Rajasthan, India's largest state by area, is a land of vibrant colors, majestic forts, and royal palaces that transport visitors back to an era of Maharajas and ancient trade routes. From the pink-hued city of Jaipur to the blue alleys of Jodhpur and the shimmering lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan offers an unparalleled tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. The Thar Desert in the west and the Aravalli mountain range create dramatic landscapes that make Rajasthan one of India's most photogenic and culturally rich destinations.
Rajasthan is generally safe for tourists and millions visit without incident each year. The main concerns are petty theft, tourist scams targeting gem and carpet purchases, and the health risks of intense desert heat.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions in Rajasthan. The state is considered safe for tourists. Petty theft and tourist scams are the primary concerns rather than violent crime. Border areas near Jaisalmer require special permits and military photography restrictions apply.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in India. Some areas have increased risk.
Standard Precautions
Rajasthan is a popular tourist destination. Take care against petty theft and scams targeting tourists.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of your passport, visa, and important documents stored securely online and separate from originals
Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps (Ola/Uber) rather than accepting rides from strangers or unmarked cars
Be very wary of the gem shop scam in Jaipur — strangers who offer to take you to 'government gem emporiums' are earning commission
Never accept food or drink from strangers on trains or buses — sporadic incidents of travelers being drugged and robbed have been reported
Drink only bottled or filtered water throughout Rajasthan — tap water is not safe
Carry a portable water bottle and refill with filtered water to reduce plastic waste
Apply high-SPF sunscreen and carry water at all times — summer heat exceeds 45°C and heatstroke is a real risk
Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques, and religious sites — cover shoulders and knees; women should carry a scarf
Women traveling alone should avoid isolated areas at night and dress conservatively to minimize harassment
Keep small denomination notes (₹10, ₹20, ₹50) readily available for auto-rickshaws, tips, and market purchases
Lock up valuables in hotel room safe or locker; never leave bags unattended in tourist areas
Be alert at crowded tourist sites like Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal — pickpockets operate in crowds
Don't drive at night outside cities — animals on roads, poor lighting, and reckless overtaking create hazards
Photography of military installations, bridges, and border areas near Jaisalmer is strictly prohibited
Beware of 'too friendly' guides near monuments who give you a tour then demand extortionate fees
Buy only fixed-price items from government handicraft stores (Rajasthali) if unsure about fair prices
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Gem Shop Scam
A friendly stranger offers to take you to a 'government gem emporium' claiming you can buy gems cheaply and resell at profit at home; gems are overpriced and virtually worthless
How to avoid: Never accept offers to visit gem or carpet shops from strangers on the street or from tuk-tuk/taxi drivers
Fake Tourist Office
Official-looking tourist offices near railway stations and bus stands are actually private travel agents charging inflated prices for tours and transport
How to avoid: Use only official Rajasthan Tourism offices or book through established hotels
Auto-rickshaw Overcharging
Drivers quote exorbitant fares to tourists, especially from stations and airports; meter use is often refused
How to avoid: Agree fare firmly before boarding; use Ola or Uber where available
Camel Safari Price Switching
Desert camel safari operators quote one price, then add extra charges for returning, food, or the tent at the end
How to avoid: Get all-inclusive price in writing before starting; book through reputable hotels
Fake Pushkar Blessing
Priests at Pushkar ghats place flowers in your hands then demand very high fees for a 'blessing'
How to avoid: Politely decline flowers pressed into your hands; if you accept a blessing, ₹50-100 is sufficient
Hotel Commission Scam
Tuk-tuk or taxi drivers claim your booked hotel is closed/full and take you to a hotel that pays them commission
How to avoid: Confirm hotel is open directly by phone before arrival; insist on going to your chosen hotel
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus; consider: Hepatitis B, Rabies (if visiting rural areas). Check with doctor before travel.
- Water
- Tap water not safe — drink only bottled or filtered water; avoid ice in budget establishments
- Food
- Street food is generally safe when freshly cooked and hot; avoid pre-cut fruit, salads washed in tap water, and dairy in heat
- Facilities
- Good private hospitals in Jaipur (Fortis Jaipur, Narayana Health); medical care more limited in rural Rajasthan — travel insurance with medical evacuation strongly recommended
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Rajasthan is generally safe for solo travelers. Tips: Book well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based taxis at night, keep hotel reception informed of your plans for remote areas, and connect with other travelers at hostels for company on excursions.
Female travellers
Women traveling solo should take extra precautions. Dress modestly (cover arms and legs) to avoid harassment, especially in smaller towns. Avoid walking alone after dark in deserted areas. Use female-only train carriages where available. Jaipur, Udaipur, and main tourist areas are generally okay; be more cautious in smaller towns and villages. India's MeToo statistics reflect real risks — stay situationally aware.
Families
Rajasthan is generally family-friendly. Children are warmly welcomed everywhere. Main health concerns for families: sun exposure, GI issues from food/water — carry oral rehydration salts. Some fort pathways are steep and uneven; check accessibility before visiting with small children.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in India (Section 377 was struck down in 2018), but social acceptance is limited in conservative Rajasthan. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract negative attention. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion in small towns and religious sites.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 100
- Medical
- 108 (ambulance)
- Embassy
- US Embassy Delhi: +91-11-2419-8000; UK High Commission Delhi: +91-11-2419-2100
- Tourist Police
- +91-141-2744077 (Jaipur Tourist Police)