Rajasthan is India’s most colourful state, where the dazzling garments of the local women stand out against the desert plains and every city seems to be painted a completely different hue. The land of the ancient Rajput kings, Rajasthan’s majestic landscape is dotted with opulent palaces and massive forts, and never fails to leave visitors enchanted.

 

• Bundi – This fascinating little town boasts blue houses, narrow lanes, temples, markets and a magnificent palace. The Bundi Palace seems like something straight out of a fairytale with beautiful courtyards, decorated ceilings and gorgeous murals.
• Shekhawati – A semi-arid area in Eastern Rajasthan, Shekhawati is the place to experience the ‘real’ Rajasthan, where camels often outnumber cars and the towns are a riot of colourful local dress. The region is famous for its frescoed havelis – exquisitely decorated traditional mansions.
• Keoladeo National Park – This World Heritage site is home to a vast array of birdlife. October to February is the best time to visit, and you can expect to see cranes, kingfishers, herons, geese, egrets, owls and cormorants.
• Ajmer – This bustling town contains the tomb of a Sufi saint, and is an important Muslim pilgrimage site. Old mosques, a pretty lake, a Jain temple and the pleasure-palace of Emperor Akbar make this a delightful place to visit.
• Rohet – A small village close to Jodhpur, Rohet is home to a famous heritage hotel, housed in a former nobleman’s home. This is a great place to base yourself for visits to the surrounding Bishnoi villages. The Bishnois are a Hindu community that have devoted themselves to the preservation of nature.
• Mt Abu – The forested slopes of Rajasthan’s only hill station are in stark contrast to the sweltering deserts that make up much of the state. As well as having some of Rajasthan’s finest temple carving, Mt Abu is a great place for trekking, boating on the lake, watching the sun set over the mountains or just enjoying the (relatively) cool air.