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…
Must-see attractions in Rajasthan
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…
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…
Bundi
Towards the southern edge of town, this cenotaph, set in gardens just off the Kota road, is particularly stunning when lit up at night. It was built to…
Bundi
This is the most impressive and cared-for baori (step-well) in Bundi. It is 46m deep and decorated with sinuous carvings, including the avatars of Lord…
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…
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…
Mandawa
This Geonka-family-owned double haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) has two wings – the southern Vishwanath Goenka Haveli and the northern…
Soniji Ki Nasiyan (Red) Temple
Ajmer
This marvellous Jain temple, built in 1865, is also known as the Golden Temple, due to its amazing golden diorama in the double-storey temple hall. The…
Eastern Rajasthan
Under the gaze of Bala Quila fort sprawls the colourful and convoluted City Palace complex, with massive gates and a tank reflecting a symmetrical series…
Rajasthan
This 11th-century temple is well-known for its fabulous architecture. The carving on the high, red-stone sikhara (towered roof) is very intricate, almost…
Rajasthan
Under the eaves on the external western wall of Bhagton ki Choti Haveli is a locomotive and a steamship. Above them, elephant-bodied gopis (milkmaids)…
Bundi
The Sukh Mahal is a small summer palace where Rudyard Kipling once stayed and wrote part of Kim. It contains a small museum (Indian/foreigner ₹20/100)…
Bikaner
The splendid Hindu Lakshminath Temple, behind Bhandasar Temple, was built during the reign of Rao Lunkaran between 1505 and 1526. Lakshminath was the…
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
Padmini's Palace sits beside a large lotus pool with a central pavilion. Legend relates that, as Padmini sat in this pavilion, Ala-ud-din saw her…
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
To the right after entering Chittorgarh you'll arrive almost immediately at the ruins of this 15th-century palace, which includes elephant and horse…
Eastern Rajasthan
About 22km out of town, off the Tonk–Sawai Madhoper Rd, is this huge elephant carved out of a single block of stone. The pachyderm was carved in 1200 –…
Jodhpur
The century-old clock tower is a city landmark surrounded by the vibrant sounds, sights and smells of Sardar Market. The market is bordered by triple…
Cenotaph of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh
Eastern Rajasthan
This double-storey edifice, resting on a platform of sandstone, was built in 1815 by Maharaja Vinay Singh, in memory of his father. To gain access to the…
Mt Abu
At the northeast end of the Mt Abu plateau, 17km by the winding road from the town, rises 1722m-high Guru Shikhar, Rajasthan’s highest point. A road goes…
Eastern Rajasthan
The mainly 17th-century old city palace was constructed over different periods; the oldest part has existed for 600 years. Occupied by the Karauli royal…
Mandawa
This 1920s haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) on the northern side of the Fatehpur–Jhunjhunu road houses the State Bank of India. There…
Rajasthan
The 1885 Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli is considered by some to have some of the best paintings in Shekhawati. The rooms on the 1st floor are the most…
Udaipur
Reached by a steep, elephant-flanked flight of steps, 150m north of the City Palace’s Badi Pol, this busy Indo-Aryan temple was built by Maharana Jagat…
Bundi
This heritage haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) belongs to the descendants of a former prime minister of Bundi and is a home and a hotel…
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
The glorious Tower of Victory, symbol of Chittorgarh, was erected by Rana Kumbha in the 1440s, probably to commemorate a victory over Mahmud Khilji of…
Udaipur
Entered from Ganesh Chowk, this museum has a splendid collection of jewel-like miniature paintings of the Mewar school and a turban that belonged to Shah…
Eastern Rajasthan
The prime reason to visit Neemrana is this magnificent fort, located 2km from the eponymous village. Dating from 1464, it was from here that the Rajput…
Jaipur
At the rear of the main post office, this curious little museum has historical stamps, telegrams and artefacts, including brass belt buckles and badges…
Prachina Cultural Centre & Museum
Bikaner
Across the fort’s main courtyard from the palace entrance, this museum is fascinating and well labelled. It focuses on the Western influence on the…
Jaipur
Near the cenotaphs of the maharanis of Jaipur, and beautifully situated in the watery expanse of Man Sagar, is this dreamlike palace. Its origins are…
Jodhpur
This geometrically handsome step-well (also known as a baori or wav) has been rejuvenated after decades as a rubbish dump. Its clean lines and clear, fish…
Harikrishnan Das Saraogi Haveli
Rajasthan
On the southern side of the private bus stand, this haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) features a colourful facade with iron lacework on…
Jaipur
On the ridge above the Hindu Temple Galta is the Surya Mandir, which rises 100m above Jaipur and can be seen from the eastern side of the city. A 2.5km…
Pushkar
Pushkar’s most famous temple is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few such temples in the world as a result of a curse by Brahma’s consort,…
