Jodhpur

The desert-city of Jodhpur is located 336 E of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Famously known as the ‘Blue City’, Jodhpur remains protected by one of the most inexpugnable forts in the Indian history the Mehrangarh Fort. It is a city where you can still experience the charm of living in the medieval era as you start taking a stroll through its medieval-looking streets and bazaars. While visiting Jodhpur one cannot miss visiting very bizarre Umaid Bhavan Palace, which has now been turned into a heritage hotel.

Bikaner

The desert city of Bikaner was founded by Rao Bikaji as a stronghold. The city is quite well planned and it’s interesting to note that even today, the city is ruled by a dynasty that traces its link to the erstwhile rulers of Jodhpur. It preserves a wonderful collection of havelis, forts, palaces and temples, drawing in travelers and holidaymakers from around the world. The junagarh Fort and the Lalgarh Palace still exude the medieval flavour. Besides, you can visit the world renowned temple of Karni Mata, the family deity of Bikaner’s royal families.

Jaisalmer

Located 285 km W of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer happens to be the oldest living fortified city in the state of Rajasthan. The city occupies a central position in the Thar Desert. All of the city’s residents resided in the Jaisalmer Fort until the 18th century but later they moved to the plateau below. Even today, the biggest lure for visitors to the city is the Jaisalmer Fort or the Sonar Kila meaning the golden fort. Besides exploring the forts, palaces and havelis, there are wonderful options of camel safaris which draw tourists all the more.

Udaipur

Famous as one of the most romantic cities in India, Rajasthan’s Udaipur is built around wonderful lakes reflecting the brilliant whites of the palaces and the Aravalli Hills looking on from a distance. The older part of Udaipur, which captures much charm, is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. The impressive City Palace and the fairytale-like Lake Palace, celebrated Jain temples of Ranakpur, the Eklingji Temple and the ancient fort of Kumbhalgarh are some most visited attractions in the city.

Ajmer

The holy city of Ajmer occupies a position 130 km W of Jaipur, the state capital. There are three major reasons for visiting Ajmer its eventful history, pilgrimage centres and the sacred village of Pushkar. Ajmer houses the shrine of world famous sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The dargah sharif (holy shrine) invites not only Muslims devotees but also pilgrims from every religion. Apart from the shrine, the other attractions are Adhai din Ka Jhonpra, the Taragarh Fort and well famed Mayo College.

Pushkar

The holy town of Pushkar offers to see around 400 temples and 52 ghats that surround the Pushkar Lake. This small town turns into a hub of activities during the annual Pushkar Fair (the largest camel fair in the world), held in October-November every year. The Brahma Temple, located in the Pushkar Valley, is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Other must-see places of worship in Pushkar include the Savitri Temple and the Vraha Temple and several ghats like Vraha, Brahma and Gau.

Bharatpur

The city of Bharatpur is 200 km from the national capital Delhi and just 56 km (1 hour 30 min by road) from the Taj. It is a wonderful gift of nature to the lover of birds. Bharatpur attracts travellers for its world famous Bharatpur Bird Sanactuary or the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a World Heritage Site as declared by the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee. Besides the bird sanctuary, Bharatpur offers to see the Bharatpur Palace, the Government Museum, the Ganga Mandir, the Laxman Mandir and the Lohagarh Fort.