Rajasthan is the largest state of India. Most part of Rajasthan is surrounded by the Thar Desert and the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli Range. In the south western end of the range is the famous hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, which is a sacred pilgrimage for Jains as well.
The state shares its borders with Gujarat to the south west,Madhya Pradesh to the south east,UP and haryana to the north east and Punjab to the north. Eastern and southeastern Rajasthan is drained by the Banas and Chambal rivers, tributaries of the Ganges.
With so much historical and geographic al significances Tourism in Rajasthan is a fascinating industry. You can locate hundreds of travel operators to travel in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis, built by Rajputs.
The most famous destinations of Rajasthan are:
Lakes of Udaipur.
Desert forts of Jodhpur, Bikaner & Jaisalmer.
Jantar Mantar.
Chittorgarh Fort.
Lake Palace.
City Palaces.
Jaisalmer Havelis.
Jaipur, the Pink City (because of the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue).
The white marble Bara-dari on the Anasagar lake at Ajmer.
Jain Temples all over Rajasthan (in the fort complexes of Chittor, Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh, Lodarva Jain temples, Bhandasar Temple of Bikaner)
Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu
Rajasthan has two national tiger reserves, Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserve, though Sariska presently is in a very bad state, having no tigers left for last one year or so, and now just 2 tigers being relocated from Ranthambore , but Ranthambore itself is quite a famous place to spot tigers regularly. Other thanthese two tiger reserves, there is Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, once famous for its bird life. It is also named as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Transport in Rajasthan
By plane
Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur have airports with direct links to many major cities.
By train
All of the major cities of Rajasthan are connected by train to most of the cities of India. Rajhdhani and Shatabdi are two good train to think of. Another option is Palace on Wheels which is a week long luxury train ride through Rajasthan.
By road
The road transport is the most convenient way to travel through the heart of Rajasthan. The National Highway 8 runs through Rajasthan. And it connects Delhi to Mumbai. Jaipur from Delhi can easily be completed in under 4hrs through this road.
Bus service in Rajasthan is very good, though you can consider hiring a private car if you are moving in a group. The road condition is too good, and the transport will be more convenient. The sights besides the road are also nice.The looks of desert with hills in backdrop makes the road journey more enjoyable.
Must do when you are in Rajasthan
Camel safari through the desert can be one of the most memorable experience while in Rajasthan. Another great experience is to explore Rajasthan on horseback. The tiger safari in open hood jypsey at Ranthambore can be another great experience. You can also plan for visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
May be costly, but you can also consider “Travel in Palace on Wheels”, the train safari through Jaipur, also known as Pink City, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambhore National Park, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Agra before ending its Journey to Delhi. The train has all type of kingly comfort, and immitates the staying at Rajasthani palace. You can visit fairs and festivals, You can also opt for shopping in the narrow gully, the Rajasthani arts and crafts.
If you want adventure, you can go on a jeep safari, night safari or a nature hike. Rajasthan has plenty of wildlife sanctuaries other than the famous two, Ranthabjor and Bharatpur, such as Sita-Mata, Kumbhalgarh or Jaisamand. Sariska nw a days lost its popularity as no tiger is present in that jungle. Although a couple of is relocated from Ranthambhor in a enclosed area. Hot Air Ballooning over the heritage sites can be a romantic experience.
Desert Safari:Desert safari is the best way to explore the world famous “Thar Desert”, located in Joysalmir. You can understand in the fullest measure the real Rajasthan, their culture, their people and flora and fauna.
What to eat in Rajasthan
Food is generally very spicy, so foreigners should be cautious. Almost all the normal restaurants here are vegetarian.
What to buy in Rajasthan
Avoid shopping at outlets guided by the local auto/ricksha drivers or even with the local tour guide. Bargaining is the must when you are buying something in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts. Rajasthani furniture are very attractive, their designs and bright colours attracts tourist from India and abroad. Rajasthani handicrafts are in demand due to the intricate work on them. Due to its cheap prices for quality goods also shopping in Rajasthan is great experience. Rajasthanm is famous for jewelleries, textiles, stones, embroidery and handicrafts. Rajasthani dresses are usually designed in bright colours like blue, yellow, red and orange. Bikaner is famous for its namkeens, Jaipur for its jewellery and Jaisalmer for yellow stone. Rajasthan is known for its colorful art. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, and blue pottery are some of the common exported items. And who does not know about the block prints and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, and Zari embroidery of Rajasthan. Rajasthani clothes have a lot of mirror-work and embroidery. A Rajasthani traditional dress for females comprises an ankle length skirt and a short top, also known as a lehenga or a chaniya choli.
Deepawali, Holi, Gangaur, Teej, Gogaji, Makar Sankranti and Janmashtami, are the main religious festivals in Rajasthan. Rajasthan's "Desert Festival" is celebrated with great enthusiasm each year. This festival is held during winter. And the whole Rajasthan is dressed with their all colors. There are fairs with snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats and folk performers. Camels, of course, play a stellar role in this festival.
Rajasthan is very rich in culture. Rajasthan is known to the outer world mainly for its rich cultural diversity. Its folk dance, local songs, and the colorful dresses all are part of its gaining popularity among Indian tourist destinations.
The Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer and Ghoomar dance of Udaipur got international recognition. Among folk music in Rajasthan there are Kathputali, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindar, Kachchhighori, Tejaji etc.
Thanks for this. You've missed mentioning one stunning building - the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. they also have a great traditional music festival in October which is well worth a visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Thanks Divya, I will add this one soon.
ReplyDeleteRajasthan is a land crowned with rich cultural heritage and incredible tourist attractions. No wonder it is an royal destination overflowing with extraordinary attractions.
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