Rajasthan

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and part of the famous "Golden Triangle" (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur), rightfully earns its nickname "Pink City": In 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh II had the entire old city painted pink (actually terracotta) in honor of Prince Albert's visit. To this day, the residents of the old city must maintain their facades in this color.

The Amber Fort (11 km north) is Jaipur's crowning glory. The massive fortress complex sits atop a hill overlooking Maota Lake and combines Hindu and Mughal architecture. Inside lies the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) — a chamber inlaid with thousands of tiny mirrors. A single candle creates a firmament of light points here. The ascent is on foot (15 min.), by Jeep (500 ₹), or — ethically questionable — on elephants.

In the old city stands the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds, 1799) — Jaipur's landmark. The five-story pink sandstone facade with 953 small windows (Jharokhas) was built so the women of the royal harem could observe street life without being seen themselves. Best photographed in the morning when the sun illuminates the facade.

The City Palace in the heart of the old city is an impressive complex of courtyards, gardens, and museums — part of it is still inhabited by the royal family. In the museum: the world's largest silver vessel (Gangajali), which Maharaja Madho Singh II transported to London in 1902 — filled with Ganges water. The Jantar Mantar next door is the world's largest stone observatory (UNESCO World Heritage) with a 27-meter-high sundial.

Udaipur is often called the "most romantic city in India" — and it's no exaggeration. The "City of Lakes," nestled between the Aravalli hills, was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II and is a fairy tale of white palaces, reflective lakes, and labyrinthine alleys.

The centerpiece is the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Expanded over 400 years by various rulers, it stretches 244 meters along Lake Pichola. The mix of Rajput architecture, Mughal influences, and European elements is unique. Balconies with intricate stonework, mirror chambers, mosaic courtyards, and towers offer breathtaking views of the lake.

On an island in Lake Pichola floats the Taj Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) — a palace built of white marble in 1746 as a summer residence and now one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The view from the promenade at sunset is unforgettable. If you can't stay here (from 35,000 ₹/~400 € per night), book a sunset dinner at the rooftop restaurant of the City Palace.

The old city around the Jagdish Temple (a magnificent Vishnu temple from 1651 with detailed sculptures) is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, art galleries, miniature painting workshops, and atmospheric cafes. The Bagore Ki Haveli at Gangaur Ghat houses a fascinating museum in a former noble palace — in the evenings, there are traditional Rajasthani dance shows (Kalbeliya, Ghoomar). The promenade around Fateh Sagar Lake north of the old city is perfect for an evening stroll.

Jodhpur is a visual shock: Hundreds of houses in vibrant indigo blue, dominated by one of India's most massive forts. The "Blue City" on the edge of the Thar Desert was founded in 1459 by the Rathore Rajput clan and was the capital of the powerful Marwar kingdom.

The Mehrangarh Fort is simply overwhelming. The fortress rises on a 125-meter-high rock above the city, with walls up to 36 meters high and 21 meters thick. Inside: A first-class museum with royal palanquins, armor, turbans, miniature paintings, and the harrowing story of the Sati stones (handprints of women who self-immolated upon their husbands' deaths). The view from the fortress walls over the sea of blue houses is one of India's most iconic sights.

The question of why the houses are blue has several answers: Traditionally, the color marked the houses of the Brahmin caste, but practically, it was effective against termites and as heat protection. Today, many residents — regardless of caste — paint their houses blue because it is part of the city's identity. The best view of the blue old city is from the Mehrangarh Fort or from one of the rooftop cafes around the Clock Tower Bazaar.

The Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) in the heart of the old city is surrounded by lively bazaars: Sardar Market offers spices, textiles, antiques, silver jewelry, and the famous Jodhpuri-Mojari shoes. North of the old city lies the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace — one of the largest private residences in the world, built from 1929–1943 in Art Deco style. Part is a museum, part a luxury hotel (Taj), and part is still inhabited by the royal family.

Jaisalmer is the border of India — beyond it lies only desert and Pakistan. The "Golden City" owes its name to the honey-yellow sandstone from which almost everything is built: the fort, the havelis, the temples. At sunset, the entire city glows like liquid gold. It is one of the most magical places in India.

The Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila, "Golden Fort") is unique: It is one of the few "living forts" in the world — about 3,000 people still live within its walls. Narrow alleys, Jain temples with incredible stonework, small guesthouses, and rooftop cafes with desert views. The Jain temples in the fort (12th–15th century) are among the finest examples of Indian stone craftsmanship — every inch is covered with intricate flowers, figures, and geometric patterns.

Outside the fort stand the famous havelis — magnificent merchant houses of the 18th/19th century with breathtaking sandstone facades. Patwon Ki Haveli (five adjacent havelis of a brocade merchant family), Salim Singh Ki Haveli (with a ship-shaped roof), and Nathmal Ki Haveli (built by two brothers, each half symmetrical but in different detail styles) are the most impressive.

Desert Safari in the Thar

The highlight of any Jaisalmer visit is a camel safari into the Thar Desert. The sand dunes of Sam (42 km west) and Khuri (40 km southwest, less touristy) offer the classic desert experience: riding camels to the dunes, watching the sunset over the endless sandy landscape, and sleeping under a starry sky that is overwhelming thanks to the lack of light pollution. Rajasthani music, dance, and a simple but hearty dinner under the open sky are included.

Pushkar is a small town with immense spiritual significance — one of the holiest places in Hinduism. According to legend, Brahma, the creator god, dropped a lotus flower here, and where the petals touched the ground, the Pushkar Lake was formed. One of only two Brahma temples in the world stands here (the other is in Bali).

The town is characterized by 52 bathing ghats (steps to the lake) where pilgrims perform ritual washings. The atmosphere is unique: Prayer chants mix with the sound of temple bells, sadhus (holy men) meditate on the shore, and the white temples reflect in the still water. Pushkar is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free — a sign of its sanctity.

The annual Pushkar Camel Fair (November, five days around the full moon of the Kartik month) is one of India's most spectacular events: Tens of thousands of camels and horses are traded, Rajasthanis in colorful costumes haggle, and a huge folk festival with music, dance, mustard seed competitions, and the world's longest mustache competition takes place. During this time, hotel prices explode — book months in advance or sleep in one of the tent camps on the outskirts.

Pushkar has also made a name for itself as a backpacker oasis: The narrow streets around the lake are full of cafes with rooftop terraces, yoga studios, tattoo shops, and bookstores. In the evening, it becomes relaxed and atmospheric — a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of big cities.

The Ranthambore National Park offers India's best chance to see a Bengal tiger in the wild. And not in dense jungle, but against the dramatic backdrop of a ruined Mughal fortress (Ranthambore Fort, UNESCO World Heritage), with dry vegetation and open plains that make sightings easier.

The park is home to about 80 tigers and is known for particularly confident animals that also appear during the day and are accustomed to safari vehicles. Besides tigers, leopards, sloth bears, nilgai antelopes, marsh crocodiles, sambar deer, and over 300 bird species live here.

Safari Information

• Season: October to June (closed July–September due to monsoon). Best tiger sightings: March–May (heat drives the animals to water)
• Safaris: Two per day — morning (6:00–9:30) and afternoon (14:30–18:00). The park is divided into 10 zones.
• Vehicles: Gypsy (open jeep, 6 people, better chances): from 2,500 ₹ per person. Canter (open minibus, 20 people): from 1,500 ₹. Booking through the official website (rajasthan.gov.in) at least 90 days in advance!
• Tiger Guarantee: There isn't one! The sighting rate is about 40–60%, depending on the zone and season. Book at least 2–3 safaris for a good chance.

The nearby town of Sawai Madhopur serves as a base — easily accessible by train from Delhi (5h) or Jaipur (2h). Hotels range from budget guesthouses (800 ₹) to luxury safari camps (15,000 ₹+).