Getting Oriented

The largest state in India, Rajasthan is in the northwestern part of the country, sharing a border with Pakistan. The Aravali mountain range runs north–south almost the entire length of the state. The hot, dry northwest region is dominated by the Thar Desert; the milder south is known for its lakes and greenery. Jaipur, the state capital, is an hour's flight from New Delhi—options for traveling around Rajasthan include air, train, and road.

• Jaipur and Nearby. The modern and ancient worlds collide in Rajasthan's bustling capital. Highlighted by the Hawa Mahal and the City Palace, this town is both an architectural delight and a shopping hot spot for carpets, textiles, handmade paper and jewelry. Excursions from Jaipur include the Shekhawati region, known as India's open-air art gallery because of the frescoes on the walls of the old havelis, or ancient homes of merchants.
• Udaipur and Nearby. With the Lake Palace floating in the middle of Lake Pichola, the White City is charming and serene. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike up to Monsoon Palace for stunning bird's-eye views. From here there are spectacular day trips like the Jain temples at Ranakpur and Mount Abu, and the medieval citadel of Chittaurgarh.
• Jodhpur. The blue houses in the Old City here contrast with the desert landscape and the regal Mehrangarh fort. The congested Old City is fun to explore, and the fort is a short auto-rickshaw ride away.
• Jaisalmer and Nearby. The Golden City is synonymous with its majestic fort, and a visit here just isn't complete without a jeep or camel safari, or a visit to the Sam Sand Dunes.