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 square 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 its being a princely state. Each 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. People often (though somewhat incorrectly) refer to it as the Pink City because of the distinct color of its buildings. Locals coated the city in Gerua (ochre) during the Prince of Wales’s visit 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 square 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 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
Located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan, Udaipur sits surrounded by the Aravalli Range and overflows with natural beauty. Maharana Udai Singh II founded the city in 1559 as the new capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Air, rail, and road networks connect Udaipur well with the rest of India. Its charm has earned it many titles—The City of Dawn, the City of Lakes, and the Venice of the East, to name a few.
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 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-haves 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 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 an undaunted spirit to keep us alive and kicking. The city is located deep inside 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 several 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 find your home in the serenity of this little hill station.
Jodhpur
People call Jodhpur the Sun City of India, and it stands as one of the many popular royal thrones in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan. This city reflects the grandeur of Rajasthan’s princely era and transports visitors back to the 15th century. Situated in India’s largest state, Jodhpur ranks as the second-largest city in 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 boasts grand forts and palaces that showcase its royal legacy, standing tall and untouched by time. It also draws food lovers with its delicious snacks.
People publicly knew Bikaner as “Jangladesh” until the 15th century. During that time, Jat communities such as the Sihag, Dhaka, Punia, Godara, Saran, Beniwal, Johiya, and Kaswan held possession of the region. In the year 1488, Rajput prince Rao Bika, a Rathore Rajput and the 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 amid the Aravali range, Pushkar is often called tirtha-raj, which 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 between 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 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 year-round, but the best time is from November to February, when the weather is pleasant. During December and January, there can be a severe variation in temperatures during the day and the night. Temperatures often drop to 0°C or below. Organizers plan most winter festivals, held from November to March, to attract tourists from around 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, locals celebrate the Desert Festival with great enthusiasm in the Sam Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer, and you can join the festivities. 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. Cooks prepare gatte by cooking gram flour dumplings, which are nutritious and blend well with most Rajasthani dishes. In earlier times, royal kitchens made this dish for soldiers to meet their nutritional needs. 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.
Also read: Kedarnath Travel Guide
Pyaaz Kachori ( Kanda Kachori ): Vendors prepare Pyaaz Kachori with a spicy filling of onions, potatoes, and spices. Namkeen shops across Rajasthan sell out this puffy pastry quickly. People enjoy it best 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, made with mawa, flour, milk, and desi ghee, is a beloved 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. Bajra helps cool the body and offers health benefits, making it a popular choice in hot, dry regions.
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
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