Rajasthan is a beautiful place to travel. It is known as the land of Kings and many people come here to enjoy the rich culture of this place. Foreigners like to visit this place a lot as they can enjoy seeing forts and palaces and learn about the history of this place. This state has it all, it has deserts, lakes, scenic destinations, forts, and palaces. Apart from these things, it has various national parks like Jawai, Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park, etc. One should definitely plan a trip to this nice state which offers something for everyone. Here are some of the best places in this beautiful state that are famous among travellers.
1. Jaipur: The Pink City
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and it’s a beautiful place to go for a day. This place is known as the Pink City due to its colored buildings. It’s a city where history comes alive through its magnificent palaces, forts, and scenic bazaars.
Key Attractions:
– Amber Fort: This fort is located on a hilltop and is known for its artistic style elements. The fort offers an elephant ride to the top which will give you a feel of royalness.
– City Palace: It’s a palace with a beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. City Palace includes museums, courtyards, and gardens.
– Hawa Mahal: This is famous among local people as the Palace of Winds. It is a five-story building that features 953 small windows that allowed royal ladies to observe street life back then, without being seen.
– Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory featuring the world’s largest stone sundial.
Things to Do:
– People can explore local bazaars like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles.
– They can also enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal at a heritage restaurant.
2. Udaipur: The City of Lakes
Udaipur, often called the Venice of the East, is famous for its beautiful lakes and palaces. The city’s romantic setting has made it a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons.
Key Attractions:
– City Palace: Overlooking Lake Pichola, City Palace is a complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens. It also houses a museum showcasing royal artifacts.
– Lake Pichola: A boat ride on Lake Pichola offers stunning views of the City Palace and the Lake Palace, which is now a luxury hotel.
– Jag Mandir: Another beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, known for its serene gardens and intricate carvings.
– Saheliyon Ki Bari: A historic garden built for the royal ladies, featuring fountains, kiosks, and marble elephants.
Things to Do:
– Take a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola.
– Explore the vibrant local markets for traditional Rajasthani crafts and souvenirs.
3. Jodhpur: The Blue City
Jodhpur, known as the Blue City due to its blue-painted houses, is dominated by the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
Key Attractions:
– Mehrangarh Fort: One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort offers panoramic views of the city and houses a museum showcasing royal artifacts.
– Umaid Bhawan Palace: A part of this grand palace is now a luxury hotel, while another part is a museum displaying artifacts from the royal family.
– Jaswant Thada: A beautiful marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, offering peaceful gardens and stunning views of the fort.
Things to Do:
– People can stroll through the bustling Sardar Market near the Clock Tower if they want to buy spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
– They can also experience the traditional Rajasthani cuisine at a rooftop restaurant with a view of Mehrangarh Fort.
4. Jaisalmer: The Golden City
Jaisalmer, located in the heart of the Thar Desert, is known as the Golden City due to its yellow sandstone architecture. It offers a unique desert experience with its sand dunes and historic forts.
Key Attractions:
– Jaisalmer Fort: One of the few living forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort houses shops, hotels, and ancient havelis within its walls.
– Patwon Ki Haveli: A cluster of five havelis showcasing intricate carvings and mirror work.
– Sam Sand Dunes: Located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, these dunes offer a perfect desert safari experience, complete with camel rides and cultural performances.
Things to Do:
– Enjoy a camel safari in the Thar Desert.
– Stay in a desert camp and experience traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances.
5. Pushkar: The Holy City
Pushkar is a small town known for its sacred Pushkar Lake and the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, one of the largest livestock fairs in the world. It is also home to one of the few Brahma temples in the world.
Key Attractions:
– Pushkar Lake: A sacred lake surrounded by 52 ghats where pilgrims come to take a holy dip.
– Brahma Temple: One of the very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism.
– Pushkar Camel Fair: Held every November, this vibrant fair includes camel races, cultural performances, and a bustling market.
Things to Do:
– Attend the evening aarti (prayer) at Pushkar Lake.
– Shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and jewelry at the local bazaars.
6. Bikaner: The Desert City
Bikaner, another desert city, is known for its forts, palaces, and the famous Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple.
Key Attractions:
– Junagarh Fort: A well-preserved fort known for its beautiful courtyards, balconies, and kiosks.
– Lalgarh Palace: A stunning red sandstone palace now partly converted into a hotel and museum.
– Karni Mata Temple: A unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata, known for its large population of rats considered sacred.
Things to Do:
– Explore the camel breeding farm, one of the largest in Asia.
– Taste the famous Bikaneri Bhujia of this place. It’s a spicy snack made from gram flour.
7. Ranthambore National Park: The Wildlife Haven
Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. It is famous for its Bengal tigers and is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Key Attractions:
– Ranthambore Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site located within the park, offering panoramic views of the park and its surroundings.
– Padam Talao: The largest lake in the park, where you can often spot wildlife, including the park’s famous tigers.
Wildlife Safari:
-Gypsy Safari: A thrilling way to explore the park and its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, deer, and numerous bird species.
– Canter Safari: A larger vehicle that can accommodate more people, providing a shared safari experience.
Things to Do:
– People can explore the park by going on Ranthambore Safari.
– Participate in a guided nature walk to explore the flora and fauna of the park.
– Visit the Ranthambore School of Art to see beautiful paintings and crafts inspired by the park’s wildlife.
