Travel Information

Language: Hindi
Currency: Indian Rupee
Local Time: GMT +5:30
Flight Time: 12 hrs

Known as the land of the maharajas, Rajasthan is an awe-inspiring state in the north of India, bordering Pakistan. The area is filled with traces of its history, from the huge forts that once protected the citizens from invading enemies, to opulent palaces that once housed historic Indian royalty.

Rajasthan’s capital city, Jaipur is one of the three cities that make up what is known as ‘The Golden Triangle’, along with Delhi and Agra. These cities are great icons and are hugely popular with travellers. Jaipur’s offerings to the Golden Triangle includes the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar and the colourful bazaars which line the streets.

Home to cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur, Rajasthan has a little of everything, where huge fortresses sit alongside small, blue, brickwork houses. In this part of the country, you really get to know a multi-faceted India that will surprise and enchant you.

There is nothing bland about Rajasthan, and you will be surrounded by colour at all times, from the vibrant markets that line the streets with a rainbow of colour, to the orange tigers you might catch a glimpse of in the national parks.

When to Go

India experiences harsh summers with temperatures able to reach well into the 40s. This means that the summer months, from April to July can be unpleasantly hot. July and August sees monsoons with flooding being a common occurrence in some places due to the sudden heavy rainfall on ground that stays dry for the majority of the year.

The winter months, from November to February, tend to be the best time to travel with a much milder climate and temperatures usually sitting in the mid 20s. This is the most popular time for tourists, so there are often things going on at this time of year. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, you may find late summer, around September, more suitable.

Events for Your Diary

 
Mewar Festival

Welcoming in the spring season, the Mewar Festival is an incredible sight with a procession of boats carrying images of the goddess, Gauri on Lake Pichola. You can expect plenty of dancing, music and food with women dressed in brightly coloured sarees.

Summer Festival

In June every year, Mount Abu plays host to the Summer Festival, offering a cooler climate up in the mountain than the rest of the area experiences. The festival features music, dancing, boat races and much more over the three days. The closing ceremony includes a spectacular firework display, making it an experience not to be missed.

Things to Know About

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Capital City: Jaipur
Language: Hindi
Time Difference: Rajasthan is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of the UK
Average Flight Time: 12 hrs
International Phone Code: +91
Emergency Services Number: 112
Public Holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Republic Day (January 26), Buddha Purnima (May 12), Eid al-Fitr (first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal), Naga Panchami (fifth day of the Hindi month of Shravana), Independence Day (August 15), Eid al-Adha (tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhu’l-Hijjah)Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), Durga Puja, Diwali, Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti (all vary depending on Hindu or lunar calendar), Mawlid (twelfth day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-awwal), Christmas Day (December 25), New Year’s Eve (December 31).
Link to FCO Travel Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india