Places To Visit In Rajasthan

Places To Visit In Rajasthan: Rajasthan, known formerly by the name Rajputana or the land of the kings, is the largest state in the Republic of India. It covers an area of 342,239 sq kilometers which is 10.4% of India. However, despite its large size, it is covered by the Great Indian Desert, Thar. The Thar Desert runs parallel to the Sutlej-Indus river valley. Being located at the forefront of Indian civilization, the state of Rajasthan has seen the age of kings thus, explaining the moniker ‘the land of kings’. Rajasthan houses an amazing display of arts and architecture, courtesy of it being a princely state. Each individual kingdom of Rajasthan has a distinctive style of architecture and arts making it one of the most culturally diverse places in the world.

Places To Visit In Rajasthan

Jaipur

Founded in AD 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is Rajasthan’s biggest city and its capital. It is known (somewhat incorrectly) as the Pink City due to the distinct color of its buildings. The ‘pink’ of the Pink City is Gerua (or ochre) in which the city was coated during the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1905-06.
Rajasthan, known formerly by the name Rajputana or the land of the kings, is the largest state in the Republic of India. It covers an area of 342,239 sq kilometers which is 10.4% of India. However, despite its large size, it is covered by the Great Indian Desert, Thar. The Thar Desert runs parallel to the Sutlej-Indus river valley. Being located at the forefront of Indian civilization, the state of Rajasthan has seen the age of kings thus, explaining the moniker ‘the land of kings’.
Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its colored gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh,
Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

Udaipur

In the southernmost part of Rajasthan, Udaipur is surrounded by the Aravalli Range and is brimming with natural beauty. It was set up in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh
II as the nascent capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Udaipur is well-connected with other parts of India through airways, railways, and roadways. The charm that Udaipur holds can be seen from the names that it has been bestowed with. The City of Dawn, the City of Lakes, and Venice of the East are just a few of the names with which Udaipur is often referred.
An idyllic place for romantics at heart, Udaipur is undoubtedly the best place to holiday in Rajasthan. Adorned with pretty palaces and scintillating lakes, this popular tourist place has so much to offer to honeymoon couples and history lovers. The city is also home to the second-largest man-made sweet water lake and has one of the most exotic boutique hotels in India. A perfect destination for a honeymoon tour, family vacation as well as a holiday with friends, this prized possession of Rajasthan is definitely a must-visit.
Udaipur is famous for its historic Rajput-era forts, grand palaces, striking lakes, architectural temples, museums, galleries, traditional festivals, and rich culture.
The best places to visit in Udaipur which are must-have in your itinerary are Lake Pichola, City Palace, Eklingji Temple, Ambrai Ghat, Vintage Car Museum, Bada Mahal, and Shilgram.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer holds a major place in the tourism landscape of Rajasthan. Located in the northwestern part of the Indian State, it is popularly called the golden city because of its bounteous golden sand dunes and castles built with golden honey sandstones. Jaisalmer is one of the last big towns in Rajasthan closest to the India-Pakistan border and stands in the heart of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is one such city, which offers facts about the courageous rulers and citizens of the bygone era, tales of unequaled valor, unique in its beauty and undaunted spirit to keep us alive and kicking. The city is located deep inside in the famous Thar
Desert.
Jaisalmer Tourism is also quite famous for royal forts, Havelis, palaces, museums, and temples. The Pride of Jaisalmer, the Jaisalmer Fort or Sonar Quila is the most famous tourist attraction of Jaisalmer and is a World Heritage Site. Nathmalji ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli, Manak Chowk, Jaisalmer Folklore
Museum, Tazia Tower, Gadisagar Lake, Bada Bagh, Khuri Sand Dunes, Sam Sand Dunes, and Kuldhara are some of the popular tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer.

Mount Abu

Mount Abu is a famous hill station, often recommended for a short trip from Delhi. It houses a number of attractions that are popular among tourists. Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, Peace Park, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Guru Shikhar Peak, Sunset Point, Achalgarh Fort, Trevor’s Tank, Toad Rock, Sri Raghunath Temple,
Honeymoon Point, Adhar Devi Temple, Universal Peace Hall, Gaumukh Temple, Mt Abu Bazaar, Arbuda Devi, and many more.
With its gorgeous temples and pristine lakes, one can never run out of places to visit in Mount Abu. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, you’re bound to found your home in the serenity of this little hill station.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur is also known as the Sun City of India, is one among the many popular royal thrones situated in the Thar Desert Region of Rajasthan. Jodhpur city is a refreshing reflection of the princely era of Rajasthan and takes us back in time, till the 15th century. Located in the largest state of India, Jodhpur is the second-largest city in 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. While you are in Jodhpur you can visit some of the places like Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Balsamand Lake, Ghanta Ghar, and Kalyan Lake. The Sun City of India is decorated with palaces and princely destinations that enthrall every tourist that visits this city.

Ajmer

Home to the famous dargah or mausoleum of Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-Ud-Din Chishti, Ajmer is one of the holiest cities in India, which attracts both Hindus and Muslims.
Located at the base of the Aravali Mountain ranges, Ajmer is a historic city, 135 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Ajmer was founded on barren hills in the 7th Century A.D by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan naming it Ajaymeru. The first fort was built at Taragarh here at Ajmer, which made the city a center for power. The Afghans took over the reins from Prithviraj Chauhan the last of the Chauhans. A turbulent set of three centuries followed thereafter.
Emperor Akbar declared it a province in 1556 A.D. It became the headquarters for Mughal operations in Rajasthan.
Dargah Shariff, Nasiyan Jain Temple, Ana Sagar Lake, Nareli Jain Temple, Adhai-Din Ka Jhonpra, Prithviraj Smarak, Akbar’s Palace & Museum, Maharana Pratap Smarak, Buland Darwaza, Baradari, Savitri Temple, Rangji Temple are a few of the best tourist places in Ajmer.

Bikaner

Known for producing the best riding camels in the world, Bikaner, in the desert state of Rajasthan, is also known as the ‘Camel Country’. The Ship of the Desert is an indivisible part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts to transport grains and goods or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The city is adorned with gigantic and spectacular forts and palaces that tell the world about the opulence of its rulers. Such strong are these forts that even after so many years of their construction, they stood tall unspoiled, and withstood the passage of time. Apart from the historical vestiges, the city is the center of attraction for food lovers due
to its yummy snacks.
Till the 15th Century, Bikaner was publicly known as “Jangladesh.”At that time, the region was possessed by Jat communities namely Sihag, Dhaka, Punia, Godara, Saran, Beniwal, Johiya, and Kaswan. In the year 1488, Rajput prince Rao Bika, a Rathore Rajput, and an elder son of Rao Jodha, king of Marwar, left his durbar in annoyance after hearing a remark from his father. Bikaji then started traveling and came upon the wilderness called Jangladesh. And that’s where he decided to set up his kingdom and transformed it into an impressive city called Bikaner. In 1545, Sher Shah Suri started ruling Bikaner.

Pushkar

Pushkar is one of the most ancient cities in India. Located in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district in midst of the Aravali range, Pushkar is often called tirtha-raj, which literally means the king of pilgrim sites. It is also among the five pilgrim sites or Dhams for people following Hinduism. There are several temples in Pushkar and the most famous temple is the Brahma temple, which is one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma in the world. Pushkar is also famous for the Pushkar Lake, which has 52 ghats. Pilgrims from across the country visit the lake to take a dip in its holy water.
Among the sightseeing places in Pushkar, it would be great to watch the lake illuminated by the evening aarti lamps. The Brahma Temple is enchanting with its evening puja chantings bells and lamplight Aradhana.

Ranakpur

Ranakpur is a small village in the Pali district of Rajasthan. Located on the western side of the Aravalli Range, Ranakpur rests midway Udaipur and Jodhpur. This village is famous for the 15th-century Ranakpur Jain Temple, which holds immense religious significance for the Jains. The place sees a lot of tourist footfall during the months of October, November, and December. Though these are the preferred months, one can visit summer, monsoon, winter – anytime. The local attractions of this place are not too far from one another. They can easily be covered in two or three days.

Also read: Places To Visit In Mumbai

Best Time To Visit Rajasthan

Tourists visit Rajasthan throughout the year but the best time to visit Rajasthan is during the winter months of November to February when the temperature is not too high. During December and January, there can be a severe variation in temperatures during the day and the night. In fact, temperatures are known to drop as low as 0°C and below. Most of the festivals held in winter from November to March are planned as tourist attractions, with visitors coming in from different parts of the world.

As the peak season, these months are the best time to visit Rajasthan. But bear in mind that many tourists would also be planning a holiday here, so the prices on tickets and hotels would be high. You should make your bookings well in advance as this is an ideal time for adventure activities. From dune bashing to parasailing to camel riding, and so much more, you will have the time of your life. In February, you could be a part of the Desert Festival, which is celebrated with gusto in the Sam Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer. In this 3-day festival, you could opt for a night camping in the desert-like many of the locals. Enjoy activities like belly dancing, camel races, gymnastic stunts, or shop for souvenirs at the handicraft stalls while you munch on Pyaaz ki Kachori. Just remember to pack warm clothes as it gets chilly during winter.

Best Food To Try In Rajasthan

Dal Bati Churma: One of the most famous dishes from the state, no Rajasthani food is complete without Dal Bati Churma. The round Batis dipped in ghee with Panchkuti dal and Churma make for an appetizing combination. It is a complete dish that can satisfy the craving immediately. On the other hand, Churma is a sweet dish that is
prepared in desi ghee and is eaten with Dal Baati.

Gatte Ki Sabzi: Without Gatte, an authentic Rajasthani platter remains incomplete. Gatte is the cooked gram dumplings that are nutritious that can be mixed with almost every Rajasthani dish. It used to be a dish that was prepared for the soldiers of the kingdom to fulfill their nutrition. Gatte Ki Sabji, Gatte Pulao, Gatte Ki Kadhi etc. Whether you are a resident of Rajasthan or a tourist, Gatte is a dish that you should taste.

Mirchi Vada: Mirchi Vada is a mouth-watering snack from Jodhpur, which finds its place on the breakfast menu of most eateries in Rajasthan. The masala aloo filling stuffed in pepper and deep-fried to perfection, Rajasthani Mirchi vada tastes best when served with tangy tomato chutney.

Ghevar: This disc-shaped sweet is prepared with ghee, flour, paneer, and sugar syrup. It comes in various varieties like Malai Ghevar, Mava Ghevar, and Plain Ghevar. No Rajasthani ceremony is complete without this delectable dish.

Pyaaz Kachori ( Kanda Kachori / Onion ): A variation of kachori, Pyaaz kachori is prepared with a filling of onions, potatoes, and spices. This puffy pastry is a sell-out at every Namkeen shop in Rajasthan. This breakfast snack is best enjoyed with sweet and sour tamarind chutney.

Mohan Thal: Mohan Thaal, the rich name is enough is to bring waters in anybody’s mouth. Mohan Thaal is a famous Rajasthani food item. It is a lip-smacking dessert that can easily seduce the taste buds easily. Mohan Thaal is made up of Mawa, flour, milk, and desi ghee that make this sweet an all-time favorite royal dessert.

Bajre Ki Roti: A healthy and hearty bread made with pearl millet to serve with dry curries and sabzis for lunch and dinner. Since Bajra is known to cool down the body and provide the body with essential health benefits, it is generally preferred in regions with hot and dry climates.

Also read: Kedarnath Travel Guide

Interesting Facts About Rajasthan

• Geographical Area – The Largest State Of India
• Bhangarh: The Most Haunted Fort
• Thar: The Great Indian Desert
• Color-Coded CitiesWorld’s
• Kumbhalgarh Fort: Longest Walls In The World
• Most Beautiful Jain Pilgrimage Site
• Kumbhalgarh Fort: Longest Walls In The World
• Tourist Attractions: 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites