Welcome to Rajasthan, AKA the 'Land of Kings'
From Jaipur's honeycomb-coloured palaces to the maze-like alleyways in the ancient desert citadel of Jaisalmer – and all the colourful cities, saris and bazaars in between – Rajasthan is one of India's most captivating states. There are plenty of big-ticket attractions, like exploring the spectacular Amber Palace or camping under the stars in the Thar Desert. But the real magic lies in the ebb and flow of daily life – like witnessing locals worshipping along the ghats in Pushkar, or enjoying a rickshaw street food tour run by local women. Whether you're doing the Golden Triangle route or diving in for the full Rajasthan experience, get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Our Rajasthan trips
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Highlights of Rajasthan
Explore Amber Fort
It's no wonder Amber Fort is one of the most popular sites on the Golden Triangle route. Affectionately known as the jewel of Jaipur, this hillside masterpiece is a prime example of authentic Rajput architecture with beautiful murals, arches and spectacular rooms including Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) – a space that’s completely covered in mosaic-like coloured glass.
Fall in love with Udaipur
With its colourful bazaars, grand marble palaces and network of shimmering lakes, it's impossible not to fall in love with Udaipur. Explore the Old Town's snaking streets, watch dancers perform in traditional Rajasthani folk costumes, visit the elegant City Palace or enjoy a boat ride on the peaceful Lake Pichola for a different perspective of Udaipur’s heritage buildings and rolling hills.
Soak up the holy atmosphere of Pushkar
Pushkar is one of India's holiest towns and is steeped in rich Hindu culture and tradition. From watching locals perform rituals at the bustling ghats and temples dotted along the lake to hiking up to the hilltop Savitri Temple for sunrise, the pulsing energy of Pushkar is palpable. The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of India's most famous festivals, and if you coincide your trip with this you're in for a real treat.
Spot tigers in Ranthambore National Park
If you want to see wild Bengal tigers, you have the best chance in Ranthambhore. The park was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, but these days it's a haven for wildlife with leopards, wild boar, hyenas, nilgai, birds and of course, tigers. Jump in a 4WD and drive into the thickets of the jungle in search of these elusive creatures before exploring the 10th-century ruins of Ranthambore Fort.
Camp in the Thar Desert
Picture this: you journey deep into a seemingly endless desert of sweeping golden dunes before falling asleep under a blanket of twinkling stars. Bliss, right? Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner as the sun sets over the dunes and spend the evening around a campfire before letting the ambient sounds of the Thar Desert soothe you to sleep. If you thought sunset was amazing, wait until you see a desert sunrise.
Pick up a bargain in Jodhpur
As well as the best lassis in India, Jodhpur is famous for its brilliant bazaars and antique shops. From colourful piles of nose-tingling spices to beautifully embellished saris, and sparkling bangles to handmade carpets, you'll find anything and everything. Once you've grabbed a bargain or two, take your pick of vendors selling tasty snacks or head up to the colossal Mehrangarh Fort which dominates the skyline.
Rajasthan tour reviews
Rajasthan tour FAQs
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Rajasthan's main cities and regions are well-connected with Delhi, Mumbai and other major entry ports in India. Rajasthan is a huge state, and while the quickest way to travel around is via flight, the train is recommended. Not only is it affordable and convenient, but it's one of the most popular ways to get from A to B for locals and is a memorable experience for many travellers in India.
The weather is at its best during the winter between November and February when the temperatures aren't too high. That said, the nights are chilly (often dipping to 0°C or lower) so you'll definitely need warm layers to rug up. Many of the state's most exciting festivals are also held in winter, including the Pushkar Camel Fair, Jaisalmer's Desert Festival and the Udaipur World Music Festival.
Visiting in the summer months between March and September isn't off the cards, but the weather is dry and hot with intense temperatures that often climb to 40°C and higher, especially in places like Jaisalmer and Bikaner. The monsoon runs from July to September, but the rain is generally less severe compared to other states, so visiting during these months is an option if you don't mind the humidity.
Oh, boy are your tastebuds in for a treat! Many of India’s most beloved dishes hail from Rajasthan. Here are a few favourites you absolutely must try:
- Laal maans: This meaty curry turns up the heat. It's made by simmering mutton in a fiery gravy spiced with red Kashmiri chillies, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin seeds and cloves. Mop up the leftover sauce with fluffy rice or warm naan.
- Kachori: Kachori is one of the most popular snack foods in Rajasthan and you'll often smell it cooking on street corners. It's essentially a fried flatbread filled with a delicious mix of spices, potatoes, daal or whatever else you fancy. It's usually served with chutneys and cool yoghurt.
- Gatte ki subzi: This delicious curry consists of chickpea flour dumplings cooked in a creamy yoghurt-based gravy. It's flavoured with red and green chillies, coriander powder, fenugreek leaves, garam masala, turmeric and various other spices.
- Dal bati churma: This traditional Rajasthani dish is made with batis (spicy baked wheat balls) served with daal, either on the side or poured generously on top. It's a great lunch dish or snack.
- Kadhi: Kadhi is a curd-based curry often eaten with rice or roti. It's thickened with gram flour and flavoured with a range of spices such as turmeric, chilli paste, mustard seeds, cumin and asafoetida.
- Ker sangri:Â This Rajasthani delicacy is the signature taste of the Thar Desert. It's made with dried ker berries and sangri beans that are boiled in a pressure cooker and then fried in oil, spices and yoghurt.
We don't recommend ever drinking tap water in India. India is notorious among travellers for sickness and you should avoid drinks with ice and foods that haven’t been cooked or peeled. This means salad is off the menu for now!
Yes, all foreigners (except those from a visa-exempt country) must apply for a visa before travelling to India. You can do this online (e-visa) or by post at your nearest Indian embassy. Eligibility for an e-visa depends on your nationality, trip duration, and how you plan to enter the country.
India isn't the type of place where you can rock up and stroll around in a bikini or short shorts. It's best to follow a conservative dress code to respect the local culture. Avoid showing your shoulders, cleavage and thighs or wearing tight-fitting clothing. Aim for long, loose-fitting trousers and shirts, ideally made from linen or a linen blend if you're visiting in the warmer months.
If you're travelling in winter, light layers should suffice during the day but you'll need a warm fleece or jacket for the evenings when the temperature drops.
A few basics to pack include:
- Long, loose and breathable layers
- Comfortable shoes
- Water bottle
- Day bag
- Warm layer, e.g. hoodie or fleece
You sure do. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.Â
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