Rajasthan is a state in north-western India, and has many awe-inspiring places to visit. One of these places is the ancient city of Jaipur. What makes this place special? Well, there are many reasons why it might be one of the best places to visit inRajasthan, is a very popular tourist destination which is why it should be on your list of places to visit. In this article, you will find out some of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
Best places to visit in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is an amazing place to visit with its wide open spaces, stunning architecture and friendly people. Here are some of the best places to visit in Rajasthan:
- Jaipur: Jaipur is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It’s a great place to spend a day or two exploring its markets, temples and palaces. Rajputs ruled Jaipur for many centuries and developed as a planned city in the 17th century AD. With the old city surrounded by walls and gates decorated with drawings on the backdrop of a beautiful pink hue, Jaipur, the pink city, successfully retains its old-world charm. Home to a few UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar, Jaipur holds many magnificent forts, palaces, temples and museums and brims with bustling local bazaars where you can shop to your heart’s content. The city is also very well known for its local food, and the most famous dishes include the Ghewar, Pyaaz Kachori and Dal Baati Churma. The city also hosts the Jaipur Literary Festival, which is Asia’s biggest festival of its kind.One of the largest cities in India, Jaipur is also home to all the modern amenities with some of the most exotic hotels and resorts in the world. The city boasts an international airport and is also very well connected by rail and road. This makes Jaipur the gateway to Rajasthan – the starting point for places to visit in the interiors of the state. The metro, local buses, shared tuk-tuks, auto-rickshaws and taxi aggregator apps, including Uber and Ola, solve the commute problem in the city quite comfortably.
- Ranthambore National Park: If you’re looking for a wildlife adventure then Ranthambore National Park is the place for you. The park is home to tigers, leopards, elephants and many other species of animals. The Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century, stands tall over the entire National Park. Built by the Chauhan Dynasty, the Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located inside the fort is the majestic temple of Lord Ganesha, the Trinetra Ganesh Temple. Ganesha devotees flock the temple throughout the year. The other two temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ramlalaji respectively. Two Jain temples, devoted to Lord Sumatinath and Lord Sambhavnath are other attractions of the Fort. The Padam lake and the Surwal lake are two among many that are a haven for bird watching. The ideal time to visit these lakes is early morning. Located adjacent to the Padam lake is the Jogi Mahal, a red sandstone marvel. Kachida Valley, famous for locating panthers and bears, along with Raj Bagh Ruins and the surrounding deciduous forests altogether score brownie points for Ranthambore.
- Udaipur: Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan and it’s famous for its lakeside setting and Lal Tibba Fort. There are plenty of things to see and do in Udaipur, from attending a royal ceremony at the City Palace to enjoying a traditional evening show at the Hawa Mahal Palace.Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is one of the most visited tourist places in Rajasthan. Located around stunning water lakes and enveloped by the Aravalli Hills in all directions, Udaipur is known for its azure lakes, magnificent palaces, vibrant culture and delectable food. Along with being a must-visit destination, it is also one of the best places to experience luxury in India.Boating through the shimmering Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights and highlights of every Udaipur trip. Also known as the “Venice of the East”, Udaipur is inarguably one of the most romantic cities in India. Visit its larger than life havelis and monuments, stroll through the bustling street markets, ride through one of the seven lakes of the city or relax in one of the extraordinary hotels, and you will discover the charm of Udaipur.Lake Pichola, Jaisamand Lake, City Palace, Monsoon Palace, Jagmandir, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon ki Baari are some of the popular tourist places in Udaipur. The city was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom. The grandeur of the Rajput era is still prevalent in the city’s architecture. A trip to Udaipur is often combined with a visit to nearby Kumbhalgarh (80km) and Mount Abu. The revered Nathdwara temple is about 60 km from Udaipur.
- Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan because of its beautiful water colors and views of Ajmer Sharif from the lake’s shores. The lake
Pushka is a small temple town located around 15 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan. A perfect choice for a weekend getaway from Jaipur, Pushkar has an array of cafes and hostels for a backpacking trip. Every November, Pushkar is host to the Pushkar Mela, one of the biggest camel fairs in the country.
Known for the world’s only dedicated Brahma temple, Pushkar is primarily a pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Spend some evenings sitting at the ghats while sipping chai or taking a stroll through narrow alleys while listening to the chants from temples surrounding the ghats. A delight for street-shopping lovers, Pushkar has shops in the main street selling everything from silver oxidised jewellery to merchandise swaddled in various colours.
The Pushkar Mela attracts millions of visitors from around the world. With folk performances, rides, stalls and even magic shows, the entire town is lit up, music blares from every house, and everyone is in a festive mood. Thus, Pushkar has slowly evolved from a religious destination to a multi-cultural hotspot with travellers worldwide.
5. Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan and the former capital of the Marwar region. It is popularly called “the Blue City” as it looks completely blue from an aerial view because of its blue walls and houses. Jodhpur is primarily famous for its temples, lakes and snacks, with the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort being the main attraction.
The magic of Jodhpur lies in the streets of the old city itself, which circles the mighty Mehrangarh. Hundreds of shops, guesthouses, eating joints, and vendors make it a bustling chirpy town, especially near the landmark clock tower and Sardar Market. The new and modern Jodhpur lies beyond Mehrangarh. Nearby Jaswant Tada and Umaid Bhawan Palace are also among the top attractions in Jodhpur.
Jodhpur is famous for its delectable food items, especially Pyaaj Kachori, Mirchi Bada and Mawa Kachori. In September, the city hosts the colourful Marwar Festival and Rajasthan International Folk Festival. Some traditional villages are located around Jodhpur, and a tour of these villages (called Bishnoi Village Safari) is one of the popular things to do here. One of the strangest temples in India, where a Royal Enfield motorbike is worshipped, is located nearby and worth visiting. The ancient Thar desert town of Osian is also located here, 65km north of Jodhpur.
Seen in the backdrop of the movies, the most popular being The Dark Knight Rises, Jodhpur attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors worldwide. Moreover, it is conveniently located in the centre of Rajasthan, making it the base for visiting nearby places.
Safety Tips for visiting the Tourist Places
-When travelling to Rajasthan, be aware of the general safety tips:
-Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
-Be cautious when walking in isolated areas.
-Avoid travelling during the night or early morning hours.
– Always have a reasonable amount of cash on hand in case of an emergency.
-Always dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
-If you are female, avoid travelling alone at night or during early morning hours.
-Be aware of your personal belongings and do not leave them unguarded in public places.
-Do not drink alcohol or take drugs before travelling to Rajasthan. These substances can increase your chances of becoming involved in an accident or theft.
