20 Things to Do in Rajasthan for an Amazing Vacation

Nestled in the heart of India, Rajasthan transports you back in history and unfolds the rich heritage like a fairytale story. As you enter Rajasthan, mesmerize in the opulent palaces, imposing forts, and intricate architecture, where each structure narrates its own tale. From the golden sands of the Thar Desert to the lush Aravalli hills, Rajasthan showcases a remarkable geographical mosaic. The vivid landscapes transition seamlessly, offering a captivating blend of colors, cultures, and traditions. 

20 Best Things to Do in Rajasthan

1. Visit the Historic Forts

Visiting the Sonar Qila of Jaisalmer is like walking straight into history as it is the only living fort in India. Thus, visiting Jaisalmer Fort is one of the best things to do in Rajasthan. These formidable structures, perched atop rocky hills or nestled amidst arid landscapes, offer panoramic views of the surrounding regions and transport visitors to a bygone era.

2. Indulge in Adventure Activities

Embark on the jeep safari in the majestic Ranthambore National Park and get a chance to encounter some majestic creatures like leopards and tigers. Experience hot-air ballooning to get a surreal perspective of Rajasthan’s fort, palaces, and arid landscape from the skies. The lakes of Rajasthan also offer an array of water activities like speed boating, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boating, etc.

3. Visit the Haunted Places

One such place is the famous Bhangarh which narrates a sorcerer’s curse that led to the fort’s abandonment. The Kuldhara Village in Jaisalmer was abandoned overnight which renders its haunted spirit. Other places to visit in Rajasthan to experience paranormal activities are Sudhabay in Pushkar that houses a ghost fair, Chand Baori, Rana Kumbha Palace, Mehndipur Balaji Temple, etc.

4. Take Elephant and Camel Rides

You can go for a camel ride almost anywhere in Rajasthan. Taking up a desert camel safari in Jaisalmer or Bikaner, a camel cart ride at Pushkar Fair, a visit to India’s Largest camel breeding center in Bikaner and attending the famous camel festival are just some of the ways to know more about these animals of Rajasthan.

5. Live like the Royals for a Day

These properties blend history, elegance, and impeccable hospitality, offering a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyles of the erstwhile Maharajas and nobility. The floating Udaipur’s lake palace, The Rambaugh Palace in Jaipur, Jodhpur’s Umdaid Bhawan Palace, and the Suryagarh Palace, once served as royal residences are now preserved architecture with world-class amenities to offer an unparallel experience of princely living.

6. Visit the Museums

Other than housing the artifacts of the royal family members the museums of Rajasthan also house antique items, weapons, ancient manuscripts, etc from all over the world as bought by various traders and rulers. Visiting the Albert Hall and Doll Museum of Jaipur, City Palace Museum of Udaipur, Vintage Car Museum of Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer War museums is one of the best things to do in Rajasthan for a history buff.

7. Marvel at the beautiful Palace Interiors

The City Palace of Jaipur showcases a blend of Mughal and Rajputana architecture with the 4 most beautiful ornate doors based on the seasons. Udaipur’s City Palace is equally fascinating with its Mor Chowk’s three peacock-themed mosaics. Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace showcases the Art Deco style and boasts a remarkable collection of antique clocks. The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, which is also a symbol of Rajasthan’s beauty, with its iconic symmetrical facade of jaalis and paintings was made to provide cool ventilation during summer

8. Relish the Local Cuisine

The dishes like Bajri ki Roti. Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, and Lal Maas are a part of the traditional cuisine of Rajasthan and are a must-try. Do not forget to try the famous sweets – Ghevar a delicious dessert made of deep-fried batter, soaked in sugar syrup and Mawa Kachori with a sweet filling of milk solids, coconut and dry fruits.

9. Attend the Colourful Festivals

The best way to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this state is by attending the colorful festivals of Rajasthan. The celebrations of various festivals in Rajasthan are an opportunity to interact with the locals, understand their customs and traditions, savor the festive food and be a part of the lively festivities.

See the true side of rural Rajasthan with the Pushkar Camel Fair and the Bikaner Camel Festival which is a cultural extravaganza with various competitions like camel race, traditional performances and much more. Other popular festivals to attend in Rajasthan that is celebrated with great pomp are Diwali, Marwar Festival, Jaipur Literature Festival, Gangaur and Teej. If you ask me, you must attend the Holi Festival in Pushkar market if you love crowded but happening parties and spend the Makar Sankranti evening in old Jaipur where the sky is filled with colorful kites and post-dawn the lanterns and fireworks fill the night sky.

10. Watch Traditional Performances

Enjoy the lively Kalbelia dance that celebrates the nomadic heritage and features the serpentine movements of a snake. The Ghoomar dance is a celebration of womanhood where the graceful twirls of colorful attire will captivate the audience. These performances can be enjoyed at places like Bagore ki Haveli in Udaipur, Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur, and some desert campsites in Jaisalmer. The impromptu traditional performances can also be seen on the main markets and popular streets across various cities in Rajasthan.

11. Go Shopping in the Colourful Market

Some of the famous shopping places in Rajasthan are Jaipur’s Johari and Bapu Bazaar, Jodhpur’s Sardar Market, Udaipur’s Shilpgram and Haathi Pol Market and the Sadar Bazaar of Jaisalmer. If you are into hippie items like tie-dye clothes, hemp items, and psychedelic artwork, then the colorful Pushkar market is the perfect place for you.

12. Attend the traditional art workshops in Jaipur

You can participate in workshops on blue pottery that teach the traditional techniques that go into making pottery. You can print your own piece of cloth in block-printing workshops with natural dyes and colors. You can also learn jewelry making and miniature paintings by participating in these workshops organized in museums, local art galleries, government workshops, etc.

13. Visit the lakes of Rajasthan

You can also indulge in several water sports in other lakes in Rajasthan like Fateh Sagar Lake, Nakki Lake, Ana Sagar Lake, Badi Lake, Jaisamand Lake and Gadisar Lake. Visiting the unique Sambhar Salt Lake which is also India’s largest inland saltwater lake is one of the best things to do in Rajasthan.

14. Visit the Famous Religious Sites

The Tanot Mata Mandir on the Jaisalmer Border is believed to protect the Indian Army based here. The Pushkar town is renowned for housing the only Brahma Temple in the world, making it a must-visit site. The Mehendipur Balaji temple in Dausa district is renowned for its exorcism activities. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah dedicated to the famous priest Salim Chisti is also one of the popular sites to visit in Rajasthan. Visiting these unique temples in Rajasthan is one of the best things to do in Rajasthan and listening to the legends and stories behind them can be an intriguing experience.

15. Visit the National Parks

The famous national park in Rajasthan is the Ranthambore National Park, famous for the spotting of tigers, leopards, nilgai, deer, sambhar, golden jackal, etc. Other National parks include the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Desert National Park, Kumbhalgarh, and Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary. The Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur is a paradise for bird watchers as several migratory birds flock to this place from all around the world during migration.

16. Go Camping/ Glamping

Glamping is another emerging best things to do in Rajasthan as there are now several properties in the countryside of Rajasthan that have set their unique glamping resorts. They accommodate you in royal tents, swiss cottages, geodesic domes, etc with all the modern amenities and comfort.

17. Visit the Indo-Pak Border

The Tanot Mata Temple near the Jaisalmer border is a revered pilgrimage site in Rajasthan. The temple survived during the 1971 Indo-Pak war which attributed to the goddess’s divine protection of the region. The museum near the temple houses war remains from this war, which will foster a deeper connection with the nation’s history and security forces.

18. Travel on a Luxury Train

The luxury experience onboard the Palace on Wheels is unparallel. The lavish cabins adorned with elegant fabrics and rich furnishing exude royalty. Personal attendants cater to every need, ensuring a seamless and pampered journey. Sumptuous meals, a fusion of traditional Rajasthani and global cuisines, are served in opulent dining cars. Cultural performances, traditional music, and regal hospitality are seamlessly woven into the experience, creating an immersive tapestry of Rajasthan’s heritage.

19. Explore the Stepwells

These stepwells were used to store water all year round and the steps were built for easy access to the water, despite the heat and arid weather. Additionally, there were also used as spaces for social gatherings and religious ceremonies. The Abhaneri stepwell is one of the most beautiful step wells in the country. Other popular step wells to visit in Rajasthan are Panna Meena ka Kund in Jaipur and Toorji ka Jhalra in Jodhpur.

20. Explore the 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Other than these the majestic pink city of Jaipur has recently been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Cities, dues to its planning, bustling marketplaces, entry gates and junctions, etc. The Jantar Mantar – an astronomical observatory in Jaipur is also a part of this list. Lastly, the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur is another UNESCO gem that is a haven for avian enthusiasts.