Lying in northwestern India and sprawling across a whopping area of around 342239 sq km, the Indian state of Rajasthan is known all over the world for its glorious history, colourful culture, bountiful wildlife, and warm hospitality. Welcoming all kinds of tourists with its melodic greeting “Padharo Mhare Desh”, the “Land of Kings” introduces its visitors to its ancient royal grandeur and opulence.
The beauty of the flamboyant state of Rajasthan can be credited to its enchanting folk dance and music, majestic palaces and hill forts, flavoursome and spicy food, vast golden sandy desert, friendly camels, and colourful traditional attires. The state’s age-old temples, alluring art and crafts, and vibrant fairs and festivals also contribute equally to its unmatched charm and allure.
The largest state of India, Rajasthan lures millions of national as well as international travellers every year with its abundant attractions. While the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur attracts tourists with its heritage buildings, the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur enchants visitors with its photogenic lakes. Bikaner propels travellers with its renowned Camel Festival, while Sawai Madhopur lures tourists with its rich wildlife population.
While in Rajasthan, the travellers can be sure to enjoy a truly exhilarating, action-packed desert holiday. While the shopaholics can shop their heart out for Meenakari jewellery, marble handicrafts, leather items, semi-precious stones, and lac bangles, the adrenaline seekers can go trekking in Mount Abu. The honeymooners can enjoy romantic boat rides on the mesmerizing lakes of Udaipur, while the history and architecture buffs can go explore the palaces and forts of Jodhpur.
Rajasthan state generally experiences an arid or semi-arid climatic condition with significantly hot temperatures throughout the year. The most ideal time for visiting Rajasthan is during the winter season (October to February) when the weather is pleasant during the daytime and cool at night.
In the heart of Jaipur stands the City Palace, a marvel of architecture. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century, it is a grand complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens. This palace showcases the royal heritage of Jaipur, blending Rajputana and Mughal architecture.
Nahargarh Fort sits on the Aravalli Hills, offering stunning views of the entire city of Jaipur. Built back in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it showcases a blend of Indian and European architecture. Once a royal retreat, the fort is famous for its Madhavendra Bhawan which is adorned with intricate frescoes. With tales of haunted pasts and majestic architecture, it also attracts history buffs. It is the perfect spot to watch the sunset or explore Rajasthan's royal heritage.
Jal Mahal, the Water Palace, is a stunning architectural marvel situated in the midst of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. Built in the 18th century, its unique feature is the single exposed story, showcasing exquisite Rajput and Mughal styles. Nestled against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills, the palace offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. Surrounded by water, Jal Mahal creates a mesmerizing reflection during sunrise and sunset, making it a prominent cultural and natural landmark in Rajasthan's Pink City.
Well known for the state’s arts and crafts, Rajasthan is a great place to buy traditional pieces such as hand woven sarees, ethnic jewellery and pottery work. Some of the best places for shopping in the region are:
1. Jaipur: For jewellery, gems, kundan work, minakari work, tie-dye fabrics, hand block printed textiles, etc.
2. Bikaner: For crafts made from animal skin like camel and sheep. Chairs, rugs, belts, bags, etc.
3. Jodhpur: For ethnic clothes, handicrafts and carved furniture.
4. Udaipur: Folk toys, bandini textile, bead and mirror works, puppets, woodencrafts, etc.
5. Pushkar: Leather goods, miniature pottery, brass utensils.
The wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of Rajasthan are home to some of the most critically endangered species. Some of the famous ones are:
1. Ranthambore National Park – Sawai Madhopur.
2. Sariska National Park – Alwar.
3. Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary – Bharatpur.
4. Desert National Sanctuary – Jaisalmer.
5. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – Kumbhalgarh.
6. Darrah Sanctuary – Kota.
7. Mount Abu Sanctuary – Mount Abu.
8. Sita Mata Sanctuary – Pratapgarh.
Rajasthan has a plethora of options when it comes to desert safaris given its long stretches of deserts. Some places where they offer great desert safari tours are:
1. Sam desert in Jaisalmer
2. Khur desert in Jaisalmer
3. Osiyan desert in Jodhpur
4. Camel safari in Thar Desert, Jodhpur
5. Rajputana desert
Imagine flying over the glorious cities of palaces, lakes and sand dunes and witnessing this beauty from straight above at a 360 degree view. Rajasthan does have hot air balloon options to give you this experience:
1. Hot Air Ballooning in Jaipur: 3 hours, INR 9000 per person.
2. Pushkar Hot Air Balloon Festival: 1 hour, INR 12,000 per person.
3. Hot air ballooning at Ranthambore: 3 hours, INR 12,000 per person.
4. Hot air ballooning at Neemrana: 3 hours, INR 12, 000 per person.
Rajasthan has a couple of luxury trains that will take along the beautiful scenic views from one place to another. These luxury journeys are quite expensive but definitely worth it.
You can choose from cabins to rooms to suites and the services provided by the staff are outstanding. The experience is truly luxury on the go. Some of the popular luxury trains in Rajasthan are:
1. The Palace of wheels – USD 865 per person/per night or INR 56116.
2. Maharajs’ Express – USD 5980 for 8 days and 7 nights or INR 387952 (deluxe cabin).
3. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels – Different tariffs for foreigners and Indians, USD 6300 for foreigners and INR 3,78,000 for Indians (For 7 nights).
4. The Indian Maharaja-Deccan Odyssey – Different tariffs for foreigners and Indians, USD 6100 for foreigners and INR 4,27,000 (for 7 nights and 8 days – deluxe cabin prices).
Along with its numerous architectural beauties, Rajasthan has some majestic temples too that are worth a visit. Some of the famous temples in Rajasthan are:
1. Birla Mandir, Jaipur
2. Ambika Mata Temple, Jagat
3. Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke
4. Eklingji Temple, Udaipur
5. Galtaji Temple, Khania-Balaji
6. Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Karauli
7. Saidham, Rani
8. Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar.
A visit to Rajasthan would be incomplete if you do not explore the village side of the desert capital. The best way to exploring the tradition and culture of the state is to take a village tour. The most popular village tours in Rajasthan are:
1. Khuri Village Tour
2. Bhijaipur Village Tour
3. Samode Village Tour
4. Mandawa Village Tour
5. Bishnoi Village Tour.