Home to maharajas, medieval forts, palaces, tigers and lively festivals, Rajasthan is India’s crown jewel. The stunning forts and palaces of Rajasthan are major tourist attractions in the state. You’ll want to experience more as you wander through the legendary fort once called home by the heroic Rajputs, and believe me, its war-torn past is still deeply imprinted on the pride of Rajasthan and tradition. The Maharajas also promoted the development of fine handicrafts and fine arts.Agra, the Taj Mahal characterizes the city with its beautiful proportions, while Jaipur is painted pink and has some of the most vibrant bazaars in India, completing the famous Golden Triangle India.
Rajasthan’s vibrant culture
Strong fortresses protrude from the hilltops, their battle-scarred walls still resisting long-dead rivals. Opening the winding passage to the inner palace is the spiked door, formerly used to keep war elephants from entering. The hooded men continue to haggle for the camel, only now they use their smartphones to sign up for a successful deal. Once inside, simplicity and functionality give way to luxury and fantasy. The buildings are decorated with carved marble and stone, fountains and stained glass. There are other abandoned forts and carefully preserved palaces in Rajasthan, including the majestic Mehrangarh in Jodhpur and the fairytale desert outpost of Jaisalmer.
Rajasthan is known for its warm and vibrant colors, be it the rich shades of a sari or the orange wink of a tiger. It’s obvious why many fashion designers look to this state for raw materials and inspiration. Here, take pictures of the painted statues of Jaipur or the over-dressed camels of Pushkar, capturing the vibrant colours of Rajasthan’s celebrations. However, this famous land of desert and jungle offers more than just a series of unique attractions. Shopping and fine dining are out of this world, and the wealth of the past prides itself on the mind and spirit of Rajasthan, even as its vibrant cities beat with the people and commotion of a developing India.
Best attractions in Rajasthan
From painted havelis to beautiful whimsical storybooks, Rajasthanis are justifiably proud of their long and turbulent past, and here’s what you must know about as part of your Rajasthan travel. Here are some brilliant ones worth seeing.
jaipur
Jaipur, the city of victory, has a way of making its visitors smile. Here you’ll find plenty of accommodation and dining options, as well as a history preserved to this day, including breathtaking hilltop forts, grand palaces and bustling bazaars. A wide variety of items are available for purchase, including Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, artworks, and of course jewellery from the historic bazaars of the Old City, where towering glass walls seem to be everywhere.
other
Bendi is a charming town with winding roads lined with blue houses, numerous temples and a beautiful castle. The ancient town below the palace is the Rajasthan of tourist guides, with little to no raucous crowds and noisy polluting engines. Bondi still oozes its former glory, which is most evident around the dome-decorated fairytale palaces pouring down the hillside. From January to March, the nearby fields are covered with lovely pink poppies. Bondi is a great place to wander the alleys and relax while learning about history or observing everyday life.
Ranthampol
This national park has acres of untamed bushland on rocky ridges. The park was the Maharaja’s hunting ground until 1970, 15 years after it was converted into a sanctuary. In Rajasthan, Ranthambore is an ideal location for wild tiger viewing. The 10th-century Ranthambore fort is at the heart of the area, along with other historic mosques and temples nearby, as well as lakes full of crocodiles, monuments and hides.
jodhpur
Jodhpur’s “blue city” is actually blue! The old town is scattered in the haze below in a jumble of Brahmin blue cubes. Mehrangarh is a breathtaking landscape and architectural masterpiece. It dominates the blue city of Jodhpur. The towering walls seem to sprout naturally from their rocky perches. While Jodhpur itself is well beyond its 16th-century borders, visitors are drawn to the immediate energy of this historic blue city and massive fort.
Pushkar
The sand dunes beyond Pushkar are certainly a sight to behold when camels come to town, but Rajasthan’s famous festival is not about the titular camels, but about jolly good times. Attracting more than 50,000 camels and 200,000 visitors, the fair is nominally when Rajasthan farmers come together to buy and sell their camels, cattle and horses. When the festival officially begins, camel races and sporting events take center stage, pushing camels to the brink. Camels relax in the dunes, ride guests around the grounds, and participate in races and dance competitions.
Udaipur
Udaipur is the most romantic city in Rajasthan and the whole of India. Rising from sparkling Lake Pichola, the towering city palace dominates the ancient city, framed by the historic Aravali hills. Another famous cityscape can be seen from the balcony of the palace – the Lake Palace. Lake Palace is a fairytale-like dessert of reflections that shines during the day and lights up at night.
Tal Dunes
In the Great Thar Desert, 42 kilometers from Jaisalmer, a desert national park has been created. The dunes near the park boundary are one of the most popular excursions. This is the Sahara-like desert of Jaisalmer, with huge, silky, undulating folds of sand. Many camel tours spend the night here, so coming here at sunrise or sunset is ideal, but capturing images of lone camels in the deserted dunes is still doable.
