Abu Road is the railhead for Mount Abu (27 km). It is on the broad-gauge line between Delhi and Mumbai via Ahmedabad.

When kings went out for hunting, they had to stop over at night. The small village of Ajabgarh was used as a hunting lodge and pleasure garden by the the Maharajah of Alwar. It’s surrounded by palm …

At the heart of predominantly Hindu Rajasthan is the Muslim city of Ajmer. This busy city is most famous for the shrine of the Sufi saint Mu’inuddin Chishti who was instrumental in spreading …

Alwar is the railhead for Sariska (37 km). The Shatabdi Express which links Delhi with Jaipur and Ajmer, halts at Alwar. Overview Area: 10,825 Sq. Km. Altitude: 268 metres. Temperature: Summer - Max: …

Bagar is a city in Shekhavati, a district of Rajasthan famous for its painted havelis (mansions). Originally a centre of the caravan route from the Middle East to China, the traders of Shekhavati …

Bambora is a village in the Aravalli hills of southern Rajasthan, between the lake city of Udaipur and the magnificent fort at Chittaurgarh. The focal point in Bambora is the Karni Fort. This heritage …

The small and picturesque village of Barli, south of Ajmer, offers a good opportunity to enjoy peaceful rural life. Here you see genuine smiles from people who are happy to welcome you in their …

Set in forested country, Bassi lay on the route of Mughal and Maratha invasions, and wears the scars of its history. Besides a shooting lodge, it has step wells, cenotaphs, temples, and the Bassi …

When the Pandava prince Arjun eloped with Krisna’s sister Subhadra, it was here they came to be married, and so the place was named: Subhadra plus Arjun, its distortion accepted as its present …

Bhap is an interesting small town mid-way between Bikaner and Jaisalmer with local craftsmen and a colourful market. The town is built around a beautiful lake known as Megrasar and is often filled …

Bharatpur is famous for it’s bird sanctuary called Keoladeo Ghana National Park. A network of paths, trails and lagoons, this is the home of hundreds of species of birds. In the winter months …

Bhenswara is a small, colourful village near Jalore in a little visited part of south west Rajasthan. It is another Rajput country estate whose ‘castle’ has been converted into an …

Maharana Pratap gave his elder brother Shakti Singh 121 villages as a jagir, among them Bhindar, in 1578. In the surrounding countryside, with its forests, are Mina and Bhil villages, and both …

Bijaipur is a quaint village, situated 40 km from the famous hilltop fort at Chittaurgarh. It is home to the 200-year-old Castle Bijaipur, now converted into a heritage hotel. Use this destination to …

Bijaynagar is situated in the middle of the triangle between Jaipur, Jodhpur and Chittaurgarh. Places of interest in the vicinity are the Great India Bustard Reserve at Sonkhlia and the imposing …

Bikaner grew up around the fabulous Junagarh Fort, a large 5-storeyed structure, the surrounding wall of which is more than one kilometer in length! Its sumptuously decorated interiors are much better …

Bundi is situated in a beautiful narrow valley, dominated by the awesome 14th century Taragarh Fort, one of the most spectacular monuments of Rajasthan. The climb up to the Fort through the colourful …

Just an hour’s drive away from the bustling city of Jodhpur is the small village of Chandelao with its 300-year-old fort. Here you can interact with the local community and learn about the art, …

Dreamingly grazing at the wooded Aravallis stands the palace of Chanoud Garh. It’s unperturbed by the fast-changing world; knowing that its ramparts are strong enough to keep any sandstorm of …

The colossal hilltop fort of Chittaurgarh, or Chittaur, was the ancient capital of Mewar State, ruled by the Sisodia Rajputs. Three times in its long history, Chittaurgarh was sacked by a stronger …

Daspan is a small but fascinating town (more a collection of villages) in a remote part of south western Rajasthan. The only accommodation here is at the Castle Durjan Niwas, part of which remains the …

The summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, it is known for its Jat architecture and for the coloured fountains and pleasure pavillions that are contained within a fortified environment.

An hour’s drive out of Udaipur city takes you to Delwara, an ancient village with a medieval fort. The Devi Garh fort is set on top of a rocky base and has a beautiful exterior with carved …

Deogarh is a pleasant, little frequented town midway Pushkar and Udaipur. The village market is dotted with shops selling silver jewellery, clothes, fabrics, food stuffs and just about everything one …

The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, 30 km from Bikaner on the Jodhpur road, is dedicated to a 15th century female mystic who earned fame for prophesying the foundation of the kingdom of Bikaner and has …

Situated some 120 km from Udaipur, Dhariyawad is known for its 16th century castle which now has been turned into a heritage property with a medieval flavour. The rooms are basic but all have modern …

Dungarpur has one of the finest palaces in Rajasthan, the 19th century Udai Bilas Palace, now converted into a heritage hotel. The palace is located on the shore of a peaceful lake, which attracts a …

Gajner is 32 kms from Bikaner and the site of Gajner Palace. This former hunting lodge is a miniature palace which the Maharajas of Bikaner developed as a private hunting preserve, and where they …

Located just outside the Khumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Ghanerao houses the red sandstone walls of Royal Castle Ghanerao, built in the 17th century. The villlage lies at the entrance to one of the …

Jaipur is one of the most interesting cities in India with exuberant 18th and 19th century palaces and an exotic street life. Just outside town is the impressive Amber Fort. It is worthwhile spending …

The massive, turreted Golden Fort dominates Jaisalmer’s skyline and the vast surrounding desert. Founded in the 12th century, the fort stands on a high hill, enclosed by a thick wall and …

Standing at the edge of the Thar desert, Jodhpur is dominated by the massive Meherangarh Fort. The fort houses an excellent museum and affords captivating views of the blue Brahmin houses of the old …

Set amidst the Aravalli Hills, the village of Jojawar houses the 18th century Rawla Jojawar, now converted into a heritage hotel, and superbly managed by members of the former ruling family. Jeep …

The small village of Junia, midway Ajmer and Jaipur, was founded in the 14th century by Maharaja Sajjan Singh. This interesting and undisturbed village offers an excellent insight into the life of …

Karauli, midway between Bharatpur and Ranthambore, has a magnificent palace. Built in 1635, the old City Palace is a treasure trove of architecture, stone carvings, gorgeous jali work and classic …

Kesroli is the site of a seven-turreted 16th century hill fort, converted by the Neemrana Hotels into a heritage hotel. With seven proud turrets, the Kesroli Hill fort dominates the surrounding …

Khejarla is a small village just off the Jodhpur to Ajmer highway. As you drive along the dusty roads, not expecting to see anything stunning, a truly majestic sight awaits you when you drive through …

An hour’s drive east of Udaipur is the little village of Khempur, set amid mustard and millet fields. At the edge of the village is the Ravla Khempur, now converted into a heritage hotel. A …

The small village of Khimsar is just off the highway linking Jodhpur and Bikaner. Khimsar is famous for its 15th century fort, built more than 550 years ago by the son of Rao Jodha, the founder of …

On the way from Jaipur to Ajmer is the small princely town of Kishangarh. Founded in the 17th century, the small principality of Kishangarh has one of India’s most renowned schools of miniature …

Kota is a rapidly expanding industrial city and army headquarters, strung out along the east bank of the Chambal river. Overlooking the Chambal river, there is an interesting city palace and fort, …

Yet another magnificent fort perched atop a 1000 feet sheer rock cliff is the Kuchaman Fort, now converted into a heritage hotel. A jeep takes you up the incredible steep road to the massive portals …

Built high in the hills north of Udaipur, the spectacular 15th century Kumbhalgarh Fort was called the “eye of Mewar” because of its strategic position in relation to the kingdom’s …

Just 30 km south of Jodhpur, Luni is a small village nestling in the shadow of Fort Chanwa. The village of Luni is a hub of activity with artisans using centuries-old skills to fashion metal, clay or …

Madhogarh is a typical small Rajasthani town, dominated by the picturesque Madhogarh Fort situated on an elephant back shaped hill. From the rampart walls you have breathtaking views of the …

Mahensar is one of the less visited towns of Shekhavati, perhaps, but definitely one of the most rewarding. Sone Chandi ki Haveli (Mansion of Gold and Silver) which belonged to the Poddar family of …

Mandawa is a small town situated in the heart of Rajasthan’s Shekhavati area, famous for its painted havelis (mansions). They were built in the 19th century by Marwari merchants who took over as …

Mount Abu, at 1,200 metres, is the only hill station in Rajasthan and its wooded surroundings provide a great contrast to the desert which dominates much of the rest of the state. Many of the …

Founded in the mid-18th century by Raja Mukund Singh, this is a small town close to Mandawa and Nawalgarh. It has a good handicrafts market and the Jhunjhunwala haveli with Krishna stories.

Nagaur lies midway between Jodhpur and Bikaner. The historic fort at Nagaur encompasses a beautifully painted palace. The old city harbours several mosques, one of which was commissioned by Emperor …

Narlai is a small village midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur, overlooking a gigantic 350-foot single rock of granite, dotted with caves and temples. The village has a beautifully restored 17th century …

The 18th century town of Nawalgarh is situated in the Shekhawati area of Rajasthan, famous for its painted havelis. The town has a colourful bazaar, two forts and numerous fine havelis worth visiting. …

Neemrana is a small village two hours drive south of Delhi. Just above the village is the beautiful Neemrana Fort Palace. Built in the 15th century, it was abandoned by its raja in 1947 and slowly …

Nimaj is a small town in central Rajasthan. It is home to a lovely 18th century palace, Jagram Durg, now renamed Nimaj Palace. It is an all-suite hotel that promises a truly royal stay. Just outside …

This ancient town northwest of Jodhpur in the Thar Desert contains the largest group of 8th to 10th-century Hindu and Jain temples in Rajasthan. The temples are grouped in several sites around the …

85 km from Jaipur, in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, lies the village Pachar. A lake to one side, and sand dunes to the other, create the natural elements between which the pastoral Pachar …

Pachewar is a small village south of Jaipur where you will find houses covered with mud-plaster decorated in contrasting white lime paste designs. You can see the timeless skills of the village …

The town of Pushkar clings to the side of the beautiful Pushkar Lake, considered by Hindus to be extremely holy. Hundreds of small temples are built on the periphery of the lake with wide stone steps …

Rajmahal is a small village south of Tonk. The village borders a forest and a lake and is famous for its palace hotel with the same name. Nearby are the famous stepwells of Toda Raisingh.

Ramathra is part of a green farming belt in the Kalisil River valley. The Daang plateau, stretching east to the Chambal River valley and as far as Ranthambhore to the south, is filled with gorges. …

Ranakpur is a little village between Udaipur and Jodhpur, tucked away in the Aravalli hills. You find here an amazing complex of beautifully carved temples, built by the Jains who served in the courts …

Rohet is a picturesque hamlet south of Jodhpur settled by the Bishnoi community. The centre of attraction is a 375 year old fortified desert home which lies on the banks of a small lake teeming with …

Roopangarh was an important fort founded in the mid 17th century on the old caravan route. The town is a centre for crafts industries such as leather embroideries, block printing, pottery and handloom …

Samode is a small village nestled among rugged hills where cobbled narrow streets curve up till you reach the fairytale palace. This superbly restored eighteenth-century palace was put on the map by …

The lake of Sardar Samand is a beautiful setting for the royal 1933 art deco hunting lodge Sardar Samand Palace. On your way to Sardar Samand from Jodhpur, you can look forward to spotting the …

Once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Alwar, the Sariska National Park is a surprisingly lush wooded valley in the midst of a largely dry and often barren area. In its 800 sq km core area, the …

The busy dusty town of Sawai Madhopur is the base for visiting the beautiful Ranthambore National Park, with the various accommodation options all found along the 10km road between the town and the …

Shahpura is a small town in central Rajasthan. It houses Shahpura Bagh, a 120 year old estate, set in 45 acres of garden and pasture and surrounded by lakes, and now a wonderful boutique hotel. There …

Siana is a small hamlet in south-west Rajasthan with a unique terrain of Aravalli hills bordered by sand dunes and agricultural lands. The run-off from these hills has created picturesque ravines in …

Set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan’s most picturesque city. High whitewashed houses and narrow, winding alleys lend it an almost …