
Crammed with historical and scenic towns, Rajasthan boasts Nagaur, which is a small but a great historically significant town. This serene town is nestled between the two popular towns of Rajasthan, Jodhpur and Bikaner. It is the chief town of Nagaur District in the Jodhpur Division and was known as Ahichhatrapur. The original rulers of this place were Nagas. After the 7th century, the Chauhans became the overlords of this place. Today, Nagaur is famous for its massive forts and for being the birthplace of the saint poetess Meera Bai. Whether you are a history buff or a traveler seeking solace at a serene place, Nagaur, with its magnificent heritage hotels, is the perfect destination to plan your holiday. Our Nagaur travel guide will help you trip with your family or friends, considering the best time to visit and the best places to explore.
Best Places to Visit in Nagaur, Rajasthan
Nagaur is one of those places in Rajasthan that quietly surprises you. This tranquil historical town reveals its identity and its charm as you slowly walk around. The grand forts, beautiful havelis, and peaceful temples speak of a glorious past. Life here feels simple yet full of stories. Whether you’re exploring the old lanes, watching local crafts, or enjoying the calm of the desert, Nagaur makes you feel connected to its roots. It’s a town that blends history with everyday life. Here are the top places that you must explore in Nagaur:
Nagaur Fort
Nagaur Fort is the main highlight of any Nagaur tour itinerary. Built in the 12th century, the fort is known for its massive walls, palaces, temples, and fountains. The interiors showcase beautiful murals and Mughal-Rajput architecture. Rajasthan tourism often highlights this fort as one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan because it reflects both history and art. A walk inside feels like stepping back in time. If you are planning a Rajasthan tour, make sure Nagaur Fort is on your list.
Jain Glass Temple
The Jain Glass Temple is a unique attraction and one of the best five places to visit in Nagaur. Dedicated to the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, the temple shines with mirrors and glass panels that create a sparkling effect when sunlight enters. Tourist admires the colorful glasswork and intricate design of this temple. It is a must-visit place for tourists who enjoy art and spirituality together.
Deepak Mahal
Located inside Nagaur Fort, Deepak Mahal is a palace known for its delicate paintings and floral designs. Deepak Mahal’s literal meaning is the “Palace of Lamps” and it is famous for its endless charm and elegance. It is the palace with beautiful artwork here that glows under natural light. Hence, the palace was named Deepak Mahal, the Palace of Lamps. This magnificent palace gives you an insight into the royal lifestyle of Rajasthan.
Anoop Mahal
Another beautiful palace inside the Nagaur Fort and a hidden gem in Nagaur that you must explore is Anoop Mahal, famous for its golden decorations and royal grandeur. The walls are adorned with gold leaf work and detailed patterns that display Mughal influence. People on their Rajasthan Tour must visit this magnificent palace that showcases the architectural brilliance of the region.
Khimsar Fort
About 42 km from Nagaur, Khimsar Fort stands tall in the middle of the Thar Desert. Built 500 years ago, it has now been converted into a heritage hotel. Once visited by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the fort carries great historical importance. Khimsar town is also home to around 25 small temples, adding a cultural touch to the visit. Don’t miss spotting the graceful black deer that roam in herds nearby — a unique sight that makes this excursion special.
Sufi Shrines (Tarkeen Dargah)
Nagaur is also known for its spiritual side, and Tarkeen Dargah is one of the most important Sufi shrines in Rajasthan. It is dedicated to Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri, a disciple of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer. The peaceful atmosphere and simple design attract visitors from all faiths. Including this shrine in a Nagaur tour itinerary adds a spiritual touch to your Rajasthan tour. For Rajasthan tourism, it’s not just about forts and palaces but also about faith and culture. It’s truly one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
Fairs and Festivals of Nagaur
Nagaur Cattle Fair: Nagaur is not just about forts and havelis. The town is also known for its colorful fairs and lively festivals. The most famous is the Nagaur Cattle Fair, held every year between January and February. It is one of the biggest festivals in Rajasthan, famous for the trading of camels, horses, and bullocks. However, the fair is not only about animals, but it also has folk music, puppet shows, and traditional games that keep the mood festive.
Apart from the cattle fair, Nagaur celebrates many local festivals with equal charm, like Teej and Gangaur, that is also worth watching or experiencing. During Teej and Gangaur, women dress in bright clothes, sing songs, and join processions. Each festival here reflects the traditions and community spirit of Rajasthan. Visiting Nagaur during these times gives you a chance to see the town at its liveliest, full of energy, joy, and togetherness.
Best Time to Visit Nagaur
Nagaur is a beautiful town located in the Nagaur District of Rajasthan. So, it is a hot city with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 40°C or sometimes even more than this during the summer season. Hence, the best time to visit Nagaur is from November to February. The pleasant weather makes sightseeing and outdoor activities easy for tourists. You will be able to explore the historical sites and also enjoy the cultural festivals of Nagaur, that is held annually during the winter season.
How to Reach Nagaur
Nagaur is well-connected by road, railway, and air to nearby cities and neighboring cities. So, reaching Nagaur is easy. Here are the different travel options you can opt for depending on your time and budget:
By Air: The nearest airport to Nagaur is Jodhpur, which is only 125 km away. You get a flight from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and other cities to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, book a taxi/cab to reach Nagaur. You can also hop on a state-run and private bus to reach Nagaur.
By Train: Nagaur has its own railway station that is well-connected to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Delhi. You get frequent trains from these destinations. If you are traveling from any other city, then reach any of the mentioned cities from your state and travel to Nagaur by train.
By Road: You get state government buses from the major cities in Rajasthan, like Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Ajmer.