Rajasthan

Lying in north-western 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.

With a unique geography, a long-lasting royal history and a vibrant local culture, it is truly one of the country’s gems when it comes to tourism for national and international visitors alike.

The largest state of India, Rajasthan lures millions of 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.

The best places to visit in Rajasthan

1. Jaipur

Recently declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jaipur makes for the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Known popularly as the “Pink City”, this adorable place forms an integral part of the famous Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit of India.

Founded back in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur city has gained a lot of popularity across the globe primarily for its heritage monuments and exemplary shopping options. Some of the important attractions of Jaipur include the City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Amber Fort, Birla Mandir, Rajasthani textiles, and handicrafts.

2. Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is one of the most visited tourist places in Rajasthan. Located around stunning water lakes and enveloped by the Aravalli Hills in all directions, Udaipur is known for its azure lakes, magnificent palaces, vibrant culture and delectable food. Along with being a must-visit destination, it is also one of the best places to experience luxury in India.

3. Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan and the former capital of the Marwar region. It is popularly called "the Blue City" as it looks completely blue from an aerial view because of its blue walls and houses. Jodhpur is primarily famous for its temples, lakes and snacks, with the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort being the main attraction.

4. Bikaner

Set your foot in the marvel land of Bikaner, the land of lavish palaces, fabulous forts, magnificent manors and acres of glistening sand in the state of Rajasthan that will astonish you and offer a unique experience. A quaint desert town with picturesque natural beauty, Bikaner has a rich and vibrant culture. The Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Laxmi Niwas Palace, etc. are some of the attractions in Bikaner which transports you to the times of fabled kings of yore.

5. Pushkar

The colourful and flamboyant town of Pushkar is known popularly across the world for its fascinating yearly Camel Fair. Considered to be one of the country’s oldest cities, Pushkar also makes for one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Hindus.

The city is packed with a plethora of age-old Hindu temples, including Meerabai Temple, Brahma Temple, Gayatri Mata Temple, Rangji Temple, Varaha Temple, Mahadev Temple, Savitri Temple, and Apteshwar Temple. The sacred Pushkar Lake is also a revered pilgrimage destination in itself and features several ghats where the enchanting evening aarti is hosted.

6. Ranthambore National Park

Known as one of the most famous and largest national parks of the country, Ranthambore National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. This tiger-friendly land is home to more than 40 mammal species, 40 reptile species, 320 avian species, 2 amphibian species, and 300 plant species.

This place offers the travellers a chance to enjoy a thrilling wildlife safari, allowing them to spot many different wildlife species, including leopards, chital, wild boar, nilgai, sloth bear, sambar, and hyena. Other important attractions to look out for in Ranthambore National Park include Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal, Trinetra Ganesh Temple, and Kachida Valley.

7. Jaisalmer

Lying in the heart of parched Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is probably best known for the towering Jaisalmer Fort of immense size that sits atop the Trikuta hills overlooking the city.

Things to Do in Rajasthan

The desert safari and camel rides are some of the favorite things to do in Rajasthan that tourists really look forward to. The traditional camel fair at Pushkar is a major event in Rajasthan that has since become popular. The delectable Rajasthani cuisine such as Chana Dal Parantha, Ghevar, Gatte Ki Sabji, and Dal Baati Churma are a gastronomical delight for tourists.

Some of the exciting activities to do in Rajasthan that tourists can enjoy are hot air balloon ride, paragliding, polo, kite flying, desert safari and camping. The Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is one of the largest national parks in India and is known for its tiger population. Thus, it comes as a no surprise that Rajasthan is undoubtly the crown jewel for tourism in India.

Shopping

With its rich and diverse culture, Rajasthan has long been known for its colourful arts and crafts. Centuries of tradition and history have been captured in the exquisite wares you'll come across in the streets and bazaars of this magnificent land. From jewellery to hand-woven sarees to paintings to pottery, there's so much more than just memories to take back with you when you visit Rajasthan.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Rajasthan is primarily vegetarian and offers a fabulous variety of mouthwatering dishes. The spice content is quite high in comparison to other Indian cuisines, but the food is absolutely scrumptious. Rajasthanis use ghee for cooking most of the dishes. Rajasthani food is well known for its spicy curries   and delicious sweets.

There is an enormous variety of sweets in Rajasthan, which are relished and savored by all. In Rajasthan, the sweet dishes are had before the meal, with the main course and after the meal unlike other desserts. Therefore, sweet dish is never called dessert in Rajasthan. When a guest arrives in the house of a Rajasthani, he/she is served food in a proper manner. Self service concept is considered rude and thus it does not form part of the etiquettes of Rajasthanis.

Out of all the Rajasthani dishes, Dal Bati Churma is perhaps the best known. For those who are in a lookout for variety, Rajasthan has a lot to offer. In fact, as you travel from one part of the state to another, you'll find that every region has something unique, which reflects in its food as well. There is a popular sweet of each region like Mawa Kachori of Jodhpur, Rasogullas of Bikaner, Ghevar of Jaipur, Malpuas of Pushkar etc.

Best time to visit Rajasthan

The best time to visit Rajasthan is between October and February, which is the winter season. The temperature remains pleasant throughout the day during winters making it perfect for exploring all the palaces, temples, and forts. July to September can also be an excellent time to visit as the mostly dry and arid state receives some amount of rainfall. Still, the humidity and temperatures are mostly high. The state also experiences extremely high temperatures during the summer season which begin in March and last till June.

How to Reach Rajasthan

By Air

Your most convenient option would be flying into one of the three main airports of Rajasthan — Sanganer International Airport in Jaipur, Jodhpur Airport and Dabok Airport Udaipur. While only the first sees international flights land, all of them flights coming in from across the country. The carrier, route and timing of your choice can be easily arranged for you. You need not worry about how to reach Rajasthan by flight, and simply look forward to your time on the ground.

By Road

Rajasthan has twenty national highways, which ensure a smooth travelling experience. The most well-connected national highway in Rajasthan is NH8 that connects to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and many other cities.

You can travel by buses to the different cities of Rajasthan and for getting to various attractions as well. These buses are operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). You can also travel by Gandhi Rath / Semi Deluxe, Volvo / Mercedes Benz, Air Conditioned Gray Line Sleeper Services, Air Conditioned Gold Line Services, Ordinary Services, Blue Line Services(Long Distance Express and Night Services), and CTS Services.

By Rail

Jaipur and Kota railway stations are two of the most well-connected in all the country, so if you’re wondering how to reach Rajasthan by train, you’d likely alight at one of them. The journey itself is a beautiful one, like most train journeys of India. It is also a more economical option, without compromising on comfort. The only thing you’d have to consider is the added travel time.