Things To Do In Rajasthan Beyond The Taj Mahal

Rajasthan is India’s largest and most colour-infused state. From cities dappled in pink and blue to wildlife sanctuaries teeming with endless opportunities for safari drives, you’ll find a little piece of magic suited for every type of traveller in the land of many colours, culinary delights and captivating natural landscapes. 

Lavish palace-turned hotels rise up from lakes like a mirage, the sound of haggling and the sight of sparkling handicrafts permeates through hidden bazaars, and pure white temples perfectly contrast against mesmerizing desert landscapes. Add historical forts, world-renowned cuisine and a regal culture that reflects the bygone era, and it’s easy to see why travelling to Rajasthan concurs as one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that’ll change your worldview and never let go of your heartstrings.

While the Taj Mahal in Agra is one of Rajasthan’s main drawcards (and a must-see if you’re visiting India for the first time!), there’s so much more to this sun-dappled state. You can easily spend a lifetime peeling back the layers of rich heritage, surprising traditions and warm hospitality that goes beyond the famous world wonder. Below are a few of my favourites.

In a kingdom that celebrates colour like nowhere else on earth, choosing which Rajasthani city to explore is like taking your pick from the rainbow. For starters, there’s the Pink City of Jaipur, the Blue City of Jodhpur, the Gold City of Jaisalmer and the White City of Udapair—and each have their own story to tell.

Jaipur’s most distinctive landmarks include salmon-hued structures like the honeycomb Hawa Mahal and the shimmering pink City Palace, which houses the former Maharajas of India. The city’s pink history commenced in 1876, when Queen Victoria’s son, Albert Edward, visited India. Maharaja Ram Singh had the whole city painted pink since the colour represented hospitality at the time, and a law was later passed to maintain the colour for all future buildings.

Meanwhile in the Jodhpur, the history behind its blue hue still remains a bit of a mystery. Some say the colour represents the Brahmins, which are castles within Hindu society. Others say it’s because the colour reflects sunlight and keeps houses cool during the sweltering summer months. This dazzling oasis of a city sits in the vast Thar Desert and is known for its spectacular architectural masterpieces - namely the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, which rises upon a hilltop around 122 metres above Jodhpur’s glittering skyline. It's one of the most magnificent forts in all of India and is still run by the Jodhpur royal family. Looking straight across, you can see Umaid Bhawan Palace, the stunning heritage hotel B&R calls home on our Limited Edition Rajasthan & the Taj Mahal trip.

From stylish tented camps to opulent palaces that were once home to royalty, Rajasthan is known for their wide array of unique accommodations perfect for every taste. Here you’ll find jaw-dropping palaces, havelis and forts that have been converted into some of the world’s most over-the-top heritage hotels.

Another favourite is Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, run by the Taj Group of Hotels and still lived in by the city’s royal family—meaning you might even spot the Maharaja when roaming the halls when visiting Rajasthan with B&R. A section of the hotel is a museum dedicated to the history of Jodhpur’s royalty, and the grounds have been a favourite among Hollywood movie sets and lavish royal weddings.

Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East,’ the city of Udaipur is built around three interconnected lakes—Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake—and is encircled by the hills of the Aravalli mountain range, creating one of the most romantic settings in all of India. Marble temples, family mansions and fairytale palaces (several of which have been converted into luxury heritage hotels), rise up from the shimmering lake like a mirage, most notably Udaipur’s Lake Palace, which is set on a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola and can be seen in the James Bond film Octopussy. There’s a wealth of great lakeside cafes and restaurants along Lake Pichola, and you can even take scenic cruises to the lake's surrounding islands (we recommend going at sunset!).

Rajasthan has a thing for festivals. As one of the most colourful, culturally-rich states in India, you’ll find all types of celebrations—from Makar Sankranti, which is the first major celebration of New Year, to Teej, which is dedicated to the Goddess Teej and traditionally observed by women celebrating the monsoon season in correlation to the Hindu calendar.

Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun positioning itself from Capricorn to Sagittarius and is observed in correlation with the Jaipur Kite Festival, which celebrates basking in the long summer days after the winter season comes to an end. The festival is one of Jaipur’s most popular events and attracts travellers from all over the world with good reason: watching the sky transform into a million colours of flying kites is an exhilarating experience to behold. Delicious Rajasthani treats are served around every corner and the festival also includes folk culture performances and dance exhibitions.

Dubbed the greatest literary show in the world, the Jaipur Literature Festival takes place every January,, bringing together the world’s top writers, politicians, entertainers and humanitarians to have an open discussion about culture, history and social issues. The festival's core values are to serve as a democratic platform offering fair access and to express and engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue.