Discover the exotic Palace of the Winds and the spectacular hilltop fortress of amber in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, visit the exquisite Taj Mahal in Agra at sunrise and explore the deserted hilltop city of Fatehpur Sikri. From the oasis town of Jaisalmer, climb atop a camel for a trek into the stunning Thar Desert. Or spot a tiger or two prowling around Rajput ruins and lakeside jungle at the famous Ranthambore National Park wildlife sanctuary.

Highlights

 

Ranthambore National Park – Watch a tiger prowling through a decaying, creeper-covered Rajput palace or ambling past the ruined 10th-century Chauhan fort. Ranthambore is world renowned for its ‘friendly tigers’, unperturbed by humans. In addition to tigers, Ranthambore is home to chital, nilgai, jackals, panthers, jungle cats and a wide array of birds, including crested serpent eagles, paradise flycatchers, peacocks and painted storks.

Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur – Watch flocks of rare saras crane, painted storks, darters, spoonbills, pink flamingos, white ibis, grey pelicans and around 30 species of birds of prey, among them vultures, marsh harriers, peregrine falcons and ospreys, at India’s most famous bird sanctuary. More than 300 species of birdlife inhabit this amazing wetland sanctuary made up of 29km_ of swamp and lakes. Cycle around the sanctuary’s quiet shady paths, looking out not only for the exotic birds, but also for deer, lizards and pythons.

Meherangarh Fort – Towering majestically above the blue-painted old city of Jodhpur stands the stunning ramparts of Rajasthan’s showcase fortress. Discover the treasures on display within its museum – from solid silver howdahs (elephant seats) and palanquins, to daggers and photos of the maharajas’ coronations. Marvel at a 250-year-old pure silk tent seized during a raid on the Moghul court in Delhi. Pictures of dancers, deities and rulers look out from the walls and wooden ceilings of the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), a dancing hall used for the entertainment of the maharaja and his guests.

Jaisalmer Fort – Although sadly in jeopardy from underground erosion, Jaisalmer fort is an architectural marvel of imposing crenellated sandstone walls some 9m high. Built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, the world’s only liveable fortress is home to around 25 per cent of the city’s population, who live in the laneways that snake throughout the building. The fort is on the World Monuments Watch list of 100 endangered sites worldwide.

Jaipur – A city of broad avenues and stunning architectural harmony that produces a mystical glow at sunset. Jaipur is known as the ‘pink city’ because of the ochre-pink hue of its old buildings and crenellated city walls. The Rajputs, who associated the colour pink with hospitality, reputedly painted the city in celebration of the visit of Britain’s Prince Alfred in 1853. Don’t miss the photogenic Palace of the Winds or the nearby spectacular Amber Palace, a large fortress with massive thick walls and gateways.

Taj Mahal – A poignant monument to love: this spectacular white marble mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Maha, who died in childbirth in 1631. Devastated by her death, the Shah set out to create an unsurpassed, eternal monument to her memory. The monument is beautiful at any time of day, but is most impressive at sunset when the white marble first takes on a rich golden sheen, before slowly turning pink, red and finally blue as the light changes. It is also stunning at sunrise when the building seems to come alive with the morning light.

Delhi – India’s capital, New Delhi, is a modern city with wide leafy avenues and spacious parks. In contrast, ‘Old’ Delhi is several centuries old and crammed with narrow winding streets, temples, mosques and bazaars. Stroll around the impressive Red Fort and nearby Jama Masjid, both built at the height of the Moghul Empire.

Fatehpur Sikri – The elegant former imperial capital of the great Moghul emperor Akbar now lies deserted on a ridge near Agra. Almost perfectly preserved, this architectural sandstone masterpiece fuses Hindu and Muslim artistic traditions and stands as a powerful testimony to Moghul grandeur.

Camel trekking – Ride across the barren sands, discover ancient monuments, sleep under the stars and experience the rugged Thar Desert.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Rajasthan is between November and March, when the weather is warm and sunny with daytime temperatures rarely beyond 30°C. If outdoors at night you’ll probably need a jacket or thick jumper. Between May and June, before the monsoon breaks, Rajasthan’s summer temperatures easily top 45°C. The heat lingers until October, when night temperatures drop dramatically. Most of the rain falls between July and September.

Shopping

India is a shopper’s paradise – expect to perfect your bargaining skills. Browse the bazaars for unique and exotic souvenirs, fabrics, silverware, carpets, leatherwork and antiques. Rajasthan cotton is distinctive and colourful. Indian silverwork is world famous and its jewellery traditionally heavy and elaborate. Gems include diamonds, lapis lazuli, Indian star rubies, star sapphires, moonstones and aquamarines. Note: There is a veto on the export of antiques and art objects over 100 years old, animal skins and any objects made from skins.