Think Rajasthan, and what comes to mind? Palaces, deserts, vibrant dresses, festivals, etc. And if you are a foodie, you will think of a Rajasthani thali. Indeed, Rajasthan is all of this and more. If you love history, the forts and palaces will talk to you about the battles and the royal lives they witnessed. If you adore wildlife, you can spot the tigers at the Ranthambore National Park or even the leopards at Jawai. No wonder you heard stories of royal hunts- the place has a thriving wildlife.
If you want a taste of royal splendour, the palaces and havelis beckon you with their old-world charm. If you have an eye for handicrafts, you may pick something up at every turn! Of course, you will also find British-era colonial bungalows and more. You might just get carried away into a yonder land under the starlit night by the blaze of a bonfire as artists sing and dance their way into your heart through stories of valour!
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Culture trails
Almost every nook and corner of Rajasthan is steeped in tradition, its rich culture visible in art, architecture, cuisine, dressing, and more. Whether exploring the walled city of Jaipur and its palaces and forts, or the numerous awe-inspiring frescoes of the havelis in Shekhawati or taking a rickshaw tour through the city, the temples, lakes and palaces of Udaipur, Rajasthan will keep you enchanted throughout with its age-old culture, still so vibrantly alive. Don’t miss Hawa Mahal and Janta Mantar, the observatory.
You could also visit a few museums that showcase the culture from arts, jewellery, folklore, cars and more, like Anokhi (Jaipur), Wax Museum (Jaipur), War Museum (Jaisalmer), Vintage and classic car museum (Udaipur), Amrapali etc. Don’t miss the amazing water harvesting systems and step wells of Nahargarh.
Wildlife trails
Rajasthan has four national parks, of which Ranthambore is very popular for the sight of the Royal Bengal Tiger. You can find modern accommodations with exotic views of the Aravalli Hills or the Vindhya slopes and the greenery of the forest. You can go on safaris to spot the diverse flora and fauna. If you visit the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, you can also see the fort and the Jain temples nearby.
If you want a tent experience in wildlife, you can stay at Jawai nearby, which has luxury tents on the jungle border. In Jaipur, you can check out the Jhalana Doongri Safari Park, India’s first leopard reserve. It also houses striped hyenas, Indian civets, desert and jungle cats, desert foxes, jackals, Sambar deer, Blue Bull (Nilgai) and more.
Spiritual trails
You must have heard of the famous Ajmer Sharif, which pilgrims visit in scores every year. Pushkar. This dargah is the tomb of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. At Pushkar, you will find one of the few temples in India dedicated to Brahma and Savitri Mata Temple. One of Rajasthan’s most famous temples is Karni Mata temple in Bikaner. There are also some old Jain temples in Ranakpur, Dilwara, Tijara, etc. The Eklingji temple of Shiva is an architectural marvel you must visit.
Desert trails
What’s Rajasthan without a camel ride and clicks with dunes? If you want the desert experience, head to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer (desert festival in Jan/Feb), Bikaner, etc., for a touch of the Thar.
