Eastern Rajasthan
Another building worth visiting in Tonk is the imposing Jama Masjid, Rajasthan’s finest mosque. Delicately frescoed inside and out with interlocking…
Must-see attractions in Rajasthan
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
The Meera Temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the ornate Indo-Aryan style and associated with mystic-poetess Meerabai. She consumed poison…
Rajasthan
This museum has well-presented original paintings, preserved for decades behind doorways blocked with cement, plus there is ongoing restoration. The inner…
Bharatpur
Not far from the Lohiya Gate is this exquisite red sandstone two-storey temple dedicated to the goddess Ganga, with elaborately carved stone terraces…
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
On the climb up to the fort you pass two chhatris (cenotaphs) between the second and third gates. These mark the spots where Jaimal and Kalla, heroes of…
Rajasthan
A short distance south of Bala Qila Fort are a number of interesting buildings, including the Chhauchharia Haveli, behind Jangit Hospital, with paintings…
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur & Western Rajasthan
The marble and red-sandstone royal chhatris (cenotaphs) of the Bika dynasty rulers, with some fine frescos, are located 8km east of the centre of Bikaner…
Bundi
This former royal hunting lodge is mostly home to troops of monkeys and local picnickers now, but once shooting parties of the royals would camp here…
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur & Western Rajasthan
Most tours include a stop at a viewing platform overlooking the small (and full only after a good monsoon) Guda Lake. Migratory birds, such as demoiselle…
Bundi
It’s great to explore the ancient winding streets, gateways and bazaars of the old city, as well as the more touristic Balchand Para area below the palace…
Pushkar
The ropeway (9.30am to 7.30pm, return trip ₹119) makes the ascent to the hilltop Saraswati Temple a breeze. The temple overlooks the lake and the views…
Rajasthan
Despite damage at the hands of the Mughals, this temple remains very fine, and contains a 15th-century black-marble idol of tirthankar (great Jain teacher…
Mandawa
The grand Chokhani Double Haveli, dating from 1910, is so called because it was built in two adjoining wings for the families of two brothers. The…
Eastern Rajasthan
Worth seeking out is this early-19th-century palace, decorated with exquisite coloured Belgium glass, inlay work and gilding. It is all much in decay,…
Mt Abu
Sunset Point is a popular place to watch the brilliant setting sun. Hordes stroll out here every evening to catch the end of the day, the food stalls and…
Jaisalmer
This 450-year-old haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence), once belonging to Brahmin priests that advised the maharajah, now houses an…
Rajasthan
This atmospheric and still-inhabited ruin has fine mirror mosaics on the ceiling of the antechamber, religious paintings in the outer courtyard, and…
Jaipur
Adjacent to, but a world away from, busy MI Rd is this oasis of green where you can wander through geometric gardens of roses, palms and ferns…
Udaipur
Lal Ghat is the traditional raveller ghetto of Udaipur. Now, along with with budget hotels, handicraft shops and rooftop restaurants there are several…
Mt Abu
This 289-sq-km sanctuary covers much of the mountain plateau and surrounds the town of Mt Abu. It is home to leopards, deer, foxes and bears. Contact Mt…
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
This temple, which shares the same compound as the smaller Meera Temple, is dedicated to Vishnu and its carved panels illustrate 15th-century Mewar life.
Eastern Rajasthan
Chand Baori is one of Rajasthan's most spectacular baori (step-wells). It is believed to have been built by King Chand, a local Rajput ruler, in the 10th…
Rajasthan
Although partially crumbling into ruin, these temples, dedicated to Vishnu, feature fine, intricate carvings, including a number of erotic figures.
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
An 8th-century sun temple damaged during the first sacking of Chittorgarh and then converted to a temple for the goddess Kali in the 14th century.
Pushkar
The sunrise views over town from Pap Mochani (Gayatri) Temple, reached by a track behind the Marwar bus stand, are well worth the 30-minute climb.
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
This temple, built in the 6th century and restored in 1427, is notable for its intricate carving of a Trimurti (three-faced) figure of Shiva.
Cenotaphs of the Maharanis of Jaipur
Jaipur
About 5km from the centre, along the road to Amber, the cenotaphs of the maharanis of Jaipur are worth a visit for a tranquil stroll.
Eastern Rajasthan
A pretty baori (step-well) with geometrical designs and sharp shadows that has been restored. Pity about the putrid water.
Pushkar
Old Rangji Temple (c 1844) is close to the bazaar and is alternatively empty and peaceful or alive with chanting worshippers.
Bundi
These twin step-wells in the centre of the market are impressive architecturally, but unfortunately are not kept clean.
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
This palace is relatively modern and houses a small, poorly labelled museum and a school.
Chittorgarh (Chittor)
This Jain temple, built in 1448, is adorned with attractive intricate carving.
Jaipur
Squeezed between cliffs in a rocky valley, Galta is a desolate, if evocative, place. The temple houses a number of sacred tanks, into which some daring…
Udaipur
About 3km east of the old city, at Ahar, is Udaipur’s royal cremation ground, with 372 cenotaphs of maharanas and queens of Mewar forming a spectacular…
Jaipur
This splendid modern marble edifice lies at the foot of Moti Dungri fort. The wealthy industrialist Birla family, from Pilani, Rajasthan, bought the land…
Udaipur
A crafts village west of Fateh Sagar, Shilpgram was inaugurated by Rajiv Gandhi in 1989. Set in dusty, rolling countryside, it’s contrived, but remains…
Jaipur
Six kilometres from the city, on Agra Rd via the Ghat Gate, this formal garden is enjoyable to wander around and take in a breath of fresh air. The grand…
Ajmer
Beyond the Dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, on the town outskirts, are the extraordinary ruins of the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra mosque. According to…
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur & Western Rajasthan
The Jain temples at Lodhruva, rebuilt in the late 1970s, are the sole reminders of the city’s former magnificence. The inner sanctum of the main temple…
Mt Abu
This fascinating, atmospheric Shiva temple, 8km northeast of Mt Abu in Achalgarh (off the road to Guru Shikhar), boasts a number of diverting features,…
