Must-see Places in Rajasthan

Explore the mighty land of Rajasthan and discover the rich culture and history of this land of Maharajas.

The enthralling forts, monuments, and palaces have so much to say about history and that is why these are explored by numerous travellers every year.

Rajasthan though a “Desert State” is truly an alluring romantic destination in India that houses the rustic Thar Desert, the intense forests of Ranthambore, the mesmerising lakes of Udaipur, unique Rajputana culture.

The travelogue of the Rajasthan Tour is incomplete without visiting the “Blue City” Jodhpur. It is the second-largest city in Rajasthan and has earned the title as many of the houses in the old walled town are painted blue. One of the top things to do here is to explore the Umaid Bhawan Palace. The royal family who built the castle still lives there today in one section as the other two sections are a museum and a luxury heritage hotel.

Udaipur is a perfect place to go for those who want to relax with beautiful views. An amazing thing to do here is to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, from where one can see the City Palace complex from over the water, or visit one of the floating temples at the lake’s centre.

Conclusion: Each destination in Rajasthan showcases a unique story and mirrors the perfect blend of history, architecture, opulence, and grandeur of this magnificent state.

Jaisalmer

Plan a trip with the Jaisalmer Tour as you visit the ‘Golden City “. It is called so due to its location in the Thar Desert and the fact that many historical buildings in the city are made from yellow sandstone. Jaisalmer is a smaller city in Rajasthan that is the perfect starting point to explore the rugged desert and learn about ancient trade routes and the culture of desert tribes. As you visit Jaisalmer, you have to check out the Jaisalmer Fort. It is one of the largest forts in the world and used to contain the entire city. Today, many people and generations of families still live in traditional mansions or Havelis inside the fort. You can walk through the ancient streets and explore the Jain Temples and Havelis inside. Jaisalmer is the gateway to the Thar Desert and one of the best things to do here is to take a camel safari. It takes guests out into the surrounding desert for a sunrise or sunset tour. It is possible to take a longer tour and spend a night in the desert under the stars. Gadisar Lake lying on the outskirts of Jaisalmer is like an oasis in the arid state of Rajasthan. The reservoir was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal keeping in mind the needs of his people. Located close to the fort of Jaisalmer, it is an easy respite from the hot and dry desert climate. Enjoy boating in the lake or enjoy a walk around the embankment. If you visit during winter, you might see beautiful migratory birds flocking in and around the lake from the nearby bird sanctuary of Bharatpur.

Bharatpur

Bharatpur lies in the Braj region of the state of Rajasthan. It is renowned for the Keoladeo National Park, which is the habitat of over 370 species of animals and birds. This avifauna sanctuary and a bird-watching paradise is listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. The twenty-nine km reserve is locally known as Ghana and is a mosaic of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands. This man-made establishment is known for nesting its resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. A unique way to explore and discover the vegetation and wildlife is the Safari here. There are three options Back Safari, Jeep Rides, and Rickshaw Safari. Lohagarh Fort located in Bharatpur has indeed stood true to its name and has survived attacks of military forces as well as ravages of times for ever-changing centuries. The monument is one of its kind as Lohagad means “fort of iron “and as the name suggests it is virtually impenetrable. Bharatpur Palace and Museum dates back to the second century and speaks volumes about the grandeur and opulence of Mughal-Rajput architectural designs. Made in white marble, the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Ranakpur

Ranakpur is a quaint town nestled in the secluded valley of the Aravali Ranges in Rajasthan. It is located ninety-six km north of Udaipur in Pali district. Ranakpur is an important destination for Jain pilgrims. The place presents a unique spectacle of lush greenery and gushing streams, an unusual sight in Rajasthan. There are many temples dedicated to different Tirthankaras in Jainism like Adinath, Parasnath, and Chaumukha Temple with marvellous architecture. Ranakpur Jain Temple covers an area of 4,500 square yards and consists of twenty -nine halls, and is one of the five major pilgrimage centres of Jainism. The temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha and is known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara. Built during the reign of the Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the fifteenth century, the temple complex consists of a total of four shrines. This marvellous and beautiful structure is carved in stone and is known for its fantastic architectural style. The unique thing about the temple is its colour-changing columns. They go from golden to pale blue after every hour that passes during the day. Each of these columns has been carved intricately without repeating any designs hence no two columns have similar designs. The two large bells in the prayer hall give a harmonious sound and are like a song to the ears of the devotees.

Pushkar

Pushkar is an important centre for pilgrimage for devotees. The place has a magnetic appeal with its temples which are blue and white and several bathing ghats. The town resonates with the chanting of prayers and bhajans (religious songs) along with gongs and drums. It is one of the oldest cities in India located northwest of Ajmer and surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Brahma Temple located beyond the Anasagar Lake and Nagahara holds a special place in the hearts of the pilgrims. It is the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. The temple is built with marble and adorned with silver coins and can be identified by its red spires and the image of a swan. The “Chatur Mukhi “(four-faced) idol of Lord Brahma is housed in the inner sanctum. A marble statue of the sun god stands sentinel at the temple. One can notice that all gods are depicted barefooted, Surya is shown wearing warrior boots. Man Mahal is one of the greatest palaces of Pushkar. Built as a guest house of Raja Man Singh I, is one of the most attractive spots to visit in Pushkar. The Rajasthani architecture dating to the royal era adorns the palace making it a visual treat. It has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel and allows visitors to not only enjoy the beauty of the palace but also the scenic view of the surrounding lakes and temples. Pushkar Mela is the greatest tribal gathering and is held annually in November from Kartik Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima as per the Hindu calendar. People visit the fair to witness the charm of Rajasthani Culture. Witness funky competitions like “Matka Tod”,” longest moustache “and bridal competitions.

Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh Fort is famous for its historical ruins and ghost stories. It has been regarded as the most haunted place in the country. Bhangarh Fort is located on the way between Jaipur and Delhi. It is a seventeenth-century fort in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. It was built by Bhagwant Das for his son Madho Singh I. As soon as one enters through the main gate of the ruined fort city, also known as Bhoot Bangla, it gives a chill down your spine. Within the fort are temples, palaces, and Havelis. Apart from that, there are four more gates for the entry to the fort. There are many Hindu temples at the entrance of the gates and no one is allowed to enter the fort after sunset or before sunrise.

Conclusion: Rajasthan – the largest Indian state is always on the bucket list of travellers as they wish to read the chapters of its great history. One can only imagine how the kings and queens lived in such large households. As you turn to the alleys of the state, you can find great craftsmanship and artistic talent at every corner of the cities.