A magical land of fairy tale palaces and precipitous forts
The iconic beating heart of India, with ancient heritage, vast deserts and colourful cities
For thousands of years the north has been the cradle of Indian civilisation, a heritage which is still living and breathing today. A land of fairy-tale fortresses and vibrant cities, this is where you come to experience the icons of India.
The Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple, the Pink City, the Blue City, the Thar Desert, the City of Djinns, the holy river Ganges - it’s all here in the northern part of India. There is so much to see and do, from watching the sun slowly sinking into the glowing sand dunes and drifting off to sleep in ancient palaces, to wandering the secret streets of colourful cities and tucking into real Punjabi food. There are tigers too, which is always a good thing.
Rajasthan & North India Trip Inspiration
Best places to stay in Rajasthan & North India
Types of India holidays
FAQs About Your Rajasthan & North India Holidays Holiday
Planning a holiday to Rajasthan & North India Holidays? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
Is Rajasthan worth visiting?
Yes, Rajasthan is absolutely worth visiting. It offers a striking blend of historic grandeur, desert landscapes, vibrant crafts and architectural splendour, all wrapped in rich cultural traditions. Whether you’re drawn to majestic forts and palaces, quiet rural crafts-villages, sand-dune safaris or lake-view stays, Rajasthan presents deep layers of experience. For luxury travellers, what we love is that you’re not just staying somewhere comfortable, you’re staying in a place that has story and character. The drama of the Thar Desert, the elegance of Udaipur’s lakes, and the royal legacy of Jaipur all combine to make it a destination you’ll remember.
What’s the best time to visit Rajasthan?
The ideal time to visit is during the cooler, drier months (from October to March) when temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Day-times are pleasant, evenings crisp and the major heritage sites are fully accessible. Summers (April to June) see very high temperatures (often 40 °C +), especially in desert zones, making travel more strenuous.The monsoon (July to September) brings green light and fewer crowds but can limit travel in some desert zones.
What are the must-see sights in Rajasthan?
There are a number of key highlights worth including. In Jaipur you’ll find the hill-top Amber Fort, the royal City Palace and the ornate Hawa Mahal. Udaipur’s lake-city setting, with palaces on water and stylish island hotels, offers romance and calm. The desert city of Jaisalmer brings sand dunes, camel-led treks and a fort-town rising out of the Thar. Across the state you’ll also encounter rural villages, craft-centres, gem-towns, historic havelis and wildlife reserves (for example in the Aravalli hills or near the desert margins). Choosing three or four of these distinct zones( heritage city, desert camp, lake stay, craft village) makes for a rich, balanced itinerary.
Is Rajasthan safe for travellers?
Generally yes, Rajasthan is a well-travelled destination with good infrastructure for visitors. That said, as with any destination you’ll get the most enjoyment if you take a few sensible precautions. In more remote areas ensure you travel in daylight, use reliable guides and carry essentials. Respect local customs (modest dress in rural areas, asking permission for photography) and stay alert in crowded markets.
What’s the food like in Rajasthan?
Rajasthani cuisine is rich in flavour, texture and tradition. You’ll find iconic dishes such as dal baati churma (roasted dough balls with lentils and sweet crumb) and laal maas (spicy mutton curry) alongside crisp snacks like mathri and sweet treats like ghevar.For luxury travellers you’ll find fine-dining versions in heritage-hotels, while local experiences may include roof-top cafés in old city palaces, cooking classes or private meals in havelis. If you prefer milder food, the hotels are happy to accommodate.
Can we get custom clothing or souvenirs in Rajasthan?
Yes, Rajasthan is a superb destination for craftsmanship, textiles and memorable souvenirs. You’ll find hand-block printed fabrics, bandhani or leheriya (tie-dyes), miniature paintings, leather mojaris (traditional shoes), jewellery (including Kundan and Meenakari styles), metalwork, pottery and more.Many shops will arrange tailor-made clothing, block-print workshops or visits to workshops where you see artisans at work. If bespoke couture or artisan pieces are part of your luxury travel plan, this is a strong area. Our tip: allow time to shop, negotiate kindly (haggling is expected), and buy from reputable emporiums or artisan co-ops to ensure quality and authenticity.
How easy is it to get around Rajasthan?
Getting around is straightforward when organised properly. The key is to move at a relaxed pace, choose reliable private transport and avoid too many long journeys in a single day. Major arrival points (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur) are well connected by air and good roads link them. For heritage town to desert camp, or craft village to palace-hotel, a private car and driver is ideal. Many luxury properties and tour operators provide this, which equals comfort, flexibility and ease. Allow yourself travel time, pick backwards-moving parts of the itinerary accordingly, and you’ll maintain comfort and focus on experience rather than transit.
Are there cultural experiences suitable for visitors in Rajasthan?
Definitely. Rajasthan is rich in cultural depth, from folk-music and dance performances in palace courtyards to puppet shows in desert camps, artisan workshops in villages, and guided tours of temple-towns or royal legacy estates. Many hotels arrange private experiences: rural village visits, meet-the-artisan workshops, traditional meals in a haveli, or heritage walks in old city-quarters. Festivals such as the Pushkar Camel Fair (late October/early November) add an extra cultural layer.
Is Rajasthan suitable for families or couples?
Yes, Rajasthan works well both for families and couples, though the styles of trip may differ. For couples, the heritage palaces, romantic lake-view stays, desert-camp sunsets and boutique hotels in scenic settings offer intimacy and luxury. For families, there are properties geared for children, activities like camel safaris, craft-villages, educational walking tours, less busy rural stays and more space to roam. The key for both is to pace the trip comfortably, mix heritage with downtime, and choose the right accommodation and transport.
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Nia
India Expert