Located in the northwest of India, Rajasthan is unquestionably one of the top travel destinations in the world. Blending culture and countryside with endless captivating attractions, this once-regal state is rich in many ways and promises to be an unforgettable experience.
If you’re a first-time visitor looking at escorted tours to India, you should prioritise Rajasthan for your trip. Revealing India’s diversity of traditions and religions, proud heritage and extraordinary wildlife, it’s the ultimate introduction to a country that can be chaotic, and insights from local guides will bring to life the collection of relics from the past.
Discover the highlights of a Rajasthan tour, which range from spotting tigers in the wild to the Taj Mahal.
Mughal masterpieces
Did you know that Rajasthan was once the capital of the vast Mughal Empire? Lasting for 200 years during the 16th and 17th centuries, the empire covered India, Pakistan and Afghanistan at its peak. Central Asian influences interfused with local practices to create a new unique culture.
The Mughal emperors based themselves first in Delhi and then Agra, a small but mighty riverside city just a half day’s drive from the modern-day capital. Relics of their rule remain, some as glorious as when they were first constructed. Discover the tomb of Humayan, the second emperor, in New Delhi. In Agra, you can explore Babur’s gardens and wander the astonishing Taj Mahal mausoleum complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made for Shah Jahan’s wife.
Royal structures
Spectacular palaces litter Rajasthan, constructed not by the Mughal emperors but by the maharajas, the Indian princes that ruled this area for centuries. They also built impressive hilltop forts which to this day loom above the colourful cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Jaipur is the best place to explore this aspect of local history. You can stay in a haveli – manor house – run by the descendants of once-powerful families or book a room in one of the palaces that now operate as hotels where everything is of the highest standard.
Vibrant bazaars
Other city attractions include vibrant bazaars which are nothing short of an assault on the senses. Bright fabrics and gleaming jewellery line stalls beside vendors selling enticing spices, pickles and warming cups of sweet and fragrant chai. Stock up on souvenirs ranging from kitchenware to rugs
Jaipur’s bazaar is easy to explore on foot but the crowded markets of Old Delhi, especially around the Jama Masjid mosque, should be tackled by rickshaw. Sit back and relax as you peddle slowly through the maze of streetside stalls, listening to the excited chatter of the other shoppers.
Exotic wildlife
Last but certainly not least on Rajasthan’s long list of highlights is Ranthambore National Park, previously a hunting ground of the maharajas and British colonials that today is a protected wildlife reserve. If you want to embrace the history of the area without the violence, you can stay in colonial-style glampsites on the border of the park.
In addition to mighty tigers, Ranthambore hosts many astonishing animals including elephants, sloth bears, deer and monkeys. You will also see plenty of bright birds including majestic peacocks.
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