Must-see attractions in Rajasthan

  • Dargah of Kamaruddin Shah

    Rajasthan

    To the south of Kana Pahar Hill is the Dargah of Kamaruddin Shah, a complex consisting of a madrasa (Islamic college), a mosque and a mehfilkhana (concert…

  • Jagathia Haveli

    Rajasthan

    On the east wall of this haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) look for the animated railway station scene. In one carriage a man appears to…

  • Morarka Uattara Haveli

    Rajasthan

    A haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) owned by the Morarka family, with some fine paintings, including miniatures above the entrance…

  • Khemka Shani Mandir

    Rajasthan

    The spectacular yet tiny Shani Mandir was built in 1840 and, despite a crude exterior, has a richly ornamented interior, completely covered in fantastic…

  • Laxmi Narayan Temple

    Jaisalmer

    The Hindu Laxmi Narayan Temple, in the centre of the fort, is simpler than the Jain temples here and has a brightly decorated dome. Devotees offer grain,…

  • Chauhan Well

    Rajasthan

    South of the landmark Le Prince Haveli is the small Chauhan Well, which dates from the early 18th century and was built by the Rajput wife of a nawab …

  • Taragarh

    Ajmer

    About 3km and a steep 1½-hour climb beyond the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra mosque, the ancient Taragarh commands a superb view over the city. Built by Ajaipal…

  • Jagannath Singhania Haveli

    Rajasthan

    West from the Le Prince Haveli is the Jagannath Singhania Haveli, dating from 1855. It has a fantastic ornately painted interior, but is often locked…

  • Modern Art Gallery

    Jaipur

    This peaceful modern gallery makes a pleasant diversion during a stroll around the greenery of Ram Niwas Bagh. It’s housed in an old theatre, on the 1st…

  • Adhar Devi Temple

    Mt Abu

    In the hills just north of town, about 1.5km from Nakki Lake, 360 steps lead up to this 15th-century temple dedicated to Durga and located in a natural…

  • Akbar’s Palace

    Ajmer

    Mughal emperor Akbar built this imposing building in 1570, partly as a pleasure retreat, but mainly to keep an eye on pesky local chiefs. Only part of the…

  • Shiva Temples

    Pushkar

    About 8km southwest of town (past the turn-off to Savitri Mata Temple) is a collection of Shiva temples near Ajaypal, which make a great trip by motorbike…

  • Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli

    Mandawa

    This haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) features a depiction of a maharaja grooming his bushy moustache on the south wall. There’s fine…

  • Vyas Chhatri

    Jaisalmer

    This atmospheric assemblage of golden sandstone chhatris (cenotaphs), in an old Brahmin memorial ground on a rise on the northwestern edge of town, forms…

  • Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli

    Mandawa

    This haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) features a faded picture of a man enjoying a hookah, and a good procession frieze on its western…

  • Badalgarh

    Rajasthan

    Badalgarh (originally called Fazalgarh after its constructor, Nawab Fazal Khan) is a mighty 16th-century fort, dating from the period of the nawabs …

  • Ahar Government Museum

    Udaipur

    Just 150m along the road from the royal cremation ground, the Ahar Government Museum contains copper and pottery objects more than 3300 years old, plus…

  • Dharni Dharka Haveli

    Rajasthan

    This haveli, dating from 1930, features an ornate painted carving above the arches and portraits of Gandhi, Nehru in an automobile, and Krishna and Radha …

  • Tarkin-ki Dargah

    Jaisalmer, Jodhpur & Western Rajasthan

    The Tarkin-ki-Dargah was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar for Hamiduddin Nagori, a disciple of the Sufi saint Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti. It is a…

  • Brij Vilas Bhavan Museum

    Rajasthan

    This small, run-down government museum, just north of Kishore Sagar, has a collection of 9th- to 12th-century stone idols and other sculptural fragments …

  • Ratan Singh Palace

    Chittorgarh (Chittor)

    While Padmini's Palace was the summer abode of the Chittor royals, the winter palace takes the name of her husband, Rattan Singh. It overlooks a small…

  • Radhi Murlimanohar Temple

    Rajasthan

    About 50m northeast of Char Chowk Haveli is this large temple (1845), which retains a few paintings beneath the eaves and some sculptures of deities…

  • Chhattar Bilas Gardens

    Rajasthan

    Just north of Kishore Sagar, next to the tourist office, these gardens contain the Kshar Bagh, a collection of overgrown but impressive royal cenotaphs…

  • Government Museum

    Ajmer

    Akbar’s Palace houses the small government museum, with a collection of old weapons, miniature paintings, ancient rock inscriptions and stone sculptures…

  • Fateh Pol

    Jodhpur

    At the southwestern side of the fort, this gate was erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to commemorate his defeat of the Mughals. You can enter the fort from…

  • Mahasati

    Chittorgarh (Chittor)

    The royal cremation ground and was also where 13,000 women committed jauhar (ritual mass suicide by immolation) in 1535. There are many sati (self…

  • Chambal Gardens

    Rajasthan

    Kota is surprisingly blessed with gardens. Chambal Gardens are on the riverbank south of the fort from where you can take boat trips.

  • Arabic & Persian Research Institute

    Eastern Rajasthan

    Houses a rare collection of old Arabic and Persian manuscripts and books dating from the 12th to the 17th century. It's east of the town centre, near the…

  • Laxman Temple

    Bharatpur

    This Hindu temple built by Maharaja Baldev Singh in1870 is dedicated to Laxman, Lord Rama's younger brother. It is surrounded by shops in the busy Bada…

  • Jorawargarh

    Rajasthan

    This imposing fort was constructed in the 18th century by the Rajput ruler Sardul Singh. It is now mostly in ruins with parts housing moribund government…

  • Old Laxman Temple

    Bharatpur

    Just south of the more prominent Laxman Temple, this older temple is believed to be around 400 years old. It is dedicated to Laxman, Lord Rama's younger…

  • Dadha Heritage Museum

    Jaisalmer, Jodhpur & Western Rajasthan

    The small Dadha Heritage Museum contains coins and Jain and Hindu manuscripts, paintings, and silver, bronze and copper sculptures from many parts of…

  • Jawahar Burj

    Bharatpur

    This victory tower was built by Maharajah Suraj Mahl in 1765 to commemorate a victory over the Mughals. Worth a stroll for the view from the top.

  • Moti Dungri

    Jaipur

    This small, romantic fort looms above J Nehru Marg. It has served as a prison, but today remains in the possession of the former royal family.

  • Jagdish Mandir

    Rajasthan

    Here you will find the caretaker who has the key for the Chhatri assuming he's not out for lunch.

  • Jhunjhunwala Haveli

    Mandawa

    This haveli advertises its 'golden room', nan impressive gold-leaf-painted room, to the right once you have entered the first courtyard.

  • Universal Peace Hall

    Mt Abu

    Free tours are available at the Universal Peace Hall, including an introduction to the philosophy of the Brahma Kumaris.

  • Govind Devji Temple

    Jaipur

    This early 18th-century Krishna temple is a popular place of worship set in gardens just outside the City Palace walls.

  • Shri Parashnath Temple

    Jaisalmer, Jodhpur & Western Rajasthan

    One of Phalodi's colourful, gaudy Jain temples, the domed Shri Parashnath temple glistens with gold and Belgian glass.

  • Harlalka Well

    Mandawa

    The impressive Harlalka Well, marked by four pillars and its old camel ramp. It is very deep – take care!

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