“Rajasthan’s real beauty is captured by how it constantly changes colours and shapes.” -N. Cartwright
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Lake Palace - Udaipur |
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Popular Attractions
Each of the Indian cities is characterised by its distinguished culture and
history which is linked to it. Take a stroll through the streets and bazaars
and interact with locals. You’ll soon find out you have landed yourself
in an altogether different world.
Jain/Hindu Temples
Between
the 8th and 11th centuries, Rajasthan witnessed a great architectural
development. The temples located in different parts of the state testify to
the aesthetic ideals. The temple of Kalika Mata in Chittor and the temple of
Lord Shiva at Baroli typify the 10th century temple architecture in
Rajasthan. Twelve miles from Udaipur, you come across the temple of Ekalinga
Mahadev (built in the 8th century) which features quite an unusual
structure. Close by is the village of Nagada, where you can visit a good
number of beautifully sculpted ancient temples. The Dilwara Jain temples of
Mount Abu and the Mahavira Temple at Ghanerao in southern Rajasthan and
Ranakpur near Udaipur are other fine examples of the 10th century
architecture. Besides the above mentioned, travellers also need to visit the
Jain temples of Jaisalmer and the Hindu temples of Pushkar, which also
boasts the only Brahma Temple in India.
Book Tour to Jain/Hindu Temples
Forts/Palaces
The
desertland of Rajasthan is dotted with impressive forts and palaces, from
one corner to the other. Forts signify valour and gallantry whereas palaces
talk of the aesthetic sensibilities that the erstwhile maharajas of
Rajasthan possessed. Get to the city of Jaipur and you come across the
magnificent City Palace built in 1727 AD. The Hawa Mahal, the most unusual
palace in the country, was designed for the royal ladies who wished to
witness the street processions and activities. Move towards Udaipur, the
city of lakes and palaces, you come to see the heart-stirring Lake Palace,
standing on the Lake Pichola. The Mehrangarh Fort (built on a 400-ft-high
hill) of Jodhpur, the Jaisalmer Fort (located deep into the Thar) of
Jaisalmer, the Amber Fort of Jaipur and the Junagarh Fort of Bikaner are
sights never to be missed. There is a lot more!
Book Tour to Forts/Palaces
Wildlife
Wildlife
holidays in Rajasthan are much in demand by travellers these days. Rajasthan
is home to a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The
Ranthambore National Park (located between the Aravali and the Vindhya
ranges) covers an area of 400 sq km and is known for its ‘friendly’
Royal Bengal tigers. One of the finest tiger reserves in the country, the
Sariska National Park (200 km from Delhi) offers to see a large variety of
both animal and bird species. Bird lovers can head straight to the Keoladeo
Ghana National Park, a World Heritage Site, which is home to around 353
species of birds. The park is located at Bharatpur (56 km from Agra). At a
distance of 40 km from Jaisalmer, the Desert National Park serves as a
brilliant example of the desert (Thar) eco-system. Also plan to visit the
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mount Abu Sanctuary, the Jaisamand Sanctuary,
the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary etc.
Book Tour to Wildlife
Desert Safaris
The
Thar Desert, expanding over 4,46,000 sq km, is a world of adventure in
itself. If you wish to indulge in fantasies, choose a camel safari to
explore the desert riches. As the camel moves clumsily and takes you across
the desert dunes, you’ll meet with locals and watch village girls,
dressed in the most fashionable of costumes. The warm giggle of the
Rajasthani ladies and the tinkle of neck bells (worn by camels) amid the
calm thorny desert will add to your joy much. The magic will seem to double
as night approaches and you get to the dunes to pitch a camp. No wonder,
there’s an ethnic bonfire dinner waiting for you and a folk performance
under the star-studded desert sky to take you into an altogether different
world. The local guide is also there to share with you some of the most
interesting legends that you’ll be happy to pass on to your grand
children.
Book Tour to Desert Safaris
Heritage Hotels
One
of the best options to explore the cultural heritage of Rajasthan is by
planning a stay at one of its palace-turned-hotels. Not only will you
observe the Rajput architecture, but you’ll also be able to meet with
and talk to Rajput lords that still reside in many of these palaces. The
Oberoi Udaivilas has won the World’s Best Hotel (2007) award. The Umaid
Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur happens to be one of the largest residences in the
world. Hotel Rambagh Palace of Jaipur, apart from its traditional charm,
boasts the ‘most beautiful gardens’ in the world. Located in the
foothills of the Aravali Ranges is yet another old world wonder- Hotel
Samode Palace. Hotel Lake Palace (originally known as Jag Niwas) in Udaipur
stands in the middle of Lake Pichola beautifully girdled by hills. Other
popular palace hotels include Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Jaipur), Hotel
Samode Haveli (Jaipur), Hotel Gorbandh Palace (Bikaner), Hotel Prakash
Palace (Udaipur) etc.
Book Tour to Heritage Hotels
Fairs/Festivals
Seeing
the increasing tourist inflow, the Tourism Department has introduced a
number of interesting festivals, apart from the traditional fairs and
festivals that the Rajasthanis have been celebrating for ages. The Camel
Festival (January) of Bikaner includes numerous fun activities revolving
around the camel. The best breed competition, tug of war, camel dance and
acrobatics are some highlights of this festival, organised to the backdrop
of the Junagarh Fort. Another big draw for tourists is the Pushkar Camel
Fair (November) which hosts around 50,000 camels- sold, preened, pierced,
raced and decorated. The Desert Festival (January/February) of Jaisalmer
includes turban-tying competitions, tug of war, camel polo, folk
performances and camel parade by the jawans of BSF. The cattle fair
(February) of Nagaur attracts a good number of visitors as well; it is
popular for its chilly market, largest in India. There are many more!
Book Tour to Fairs/Festivals
Photo Gallery
A visitor to India
can easily spend his entire vacation in the state of Rajasthan. The
legendary state has so much to offer that travellers might even be spoilt
for choices. For wildlife lovers, there are world renowned wildlife
sanctuaries and tiger reserves including the Ranthambore National Park, the
Sariska Tiger Reserve and the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary. Pilgrims can head
straight to places like Ajmer, Pushkar, Lodurva, Ranakpur etc. Adventurers
have the whole of the Thar Desert to start on their epic adventure. There is
a lot more!
Does the process of trip planning worry you? Relax! All you need to do is
simply send us your travel details and you’ll soon be receiving a free
itinerary suggestion from our expert team of travel advisers. Go, get it!
