Known For : Amer Fort Chokhi Dhani Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur
There is no dearth of historical places in Rajasthan and especially in Jaipur. A city with that embodies vibrant royalty and heritage, Jaipur is a must-visit for history buffs. Starting from the gigantic Amber fort to the iconic Hawa Mahal, the architecture and history of Jaipur are awe-inspiring. Winters (November - March) is the best time to visit Jaipur to explore these monuments.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Neemrana Fort Palace Zip Lining Baori
Neemrana town is located in Alwar in Rajasthan on Delhi-Jaipur highway. It is famous for its magnificent Neemrana Fort Palace. It was built in 1464 AD, a palace from where Rajput Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan III reigned. Neemrana fort is now converted into one of the Rajasthan's oldest heritage luxury hotels as it is a famed historical place in Rajasthan.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Mehrangarh Fort Umaid Bhawan Palace Camel Safari
Also Known as the "Gateway to Thar", it is famous for its Mehrangarh fort, blue houses, temples, sweets and snacks. Apart from the fort, there are multiple temples, lakes, shopping streets that are like a mirage from a bygone era.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Sikar Churu Nawalgarh
Shekhawati is a semi-arid getaway full of open-air galleries, enchanting havelis & palaces and legendary forts. This region has been recognised as the open art gallery of Rajasthan"" having the largest concentration of frescos in the world."
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Rani Sati Temple Haveli and forts Khetri Mahal
An ancient town in the state of Rajasthan, Jhunjhunu is one of the most progressive districts of the desert state. The vacant havelis, carefully engraved architecture which the monuments proudly put to a tourists' display, everything has stories to interest tourists, specially history enthusiasts.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Sachiya Mata Temple Surya Temple Kali Temple
Osian is an ancient temple city located 65 kms north of Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan in western India. This historical place in Rajasthan is of utmost significance to the Jains and the Hindus as some of their most important shrines lie in this beautiful city. Amongst the many temples that this town is host to, the ones that stand out in their beauty and grandeur are the Surya or Sun Temple, the Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
Best Time: November to March
Known For : City Palace, Udaipur Lake Pichola Sajjangarh Palace
Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. This 'Venice of the East' has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India. A boat ride through the serene waters of Lake Pichola will be enough to prove to you why Udaipur is the pride of Rajasthan.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Sheesh Mahal, Nawalgarh Morarka Haveli The Poddar Haveli
Fondly known as "the land of Havelis" or "open air art gallery", this miniature town of Nawalgarh is located around 30 kms away from the town of Jhunjhunu and does absolute justice to the name given to it.
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Chittorgarh Fort Padmini Palace Kalika Mata Temple
A depository of ancient monuments, an extremely rich heritage, and an immortal folklore boasting of its majestic glory, every building in Chittorgarh still reverberates with the history of its sacrifice and heroism. The capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, Chittorgarh is a land of forts, citadels, ruins, and evergreen stories. Situated in the South Eastern corner of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh stands at the helm of Chattari Rajput pride, and is remembered in the pages of history for its glorious battles, especially the siege of Alauddin Khilji. Once known for its grandeur and opulence, today, Chittorgarh has left its tales of bravery and betrayal far behind to catch up to commercialization, but those stories of splendour and magnificence will never be forgotten.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Taragarh Fort Moti Mahal, Bundi Badal Mahal, Bundi
A princely state for a princely stay, in the northwest of India, lies the district of Bundi, in the Hadoti region of the royal state of Rajasthan. In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes giving this historical place of Rajasthan its own unique culture.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Havelis Deeg Fort Bharatpur
Located in close vicinity to the city of Bharatpur, Deeg is a small town in the state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharaja Suraj Mahal in the 18th century, Deeg served as the summer resort to the Royal family. Popular for its magnificent palaces, exquisite fortifications and desi bazaars, the town is an escape from the regular din of city life. You can soak in the rural landscape and laze in the culture. Not far from here is also located the famous Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary which is a must visit.
Best Time: September to March
Known For : Ajmer Sharif Dargah Ana Sagar Lake Adhai Din ka Jhopra
Surrounded by Aravali ranges, the city of Ajmer is most famous for its Dargah Sharif of saint Muin-ud-din Chishti. Firmly bound by its traditions and culture, Ajmer has a unique charm which lies in the ethos and craftsmanship practised over centuries. Visit Ajmer to witness the exquisite Mughal architecture set in an aura of peace and spirituality.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Nadine Cultural Centre Dholi Sati Dadi Mandir Temples in Fatehpur
Situated in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, Fatehpur is an ancient town, a prominent part of the Shekhawati region. Fatehpur is popular with tourists who want to try out a new destination, and have a knack for art and culture.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Junagarh Fort Karni Mata Temple Gajner Palace
Located in the midst of Thar Desert, Bikaner is a "cultural paradise and a traveller's haven". The city will mesmerize you with the camels sauntering its beautiful sand dunes and captivate you with its ancient palaces and forts. Rightly called as one of the three great desert kingdoms of Rajasthan, the dazzling city boasts of old-world charm, opulent havelis and depicts a pleasing bygone era of the Rajputs. Best known as the "camel country" for breeding some best-knownn riding camels, Bikaner also happens to house one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British in World War 1.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Gadisar Lake
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Bharatpur National Park Lohagarh Fort Banke Bihari Temple
Often referred as the 'Eastern Gate of Rajasthan', Bharatpur is located in the Braj region of state Rajasthan. The city is drenched by its culture, chivalry and romance woven into ballads and folklore can be heard from miles. An exotic offbeat destination that serves tourists with authentic Rajasthani traditions, religious occasions mark devotion of the state people. Also known as Lohagarh, it is a part of the golden tourism triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, this historical place in Rajasthan attracts a considerable number of national and international tourist every year. It is also the home of Keoladeo National Park, which habitats over 370 species of animals and birds.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Kumbhalgarh Fort Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Badal Mahal, Kumbhalgarh
Famous for its gigantic snake-like fortress, Kumbalgarh town is yet another feather in Rajasthan’s royal cap. The historic town is renowned for its majestic monuments, extravagant palaces, an array of temples and flamboyant chattris. The Kumbhalgarh fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan and is a truly magnificent sight. The charming location of the fort at the foothills of pebbly Aravalli hills increases the overall appeal of the place.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Bhangarh Fort Bala Quila Fort Sariska National Park
Alwar is the first major city that comes while travelling from Delhi to Rajasthan and is uniquely located at 150 km south of Delhi and 150 km north of Jaipur. Alwar is a hub of tourism with a wide range of forts like Bhangarh fort, lakes, nature reserves like Sariska Tiger Reserve and heritage havelis. Apart from being a popular historical place in Rajasthan, Alwar also draws pride from its reputation of being featured in a number of Bollywood movies. Alwar has a unique recognition because of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bala-Quila, Bhangarh Fort, Pandu Pol and other temples and its importance of the food map because of the heavenly Kalakand.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Jeep Safari Ranthambore Ranthambhore Fort
The Ranthambore Fort is a historical place in Rajasthan, built in the 10th century, stands tall over the entire National Park. Built by the Chauhan Dynasty, the Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located inside the fort is the majestic temple of Lord Ganesha, the Trinetra Ganesh Temple. Ganesha devotees flock the temple throughout the year. Ranthambore is also one of the best tiger reserves of the country, known to have "friendly" tigers and chances of sighting one here is reasonably better than many other tiger reserves of India.
Best Time: October to Apr
Known For : Sand Dune Village Khimsar Fort The Village
Famous for the Nagaur Festival, Khimsar is a small village in the state of Rajasthan, Ideal for a relaxed weekend getaway in the winters.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Castle Mandawa Havelis, Mandawa Shopping in Mandawa
Known for its very popular Mandawa Fort, Mandawa is a quaint little town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. Popularly known as the Open Art Gallery, the town is replete with paved archways and magnificent havelis and fortresses. It is located in the heart of the Shekhawati region and is dotted with palaces and splendid mansions (havelis). The aura and vibe of the place reflect the social and cultural environment of the place in the bygone era. A beautiful city suitably located in the heart of Shekhawati region Mandawa is a stunning historical place in Rajasthan.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Kumbhalgarh Fort Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Badal Mahal, Kumbhalgarh
Famous for its gigantic snake-like fortress, Kumbalgarh town is yet another feather in Rajasthan’s royal cap. This is one of the most unique historical places in Rajasthan and is renowned for its majestic monuments, extravagant palaces, an array of temples and flamboyant chattris. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan and is a truly magnificent sight. The charming location of the fort at the foothills of pebbly Aravalli hills increases the overall appeal of the place.
Best Time: October to March
Which of these historical places in Rajasthan have made it to your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!