On our previous trips, we’d each explored the country separately for hiking and climbing adventures in the north. I trekked for 4D3N from Shang to Stok Valley in Ladakh (reaching up to 4,800 m), while he summited Friendship Peak in Himachal Pradesh (5,287 m). I also visited sights in Jammu & Kashmir and Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Back then, we traveled on organized tours with like-minded adventurers.
Post-pandemic, we returned to India not as part of an organised tour, but as backpackers. It was slightly intimidating (but more on that later).
Rajasthan caught our attention because we wanted to spend a night in the desert and had just ten days in January. The Thar desert covers much of Rajasthan and shapes its extreme climate, making winter the ideal time to visit.
As my partner handled the bulk of the itinerary planning, images of Jaipur’s iconic pink Hawa Mahal and the world’s largest ancient sundial kept surfacing in my mind. I later realised these were faint memories of photos from a friend’s old trip to Rajasthan.
1. Jaipur (The Pink City)
Key Attractions:
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Amber Fort: Majestic hilltop fort with a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
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City Palace: A beautiful royal residence with museums and courtyards.
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Hawa Mahal: The iconic “Palace of Winds” with its unique windows.
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Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory with massive instruments.
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Albert Hall Museum: A museum showcasing Rajasthan's cultural heritage.
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2. Udaipur (The City of Lakes)
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Key Attractions:
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Lake Pichola: Take a boat ride with stunning views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir.
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City Palace: A royal palace with magnificent courtyards and views of the lake.
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Jag Mandir: A beautiful island palace in the middle of Lake Pichola.
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Saheliyon Ki Bari: A beautiful garden designed for the royal ladies.
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3. Jodhpur (The Blue City)
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Key Attractions:
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Mehrangarh Fort: One of the largest forts in India, offering panoramic views of the city.
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Umaid Bhawan Palace: A beautiful blend of Art Deco and Rajput architecture, now a luxury hotel.
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Clock Tower & Sardar Market: Bustling markets where you can shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
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4. Jaisalmer (The Golden City)
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Key Attractions:
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Jaisalmer Fort: A massive fort made of yellow sandstone, giving the city its golden color.
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Patwon Ki Haveli: A stunning collection of old havelis with intricate carvings.
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Sam Sand Dunes: Experience the desert with camel rides and cultural performances.
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Gadsisar Lake: A tranquil spot with old temples and shrines around it.
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5. Pushkar
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Key Attractions:
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Pushkar Lake: A sacred lake surrounded by temples and ghats.
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Brahma Temple: One of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma.
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Camel Fair: Held every November, it’s one of the largest cattle fairs in the world.
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6. Mount Abu (The Hill Station)
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Key Attractions:
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Dilwara Temples: Beautiful marble Jain temples with intricate carvings.
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Nakki Lake: A serene lake with boating options.
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Sunset Point: A perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Aravalli Range.
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7. Ranthambore National Park
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Key Attractions:
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Famous for its tiger sightings, Ranthambore offers safaris through a vast landscape filled with wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and various bird species.
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Ranthambore Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into the region's history.
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8. Bikaner
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Key Attractions:
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Junagarh Fort: A beautiful fort with stunning palaces and temples inside.
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Karni Mata Temple (Deshnok): Famous for the rats that are worshipped here.
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Lalgarh Palace: A beautiful palace combining traditional and European architectural styles
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9. Kumbhalgarh Fort
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Key Attractions:
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Kumbhalgarh Fort: Known for its massive walls that stretch over 36 kilometers, the fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: A great place to explore wildlife.
