic Hindu elements and the glittering Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace).
- Nahargarh Fort: Perched on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, this is the best spot for sunset views over the entire city.
- Jaigarh Fort: Home to the world’s largest cannon on wheels, Jaigarh offers a more rugged, military look at Jaipur’s history.
The Best Lassi in India
While in Jaipur, a stop at Lassiwala (Lassi 312) on MI Road is non-negotiable. They have been serving creamy, thick lassi in traditional clay pots (kulhads) since 1944!
There are many imitators nearby, so look for the one with the “312” address—it is the original and undisputed king of Jaipur beverages.
- Where to Stay: Jaipur Haveli. For a boutique experience that feels like staying in something of a historic palace museum, this is our top pick. We always stay here with our Group Trips in India.
3. Udaipur: The City of Lakes
Often called the “Venice of the East,” Udaipur is dubbed the most romantic city in India. Built around a series of artificial lakes and backed by the purple Aravalli hills, it’s a unique place to slow down.
Lake Pichola
The heart of the city is Lake Pichola. Taking a boat ride at sunset is the quintessential Udaipur experience.
You’ll float past the Lake Palace, which appears to be floating on the water, and get a stunning view of the City Palace illuminated against the night sky.
- Where to Stay: Jagmandir Island Palace for a splurge, or Madri Haveli for a beautifully restored 300-year-old haveli experience in the old city.
4. Jodhpur: The Blue City
Dominating the skyline of Jodhpur is the massive Mehrangarh Fort, arguably the most impressive fortification in all of India.
The Blue Alleys
Seeing the Blue City is one of the most famous things to do in Rajasthan. The old city is a labyrinth of houses painted in every shade of indigo.
Originally the blue was painted to keep houses cool and deter insects. But now the blue walls now provide one of the most photogenic backdrops in the country. Spending an afternoon getting lost in the blue parts of the city is a must. 😊
5. Bikaner: The Red City & The Rat Temple
Bikaner is often overlooked by first-time visitors, which is a mistake. It is home to some of the most intricate red sandstone architecture in the state.
Plus, have you heard about the Rat Temple?! This has to surely be one of the weirdest (most unique) things to do in Rajasthan…
The Karni Mata (Rat) Temple
Located about 30km from Bikaner in Deshnoke, the Karni Mata Temple is world-famous. Here, over 25,000 black rats are worshipped as holy ancestors.
Seeing them scurry across the marble floors and drink milk from large bowls is a surreal experience. Seriously.
If you spot a white rat, it’s considered an omen of extreme good luck!
- Where to Stay: The Prince Haveli. Basic accommodation but the Haveli has been lovingly restored and is located right in the centre of the old city. Owner Atik does an awesome morning tour of Bikaner.
6. Pushkar & Ajmer
These are two of the famously spiritual things to do in Rajasthan.
Just a short distance apart, these two towns offer very different – but spiritual – experiences.
Pushkar: The Holy Lake
Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities in India and surrounds a sacred lake. It is home to one of the world’s few Brahma Temples.
The vibe here is laid-back and spiritual—perfect for wandering the Ghats (steps) leading down to the water.
Ajmer: The Dargah Sharif
Ajmer is famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the tomb of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world for Muslims, but it welcomes people of all faiths.
The energy here is electric, especially during the evening Qawwali (devotional music) sessions.
Though I have to be honest, we visited Ajmer in the wet season, and it was not one of the best things to do in Rajasthan!
- Where to Stay in Pushkar: We stayed at Inn Seventh Heaven (lol; the name) and enjoyed our stay. The hotel is a 100-year-old Haveli (mansion) and is beautifully set up inside with an internal courtyard and common places to relax on each level.
A Taste of Rajasthan: Food to Try
One of the best things to do in Rajasthan is to try the food! Rajasthani cuisine is a reflection of its desert environment—rich, spicy, and designed to last.
There is lots to try. But a few iconic dishes of Rajasthan include:
- Jaisalmer Curry (Ker Sangri): A unique desert dish made from wild berries and beans. It’s tangy, spicy, and unlike anything else you’ll eat in India.
- Dal Baati Churma: The state’s signature dish. Hard wheat rolls (baati) are crushed and soaked in spicy dal, served with a side of sweet crumbled wheat (churma).
- Laal Maas: For the meat-eaters, this Red Meat curry is famous for its heat, traditionally made with mathania chillies.
- Saffron Lassi: Thick, sweet, and fragrant—perfect for cooling down after a day of exploring forts.
- Camel Milk Ice Cream: A must-try in Rajasthan!
Practical Tips for Rajasthan
As with any India travel, a bit of planning makes all the difference and enjoying the Things To Do in Rajasthan is no exception.
Best Time to Visit
The desert is brutal in the summer. Visit between October and March. The weather is sunny and pleasant during the day, though nights in the desert can get surprisingly cold, so pack a fleece!
Getting Around
The train network in Rajasthan is excellent, linking all the major colour cities.
For more flexibility, hiring a private driver for a 10-day loop is a popular and relatively affordable way to see the smaller villages and step-wells along the way. But I’ve got to be honest; the trains are a highlight of things to do in Rajasthan!
Read All About Train Travel In India.
Respecting Culture
Rajasthan is a traditional state. It’s best to dress modestly—keep shoulders and knees covered, especially when entering temples or rural villages.
Final Thoughts: Why We Keep Coming Back
Whether you’re standing on the ramparts of a fort in Jaipur or riding a camel up on a sand dune in Jaisalmer, you’ll feel the weight of history all around you.
It’s certainly a land that celebrates its past while embracing a vibrant, colourful present. We really enjoy the unique things to do in Rajasthan and all the iconic (and famously colourful) cities that make up the state. Enjoy Rajasthan!
Are you planning your first trip to North India? Check out our Full 10-Day Rajasthan Itinerary for the best route to see it all!
Do you have questions about traveling in or the things to do in Rajasthan? Drop them in the comments below—we’ve explored here many times and would love to help you plan your adventure!
Safe travels, adventurers!
Read More India Inspiration
- Ultimate India Food Tour: 10 Must-Try Treats.
- India Tourist e-Visa: Our Step-By-Step Guide.
- 10 Things To Do In Kochi & Kerala.
- Best Tourist SIM Card For India.
- What To Wear In India.
- 10 Tips To Avoid Delhi Belly In India.
- 4-Day Kochi & Kerala Itinerary.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
- 10 Iconic Things To Do In Kolkata.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have travel insurance before further planning things to do in Rajasthan!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
