Rajasthan Tourism Guide

India’s most colourful destination is found in its desert state, Rajasthan. With a unique geography, a long-lasting royal history and a vibrant local culture, it is truly one of the country’s gems when it comes to tourism for national and international visitors alike. A Rajasthan tour can take you anywhere from lively bazaars to epic sand dunes to exquisite forts and palaces, from one town to the next. And not to mention the wildlife spotting opportunities, monuments to go sightseeing and a host of spirited festivals that will leave you thrilled.

If you’re looking for to experience the royal treatment, there’s no place better in all of India than the land of Maharajas. Spend your days by a sunny lake, under symmetrical palace archways, watching over brightly painted towns, on a lively jungle safari and devouring generations-old recipes. While nights couldn’t be any better, soaking in a folk performance or dining al fresco under a canopy of stars. Rajasthan tourism promises to leave you feeling enchanted, enlightened and full of eclectic experiences to carry back home.

Rajasthan has thrived as a tourist destination in India, and every third foreign visitor to India visits Rajasthan. Rajasthan is known worldwide for its fascinating culture, ancient craftsmanship, and royal elegance. Use this Rajasthan tourism guide to explore the tourism in Rajasthan and plan your next vacation here.

Rajasthan Overview

Rajasthan Geography

The state of Rajasthan is located between the Thar Desert and the Aravalli Mountains, making it one of India’s standout geographies. Its capital is Jaipur, which along with six other cities make up its main provinces. These are then further divided into thirty-three districts. Geography has played a big part in shaping the state in almost all spheres of life, as you’ll discover to your delight on a Rajasthan tour.

Head out to the sand dunes and you can do everything from camel riding or dune surfing by day and camping under the stars at night. Visit the jungles and you’ll see beautiful creatures big and small. Look up craggy hillsides and you’ll see beautiful forts clinging on. And discover reflections of this colourful state, no matter which of its lakes you peer into.

As the largest state in India, Rajasthan has more physically diverse areas than any other state. There are rolling dunes in the west rocky mountains in the middle and fertile plains in the east. Tourism in Rajasthan capitalizes on these geographical features.

In the state, surface water resources are only about 1% of the total surface water resources in the country, making it one of the driest states in the nation. A system of rain-fed rivers in the state comprises 14 significant basins subdivided into 59 sub-basins.

Luni River, which derives from the western slopes of the Aravalli Range at Ajmer, flows through semi-arid transitional plains into the Rann of Kutch and the Indian Ocean, and Banas and other streams rise on the eastern slopes of the Aravalli range and join the Chambal.

Rajasthan Climate

As India’s desert state, climatic conditions can get quite extreme at different times of the year in Rajasthan. There’s the blistering heat of summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 50 degrees. Though early mornings and late evenings can still be pleasant, this is still one of the shoulder seasons for Rajasthan tourism. Though you can always head up to the cooler climes of Mount Abu, if this is your preferred time of visit.

Meanwhile July to September sees the much-needed arrival of the monsoon, breathing fresh life into this usually semi-arid land. If you’re looking to go birding, this is the best time to visit Rajasthan. Winters arrive by mid-October and stay till around March, offering ideal day temperatures and expectedly cold nights — but with a few layers you’ll be fine! This is also when most outdoor activities and festivals come to life, promising a fulfilling getaway.

The summer season in Rajasthan begins in March. The climate remains dry and hot during the summer months, and temperatures gradually rise in April, May, and June. A few regions of Rajasthan, such as the western and eastern Aravalli Range, and other areas, such as Bikaner, Phalodi, Jaisalmer, and Barmer, experience temperatures of levels. It even reaches a maximum temperature of 49°C during the summer. Winter nights in Rajasthan are cold, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 29°C.

Fortunately, Rajasthan has a few places like Udaipur and Mount Abu, which are great places to escape in summer to avoid the hot, blazing sun. The summer temperatures at these destinations are 38°C and 31.5°C, respectively. As night falls, temperatures drop down to 25°C or 22°C.

The most severe heat is experienced in the state's arid west and semi-arid midwest parts in June.

Rajasthan Culture

Culture has just the same appeal as any other facet of Rajasthan tourism. Arguably the country’s most vibrant and welcoming society, with roots that travel back to ancient times, the Rajasthani people are a mix of communities, beliefs and backgrounds. There are royal descendants on one hand and wandering nomads on the other. There’s growing urban districts within the same cities that hold the most antiquated landmarks. There are folk arts, crafts, dance, music — you name it! This is a place that cherishes its heritage, displays it with pride and offers experiences of it in the most intimate ways. And rest assured that all age groups will be greatly entertained throughout.

Pushkar, Teej, Makar Sankranti, with their many kite festivals, Diwali, Diwali, Teej, and Makar Sankranti are all places to savor in terms of culture. Jaipur's bazaars provide a window into the state's rich handicraft tradition, such as bandhani (tie and dye). Besides attracting big names in publishing, the Jaipur Literature Festival has also made its mark in literature. Dance and folk music are essential aspects of the culture here. Daal Baati Churma, the lentil dish with an explosion of flavors, and Laal Maas, a mutton specialty, are popular dishes.

Rajasthan Tours

Take your pick as to how you’d like your Rajasthan tour to be with perfectly crafted itineraries and packages from SOTC.

Hope from one beautiful town to the next, from Jaipur to Jodhpur and Ajmer to Pushkar. Each of them offers something special — exquisite palaces, vibrant bazaars, monuments, museums and folklore.

Go on a wildlife adventure, exploring the many sanctuaries like Ranthambore or Keoldeo Bird National Park. Families, couples or groups — who wouldn’t love the chance to spot the much elusive tiger, see mother dear look after her calf, or catch a glimpse of a rare bird!

Follow the spiritual path and visit some of the most revered temples and pilgrim sites in the world. Places that bring together people of all faiths, like the Ajmer Sharif Dargah or Brahma Temple.

Experience the desert in all its glory. Riding the sand dunes, petting a camel, mingling with traditional communities, perhaps even a meal out under the clear desert sky — these are all activities that you could have in your itinerary.