5 Best Cities to Visit in Rajasthan in 2026

Rajasthan attracts travelers with royal cities, colorful markets, grand forts, and deep-rooted culture. Many visitors struggle to choose the right cities, plan routes, or decide how much time to spend in each place. This guide breaks down the best cities to visit in Rajasthan, explaining what makes each one special, from historic palaces to desert landscapes and food traditions. New and returning travelers to help them learn about various cities, which fit their travel interests (i.e., heritage travelers, family travel, short getaways, and slow travel). This guide provides an abundance of information regarding the highlights of cities as well as the best time of day to visit attractions and what local experiences are available in each city. The emphasis of the guide is to assist with planning all types of travel experiences quickly and efficiently.

1. Ranthambore National Park

City Tour

Ranthambore National Park is located in Sawai Madhopur. It gives you a close look at wild animals in their natural habitat. You can see tigers, leopards, deer and many birds. A safari drive takes you deep into the jungle. There are also ancient ruins and lakes within the park. Photographers and nature lovers enjoy everything here.

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Ranthambore National Park Key Points:

• Experience tigers living in their natural environment.
• Explore Ranthambore Fort on the grounds, which was built in the 10th century.
• Take a trip to the biggest lake in the area, Padam Talao, where you may spot crocodiles or birdlife.
• Enjoy bird watching at a site currently inhabited by 270+ species of birds (e.g., peacocks, parakeets, and owls).
• Schedule an early morning or late evening safari in either a gypsy or canter vehicle.

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)

2. Hawa Mahal – Jaipur

City Tour Highlights

Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Wind” is located in the heart of Jaipur. Its red-pink walls and 953 windows make it unique. Wind flows easily through the jharokhas (windows), keeping it cool. The palace tells the story of royal women who once saw the life of the city from behind the curtain.

You can visit nearby markets, temples and museums. The streets around Hawa Mahal are buzzing with culture and colour. Explore the 953 small windows called Zarokha, built for royal ladies to watch street life.

Hawa Mahal Key Points:

• For a spectacular view of both Jantar Mantar and the City Palace keep climbing to the top.
• The best time to visit to see the sunlight reflecting off the pink walls is in the morning.
• Gain insight into how architecture is fused by the Rajputs (Hindu warrior-kings) with Mughal architecture.
• Stop shopping at Bapu Market and Johari Market, both of which offer many local artisans.

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)

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)

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)

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)

Why You Should Visit These 5 Best Cities in Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s leading travel locations, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, reflect both the nature of Rajasthan and its immense diversity. Ranthambore is famous for its tiger spots, while Jaipur gives visitors a glimpse into royal life through its historic property collections. Jodhpur provides a chance to view the elements of hundreds of years ago, and Udaipur offers a relaxing setting by Lake Pichola.

The best cities in Rajasthan provide a great combination of culture, history, and nature that will benefit any traveler. Whether your interests are in wildlife, heritage, or unique landscapes, the five best cities will leave you continually amazed and fulfilled. Plan your trip around the five best cities in Rajasthan so that you can experience why these cities are so popular among travelers all over the world. Book our Rajasthan tour packages today and get the best discounts.

Conclusion

Rajasthan is a land of vibrant cities, royal history and unforgettable travel experiences. From the historic forts of Jaipur and Jodhpur to the peaceful lakes of Udaipur and the desert charm of Jaisalmer, each city offers something unique to tourists. Choosing the best cities to visit in Rajasthan depends on your travel style, time and interests, whether you enjoy history, culture, romance or adventure. With proper planning and the right travel season, a trip to Rajasthan becomes comfortable, memorable and rewarding. Use this guide to plan your travel and explore Rajasthan’s most beautiful cities with confidence.

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