Rajasthan is one of the most interesting and popular states in all of India. From rock-cut forts and dune filled deserts to colourful markets and cities, Rajasthan is a traveller’s dream. We backpacked through India during 2009, 2011 and 2012 and our time spent in this northwestern state was a definite highlight.
The word “Rajasthan” evokes thoughts of brightly coloured turbans, snake charmers, Maharaja style architecture and dune filled deserts, all of which we were to find during our trip here.
Our days were spent visiting ancient sites, wandering aimlessly through bazaars and narrow alleyways, and of course, sitting on the sidelines watching India unfold before us. With great transportation in India, we were able to get around this State with ease.
If you feel inspired by these beautiful photos, plan a trip to Rajasthan! For more information about travelling and backpacking around this beautiful region, check out the Rajasthan Tourism website.
Udaipur
Also known as the “White City” because basically every building here is painted white! If you’re interested in palaces and temples, this is the place to come. The intricate details and carvings on the City Palace and Jagdish Temple are unbelievable. The ghats on any of the lakes are a great place to spend the day, and snap some fantastic photos.
Jaipur
Also known as the “Pink City” because of the many pink coloured buildings. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and the biggest city in the state. We were told by many to only spend a day here and then leave as fast as possible! But, as it usually goes, we didn’t agree with our fellow travellers on this one and we ended up celebrating Christmas here. Jaipur is a city filled with stunning architecture, interesting bazaars and an old town dotted with hidden gems, a definite must-visit city in India.
Jodhpur
Named again after the colour of it’s buildings, the Blue City of Jodhpur is the second biggest city in Rajasthan and is fast becoming a major tourist hotspot. With the Mehrangarh Fort towering over the city, a buzzing bazaar, numerous temples and intriguing alleyways, Jodhpur is an interesting place to explore.
Pushkar
This important Hindu Pilgrimage Site is one of the oldest existing cities in India. Pushkar is known for its many temples and fairs, and in particular the Pushkar Fair, which is held annually in November. During this time, thousands of animals (including over 50,000 camels) are brought here from all over the country to be traded and sold! Pushkar is a vegan city so you won’t find any meat, dairy or eggs here unless you find them on the black market.
Jaisalmer
Nicknamed the “Golden City” due to the sand coloured buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great place to head off into the Thar Desert on a camel safari! A sandstone mud fort towers over the city with many people still living inside. Hotels, restaurants, palaces and temples can also be found within the walls. You’ll never be bored in Jaisalmer!
Rajasthan is one of the most photogenic places in India. It was hard to leave the camera in its case and just enjoy the surroundings. Literally around every corner there was something strange, interesting and beautiful to capture through the lens.
We’ve been to India three times now and will defintiely be going back a fourth time (and a fifth, and a sixth!)
Which photo was your favourite? Share with us below!
Like it? Pin it! 🙂
My second favorite state, after Goa 😀
Love the camels! Can you imagine westerners working in confined conditions like the bangle maker?!!! Looking forward to checking it out later this year. Great pics 🙂
A great look at Rajasthan, with some great photos. I especially liked the sadhu shot — his pose and the slice of colour at right really make it work. The camel train with the sun behind it is also a classic. Great work! I don’t know why people told you to rush through Jaipur — I found it one of the most fascinating cities I’ve been in, and beautiful as well. I could have spent a week photographing it. Hope you didn’t miss the Amber Palace.
Wow! Some fantastic photos!
Frank (bbqboy)
Stunning! I can’t wait to make it there!
Amazing photos! You captured some great shots. I love the last one, the camel shot. I’m fascinated by them! Never seen one before.
Wow, love your photos! Have never been to India, but your stunning photos make me want to go there! Really like the photo with the pilgrims, and the market, they are so colorful! And the flying monkey is so funny :).
of course.. 🙂
So exciting that you’ll be going to India later this year! Enjoy it, it’s such an intriguing country 🙂
Thanks for the comment.
Thanks Paul, the Sadhu shot and the camel are probably our two favourites. We felt the same way about Jaipur – so much to see and do and the opportunities for photos were endless. We did see the Amber Palace, it was amazing!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Thanks Frank 🙂
Thanks Emily! India truly is incredible and the state of Rajasthan is exceptional!
What, no camels in Central America?! haha They certainly are interesting creatures 🙂
Thanks for commenting.
Thanks Maria! India is such a photogenic place…filled with monkeys and cows! haha.
Great pictures guys! Your pictures of kids and locals are incredible. They all look so happy and friendly despite the poverty and simple life they’re living. Each person’s face tells a different story and you captured it well.
I especially love the picture of the palaces floating on the lake in Jaipur. My husband and I also really enjoyed our time in Rajasthan, such a beautiful area!
Hey Agness!
Thanks for the comment. We find Indians to be extremely friendly people 🙂
Thanks Lori!
Rajasthan is such an incredible State…I mean, everywhere in India is incredible, but there’s just something about Rajasthan 🙂
Cheers and thank you for commenting.
I loved the photo of the market in Pushkar. I had a friend take a photo of me in front of the same market in 1994
No way! That’s amazing. Pushkar is a really cool town and I thought that market was so colourful, just had to get a photo of it 🙂
Thanks for commenting.
I’ve been to Jaipur only and traveled a bit around the city – it looks gorgeous, but the shop owners here are probably one of the most annoying in the country! And haggling over anything took around an hour at almost every shop I’ve been too 🙂
Jaisalmer and Jodhpur – these two are on my next India trip for sure! Actually, I kind of thinking to spend at least 2 weeks traveling around Rajastan only as it’s an absolutely amazing state!
Hi Elena!
Glad to hear you enjoyed Jaipur as well – despite the shop owners. We didn’t have too many issues with them actually, we bought a pair of shoes and 2 shirts and they weren’t too much hassle 🙂
Enjoy Jodhpur and Jaisalmer! Two fantastic cities. Two weeks could easily be spent in Rajasthan.
Have fun!
Love all of these places in Rajasthan – especially Jodhpur, that was a personal favourite! Brings back so many memories of my trip with a friend in 2011 🙂
Jodhpur was definitely a favourite of ours too. We actually saw a cow give birth on the street, a camel stroll down a small alleyway and monkeys hopping from roof to roof. Just sitting at our guesthouse watching Jodpur unfold before us was fun – let alone walking the streets!
Good times 🙂
Aaaah this made me so excited! I’m getting butterflies in my tummy
Whoo Hoo!!
These photos are all so magnificent! India’s been calling to me for a while now.. This just makes me more tempting to make it a priority! 😀
Thanks Nikita, India really is incredible! Hopefully you get there one day, highly recommended 🙂
Gorgeous photos! This gets me excited about my own trip to India late next year. I am planning to spend 3 months travelling around and I am nervous but excited!
I think that’s normal! India is soooo different from anywhere and chaotic that I think everyone goes there a bit nervous 🙂 After a few days, you’ll be a pro.
Cheers!
My favorite picture is of ‘a man looks on’ I would love a copy! You two are amazing! Deb wants to visit India so I introduced her to your website. She spends hours dreaming through your photo’s and articles. Another example of how you touch peoples lives!
Thank you 🙂 We love India and hope Deb will too 🙂
loving the pictures! I miss Jaipur so much!!
Thanks!! We too loved Jaipur 🙂
Happy travels.
Beautiful photos!
Rajastan was our first destination when we set out backpacking through Asia, and we visited all of the same cities! I was too overwhelmed a lot of the time to remember to capture the moment, and was especially shy of taking photos of the locals for some reason. Now I’m desperate to return so I can capture more to take home with me.
Thanks for the comment Kim! India is such a photogenic country 🙂 We want to go back too.
All pictures are amazing, As specially man playing instrument with snake, Rajasthan is great place to travel. Having different local tradition that other. Personally i like the way of wearing dresses it too good and also they are having caring nature. Thanks for remember my visit to rajasthan.
I loved your photos, made me want to know India now
Great pictures!
I liked the “A colourful street market” the paintings in the background, the vegetables,
I also liked the “Going on a camel safari is an amazing experience”
Wow that great trip, i wish same day i can do backpacker to that place. That very inspire to go there … because see all awesome picture you both take..
Thank you 🙂
Hello, Thanks for sharing such a fantastic blog.I really appreciate your blog to share information about Rajasthan …Visiting in Rajasthan is amazing experience. This is amazing place with historical monuments and rich traditional culture. Specially dressing style culture, festivals celebration of rajasthan attract every tourist.nice blog
Rajasthan is the best place to visit where you can explore Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jaipur etc.
hi, Nice article and pictures of Rajasthan. Udiapur and Jaisalmer is my best destination. It’s name also called Pink City of India. Carry on Your Blog Nice work