9 Hidden Yet Unique Villages To Visit In Rajasthan

When visiting Rajasthan, it’s essential to spend at least one night in the countryside. With approximately 68% of India's population residing in rural areas, exploring these picturesque villages will enhance your trip and offer a refreshing break to experience traditional village life. This guide aims to help you connect with your roots through a rural tour.

In these regions, you’ll find excellent accommodation options, including forts, palaces, and homestays. Activities range from cycling and trekking to train, jeep, and horse rides, as well as bird watching. You can explore stunning temples, forts, palaces, step-wells, and abandoned towns, often off the beaten path.

# Ajabgarh

Located about 100 km from Jaipur in the Aravalli hills, Ajabgarh offers breathtaking views of Jai Sagar Lake. Named after Ajab Singh Rajawat, the village is predominantly inhabited by the Meena tribe, known for their vibrant dress and ornaments. The area features numerous forts and temples, accessible by steep stairs or jeep, with spectacular views from the top. Nearby attractions include the ancient city of Jaipur, the abandoned town of Bhangarh, Neelkanth temples, and Sariska National Park, home to tigers, jaguars, and sambar deer.

# Narlai Situated in the Pali district

Narlai is a small village with historical significance and beautiful landscapes. It boasts some of the earliest cave temples, an elegant step well, and a heritage hotel housed in a former hunting lodge. Visitors can enjoy horseback rides through the countryside, tour local homes, and interact with the friendly locals. Nearby Ranakpur temples and Kumbhalgarh Fort add cultural depth to the visit.

# Bishnoi Village Near Jodhpur

Bishnoi Village is renowned for its sustainable lifestyle and respect for nature. The Bishnoi tribe is committed to wildlife and bird conservation. Accessible by jeep or camel safari through the Great Indian Desert, the village offers an immersive experience in local life. The round mud huts, straw roofs, and camels provide a glimpse into traditional rural living.

# Bundi

Bundi, in southeast Rajasthan near Kota, offers a peaceful alternative to the tourist-heavy cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur. The town features magnificent temples, beautiful lakes, and the imposing 17th-century Garh Palace. Known for its 50 stepwells, including the impressive Queen’s Stepwell with 200 steps, Bundi is a place to relax and explore authentic Rajasthan. The Taragarh Fort and the vivid Indian murals in the Garh Palace are worth visiting.

# Bijaipur Castle

Bijaipur, a 16th-century royal castle in the Vindhyachal hills, serves as a boutique hotel with stunning views of a picturesque village. The surrounding environment includes farmlands, valleys, natural forests, and jacaranda trees. Activities include horse riding on Marwari horses, bird watching, and boating on the Chambal River. Nearby attractions include the UNESCO-listed Chittorgarh Fort, Menal’s waterfall and temple, Lotus Lake, and the carpet-weaving village of Athena.

# Chanoud

Located in the Pali district between Jodhpur and Udaipur, Chanoud features a small village, a beautiful lake, and the 300-year-old Chanoud Garh palace. The palace, adorned with intricate carvings and bright murals, reflects the area's historical charm. Visitors can enjoy walks by the lake, explore salt pans and open fields, socialize with locals, or take a jeep or camel ride. The nearby Jain temple at Ranakpur is an excellent day trip.

# Nimaj

Nimaj, situated between Jaipur and Jodhpur, is known for its grasslands and wetlands. The village is home to Chhatra Sagar, a large water body favored by bird watchers. The warm-hearted locals make it easy for tourists to engage with the community, and participation in local events and landscape tours provides a rich cultural experience.

# Khuri Village

Khuri Village, set among dunes, is renowned for its traditional mud architecture and vibrant celebrations, including camel races and camel polo. Camelback rides and sunset views enhance the rural experience. Staying in mud houses and engaging in local meals and cultural activities offer a true taste of rural Rajasthan.

# Jojowar

A friendly village in the Pali district, Jojowar is nestled in the Aravalli hills among scrub forests and small farms. Inhabited by camel breeders and shepherds, Jojowar offers a train safari between Jodhpur and Udaipur through Kambli Ghat Pass. Horse riding, extended horseback trips, and jeep safaris provide opportunities to experience local life and markets.