Rajasthan

Rajasthan – A Journey to the Maharajas’ Mahals Royal, Regal, Revered – Rajasthan. A magical universe of color-coded kingdoms, where vibrant red turbans and green saris sway to classical music. A land where majestic forts stand tall and proud, surrounded […]

Rajasthan – A Journey to the Maharajas’ Mahals

Royal, Regal, Revered – Rajasthan. A magical universe of color-coded kingdoms, where vibrant red turbans and green saris sway to classical music. A land where majestic forts stand tall and proud, surrounded by opulent palaces and gleaming jewels. Rajasthan embodies the perfect fusion of culture, camels, and colors, creating a mystical desert that has witnessed countless battles, heard endless secrets, and held countless stories waiting to be discovered.

Rajasthan Tourism: A Quick View of the State

• Capital: Jaipur
• Official Language: Hindi
• Dial Code: 0141
• Population: 68,548,437 (as of 2011)
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
• Time Zone: UTC+05:30 (IST)
• Area: 342,239 square km

Highlights of Rajasthan Tourism: Through the Looking Glass

Historical Lens

To truly experience the essence of Rajasthan, it’s important to dive into its vibrant and storied past. The many museums scattered across the state are treasure troves of history. Start your journey at the Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur, Rajasthan’s oldest museum, home to stunning ivory statues and crystal works. The Ahar Museum in Udaipur boasts an impressive collection of earthen pottery, giving you a glimpse into ancient craftsmanship. The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing in Amber is a restored haveli that beautifully showcases Rajasthan’s rich block-printing traditions.

Architectural Lens

Known as the “Land of Kings,” Rajasthan is famed for its towering forts and opulent palaces, each telling its own tale of valor, love, and grandeur. Chittorgarh Fort, with its majestic palaces and ancient towers, resembles an English castle and is steeped in stories of heroism. The massive Kumbhalgarh Fort, known for having the second-largest wall in the world, showcases defensive architecture at its finest. Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a marvel of pink and yellow hues, carved from marble and sandstone.

Religious Lens

Rajasthan’s rich religious heritage is reflected in its many sacred temples and shrines. Akshardham Temple in Jaipur is a must-visit for its tranquil ambiance and stunning beauty, with lush gardens and sparkling fountains surrounding the temple. The Bagore Sahib in Alwar is a revered Gurudwara, commemorating Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s journey to Punjab. In Banswara, the Abdulla Pir Dargah is a shining white sacred site for Bohra Muslims, a peaceful sanctuary for spiritual reflection.

Cultural Lens

Rajasthan is a patchwork of rich cultural elements, seamlessly woven together. From the traditional attire of ghagras and kanchlis to the soulful folk music of Maand and Panihari, and the energetic dance forms like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, the state is a feast for the senses. Don’t forget to indulge in the sumptuous local cuisine, with bajre ki roti, dal bati churma, and laal maas being just a few dishes that define Rajasthan’s culinary heritage.

Festive Lens

Rajasthan’s festivals are a vibrant display of the state’s rich heritage, showcasing the grandeur and pomp it is known for. The Jaisalmer Desert Festival offers an unforgettable experience, with activities like belly dancing, turban tying, and camel races, all under the starry desert skies. The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the largest camel festivals in the world, featuring camel beauty contests, races, and performances. For the artsy traveler, the International Folk Festival in Jodhpur brings together over 200 artists from across the globe.

Nature’s Lens

Rajasthan’s diverse landscape includes not only arid deserts but also lush forests teeming with wildlife. Home to species like the Bengal tiger and the rare Great Indian Bustard, Rajasthan is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The state’s many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks offer opportunities to spot endangered species and explore the rich biodiversity that thrives in its desert and forest ecosystems.

Interesting Facts about Rajasthan – Forgotten Fables

• The first nuclear test in India was conducted in Pokhran, Jaisalmer in 1974.
• In Chotila, Jodhpur, there exists a unique temple called the Temple of Bullet Baba, where a sacred motorcycle is worshipped, and the religious offering is alcohol.
• Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok is home to over 20,000 rats, believed to be the reincarnated heirs of the temple’s deity.
• Jantar Mantar in Jaipur holds the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Bhangarh Fort, built in the 17th century, is rumored to be one of the most haunted locations in India.

Location of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of India, encompassing much of the Thar Desert. It shares borders with Pakistan to the west and five Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. This strategic location has shaped its culture and history for centuries, making Rajasthan a fascinating destination for any traveler.

Best Time to Visit Rajasthan

Rajasthan experiences a wide range of climates, from scorching summers to cool winters. Summers can see temperatures soar up to 48°C, making travel difficult. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the cool winter breeze makes it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

How to Get to Rajasthan

• By Road: Rajasthan has an extensive network of state and national highways spanning around 6,373 km. The state-run bus service, as well as private taxis and cars, make for scenic drives through Rajasthan’s picturesque landscapes.
• By Rail: With over 4,600 km of rail tracks, Rajasthan is well connected by train to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Traveling by train is a convenient and scenic way to explore the state.
• By Flight: Rajasthan’s cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer are connected by domestic flights. Jaipur International Airport also offers limited international flights, but for more options, Delhi is only 260 km away, making it a viable gateway for international travelers.

History of Rajasthan

Rajasthan has a rich and complex history that spans several centuries. Archaeological findings suggest that the state was home to the Harappans from the Indus Valley Civilization. The region has seen the rise and fall of many powerful dynasties, including the Mauryans, Guptas, Rajputs, Chauhans, and Mughals. During British rule, Rajasthan was a collection of princely states that eventually united to form the independent state of Rajasthan after India’s independence in 1947. Rajasthan’s rich history is reflected in its grand forts, opulent palaces, and vibrant cultural traditions.

With its deep-rooted history, vibrant culture, and regal architecture, Rajasthan offers travelers a unique blend of adventure, heritage, and luxury. Whether you’re exploring its bustling cities, quiet villages, or desert landscapes, Rajasthan promises an unforgettable experience at every turn.

Rajasthan

If you want to relive India’s royal and princely past, then Rajasthan is the place to go. The remote deserts, the vibrant cities, the awesome ‘Havelis’ in every nook and corner, the rustic village life, the melodious folk songs, and the rhythmic dances and the tigers make Rajasthan a quintessential regal hotspot. The land of Kings is a perfect blend of tradition with contemporary lifestyles. When travelling in Rajasthan, you will automatically get connected with its spirited culture. The sheer size of Rajasthan can leave you confused to some bit because there are numerous cities and sights to see. So the first important step is to plan your trip very mindfully. We hope to give you some substantial insights into a few of the major places and sightseeing options that this grand state has to offer.

Jaipur

The largest city in Rajasthan is also its capital city. The colours of the buildings in Jaipur are predominantly pink and that’s why Jaipur is termed as the ‘pink city.’ Have it ever occurred to you why is the city painted in pink mostly? Well, it was painted pink to greet the then Prince of Wales, H.R.H. Albert Edward in 1876 during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh I. So a lot of the buildings and avenues, etc. retained the pink colour and it got the nickname as the Pink City. Jai Singh II, the Rajput ruler established Jaipur in the year 1727.
Hence it’s named after the ruler of Amer. The pink city is a walled city except for the Southern sides where it’s encircled by hillocks. The city has some amazing plastered buildings, exalted forts, and splendid palaces. Jaipur happens to be one of the foremost planned cities of India. A Bengali architect from the village of Naihati named Vidyadhar Bhattacharya designed this city. The pink city has also received the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 6th July 2019.

Jodhpur

Indulge in the royal aroma of marvellous forts at Jodhpur. The human race could not build a time machine yet; however, it would be a total sin to deny the innate magical potential of certain places of transporting you to an era long gone by. Jodhpur will instantly catapult you into the lost world of the Rajputana dynasty impregnated with history at every turn. Once upon a time, it was the first city of the Kingdom of Marwar. The second biggest city of Rajasthan is a very renowned tourist attraction. Jodhpur overlooks the Thar Desert and is also known as the Sun City or the Blue city. Needless to say, there are majestic forts in Jodhpur along with houses painted in blue, several temples, amazing architectural monuments, multiple streets for shopping, and lakes. The fabulous Mehrangarh fort is in Jodhpur. It is also famous for its snacks and sweets. This enchanting city gets to be the grand host of innumerable travellers.

Udaipur

The beautiful city of Udaipur is the erstwhile capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Udaipur is the city of lakes. Four lakes encompass this city. It is set amid the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan. This is a highly sought after tourist destination. The city was established by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1558 who belonged to the Sisodia clan of Rajput. Udaipur is the crown jewel of Rajasthan. The natural beauty of this place is in the bounty. It has got awe-inspiring architecture and beautiful placid lakes and complimenting them are the marvelous palaces and forts. Lake Pichola deserves a special mention here. The city, in fact, has more than ten lakes which are somehow joined with each other. Udaipur is a beautiful mosaic with magical marbles. The ornately decorated buildings and the numerous tapered streets are purely unmatched and timeless. You will be drenched in a riot of colours in Udaipur as the streets, the foods, the jewelry, the residences all are so vibrantly coloured.

Jaisalmer City & Desert

Time for some adventure! Goa is the party capital of India. This beach is famous for adventure seekers, nature aficionado and fun lovers. Mostly popular among the Hippie culture, this beach is the most favourite for foreigners. This happening sea-side was discovered in the ’60s by the hippies and quickly became popular for trance parties and backpackers. Later on, it gained popularity among the Indians also. This sea-side has many flea markets and inexpensive guest houses. Anjuna Beach stretches for nearly 2 km and is lined with beach bars, cafes, family run-guesthouses, and coffee shops. This place is ideal for water enthusiasts. Water activities that take place here are paragliding, jet skiing, etc. There are many small rocks scattered over the sea-side where you can sit and sip your drink and enjoy the Sunrise. Casa Anjuna, Banyan Soul, Whole Bean Tofu, Cafe Diogo, etc. are some places to let your hair down. The trance parties are held from October to April.

The Great Indian Desert or commonly called the ‘Thar desert’

It is the 17th largest desert in the world. It is a big arid region. 85% of the desert lies in India. A camel ride in the desert or camping under the milky sky is the ultimate way to spend your time there. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation organises The Jaisalmer Desert Festival in the month of February. These festivals call for the locals to dress up in their traditional wears which are vibrant and colourful. There are many desert camps in Jaisalmer. Some of them are the golden camp, limra desert camp, dangri desert camp, and desert spring camp. When you visit Jaisalmer, do not forget to plan a one-night stay in a camp to make your vacation even more attractive. These camps have all the modern amenities to make your stay cosy. There are folk performances that include songs and dances and features fire dancers, and gair dancers.

Mount Abu

Mount Abu is a scenic hill station in Rajasthan. The tallest peak is Guru Shikhar which has a stellar height of 1722 meters over sea-level. Mount Abu is one of the loveliest places in Rajasthan sprinkled with waterfalls, lakes, forests, and rivers. Arbudaanchal is the earliest name of Mount Abu. Mount Abu takes pride in being the one and only hill station in Rajasthan. The verdant greens all around and the cool and comfortable weather makes this place a major attraction among travellers. This engrossing place retains its ancient historical charm. Dilwara temples are without a doubt one of the most fascinating temples in Mount Abu. Mount Abu is a fetching gem in the stone-studded Aravalli Hills. The serpentine way to this small hill station is a surefire way to revive you and connect with nature. This mesmerising hill station is a welcome change from your mundane life. The peaks in the background are best enjoyed during the summers but that doesn’t mean that winters will disappoint you.

Bikaner

Bikaner was established in the year 1488 by Rao Bika. The city is 330 km from Jaipur and stands amidst the Thar Desert. Bikaner was an arid wilderness till the mid of 15th century and was called Jangladesh. This cultural paradise is covered in beautiful architecture, vibrant colours, and lots of festivals. The fourth biggest city in Rajasthan commemorates its foundation on Akshaya Tritiya. On this auspicious day, they eat special Rajasthani foods and fly kites. Both camels and camel festivals are an integral part of this city. The city has the power to enthral you with camels walking along the scenic sand dunes against the setting sun, its marvellous palaces from which you cannot take your eyes away and the intricately designed forts, a look at it can take you back to its bygone era. The history loaded city exudes the past charm of the Rajput epoch. Bikaner is rightly called the camel country.

Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh is also known as Chittaurgarh or Chittor. This mystical land is dipped in timeless folklore of bravery and sacrifices and remnants of the ancient forts and citadels. Chittor was once the capital of Mewar. It is believed that a Maurya King named Chitranga constructed the Chittaurgarh Fort. In fact, the Chittor Fort was initially known as Chitrakuta. This place stands on the southeastern side of Rajasthan. It is the land of the Chittorgarh Fort which happens to be the biggest fort in all of India and also in Asia. The majestic Chittorgarh Fort sits atop a hill and covers an area of approximately 700 acres. This famous fort holds a very significant place in history for the self-immolation of Rani Padmini and the siege of Alauddin Khilji. The place has witnessed three major sieges. Chittorgarh is the city of honour and pride. Many beautiful festivals are held are every year.

Ranthambore

Ranthambore is placed in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. Ranthambore is famous for its Ranthambore National Park. This National Park is one of the most popular and largest National Parks in North India. It is around 130 km from Jaipur. Once upon a time, it was a renowned hunting ground for the rulers of Jaipur. At present, this national park serves as the hotspot for tiger aficionados, nature lovers and ardent photographers

Kota

Located at a distance of 240 km from Jaipur, this city was a portion of the former Rajput Kingdom of Bundi. Kota is positioned on the southeast side of Rajasthan. Kota is situated on the banks of river Chambal. The place is densely populated and ranks third as the most populous city in Rajasthan. Kota is considered as one of the best places to get tuitions for IIT. Hence it has earned the name as the Coaching Capital of India or the Education City of India. This city is also famous for Kota Doria or woven muslins. Kota also has beautiful gardens and palaces.

Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh is made of stunning landscapes and spectacular forts. Kumbhalgarh or Kumbhal fort lies on the western span of the Aravalli Hills. It is your portal to the royal glorious past. You can discover numerous historical gems in here. Start your journey with the Kumbhalgarh fort which has the second lengthiest wall in the world. Make out some time to visit the Ranakpur temple adorned in remarkable carvings and sculptures. Whatever you do, do not miss out on the Sajjangarh Fort with its unforgettable vista of the lake. There are also jungle safaris and treks to enjoy. From enriching history to vibrant colours, Kumbhalgarh will surely impress you.

Bera

Bera in Rajasthan is the Leopard capital of India. As unbelievable as it sounds, Leopards roam freely in here. Bera is encircled with forests and a River Jawai flows through it. There is also a Jawai Dam on it. This place has a scenic lake which is the residence of quite a few large crocs. This off-the-beaten-track place is unknown to many. This place has not got any maddening crowd and thus you can enjoy the wildlife at peace. It is also easy to spot the feral beings. Leopards are actually hard to spot but in Bera, they are all over.

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