BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN RAJASTHAN

INTRODUCTION

Rajasthan is a very interesting tourist attraction site in India with a rich royal past, colorful culture, and different sceneries. The choice of the historic cities, the cultural experiences available, and the scenic setting make the state really diverse and to this end, a great destination to travelers who seek the best places to visit in the Rajasthan state. Rajasthan boasts of destinations that show centuries old tradition, architecture and royal history, be it in historic capped towns or desert towns and lake cities.

Such cities as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Pushkar are also famous for their cultural background, traditional market and old fashioned architecture. The various destinations offer varying travel experiences, which enables the visitors to see the diverse nature of Rajasthan tourism.

To tourists intending to have a comfortable adventure through the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan, The Rajasthan Tour Packages can be trusted to provide them with quality services when it comes to their travel arrangements such as accommodations, tour guides, sightseeing tours and cab services. Professional planning and experience of the local people would ensure that the visitors can explore the most beautiful cities of Rajasthan without any complications and have a memorable travel experience.

The best forts in Rajasthan you should visit.

Rajasthan is said to be the Land of Kings and its fortresses are the most effective reminding of the royal history of the state and history of its warriors. These forts were defensive and in addition acted as royal abodes, administrative hubs and sources of power to the Rajput rulers. 

The forts of Rajasthan are situated on hill tops, landscape deserts and strategic positions, providing a very beautiful architecture, intriguing history and breathtaking views of the other cities. A large number of these forts are currently UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are still very popular landmarks in India. Some of the most significant of these forts in Rajasthan are listed below, and each is symbolic of the bravery, culture, and design excellence of the place.

1.Amer Fort

The most interesting section of Amer Fort is the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), whereby in both walls and ceilings, thousands of tiny mirrors have been placed. As the light is bounced back by these mirrors the whole room glistens. The fort has other great features such as Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and royal courtyards that are beautifully designed.

The fort has scenic views of the Maota Lake, which is situated before the fort and is accompanied by marvelous views of the surrounding hills. The fort is now accessible to the visitors by road or by walking up the historic walkway where royal processions were made.

2.Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is considered to be one of the best and largest forts in India. It is approximately 400 feet higher than Blue City of Jodhpur and its huge walls and tall gates rule the skyline. Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 and the fort was constructed by Rao Jodha, who was the founder of this kingdom, which was the center of power of the kingdom of Marwar.

To access the fort, one goes through a number of large gates that were created to guard the kingdom against attacks of enemies. Within the fort complex, tourists can also visit royal palaces like Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal all featured with elaborate carving and engravings with the use of colorful glasses.

The most interesting fact about Mehrangarh Fort is that it has a museum where royalty items are exhibited such as ancient weapons, armor, paintings, and traditional costumes of the Marwar rulers. The fort also gives an amazing panorama of the blue painted houses of Jodhpur which gave the city its nickname.

Mehrangarh Fort: The Mehrangarh fort is a magnificent creation that makes it easy to visualize the power and the architectural genius of the warriors of Rajasthan.

3.Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort also referred to as Sonar Quila is the most distinct fort in the world since people still live there. The fort was constructed in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal and is proudly located in the Thar Desert and is made of golden-yellow sandstone which is so bright on sunrise and sunset.

Contrary to other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is located as a living town where people still continue to live, operate shops, restaurants, and temples in the walls. The fort has small streets, well sculpted havelis, Jain temples and traditional houses that are a mirror image of desert architecture.

In the past, the Jaisalmer Fort was a significant part of trade routes between India and the Middle East and Central Asia. The traders who passed by the desert used to halt here in order to trade and have shelter.

Tourists who come in today are able to visit the historic temples, museums and local markets of the fort as they witness the rich desert culture of Rajasthan.

4.Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort is the biggest fort in India and also the most historical fort in Rajasthan. The fort is on a huge hill, spread over around 700 acres and symbolizes sacrifice and courage of the Rajput warriors of Mewar.

The fort is jointly linked to the mythical tale of Rani Padmini who is said to have carried out the practice of jauhar (self-sacrifice) together with other women during the siege of the Alauddin Khilji during the 14th century.

The fort of Chittorgarh has a number of old buildings among them the Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower) constructed by Maharana Kumbha on the succession to the Sultan of Malwa. The Kirti Stambh is another monument, which is devoted to the Jain traditions.

There are also temples, palaces, reservoirs, and gates in the fort which underscores the splendor of the Rajput architecture and military strategy.

5.Kumbhalgarh Fort

One of the best defensive buildings in Rajasthan is Kumbhalgarh Fort. The fort, constructed by Rana Kumbha of the Mewar dynasty in the 15th century, is renowned for its huge defense wall of 36 kilometers, the second-longest in the globe after the Great Wall of China.

The fort is also referred to as the home of Maharana Pratap who was the legendary Rajput warrior who opposed the Mughal rule. The building has more than 300 temples and a number of palaces.

The fort of Kumbhalgarh was almost impregnable in centuries due to defensive construction and the distance of the fort in the Aravalli hills.

6.Ranthambore Fort

Ranthambore Fort is situated within Ranthambore National Park and is a unique blend of wildlife and history. Constructed around the 10th century, the fort played a significant military post in a number of Rajput dynasties.

The fort is located on the hilltop amidst forests and lakes, which present a breathtaking view of the national park at the bottom. Visitors are allowed to view old temples, gateways and ancient ruins in the fort complex which reflect its long history.

7.Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort stands out from the other forts in Rajasthan since it was not constructed on a hill but on flat terrain. The fort was built in the 16th century by Raja Rai Singh and it has a row of beautifully decorated palaces with complicated carvings, paintings, and mirror work.

Junagarh Fort has never been taken over and its historical value is enhanced by the numerous battles it has been fighting in the area.

8.Taragarh Fort

Taragarh Fort is a Bundi and one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan, which provides a beautiful sight of the town and the hills around it. The fort was constructed in the 14 th century and was built with massive walls and reservoirs to keep the water stored in case of prolonged battles.

The fort also contains ancient tunnels and battlements that demonstrate the ancient methods of warfare in ancient Rajasthan.

9.Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is erected on Aravalli Hills looking upon Jaipur city and was constructed in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It was originally built as a fort on defense but it was later developed as a royal retreat.

The complex of the fort also has the Madhavendra Bhawan having the beautifully designed suites constructed in Jaipur on behalf of the queens.

10.Jaigarh Fort

The Jaigarh Fort was constructed to secure Amer Fort and was the army base of the ruling Rajput. The fort is renowned with the Jaivana Cannon which was the largest cannon on wheels in the world.

The fort has underground water tanks, weapon storage space and watchtowers which are some of the features that show the military might of the Rajput kingdom.

These forts are all the proud history of heroes, architectural superiority, and royal heritage of the state of Rajasthan; hence, they are one of the most interesting historical sites in India.

Best Desert Destinations in Rajasthan

The landscape of the desert is also one of the most distinctive aspects of tourism in Rajasthan. The expansive golden sands of the Thar Desert make an amazing place where tourists can get a taste of camel safaris, desert camping and the traditional cultural shows. Travel to the top desert locations in Rajasthan enables a tourist to experience the natural environment of the desert as well as the history of forts, the ancient towns, and the colorful culture of this region. Some of the most significant places of the desert in Rajasthan are listed below in accordance with their popularity and tourism significance.

1.Jaisalmer - The Golden City of Thar desert.

The most popular desert destination in Rajasthan is Jaisalmer, which is popularly regarded as so. It is found in the deep part of the Thar desert and is characterized by the golden sand stone architecture which is so beautiful to view under the sunrise and the sunset. Jaisalmer Fort or sonar quila is one such historic fort that remains one of the few living forts in the world with people living and having shops within the fort.

Sam Sand Dunes is one of the largest tourist Hotspots around Jaisalmer and it is situated at a distance of approximately 40 km away. Tourists visit here to have camel rides, jeep tours as well as overnight desert camps where they are served with traditional Rajasthani music and dances.

Peak Season: October-March.

Travel Route:

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer - distance of about 285km, road time 5-6 hours.

2.Bikaner - City of Desert Heritage.

Another worthy desert attraction site is Bikaner which is a fascinating combination of desert and royalty. The city was established in 1488 by a founder by the name Rao Bika and is well known for its historic forts, desert culture and camel breeding farms.

Junagarh Fort is one of the prime sites with an excellent architecture and royal interiors. The visitors going to Bikaner can also see the National Research Centre on Camels where they can get to know about camels and how they are vital to life in the desert.

The traditional snacks that are known to be famous in Bikaner are also the Bikaneri bhujia and sweets.

Peak Season: October- February.

Travel Route:

Jaipur to Bikaner - distance of about 335 km, it will be covered in 6-7 hours by road.

3.Barmer - The Culture of Desert Tradition.

Barmer is another cultural desert area, less popular, but rich with culture, located in the west of Rajasthan. The town is well-known for the traditional handicrafts, block printing, embroidery and wood carving. The Barmer is frequented by travelers who wish to explore the culture of the true desert without encountering much congestion as is the case with other tourist cities.

The area is also characterized by desert temples and traditional folk music that remind of the traditional desert inhabitants.

Tourists visiting Barmer are able to visit some of these local villages where generations of artisans still practice traditional crafts.

Peak Period: November- February.

Travel Route:

Barmer to Jodhpur - distance 200 km and by road, it would take 4 hrs.

4.Khuri - Tranquil village in the desert.

Khuri is a small village of the desert that is situated approximately 50 km away from Jaisalmer. It is considered to have serene sand dunes and traditional desert culture. Khuri is more authentic and silent compared with Sam Sand Dunes.

Tourists are able to take camel tours in the dunes and sleep in the mud huts or desert camps and listen to the local music and food.

The place is the best destination for tourists who do not want to be overwhelmed by big tourist spots.

Peak Season: October-March.

Travel Route:

Jaisalmer to Khuri - distance is approximately 50km, time takes 1 hour by road.

These are the top desert spots in Rajasthan that provide tourists with the most memorable attractions including camel safari, desert camping, cultural shows and ancient desert towns. Touring these desert destinations of Rajasthan enables one to see the beauty of nature and the traditional way of life in Thar Desert.

Beautiful Lakes in Rajasthan to Visit.

Despite the fact that Rajasthan is commonly known to be the state of desert scenery and historic forts, there are some beautiful lake cities located in the state that are able to provide scenic experience and a serene environment. These cities in the lake of Rajasthan were commonly constructed by royal families around whom they constructed lakes and water reservoirs to aid the environmental conditions in the dry state. These cities today are the attraction sites of the travelers due to the calm lakes, royal palaces and beautiful scenery. Visiting these places is a vital component of the way to find out the most interesting locations in Rajasthan.

1.Udaipur - The City of Lakes

Udaipur is the best known lake city in Rajasthan and commonly called the city of lakes. The city, which is encircled by the Aravalli Hills, was founded by a man, Maharana Udai Singh II, in the year 1559 and is characterized by the beautiful lakes and royal architecture. This is due to the fact that a number of various lakes are connected and this makes Udaipur a serene and romantic place, and this has made it one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Rajasthan.

Lake Pichola is one of the most popular sites here and is known to have some of the most amazing views of old palaces including the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. Tourists will normally get boat tours in the lake particularly at the time of sun set when the palaces surrounding it are beautiful reflections in the water.

Fateh Sagar Lake is another renowned lake in Udaipur and is enclosed by hills and walk paths. The lake is an ideal location to walk around in the evenings and food kiosks.

Udaipur by virtue of its royal heritage, scenic lakes and peaceful scenery is one of the most beautiful lake cities to visit in Rajasthan.

2.Pushkar - The Sacred Lake City

Pushkar is a tiny but spiritually significant locality in the locality of Ajmer in Rajasthan. The city is most famously referred to as the sacred Pushkar Lake which in itself is of great religious value to the Hindu pilgrims. Lord Brahma created the lake as per the mythology, and thus it is one of the most sacred water bodies in India.

There are over fifty ghats around Pushkar Lake where religious rituals are practiced and sacred dips made by pilgrims. Pushkar is a significant spiritual place besides the beautiful lake town due to the serene environment surrounding the lake.

Another region that draws pilgrims of the country is the rare Brahma Temple that is devoted to Lord Brahma and is located in the city. Other than religious significance, Pushkar has colorful markets, cafes and the well renowned Pushkar Camel Fair during which there is an influx of camels annually.

Spirituality coupled with culture and scenic views of the lake make Pushkar one of the most unusual lake destinations in Rajasthan.

3.Rajsamand - Rajsamand Lake Town The Ancient Town.

Another lovely lake destination that is near Udaipur is Rajsamand. It is called the city of Rajsamand Lake that was constructed in the 17 th century by Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. The lake was originally built to serve as a water reservoir to assist the local communities in times of droughts.

Rajsamand Lake boasts of great marble embankments and well sculpted pavilions called chhatris. Those buildings are evidence of the Mewar artisanship.

The lake is large and has got picturesque views of the hills and countryside situated around it. A number of visitors come here to have a peaceful stay and know the historical value of the lake.

Due to the fact that it is not very congested like other tourist cities, Rajsamand offers tourists a peaceful and natural view of the lake heritage within Rajasthan.

4.Ajmer - An Ancient City of Lakes and a Spiritual Place.

Another powerful city of Rajasthan is Ajmer which has a spiritual value as well as beautiful lakes. Ana Sagar Lake is in the list of the primary destinations in the city and was constructed during the 12 th century by the Chauhan king Arnoraja.

The gorge is enclosed with marble pavilions and gardens which offer a serene atmosphere to visitors. Evening walks and photography In the lake, people like to walk and take photographs during the sunset when there is the reflection of the hills on the water.

Another renowned feature of Ajmer is Ajmer Sharif Dargah which is among the most popular Sufi shrines in India. Due to its spiritual and historical importance, pilgrims and other tourists all over the country come to visit the city.

Ajmer has a mixture of cultural heritage with its stunning lake view and has been one of the major lake cities to explore in Rajasthan.

These are the scenic lake cities in Rajasthan that should be visited by tourists to have a refreshing experience other than the desert scenery. They include some of the most beautiful places to visit in the state because of their scenic lakes, historic palaces, and serene environment.

Top Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Rajasthan.

Although forts, palaces, and desert sceneries are the common attractions in Rajasthan, the state has thrilling attractions to wildlife enthusiasts. There are also several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan that conserve various ecosystems that comprise forests, lakes, grasslands, and desert habitats. 

The destinations suit the needs of those who wish to have nature, see some rare animals, and have some adventure in the safari tours. These parks form a significant component of the Rajasthan wildlife tourism as it offers a distinctive mix of both natural beauty and historical background.

1.Ranthambore national park- the well known tiger reserve.

Ranthambore National Park is the most well known wildlife park in Rajasthan and one of the best places in India to see Bengal tigers in its natural habitat. The park is situated in Sawai Madhopur district and it occupies a vast forest area that is surrounded by lakes, rocky hills and old ruins that form a dramatic view.

Some of the wildlife found in the park includes tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and more than 300 species of birds. The park has jeep or canter safaris in which visitors are taken to see the park. These are done in two shifts throughout the day.

The historic Ranthambore Fort within the forest is one of the most interesting things in the park that enables visitors to have a blend of wildlife adventure and historical tourism.

Travel Guide:

• Nearest City: Sawai Madhopur
• Closest Rail Station Sawai Madhopur Junction.
• Peak Season: October- June.

Ranthambore is one of the places that should not be missed by tourists who can be keen on wildlife photography and tiger safari.

2.Wildlife in the Aravalli Hills Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Another significant wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan is Sariska Tiger Reserve found in Alwar district. The reserve is located along the Aravalli range of mountains and comprises of dense forests, rocky terrain as well as grasslands which support numerous wildlife.

The sanctuary is also referred to as the home to tigers, but tourists can also find the leopard, wild boars, jackals and various species of deer. Bird life is also abundant in the park and it is a great place to visit in case one is interested in bird watching.

Besides wildlife, Sariska is also full of historic ruins like the Kankwari Fort and ancient temples found deep into the forest.

Travel Guide:

• Proximate distance to Jaipur: About 110 km.
• Closest Train Station: Alwar Junction.
• Peak Season: October-March.

Sariska provides a serene wildlife tour and is usually not congested as compared to other national parks.

3.Bird Paradise of Rajasthan: Keoladeo National Park.

The Keoladeo National Park or the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the most significant bird habitats in the world. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which draws visitors who love watching birds and nature in the park regardless of their location.

Over three hundred and seventy species of birds are found in the sanctuary, some of which are migratory species that travel distances of thousands of kilometers such as Siberia and central Asia. The visitors are able to view birds in their natural habitat by riding bicycles, walking or by the help of the cycle rickshaw through the park.

The park sustains many wildlife other than birds which are deer, wild boar and turtle.

Travel Guide:

• Nearest City: Bharatpur
• Jaipur distance: about 185 km.
• High Season: November to February (migratory bird season)

Keoladeo is deemed to be one of the most serene and beautiful wildlife attractions in Rajasthan.

4.Desert national park - Thar desert wildlife.

Jaisalmer is close to Desert national park which is the rare ecosystem of the Thar desert. The park is expansive with sand dunes, rocky and desert grasslands.

Among the key attractions of the park is the Great Indian Bustard which is an endangered and rare bird species and can be found in the desert area. It is also possible to find desert foxes, chinkara deer, and other creatures adapted to life in the desert.

The park has a jeep safari which tourists can take to get to see the desert scenery and wildlife in its natural environment.

Travel Guide:

• Nearest City: Jaisalmer
• Jaisalmer Distance: 40 km or so.
• Peak Season: October-March.

The desert national park is made up of a different wildlife experience as compared to the forest-based parks.

Hidden Gems and Offbeat Places in Rajasthan

1.Historical Town of Stepwells: Bundi.

One of the most attractive and less traveled places in Rajasthan is Bundi. The town, situated close to Kota, boasts of historic forts, painted palaces and spectacular stepwells (baoris). Bundi, unlike other hectic tourist destinations, has managed to preserve an old world ambiance with its small streets, blue houses, and ancient architecture.

The Taragarh Fort is the most significant attraction facility here as it is located on a hill above town which gives an excellent panorama in the town. Another place of interest to the visitors is Bundi Palace that is known to have colorful murals and miniature paintings that illustrate the royal lifestyle and mythological tales.

Bundi particularly has a reputation of its stepwells including Raniji ki Baori which show the high level of water management technology practiced by the ancient Rajput rulers. Due to artistic background and its serene beauty, Bundi is regarded to be among the most interesting offbeat destinations in Rajasthan by those who love history and capturing images. 

2.Barmer - Cultural Desert Vacation.

Barmer is a desert town that is culturally diverse and is found in western Rajasthan close to the Pakistan-India border. Being not as popular as other touristic sites, Barmer provides the visitors with the unique opportunity to experience the traditional life in the deserts and local craftsmanship.

The town is also known in the area of hand block printing, embroidery and wood carving that are made by experienced hands of trained artists in the surrounding villages. These villages are visited by the travelers who can witness the craftsmen as they work in the traditional textiles and handicrafts which have been passed down over the years.

Barmer can also be described as a place with rich folk music and traditional dance shows that depict cultural heritage of Thar Desert. The Barmer Thar Festival is an annual festival that brings about desert culture by music, dance and traditional contests.

The uniqueness of Barmer is that it is a country with a well-developed culture and a genuine lifestyle in the desert which is not severely impacted by mass tourism.

3.Shekhawati - The Street Art Gallery.

The havelis (traditional mansions) of the Shekhawati region of northwestern Rajasthan have a reputation of being beautifully painted. Mandawa, Nawalgarh and Jhunjhunu have mansions constructed by rich merchants in the 18 th and 19 th century.

The colorful fresco paintings are used to decorate these havelis on the walls, ceiling, and courtyards. The painting represents mythological tales, the royalty and even the colonial times.

Thanks to these artistic murals, Shekhawati is addressed as the Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan. Tourists who come to this area are able to explore the old streets as they marvel at the exquisite art and construction work.

The region offers a distinct cultural experience that is quite unrelated to the forts and desert sceneries that are widely recognized as a part of the Rajasthan tourism.

4.Mount Abu-Only Hill Station in Rajasthan.

Mount Abu is the solitary hill station in Rajasthan and is a refreshing experience amidst the desert atmosphere in the state. The town is situated in the Aravalli mountain range, is cool climate, green forest, and scenic viewpoints.

The great attraction here is the Dilwara Jain Temples which are known to have a wonderful carving of marble which is remarkable and a masterpiece. The temples are regarded as some of the best constructions in marble in India.

Another activity the visitors love to engage themselves in is spending time in Nakki Lake where they can enjoy boating and evening walk. The views of Sunset Point and Guru Shikhar are amazing in terms of the hills and valleys around them.

The summer months are the most popular period of the year in Mount Abu where tourists visit this place in order to avoid the hot climate in the plains of Rajasthan.

5.Neemrana Fort Palace- Heritage Fort Time.

Neemrana Fort Palace is a magnificent heritage hotel in Rajasthan. This historic fort is situated approximately 120 km northeast of Jaipur and approximately 120 km northeast of Delhi, and was constructed in the 15th century, turned into a luxury heritage hotel.

The castle is situated on a hill and has beautiful scenery of the surrounding land. It is designed with terraced gardens, great courtyards and royal rooms that are an evidence of how the royal families in Rajasthan lived.

Tourists are able to visit the fort complex, dine using traditional foods and also engage in activities like zip-lining over the fort walls.

The uniqueness of Neemrana fort is that it is the place where the tourists can encounter the royal heritage and at the same time enjoy modern luxury and hospitality. It is predominantly used when making weekend visits and heritages.

Such undiscovered jewels and uncharted areas in Rajasthan enable tourists to explore the unheard destinations in the major tourist cities. All these places have their own unique experiences whether it is historic buildings and traditional art or beautiful scenes and heritage.

Conclusion

Rajasthan is one of the most spectacular places in India since it provides the visitors with a rare combination of royal heritage, colorful culture, and diverse nature. When touring the most interesting sites in Rajasthan, one can experience the splendor of the ancient cities, gorgeous cultural festivals, Indian handicrafts and local cuisine that is centuries old. The cultural taste of every part of the state is another part that confers travelers with a more profound insight into the royal background of Rajasthan and its vibrant culture.

Talking about Best Places to visit  in Rajasthan The warm hospitality and rich cultural identity is another fact that makes Rajasthan the place of attraction of visitors worldwide. Both vivid markets and ancient buildings to the traditional music and local cuisine, all these experiences provide a unique insight into the way of life of the area. Exploring Rajasthan is not only a trip to the places, it is also a journey to the soul, design and culture that renders the state quite unique.

Rajasthan Tour and  Packages provides travel services to those travelers planning to make a trip to the sightseeing places in Rajasthan which include hotels, guides, tickets and personal cab services. Through sound planning and the knowledge and skills of the locals, Rajasthan Tour Packages assists tourists in exploring the state at ease and have an unprincipled traveling experience.