14 Deserts in India For An Unforgettable Desert Adventure

Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Gadisar Lake

One of the major deserts of India, Jaisalmer is a major tourist spot located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India. It is called the 'golden city' due to its bounteous golden dunes flowing in the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is adorned with lakes, ornate Jain temples, havelis and castles clad in golden yellowish sandstone. Climb on to the camel saddle and make your way through this desert or camp under the night sky in this golden land for an unforgettable experience.

Best Time: October to March

39 Jaisalmer Attractions

Known For : Rann of Kutch Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Dholavira

Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past. Kutch is probably one of the most beautiful, yet surreal places in India with the vast expanses of the white salt desert.  The place comes to life during the winters when the Rann Festival is held during December-February everywhere in which there are huge camp settlements with cultural programs, functions and adventure activities like hot-air ballooning.

Best Time: July to March

20 Kutch Attractions

Known For : Junagarh Fort Karni Mata Temple Gajner Palace

Located in the midst of the largest desert in India, the Thar, Bikaner is a "cultural paradise and a traveller's haven". The city will mesmerize you with the camels sauntering its beautiful sand dunes and captivate you with its ancient palaces and forts. Rightly called as one of the three great desert kingdoms of Rajasthan, the dazzling city boasts of old-world charm, opulent havelis and depicts a pleasing bygone era of the Rajputs. 

Best Time: October to March

23 Bikaner Attractions

Filled with vibrant colours, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Barmer is India's fifth largest district that represents the true reflection of Rajasthan. The historic town of the 13th Century is rooted in its flamboyant culture and is the perfect place to visit the wide expanses of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. The town is also home to the majestic Barmer Fort and the ancient temples. A visit to Barmer gets more enjoyable than ever if you get to be a part of the Barmer festival which takes place during March. 

Known For : Mehrangarh Fort Umaid Bhawan Palace Camel Safari

Also, known as the "Gateway to Thar", it is famous for its Mehrangarh fort, blue houses, temples, sweets and snacks. Apart from the fort, there are multiple temples, lakes, shopping streets that are like a mirage from a bygone era. Jodhpur allows you to spend your day trekking on the glades of the rocky mountains and get adventurous in this desert in India

Best Time: November to February

43 Jodhpur Attractions

Known For : Pangong Lake Zanskar Valley Khardung La

Ladakh is a union territory in the Kashmir region of India. Formerly falling in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh was administered a union territory on 31st October 2019. Extending from the Siachen Glacier to the main Great Himalayas, Ladakh is a land like no other. Dominated by dramatic landscapes with long stretches of icy glaciers and extremely low temperatures, Ladakh is known as the world's coldest desert. 

Best Time: April - Mid-July

70 Ladakh Attractions

Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Pin Valley National Park

Long winding roads and picturesque valleys presenting glimpses of cold deserts and snow-crowned mountains, with intermittent greenery and picture-perfect villages welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. 

Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct

40 Spiti Attractions

Known For : Chittorgarh Fort Padmini Palace Kalika Mata Temple

A depository of ancient monuments, an extremely rich heritage, and an immortal folklore boasting of its majestic glory, every building in Chittorgarh still reverberates with the history of its sacrifice and heroism. The capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, Chittorgarh is a land of forts, citadels, ruins, and evergreen stories. Situated in the South Eastern corner of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh stands at the helm of Chattari Rajput pride, and is remembered in the pages of history for its glorious battles.

Best Time: October to March

19 Chittorgarh Attractions

Known For : Kumbhalgarh Fort Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Badal Mahal, Kumbhalgarh

Famous for its gigantic snake-like fortress, Kumbalgarh town is yet another feather in Rajasthan’s royal cap. The historic town is renowned for its majestic monuments, extravagant palaces, an array of temples and flamboyant chattris. The Kumbhalgarh fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan and is a truly magnificent sight. The charming location of the fort at the foothills of pebbly Aravalli hills increases the overall appeal of the place and giving it a stunning topography for a desert in India.

Best Time: October to March

7 Kumbhalgarh Attractions

Known For : Taragarh Fort Moti Mahal, Bundi Badal Mahal, Bundi

Bundi, located in Rajasthan, is a captivating town adorned with grand palaces, ornate forts, and ancient stepwells. Known for its iconic Taragarh Fort and the intricately designed Bundi stepwells, the town provides a glimpse into the majestic era of Rajputs. Surrounded by the Aravalli hills, Bundi boasts of its unique architectural heritage and pristine Baoris (stepwells) that have attracted travelers for generations.

Best Time: October to March

14 Bundi Attractions

Known For : Pushkar Lake Brahma Temple Savitri Temple

Pushkar, the city often referred to as the ‘rose garden of Rajasthan’ is a city of culture and intellect. Nothing can describe this iconic city better than a sought-after destination that provides the essence of Pushkar roses, the charm of culturally vibrant atmosphere and the dynamic festivities make it one hot cultural spot. The west wind of Pushkar gives an easygoing vibe of Westwood lifestyle in the hot sandstone town. 

Best Time: October to March

27 Pushkar Attractions

Known For : Ajmer Sharif Dargah Ana Sagar Lake Adhai Din ka Jhopra

Surrounded by Aravali ranges, the city of Ajmer is most famous for its Dargah Sharif of saint Muin-ud-din Chishti. Firmly bound by its traditions and culture, Ajmer has a unique charm which lies in the ethos and craftsmanship practised over centuries. Visit Ajmer to witness the exquisite Mughal architecture set in an aura of peace and spirituality.

Best Time: October to March

23 Ajmer Attractions

Known For : Sand Dune Village Khimsar Fort The Village

Famous for the Nagaur Festival, Khimsar is a small village in the state of Rajasthan, Ideal for a relaxed weekend getaway in the winters. Perched on the edge of the Thar Desert in India, Khimsar is famous for its golden sand dunes and its magnificent fort Khimsar Fort. Camel safaris on the sand dunes, leisure activities like campfires, folk dance and songs take place at night for the visitors.

Best Time: November to February

4 Khimsar Attractions

Known For : Diskit Monastery Hunder Village Panamik Hot Springs

Nubra Valley lies in the union territory of Ladakh at a distance of around 140 Km from Leh. Located on the ancient Silk Route, the valley has Shyok and Nubra rivers snaking through it and some beautiful monasteries. With arid mountains in the backdrop, Hundar in Nubra Valley is famous for the Bactrian camel rides. Bactrian camels are of the rarest sort, having two humps and were the primary source of transportation in the silk route.

Best Time: June to September

10 Nubra Valley Attractions