Rajasthan, the land of kings, is a vibrant state in India known for its rich history, majestic palaces, and colourful culture. This enchanting region offers a unique blend of royal heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the golden sands of the Thar Desert to the serene lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Rajasthan has something for everyone. Here are 12 must-visit places and experiences to make your Rajasthan trip unforgettable.

　　Alwar

　　Alwar is not the most tourist-friendly destination, which is likely good for those seeking classic Rajasthani attractions without the classic Rajasthani tourist hordes. Once the northern entryway to the region, Alwar’s strategic location meant that it saw plenty of warfare in its time until the 17th century when the Rajputs seized it from the Jats. Today, Alwar’s many palaces and forts reveal its Mughal and Rajput history, and its cuisine and hospitality characterize the best of Rajasthan.

　　The main attraction is Bal Quila, a towering fort that affords a 300-meter-high view of its surroundings. Just below lies Sagar Tank and the City Palace, which are worth visiting, particularly for their museum, which contains a fine array of courtly memorabilia, weaponry, and Arabic and Sanskrit manuscripts. For a dose of Mughal culture, the gold-leaf decorations and elegant balconies of Vinay Vilas Palace are nice. Alwar is also the access point to Sariska National Park.

　　Desert National Park

　　If you thought deserts were dry and boring, try walking through the Desert National Park near Jaisalmer. It covers over 3,162 square kilometres and is one of the country's best examples of desert habitats. The animal and bird life here ranges from the endangered Great Indian Bustard to herds of chinkara, desert cats, desert foxes, and birds like sand grouses, buzzards, and owls. Reptiles such as the monitor lizard, saw-scaled viper, and spiny-tailed lizard also inhabit the park.

　　A few areas of the park, like Sudashri, are enclosed with barbed wire to prevent grazing by cattle. The forest department has restricted a few trails in this area, which make for a good 3-4 hour walk. To see the rest of the sanctuary, walk from Khuri towards Miajalar, Girab, and Gadra and back towards Munabao. You can stay in these villages.

　　Devi Bhawan

　　Don’t expect the ancient trappings of a classic heritage hotel at this serene retreat. Jodhpur’s Devi Bhawan melds the amenities of a modern hotel with an intimate sense of being a Rajput family’s guest. The cottages are nestled amidst lush gardens and are divided into garden rooms, bungalows, and suites, each emphasizing the peaceful surroundings.

　　There’s no fussiness or ornate fittings here; each room is cleanly designed, with simple period furniture creating a minimal, spacious atmosphere. TVs, Internet, room service, and massages—what more do you need? Lay out by the pool, lounge in the gazebo, and enjoy garden meals. The beautiful lawns are the true highlight of this peaceful sanctuary.

　　Khichan

　　At first sight, Khichan looks like any small Rajasthani village. But if you were to walk around, you’d see hundreds of stately black-and-grey demoiselle cranes flying over the village and foraging in its fields. Arriving at Khichan at dawn, you’d find the sky obscured by thousands of these birds as they wing their way to specially constructed enclosures in the village.

　　These birds migrate from Central Asia every winter and have been congregating in the village for as long as the villagers can remember. They are drawn to the vast open scrublands around the village. The villagers lay out grain for the birds twice a day (500 kg every day) and protect them from any disturbance. The birds are woven into every aspect of village life, including their harvest songs.

　　Trek Along Kumbhalgarh

　　Much of Rajasthan is pretty, almost ephemeral in its dependence on light and hue for its attraction. The massive 600-year-old ramparts of Kumbhalgarh Fort offer an altogether more immense substance. The sheer size of it makes one want to believe the local legend that the fortress was impregnable, though it was taken once by a powerful army of Emperor Akbar’s Mughal-Rajput alliance.

　　Its walls snake over the rolling Aravalli hills for 36 kilometres, like some gargantuan stone python. It’s one of the longest walls anywhere on earth outside China’s Great Wall. If you’re feeling adventurous, try hiking along the periphery. It’s a two-day trek, and the only places you can stay the night are in some of the many temples (1,008, say locals) along your route.

　　Jhalawar

　　The seventh-century Chandramouli Mahadev temple, with its heartbreakingly beautiful stone sculptures set on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, is just one of the treasures in Jhalawar. There’s also the Chandravati ruins, Gagron Fort, a Sun Temple known as the ‘Konark of Rajasthan,’ and the old city of Jhalrapatan.

　　Incidentally, Jhalawar is also known as the "Cherrapunji of Rajasthan" for its green, hillock-dotted terrain that spontaneously bursts into huge ponds and lakes every few minutes during the monsoon. Vasundhara Raje Scindia's constituency receives few visitors now, but that’s set to change with her help.

　　Ahichhatragarh Fort, Nagaur

　　A walk through Ahhichatragarh (the ‘Fort of the Hooded Cobra’) in Nagaur is like a stroll through history, revealing its various power struggles and intrigues. Built between 1119 and 1121, the fort was a much-coveted prize for rulers, as Nagaur was a strategic trade centre. Successive maharajas and sultans battled for control, and each king made additions to the fort.

　　Visitors are fortunate to see the Rajput- and Mughal-influenced palaces and buildings, temples and mosques, carved baoris, gardens, and a much-admired water system that used to recycle every drop of water.

　　The annual Nagaur Cattle Fair is held in the shadow of this impressive fort. Reputed to be the second largest cattle fair in India, the Nagaur Fair features camel races, cockfights, tug-of-war, and folk music and dance, apart from the main business of cattle trade.

　　Kolayat

　　This isn’t where you go if you want a grand fort hotel with folk musicians serenading you while you enjoy your fettuccine. It’s another kind of Rajasthan—where pilgrims visit the town rather than tourists. You stay at a dharamshala, not a palace, and there’s absolutely nothing to do other than sit by the temple tank and watch scenes of serenity unfold.

　　Sadhus will wander around, the devout will bustle about, and the sun will retire behind the desert. Spend a tranquil few days here or carve out a few hours for a quiet day trip from Bikaner. The town is located 54 km from Bikaner.

　　Kot Kaladwas

　　Rajput landlords traditionally maintained a rawla (small fortified palace) and a few kots (rest houses) in the further reaches of their domains. Kot Kaladwas is one such rest house, nestled in the low ranges of the Aravallis, about 10 km from Udaipur. The 15-acre grounds of the Kot feature fields, temples, and hill ranges.

　　Like many traditional Rajasthani buildings, the original kot has been preserved and consists of a series of courtyards and rooftop terraces. Accommodation is in Swiss tents on the grounds of the Kot—each tent has its covered verandah. The food is traditional Rajasthani, and painters from Udaipur who visit the Kot are more than happy to share insights about Rajasthani painting.

　　Hot Air Ballooning

　　One of the most exciting ways to experience the landscape of Rajasthan is from a free-flying hot-air balloon. The balloons fly at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,000 feet, high enough to provide a broad view of the terrain yet low enough to discern features on the ground. Imagine soaring over Jaisalmer Fort and the desert, then landing on the dunes at Sam for tea and snacks two hours later.

　　If the thought of flying suspended from a large balloon for two hours makes you uneasy, you can opt for a shorter tethered flight, which takes you to a height of 200 feet. It’s also possible to combine flights with camel and jeep safaris—fly for a few hours, then continue your adventure on a camel or in a jeep.

　　Fort Pokaran

　　Pokaran is, of course, well-known as the site of India’s 1998 nuclear tests. Because of this, very few people choose to go on holiday here. Perhaps they don’t know that this little town is a quiet gem. It has all the requisites for a proper Rajasthan holiday—a fort, an old bazaar, jeep safaris to wildlife environments, and bird-watching.

　　A special feature of Pokaran is its potters’ collective, where about 300 families make terracotta pottery in traditional styles, artefacts, and home accessories like tiles. The 14th-century fort, traditionally known as Balagarh, is now a lavish heritage hotel called Fort Pokaran. Located 171 km west of Jodhpur, it offers a unique stay experience.