Jaisalmer
This stately tank, southeast of the city walls, was Jaisalmer’s vital water supply until 1965, and because of its importance it is surrounded by many…
Must-see attractions in Rajasthan
Ranthambhore National Park
From a distance, the magical 10th-century Ranthambhore Fort is almost indiscernible on its hilltop perch – as you get closer, it seems almost as if it is…
Rajasthan
The main edifice of this temple complex is the Ghateshvara Temple, which features a hall of impressive columns and a finely carved sikhara (temple spire)…
Rajasthan
According to legend, the main building in this grand complex of 108 temples was originally built in the 8th century by the early Mewar king Bappa Rawal,…
Rajasthan
A series of small laneways at the western end of Nehru Bazaar (a short rickshaw drive north of the bus station) leads to the imposing Khetri Mahal, a…
Rajasthan
This 1802 haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) has been stunningly restored by French artist Nadine Le Prince and is one of the most…
Jaisalmer
The silky Sam dunes, 41km west of Jaisalmer along a good sealed road, are one of the most popular excursions from the city. About 2km long, the dunes are…
Rajasthan
The thickly forested, wildly beautiful, 250-sq-km Darrah National Park is about 50km south of Kota, accessed from the Jhalawar road. Once a royal hunting…
Jaisalmer
This abandoned village is 19km west of Jaisalmer, 6km south of the Sam road. It was abandoned by its Paliwal Brahmin inhabitants – just like the area’s 83…
Sajjan Garh Wildlife Sanctuary
Udaipur
On the way to Sajjan Garh, at the foot of the hill you enter the 5-sq-km Sajjan Garh Wildlife Sanctuary. A good way to visit is with the daily sunset…
Rajasthan
To the southwest of Bala Qila Fort is a group of six havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences), known as the Aath Havelis, erected around 1900…
Jodhpur
This 72-hectare park – and model of ecotourism – sits in the lee of Mehrangarh. It has been lovingly restored and planted with native species to show the…
Rajasthan
Menal, 19km beyond Bijolia, which itself lies 50km southwest of Bundi on the road to Chittorgarh, is a temple complex built in the Gupta period (4th to…
Eastern Rajasthan
Around 35km from Sariska is an 8th-century temple complex, up a dramatically winding road that allows fantastic views. It sits on a small plateau ringed…
Rajasthan
This fort was built and frequently modified over 200 years, and features a blend of Rajput and Mughal art and architecture. Inside it combines a mix of…
Rajasthan
Inside the walled fort in the town centre, this sprawling cream-and-terracotta palace was built by Maharaja Madan Singh in 1838. It houses the Government…
Mohanlal Ishwardas Modi Haveli
Rajasthan
On the northern side of Nehru Bazaar is Mohanlal Ishwardas Modi Haveli (1896). A train runs merrily across the front facade. Above the entrance to the…
Rajasthan
The fort of Bala Qila was founded in 1737, but today its modern additions largely obscure the original building, and it houses a fruit-and-vegetable…
Rajasthan
The still-inhabited Khedwal Bhavan features beautiful mirrorwork above the entrance to the inner courtyard, and fine blue tilework. A locomotive is…
Rajasthan
The name of this glorious haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) means 'gold shop', due to the striking paintings, which use shimmering gold…
Rajasthan
The enormous, multistorey Rani Sati Temple is notorious for commemorating an act of sati (self-immolation) by a merchant’s wife (after whom the temple is…
Rajasthan
The imposing Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri, to the south of the bus stand, was built in 1872. The main dome is surrounded by a series of smaller domes; on the…
Rajasthan
The Vishnunath Keria Haveli, south of the private bus stand, has an outer courtyard with wonderful pictures on either side of the doors that show the…
Rajasthan
A short distance south of Satyanarayan Temple is the restored 1875–85 haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) belonging to the Goenka family…
Udaipur
This gracious 18th-century haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence), set on the water’s edge at Gangaur Ghat, was built by a Mewar prime…
Vintage & Classic Car Collection
Udaipur
The maharanas’ car collection makes a fascinating diversion, for what it tells about their elite lifestyle and for the vintage vehicles themselves. Housed…
Rajasthan
This haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) is empty and locked, but the key is kept at the Koolwal Kothi hotel opposite and you may be…
Desert Cultural Centre & Museum
Jaisalmer
This interesting little museum tells the history of Rajasthan’s princely states and has exhibits on traditional Rajasthani culture. Features include…
Rajasthan
On the northeast corner of the clock tower square is the Rathi Haveli. On the western wall, a European woman in a smart red frock sews on a treadle…
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Rajasthan
This hilly, densely forested sanctuary extends over some 600 sq km. It’s known for its leopards and wolves, although the chances of spotting antelopes,…
Eastern Rajasthan
Deep inside the sanctuary, this imposing small jungle fort, 22km from Sariska, offers amazing views over the plains of the national park, dotted with red…
Jaisalmer
This private museum has an intriguing assortment of Jaisalmer artefacts, from turbans, musical instruments, fossils and kitchen equipment, to displays on…
Udaipur
Houses rare crystal that Maharana Sajjan Singh (r 1874–84) ordered from F&C Osler & Co in England in 1877. The maharana died before it arrived, and all…
Rajasthan
Beyond the landmark Churu Gate, is a group of Poddar havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences). Popular motifs include soldiers, trains and…
Udaipur
The small Sunset Point Park has dazzling views over Lake Pichola, Jagmandir Island and off toward the Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace). It’s about 1.5km south…
Eastern Rajasthan
This small Hanuman temple, deep in the park, has a recumbent idol, adapted from a rock, which is painted orange and shaded by silver parasols. People give…
Dr Ramnath A Podar Haveli Museum
Rajasthan
Built in 1902 on the eastern side of town, and known locally as 'Podar Haveli', this is one of the region’s few buildings to have been thoroughly restored…
Jaisalmer
This late-19th-century haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence), once used as the prime minister’s house, is still partly inhabited. It has an…
Rajasthan
The Modi Havelis face each other and house some of Jhunjhunu’s best murals and woodcarving. The haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) on the…
Eastern Rajasthan
Around 55km south from Sariska, beyond the inner park sanctuary and out in open countryside, is this deserted, well-preserved and notoriously haunted city…
