Are you looking for the 5 Best Cities to Visit in Rajasthan? Rajasthan is a land of kings. This state has many forts, palaces, and beautiful cities. Every city in Rajasthan has something special. You can see old buildings, enjoy local food, and learn about history. Many tourists visit Rajasthan every year to explore its rich culture.
In this article you will find the 5 best cities to visit in Rajasthan. These cities include wildlife parks, palaces, and forts. Each one has a story. You can enjoy nature, art, and local life in every city.
1. Ranthambore National Park
City Tour
Ranthambore National Park sits in Sawai Madhopur. It gives you a close look at wild animals in their natural habitat. You may spot tigers, leopards, deer, and many birds. Safari drives let you roam deep into the forest. The park also has ancient ruins and lakes inside. Photographers and nature lovers enjoy every bit here.
Ranthambore National Park Key Points:
- Watch tigers roam freely in their natural habitat.
- Explore Ranthambore Fort inside the park, which dates back to the 10th century.
- Visit Padam Talao, the largest lake in the park, where you might see crocodiles or birds.
- Enjoy birdwatching with over 270 species including peacocks, parakeets, and owls.
- Book a gypsy or canter safari for morning or evening tours.
City Visit Duration:
You should stay for at least 2 to 3 days. This time allows you to go on multiple safaris and enjoy nature.
Ranthambore National Park is generally open for safaris from October to June. The park has two safari sessions daily: morning and afternoon, with timings varying slightly throughout the year based on sunrise and sunset.
Ranthambore National Park Opening Time:
Morning Safari Timings:
- October 1st to 31st: 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
- November 1st to January 31st: 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
- February 1st to March 31st: 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
- April 1st to May 15th: 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
- May 16th to June 30th: 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
Afternoon Safari Timings:
- October 1st to 31st: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
- November 1st to January 31st: 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
- February 1st to March 31st: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
- April 1st to May 15th: 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
- May 16th to June 30th: 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Where to Stay
Many jungle resorts and hotels offer comfort and great views. Here are some options:
- The Tigress Resort – Close to the park gates
- Nahargarh Ranthambhore – A royal hotel with modern comforts
- Ranthambhore Regency – Family-friendly with good food
Where to Eat
Local dhabas and resort restaurants serve fresh food. You can try:
- The Oberoi Vanyavilas – Fine dining with Indian dishes
- Food Corner Ranthambore – Tasty local meals
- Manisha Restaurant – Budget-friendly with homely taste
Distance from Airport, Railway Station (in km)
| Place | Distance from Ranthambore |
| Jaipur Airport | 160 km |
| Sawai Madhopur Railway | 11 km |
| Jaipur Railway Station | 165 km |
2. Hawa Mahal – Jaipur
City Tour Highlights
Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds” stands in the heart of Jaipur. Its red-pink walls and 953 windows make it unique. Winds flow easily through the jharokhas (windows), keeping it cool. The palace tells the story of royal women who once watched city life from behind screens.
You can walk to nearby markets, temples, and museums. The streets around Hawa Mahal buzz with culture and colours. Explore the 953 small windows called jharokhas, made for royal ladies to watch street life.
Hawa Mahal Key Points:
- Climb to the top to view the City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
- Visit in the morning to catch the sunlight glowing on the pink walls.
- Learn about Rajput and Mughal fusion in architecture.
- Shop in nearby markets like Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar.
City Visit Duration
Spend 1 full day to explore Hawa Mahal and nearby cities like Jantar Mantar, City Palace, and local markets.
Hawa Mahal Opening Time:
Hawa Mahal is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is not closed on any public holidays or Sundays.
Where to Stay
Stay close to the city center. Here are some great options:
- Hotel Arya Niwas – Budget hotel near old city
- The Raj Palace – Royal stay with modern comfort
- Zostel Jaipur – Youthful and fun place
Where to Eat
Jaipur serves food with rich flavours. You can eat at:
- Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar (LMB) – Famous for Rajasthani thali
- Shreenath Lassiwala – Tasty lassi and snacks
- Tapri Central – Modern Indian café
Distance from Airport, Railway Station (in km)
| Place | Distance from Hawa Mahal |
| Jaipur Airport | 12 km |
| Jaipur Railway Station | 6 km |
| Sindhi Camp Bus Stand | 5 km |
3. Amber Palace – Jaipur
City Tour Highlights
Amber Palace stands tall on a hill outside Jaipur. Its mix of Hindu and Mughal art stuns every visitor. You walk on cobbled paths and explore large courtyards, halls, and temples. The Sheesh Mahal (mirror hall) glows even with one candle. Don’t miss the light and sound show at night.
Elephant rides and jeep rides take you to the fort’s gate. The fort also gives great views of Maota Lake.
Amber Palace Key Points:
- Ride an elephant or jeep up the hill to the palace gates.
- Walk through Sheesh Mahal, the Mirror Palace, and watch how candlelight lights up the walls.
- Discover Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, the halls for public and private meetings.
- Admire the beautiful carvings on the marble and sandstone walls.
- Visit the underground tunnel that connects Amber Palace to Jaigarh Fort.
City Visit Duration
Spend at least half a day here. Come early morning or late evening to avoid the heat.
Amber Palace Opening Time:
Amber Fort in Jaipur is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. However, there are also evening light and sound shows, with timings starting at 7:30 PM for English and 8:00 PM for Hindi shows. The fort is open to tourists for night entry from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Where to Stay
You can stay in nearby heritage hotels or in Jaipur city:
- Hotel Amer View – Near the palace
- KK Royal Hotel & Convention Center – Large rooms with views
- Trident Jaipur – Luxury stay near Jal Mahal
Where to Eat
Enjoy royal-style meals nearby. Try:
- 1135 AD – Royal dining inside the fort
- The Stag Rooftop – View of Amber Fort with snacks
- Rainbow Restaurant – Simple, tasty meals
Distance from Airport, Railway Station (in km)
| Place | Distance from Amber Palace |
| Jaipur Airport | 22 km |
| Jaipur Railway Station | 14 km |
| Amer Bus Stop | 2 km |
4. Mehrangarh Fort – Jodhpur
City Tour Highlights
Mehrangarh Fort rises from a rocky hill in Jodhpur. Thick walls and giant gates guard this grand fort. Inside, you find courtyards, museums, temples, and stories of valor. The museum shows arms, clothes, paintings, and palanquins. The fort gives a wide view of the blue houses in the city. Visitors also enjoy cultural shows and folk music inside the fort.
Mehrangarh Fort Key Points:
- Explore galleries with royal palanquins, costumes, weapons, and paintings.
- Visit the Chamunda Mata Temple inside the fort.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Blue City from the ramparts.
- Attend the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) held here every October.
- Visit nearby Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace.
City Visit Duration
Stay in Jodhpur for 2 days. You can explore the fort and other cities like Jaswant Thada and the old city market.
Mehrangarh Fort Opening Time:
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There are no closed days for tourists. On Jodhpur Foundation Day, May 12th, entry to the fort is free.
Where to Stay
Jodhpur offers royal and budget stays:
- RAAS Jodhpur – Luxury with a fort view
- Haveli Inn Pal – Close to the fort
- Zostel Jodhpur – Budget-friendly with good vibes
Where to Eat
Local food adds joy to the trip. You must try:
- Gypsy Restaurant – Best for Rajasthani thali
- Indique – Rooftop dining with fort view
- Shri Mishrilal Hotel – Famous for makhaniya lassi
Distance from Airport, Railway Station (in km)
| Place | Distance from Mehrangarh Fort |
| Jodhpur Airport | 7 km |
| Jodhpur Railway Station | 5 km |
| Jodhpur Bus Stand | 4 km |
5. The City Palace – Udaipur
City Tour Highlights
The City Palace stands by Lake Pichola in Udaipur. It has balconies, towers, and courtyards with amazing designs. Inside, you find museums, royal rooms, silver items, and old photographs. You also get views of Jag Mandir and Lake Palace from the palace. The boat ride on Lake Pichola adds magic to your visit.
The City Palace Key Points:
- Walk through courtyards, balconies, and towers with views of the lake.
- Visit the Crystal Gallery, displaying rare artifacts and furniture.
- See the peacock mosaics in Mor Chowk.
- Ride a boat from the City Palace dock to Jag Mandir and Lake Palace.
- Attend the Mewar Sound and Light Show in the evening.
City Visit Duration
Spend 2 to 3 days in Udaipur. This gives you time to visit the palace, lakes, gardens, and temples.
The City Palace Opening Time:
The City Palace in Jaipur is generally open to visitors from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Where to Stay
Udaipur offers stays for all budgets:
- Taj Lake Palace – Luxury stay in the lake
- Hotel Udai Kothi – Beautiful rooms and rooftop pool
- Banjara Hostel – Budget stay with views
Where to Eat
Food in Udaipur comes with views. Try:
- Ambrai Restaurant – View of the City Palace
- Jheel’s Rooftop Café – Relaxed space by the lake
- Upre by 1559 AD – Royal dining with a vibe
Distance from Airport, Railway Station (in km)
| Place | Distance from City Palace |
| Udaipur Airport | 24 km |
| Udaipur Railway Station | 4 km |
| Udaipur Bus Stand | 3 km |
Why You Should Visit These 5 Best Cities in Rajasthan
The top 5 Cities to Visit in Rajasthan, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, truly capture the spirit and diversity of the state. From the thrill of spotting tigers in Ranthambore to exploring Jaipur’s royal palaces, wandering through the mighty forts of Jodhpur, and relaxing by the serene lakes of Udaipur, each city offers something special.
What makes these the 5 Cities to Visit in Rajasthan is the perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty they bring to every traveler. Whether you’re a fan of heritage, wildlife, or just unique landscapes, these 5 Best Cities to Visit in Rajasthan never fail to amaze. Plan your trip around the top 5 Cities to Visit in Rajasthan and you’ll discover why they remain favorites among travelers from around the world.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the best famous tourist cities in Rajasthan that you can check out during your trip:
1. Ranthambore National Park
2. Hawa Mahal
3. Amber Place
4. Mehrangarh Fort
5. The City Palace
You should plan your trip between October and March. The weather stays cool and perfect for sightseeing.
Udaipur and Jaipur both feel royal. Their palaces and lakes bring the joy of Rajasthan’s royal past.
Conclusion
Rajasthan tells stories with every fort, palace, and forest. You don’t just visit cities here – you live the culture. Whether you chase tigers in Ranthambore or feel the royal breeze at Hawa Mahal, the state fills your soul with magic.
Plan your journey with care. Choose clean stays, eat local food, and travel with curiosity. The 5 Cities to Visit in Rajasthan in this guide will make your trip unforgettable.