The Indian state of Rajasthan, also known as the “Land of Kings,” is rich in history and culture. Rajasthan is home to some of India’s most impressive historical sites, including forts and lavish palaces that speak to the state’s once-regal history. The ancient sites of Rajasthan are popular among visitors because of their rich history and beautiful architecture.
The Amber Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, City Palace, and Umaid Bhawan Palace are some of Rajasthan’s most well-known historical landmarks. Everyone interested in history or architecture should visit these famous sites, which testify to the state’s regal past.
Rajasthan is also home to several more significant historical sites, including the Chittorgarh Fort, the Kumbhalgarh Fort, and the Junagarh Fort, which are somewhat less well-known than these more famous attractions. These lesser-known sites give tourists a taste of Rajasthan’s illustrious past and architecture.
Travelling to Rajasthan on a budget? Book bus tickets here to travel between cities and explore the region at your convenience.
List of places to visit in Rajasthan
Steeped in legends, Rajasthan is full of places rich in history that are unmissable. Here are some famous historical places in Rajasthan to visit in this land of Maharajas:
1. Hawa Mahal (Jaipur)
This is a historical marvel. Sawai Pratap Singh built it in 1799 as an extension of the City Palace. Hawa Mahal features 953 windows and a honeycomb structure inspired by the crown of Krishna.
2. Amber Fort (Jaipur)
The fort’s white marble and pink and yellow sandstone complex encompasses the Sheesh Mahal, diwan-e-aam, the zenana, and more. Keep an eye out for the spectacular sound and light show depicting the fort’s history.
3. Jal Mahal (Jaipur)
Initially constructed by Maharaja Madho Singh I, Jai Singh II restored this magnificent hunting lodge in 1734]. The main feature of the five-storey pink sandstone palace is that it appears to float on the Man Sagar lake.
4. Kalika Mata Temple (Chittorgarh)
Originally a temple dedicated to the Sun God, Kalika Mata Temple was built on its ruins in the 14th century.
5. Chittorgarh Fort (Chittorgarh)
Spread over 240 hectares, the Chittorgarh Fort houses Jain temples, the Vijaya and Kriti Stambha, Rana Kumbha and Rani Padmini’s palace. Stories of battles and rulers, Rani Padmini and Johar, and more are told through a magnificent light and sound show.
6. Jag Mandir Palace (Udaipur)
Built in 1651 by Maharana Karan Singh II, this three-storey palace features mesmerising stone mosaics, life-size marble elephants, gardens, the Gul Mahal, and more.
7. Ekling Temple (Udaipur)
Founded in 734 AD, the temple features a 50-foot tall four-faced black marble statue of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati and their two sons – Lords Ganesha and Kartikeya.
8. Jagdish Temple (Udaipur)
Jagdish Temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651. It is dedicated to a four-armed Lord Vishnu carved out of a single black st[one.
9. Charbhuja (Udaipur)
Constructed in 1444 AD to worship Lord Vishnu or Badri Nath, this brick and marble temple is situated on the road leading to Jodhpur. Tales from the Bhagwad Geeta are inscribed on the walls.
10. Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur)
Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929, the palace was built over 16 years. This sandstone and marble palace is an exquisite blend of Indo-Saracenic, Classical Revival and Western Art Deco architecture.
11. Mehrangarh (Jodhpur)
The Mehrangarh fort was built over 500 years, starting in 1459 AD. Today the complex has been converted into a museum and displays 3000 miniature paintings, furnishings, tents, decorative artworks and arms from the late 16th to the early 20th century.
12. Jaisalmer Fort (Jaisalmer)
Constructed in 1156 AD on the Trikuta hill, this yellow sandstone fort is home to the Raj Mahal, Jain and Laxminath temples. Also called Sonar Quila or Golden Fort, the building glows as it reflects the setting sun’s rays.
13. Gadsisar Lake (Jaisalmer)
Maharwal Gadsi Singh built the lake in 1400 AD as a reservoir for water conservation. A yellow stone gate called the Tilon ki Pol stands at the entrance to this popular picnic spot.
14. Patwon-Ki-Haveli (Jaisalmer)
This yellow sandstone architectural marvel, a collection of five mansions, was started by Guman Chand Patwa in 1805. The mansions feature elegant decorations of mirror artwork, paintings, and intricate carvings.
15. Akal Wood Fossil Park (Jaisalmer)
A pre-historic marvel, Akal Wood Fossil Park, illustrates the green history of the region. Among its exhibits are an ancient redwood tree trunk fossil, 25 fossilised trees and other plant fossils. Purchase Jaisalmer to Bikaner bus tickets for a hassle-free travel experience.
16. Junagarh (Bikaner)
Raja Rai Singh constructed this magnificent red sandstone and marble fort. Some palaces inside the compound include the Badal Mahal Palace, the Gaj Mandir Palace, the Anup Mahal Palace and more.
17. Devi Kund (Bikaner)
Cenotaphs are dedicated to the memory of Bikaji rulers, and they line this majestic royal crematorium[. An outstanding example of Rajputana architecture, each cenotaph was built over the cremation site of the ruler.
18. Kalibangan (Bikaner)
Archaeologists have excavated at this site Harappan and pre-Harappan relics, such as seals, bangles, coins, toys, and terracotta.
19. Ajmer-E-Sharif (Ajmer)
The Dargah Sharif was built in the 13th century. It is dedicated to the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chish ty. Gold plating, marble and silver were used to construct the beautiful Dargah Sharif.
20. Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra (Ajmer)
According to legend, this mosque was built in two and a half days, hence its name. Its Indo-Islamic architecture features a hundred pillars supporting ten domes and small screen windows in the main hall.
Rajasthan – an architectural marvel
The dunes of Rajasthan are home to 5000 years of settlement history. From mahals, lakes and Baoris, there is much to explore in this land of the Rajas.
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