The land of royal kings, the land of grand forts, the land of vibrant cultures, and the land of sand dunes, Rajasthan remains the richest Indian state. It amazes the world with its matchless architecture depicted in the form of its royal forts and palaces. Rajasthan was once ruled by many legendary maharajas who left their impressions here and engraved numerous historical tales on its walls. Travellers fall in love with Rajasthani festivals, delectable cuisines and traditional attires which lure them to plan holidays to Rajasthan.
Places to Visit
Rajasthan weaves together some of the wealthiest cities together known for their unmatched grandeur. Visit Jaisalmer which is fondly known as the Golden City due to never ending stretches of the Thar Desert. Soak yourself into shimmering desert sands forming myriad of mirages. Jaisalmer is home to the grandest havelis (mansions) most of which are made of yellow sandstone. Some of the most charismatic treasure troves of Jaisalmer include Jaisalmer Fort, Bada Bagh, Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Gadisar Lake and Nathmal Ki Haveli. Do not miss a desert safari here by taking Sam Sand Dunes to enjoy the beauty of this state from a whole new perspective. The Pink City of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, brims with vivid colours. Its list of historic and heritage monuments is never ending with some of the most popular ones like City Palace, Amber Fort and Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory and Birla Mandir. The Blue City of Jodhpur lets you relive the era of Rajas and Maharajas. It’s a photographer’s delight with majestic views of Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhavan Palace, Mandore Gardens, the Jaswant Thada, etc. The holy souls get immense sense of serenity in Pushkar, host to the largest camel fair in India. Here resides the only temple of Brahma Temple in the world. Also, visit Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Udaipur offers a perfect melange of vibrant history, spellbinding landscapes, and prosperous traditions with attractions like Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, City Palace, Jag Mandir, Udai Sagar Lake, etc. Dargah Sharif of Ajmer, Ranthambhore National Park of Sawai Madhopur, baoris of Bundi and Chittorgarh fort of Chittorgarh and Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner adorn the itineraries of every traveller seeking real Rajasthan.
Festivals
If you wish to experience the best of Rajasthan then nothing can be as soothing as participating in the state’s festivals. The state hosts a series of festivals to portray its prosperous heritage, culture, and picturesque splendours. Rajasthan International Folk Festival of Jodhpur is an annual music and art festival where over 200 musicians participate to promote traditional folk music. Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a great treat for the lovers of desert. Desert comes alive with vivid colours during this festival where camel race, gymnastic stunts and competitions like longest moustache, turban tying, etc. are held. Pushkar Fair of Pushkar is a must visit for those seeking religious facades of this state. The festival attracts travellers from all over the world with its religious celebrations and cultural bonanza of art, music, dance, etc. Summer and Winter Festivals of Mt. Abu let you enjoy impressive hospitality and warm cultures of this only hill station of Rajasthan. Kite Festival of Jodhpur paints the sky of this Sun City with myriad colours. The festival is celebrated during Makar Sankranti when one can witness an extravagant spectre of kites released by helicopters from the sky. Camel Festival of Bikaner is a great delight for photographers where one can witness camels parading in beautifully adorned attires against the backdrop of the splendid Junagadh Fort.
Other popular festivals of Rajasthan include Gangaur Festival, Teej Festival, Elephant Festival and Jaipur Literature Festival of Jaipur; Nagaur Fair of Nagaur; World Sufi Spirit Festival of Gangaur; Mewar Festival of Udaipur; and Urs Festival of Ajmer.
Food
Rajasthan still carries its legacy of royal eating habits which were once savoured by Rajas of this state. Food of Rajasthan is prepared with great warmth and it carries some unique flavours which stay on your tongue forever. Dal Bati Churma (flaky round breads dipped in ghee and served with a sweet dessert) is a must have during your holiday to Rajasthan. Laal Maas remains the most popular non vegetarian dish cooked using fiery red chillies. Mohan Maas is a perfect royal dish for non-vegetarians. Gatte ki Sabzi (besan dumplings) are cooked in every household here. Rajasthani Kadhi (made with buttermilk, gram flour, and ghee) is extremely popular and is known for its pungent and spicy taste. Travellers cannot miss tasting Mawa Kachori and Pyaz Kachori along with tea. Rajasthan’s sweets have a distinct flavour. So, do try Dilkushar, Churma Laddoo, Ghewar and Badam ka Halwa.
Shopping
Rajasthan is a paradise for shoppers. You can see smiling locals selling locally made handicrafts, ornaments and attires in all local markets of the state. Shopping in Jaipur takes you to Johari Bazar popular among jewellery-lovers. Bapu Bazar of Jaipur offers you a variety of Jaipuri textiles and handlooms to choose from. Jodhpur’s Clock Tower Market is a popular spice market where one can find numerous secret Rajasthani spices. Visit Nai Sarak for Bandhani suites, pagris and leather goods. Enjoy a shopping retreat in Udaipur by visiting Bada Bazar flooding with leather goods, traditional jewellery and bandhani fabric. Hathi Pol Bazar of Udaipur is great to bag traditional Rajasthani miniature paintings. If you are visiting Jaisalmer then explore its Sadar Bazar whereas Bikaner’s Mahatma Gandhi Road is great for bagging textiles and leather juttis.
By Air: Rajasthan has good air connectivity with three major airports, including Jaipur International Airport, Udaipur Airport and Jodhpur Airport.
By Rail: Rail is a good option for reaching the state as it has 4600 Km of railway track. Railway connects all parts of the state and offers direct links from major Indian cities.
By Road: Travelling to Rajasthan by road is fun with numerous state run and private buses available. Enjoy self drive to explore scenic landscapes sprawling around the roads of Rajasthan.
The city of Ajmer was founded in the 7th century by Raja Ajaipal Chauhan
who named it ‘Ajaimeru’ or ‘The Invincible Hill’. Close
by the king built Taragarh, the very first hill fort in India.
The city of Alwar is referred to as the gateway to the historic and colorful
state of Rajasthan, which is located in the northwestern part of India.
However, it is more than a mere gateway to the rich cultural treasure that
lies beyond: Alwar has its own heritage, which goes back to the mythological
legends of the Mahabharata. Alwar has had a chequered history and has been
a witness to many rules and rulers. It offers the traveler many sites of
historical importance. The ride on the special train, the Fairy Queen is
an added attraction of Alwar.
The Keoladeo Ghana National Park or-as many people prefer to call it-the
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies between two of India's most historic cities,
Agra and Jaipur. This north Indian sanctuary is situated in the country's
northwestern state of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the national capital
of Delhi. The name 'Keoladeo' is derived from the name of an ancient Hindu
temple devoted to Lord Shiva in the sanctuary's central zone while the Hindi
term 'Ghana' implies dense, thick areas of forest cover.
Bikaner, situated in the northern part of Rajasthan, was founded in 1488
by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur named Rao Bhikaji. Like Jaisalmer,
this town was an important city on the great caravan trade route during
the medieval period. The city is surrounded by high fortifications comprising
a seven-kilometre long wall which encircles the old city and has five entrances—all
constructed in the 18th century.The city of Bikaner has seen several ups
and downs in its eventful history.
The story of Chittorgarh is a saga of valor, tenacity and sacrifice. Chittorgarh
(also Chittaurgarh) was sacked three times and its defenders had to make
the supreme sacrifice. The Fort of Chittorgarh is a treasure trove of history and offers to the traveler an insight into the life of the Great Rajput
rulers, who laid down their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading
a life of submission under them.
Jaipur the capital city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan is one
of the most vibrant and colourful cities of India. Famous for its colourful
culture, forts, palaces, and lakes the city basks in the glory of a rich
and eventful past. Jaipur is a planned city which is made all the more attractive
by the pink wash that most buildings are periodically given
Jaisalmer stands tall in the desolate beauty of the desert, proudly welcoming
visitors to an enchanting world of fable, color, and history. The view of Jaisalmer Fort, first seen from a distance of 15 km is stunning. In the
early morning the ramparts, bastions and the long stretching walls dazzle
gloriously. The yellow sandstone fortifications look magnificent.
Jodhpur is the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan. It has been
drawing the attention of tourists from all over the world. Standing as the
sentinel of the country's western border, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent
forts and palaces.
The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi. It became a separate princely state in the 17th century. Apart from the
several monuments that reflect the erstwhile glory of the town, Kota is
also known for its palaces and gardens.
Kumbhalgarh is a small fort town located some 84 km from Udaipur in the
state of Rajasthan. It is well connected to other important places in the
region by all weather roads. Generally, it is perceived that Kumbhalgarh
(also written as Kumbhalgadh) is a virtually inaccessible 15th century fort.
Many of the travelers who visit Kumbhalgarh have this notion itched overwhelmingly
in their mind and they expect an abandoned medieval structure.
In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small
town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis. The
structures of this place reminds one of the cultural and social hotspot
this place used to be in the bygone era.
Mount Abu is one of the popular jain pilgrimage sites. The road to paradise
has never been easy and this one is no exception. Bumping along an uneven
road, hitting your head against the smooth roof of a deluxe bus you need
to close your eyes and revive the temptations of your destination. Conjure
up the lushness of Mount Abu, which all tourist guides announce is 'the
paradise of Rajasthan'.
If Rajasthan is synonymous with forts and palaces, it is also synonymous
with fairs and festivals. Few things can match the effervescence, vigor
and brightness of traditional fair like the world famous Pushkar. The picturesque
lake of Pushkar is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on
the fourth-a perfect site for the annual religious and cattle fair, held
in the month of October-November.
Samode is situated in the royal Indian state of Rajasthan around 42 km from
capital city Jaipur. This small village is famous for its haveli and fort.
Samode was one of the princely place of Jaipur. It was built in the 19th
century. The highlighting of the building is the exquisite Diwan-i-khas
covered with original paintings and mirror work.
A desert kingdom tucked away in the midst of hills, an impregnable citadel,
an impressive royal lineage stretching back 26 generations, a do or die
attitude and a fierce sense of independence characterise Udaipur. Unlike
its desert counterparts in Rajasthan, Udaipur is situated in the forested,
hilly region of Aravalli Ranges in complete contrast to the arid deserts
of Marwar in the northwest.
