Western India
Rajasthan
Forts the colour of honey, cities painted blue and pink, camel caravans crossing the Thar Desert — Rajasthan is India at its most cinematic.
The land of kings, still ruled by beauty
Rajasthan is the India of the imagination — and the reality surpasses it. The Rajput maharajas who built these forts and palaces were not merely powerful; they were patrons of extraordinary refinement. The result is a landscape studded with monuments that rival anything in Europe for grandeur and far exceed most for romance.
But Rajasthan is not a museum. The cities are alive: Jaipur's bazaars overflow with block-printed textiles and gemstones; Jodhpur's blue-washed lanes hum with the sound of craftsmen at work; Udaipur's lake palaces glow at night like something from a fairy tale. And beyond the cities, the Thar Desert stretches to the horizon, broken only by the silhouette of a camel caravan.
We take you to the places that most tours skip — the painted havelis of Shekhawati, the step-wells of Bundi, the village potters of Molela. Rajasthan rewards curiosity, and we know where to look.
At a glance
Best time
October to February. The desert is cool and clear. March brings the Holi festival. Avoid April–June — extreme heat.
Temperature
Oct–Feb: 5–25°C (cold nights in the desert). Mar–May: 30–45°C. Jun–Sep: monsoon, 25–38°C.
Getting there
Fly into Jaipur (JAI) or Jodhpur (JDH). Delhi (DEL) is a good gateway with onward trains or flights.
Highlights
What makes this region extraordinary
Jaisalmer — the golden city
Rising from the desert like a mirage, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the few living forts in the world. Families have lived inside its walls for centuries. The sandstone glows amber at sunset.
Udaipur's lake palaces
The City Palace complex, the Taj Lake Palace floating on Pichola, the Monsoon Palace on the ridge above — Udaipur is the most romantic city in India, possibly in Asia.
Camel safari in the Thar
Spend a night in the dunes outside Jaisalmer — riding at sunset, dining under the stars, waking to silence broken only by birdsong. One of the great simple pleasures of travel.
Jodhpur's blue city
The indigo-washed houses of the old city beneath Mehrangarh Fort create one of the most photographed streetscapes in India. The fort itself is unmissable — its museum is the finest in Rajasthan.
Photography
Through the lens
Jaisalmer golden fort at sunset
Jodhpur blue city aerial view
Udaipur lake palace
Camel safari, Thar Desert
Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Painted haveli, Rajasthan
Practical information
Everything you need to know
Getting around
Private car is essential — distances are long and public transport is slow. The Rajasthan Royale train is a luxury option for the full circuit.
Language
Rajasthani dialects (Marwari, Mewari) and Hindi. English spoken in hotels and tourist areas.
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR). Cards accepted at hotels; carry cash for bazaars and rural areas.
Best time
October to February. The desert is cool and clear. March brings the Holi festival. Avoid April–June — extreme heat.
Insider tips
- 1
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is the finest fort museum in India — allow at least three hours and hire the audio guide.
- 2
For the camel safari, stay at a small family camp rather than a large commercial operation — the experience is far more authentic.
- 3
Udaipur is best explored by boat on Lake Pichola — the views of the City Palace from the water are extraordinary.
- 4
The painted havelis of Shekhawati (between Jaipur and Bikaner) are one of Rajasthan's best-kept secrets — vast merchant mansions covered floor to ceiling in frescoes.
Ready to explore Rajasthan?
Our Rajasthan Odyssey tour is designed for travellers who want to experience this region properly — with a local guide, private transport, and no compromises.