Rajasthan: 11 Best Places to Explore in the Land of Beautiful Sunsets

One of the most beautiful states in India, albeit the world, is Rajasthan. While people tend to avoid the deserts due to the extreme temperature, it is a beautiful place, with some of the most stunning natural landscapes, heritage forts and splendid temples and mosques.

Rooted in a historical tradition, Rajasthan fosters a sense of culture and tradition and is a must visit in any travel buff’s must-see list. If you are planning on visiting Rajasthan, here are some of the top places that you must go to for the full range of experiences that Rajasthan has to offer.

1. Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan, also known as the Pink City is often considered to be a separate tourism destination by itself due to the wide range of attractions it offers. From visiting the Amber Palace and Fort, the City Palace, the Birla Mandir and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, to taking an elephant ride through the city early in the morning; Jaipur will leave you with experiences to remember for a lifetime.

2. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, known as the Golden City is known for the natural beauty of its sand dunes, the rich tapestry of culture and traditions and the heritage forts that dot the city. Jaisalmer, apart from the famous Jaisalmer Fort, the museums and temples, hosts the annual Desert Festival which is attended by people from all over the globe who want to immerse in the rich tradition of Rajasthani Art forms.

3. Jodhpur

Jodhpur is another glimpse at the royal heritage and culture of Rajasthan and was the capital of the Mewar state. Littered with palaces, forts and temples, it is known as the blue city due to the iconic blue painted houses located near the very important Mehrangarh Fort. With places to visit like the Umaid Bhavan Palace, Sardar Samand Lake, Ghanta Ghar, Masuria Hills, Jaswant Thada, the Mandore Gardens and the Kalyana Lake and Garden, your trip to Jodhpur is sure to be packed full of new and exciting experiences.

4. Ajmer

Ajmer is a holy city and is known for the beautiful Ajmer Sharif Dargah which is decorated during the time of Eid and is known as the shrine of the Sufi mystic, Moinuddin Chisti. The 5^th largest city in Rajasthan, Ajmer is surrounded by the Naag Pathar Range and an Aravalli Range, which is key to being protected from the Thar desert. The major attractions also include the Ana Sagar Lake and the Qawali at the Dargah Sharif, which can help you immerse into the Rajasthani culture and invoke a spirituality within you.

5. Pushkar

If you are looking for a place to visit with your family, look no further. The annual Pushkar Camel Fair is a blast for the kids and is a sensory delight for adults. Pushkar is home to the very rare temple attributed to Lord Brahma and is a popular pilgrimage place for Hindus. With several ghats which host the spellbinding offering to God or aarti, this is a photographer’s heaven as Pushkar can help you experience the beauty of rural life in its truest form.

6. Udaipur

The city of lakes, Udaipur was originally the capital of the Mewar kingdom. The city is filled with pristine lakes and boasts of the City Palace, Lake Palace and Jagdish temple. Winter is the ideal time to visit, as the temperatures are slightly lower and the city is rich in tradition, rooted in history and offers the most picturesque landscapes for those beautiful holiday photos.

7. Sawai Madhopur

This is one for people interested in eco-tourism and is home to the Ranthambhore National Park. Witness the glorious beauty of tigers in their natural habitat, marvel at the manmade opulence of the Ranthambhore Palace and experience the rich tradition and cultural history of a place of confluence for several dynasties.

8. Alwar

Alwar, also called Ulwar was founded by Pratap Singh in 1770. The city has an extensive history and has seen many battles. Alwar is also known for the Bhangarh fort, which is rumoured to be extremely haunted (so haunted, in fact, that it is closed to the public after nightfall) and can be a great visit if you are interested in exploring the paranormal. With an abundance of flora and fauna, Alwar is also a great place for those interested in eco-tourism.

9. Bikaner

This is definitely the city for someone who likes exploring local handicrafts. Founded by the Nehra Jats and Rao Bhika, the city contains a number of forts, palaces and temples. The city is well known for the incredible camel festival held in January-February, shop for the local handicrafts like the Chadwa and Usta handicrafts, which refer to indigenous geometric and floral patterns, crafted only in this area by local artisans.

10. Chittorgarh

This is one of the oldest cities in India and was founded in 734AD by the Maurya dynasty. Birthplace of historical figures like the mystic Meera Bai and Maharana Pratap, Chittorgarh boasts of several heritage monuments, forts and local folklore and fables. Binge on authentic Rajasthan cuisine and indulge in stories by the common folk for an immersive experience into the Rajasthani culture, check out the heritage structures and indulge in the rich tradition of storytelling in this quaint little city.

11. Bundi

This city is a hidden gem that most tourists gloss over while visiting Rajasthan. Home to the Bunda Meena tribe, which gives the city its name, the city is 210km from Jaipur. The major attractions include the Nawal Sagar, the Sukh Mahal, the Dabhai Kund, Bundi Palace and Taragarh fort, which houses the ancient paintings, which exhibits the opium trade. When you are at Bundi, visit the Baoris and learn their indigenous techniques of harvesting water.

With a plethora of places, you can visit in Rajasthan, plan a long trip to ensure that you can cover it all. A typical trip would be 15-20 days to make sure that you cover the small glimpse into the endless beauty of Rajasthan. With something for everyone and every kind of traveller, your trip to Rajasthan is sure to be filled with memories that last a lifetime.