What to do in Rajasthan

The verdant jungle bush of Ranthambore National Park presents one of the best opportunities to spot the grand Bengal tiger. Visit historic landmarks and discover black bucks, colorful birdlife, big cats and wild dogs. Ranthambore National Park spreads across an area of about 155 square miles (400 square kilometers) of deep valleys, green grassland, placid lakes and rugged cliffs. The land was used as a hunting ground by the Jodhpur maharajas. It became a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and a national park in 1981.

Explore the sprawling City Palace complex to discover a fascinating architectural mix, see military artifacts and relax in its pleasant gardens.

Visit Hawa Mahal, one of Jaipur’s iconic buildings, to understand why the city has a reputation for fine architecture. This striking palace, rising five stories in an ordered jumble of windows, columns and pin-hole windows, is one of the city's most revered sights. Learn about its royal inhabitants and explore the colorful rooms within.

Marvel at the opulent home of Jaipur's royal family at the City Palace. This sprawling complex features striking gates, pleasing courtyards and a series of segregated exhibits that make up part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum.

With its unique setting in the middle of a lake and the attractive backdrop of the temple-dotted Aravalli hills, Jal Mahal is particularly photogenic. Visitors on the way to the nearby Amber Fort stop here to take photos of the palace from the lake’s edge. Time your trip for dusk when the scene is at its most beautiful, as the setting sun casts an amber glow on the glistening water and on the palace’s stone walls.

The majestic sandstone Jaisalmer Fort dominates the skyline of the ancient city of Jaisalmer. It’s a place to see grand palaces and elaborate temples, peek inside humble homes, shop for textiles and dine on tasty Rajasthani food. Built by the Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer Fort dates back to the 12th century. Today, this village within a city is home to thousands of residents and presents a fascinating insight into Rajasthan’s lively Marwari culture.