Luxury Rajasthan Vacations

The imposing Ranthambore Fort looms over Ranthambore National Park, the best tiger safari reserve in Rajasthan. The park's wild jungle scrub stretches across 151 square miles of open meadows and dry deciduous forests. Its convenient location and excellent selection of luxury tented camps make it a perfect wildlife destination on a tour of Rajasthan.

You can track the elusive tiger on morning and afternoon jeep safaris, as knowledgeable guides follow pugmarks and tell-tale signs. On safari, also keep an eye out for the park’s other residents, including southern plains grey langur, wild boar, Indian leopard, rhesus macaque, nilgai, striped hyena, sloth bear, and chital.

The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is a bustling, energetic place, full to the brim with sights, sounds, scents and flavors that present Rajasthan in all its vibrancy. As the third point on the classic Golden Triangle tour, Jaipur epitomizes Rajasthan’s color, regal heritage and artisan culture.

For the best places to visit in Jaipur City, start with the intricate designs and massive structures of Amber Fort, a stunning example of Rajput architecture. Marvel at its iconic ochre colors in the soft sunlight, as well as panoramic views of the landscape from its hilltop perch. Meanwhile, the Hawa Mahal – or 'Palace of Winds' – is famous for its honeycomb-like windows, with its highest levels commanding a magnificent view of the busy streets below.

Painted pink to honor the Prince of Wales on his visit to the city in 1876, the streets of Jaipur are a warren of bustling markets, where silversmiths craft exquisite jewelry and diaphanous silks are unfurled for inspection.

Impossibly romantic, the glimmering white buildings of Udaipur hug the edge of Lake Pichola, its majestic Lake Palace rising gracefully from the tranquil waters. The palaces and royal quarters that overlook the lake are architectural masterpieces, while the markets beyond epitomize Rajasthan’s vibrant color and cultural wealth.

For the best places to visit in Udaipur, Lake Pichola provides serene boat rides and stunning views of royal quarters and temples. The City Palace is perhaps the best example, gazing imperiously over the lake, with its exquisite interiors and marble craftsmanship showcasing Rajasthan's princely grandeur.

Nearby, the Jagdish temple is a must-see architectural marvel, featuring elaborate carvings on its exterior and a striking black stone statue of Lord Vishnu inside. Between excursions, dine in one of the lake-front restaurants, explore the colorful markets or lose yourself in the serene gardens of the Saheylion-ki-Bari.

Jodhpur, 'the Blue City', is a tangle of medieval lanes and alleys lined with blue and white-washed stone dwellings and colorful markets, the air heavy with the scent of spices and flowers. It's a fascinating place to visit and immerse yourself for a couple of days in the cultural charms of Rajasthan.

Standing proudly atop the rocky hill, the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur. Appearing almost as a natural extension of the earth, its stone walls are carved from the rock that supports it. This simple exterior reveals a series of opulently designed halls, with colored glasswork, mirrors, and delicate sandstone carvings.

After a day of exploring, live like a Maharaja with a cocktail in the elegant surrounds of the Umaid Bhawan Palace. One of the last great palaces built in India, it's now partly a museum showcasing the royal heritage of Jodhpur.