Most Beautiful Things to See and Experience in Rajasthan
This land of royals, replete with magnificent palaces, majestic forts, sculpture-rich temples, stunning desert terrain, heritage hotels and beautiful lakes has much in store for travelers interested in architecture, culture, history and adventure.
Each and every tourist attraction and activity turns out be a unique and cherished experience urging visitors to come back for more! Catering to diverse travel preferences and interests, there are host of Rajasthan tour packages that focus on specific themes, allowing you to spend more time at the locations and on the activities close to your heart.
If you have your options open, you can pick a tour package that covers just the popular attractions based on budget/duration/time of your visit.
Here’s our choice of things to see and experience when holidaying in Rajasthan. Remember to check them out during your visit.
The majestic forts and palaces
There are literally a multitude of forts and palaces here that vie for your attention. You must however have the patience and the time to stroll through these vast structures that showcase the design excellence, strategic thought and excellent craftsmanship of the then rulers, engineers and artisans. T
heir sense of aesthetics too is admirable and very evident in the interior and exterior décor of these edifices. The Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Amer Fort in Jaipur, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Kumbalagarh Fort and Lake Palace in Udaipur, Taragarh Fort in Bundi and Forts at Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, Junagarh (Bikaner) and several other heritage structures such as the Kuchaman Fort, the erstwhile residence of the poetess-saint Meera-Bai dot this terrain.
Temples adorned with impeccable sculptures
Rajasthan is also a spiritual hub that draws a multitude of devout pilgrims across the region. Exquisitely designed and beautifully crafted spires, pillars and sculptures are a wonder to observe and so are icons of the presiding deities.
Be it Hindu or Jain temples, the architecture and historical significance apart from their religious significance enhance their appeal. The temple complexes at Osian and Dilwara are simply captivating, while the Govind Ji temple, Birla Mandir (Jaipur), Ekling Ji temple (Udaipur), Karni Mata temple (Bikaner), Mehendipur Balaji Temple (Dausa), Brahma Temple (Pushkar) are equally popular with devotees and tourists.
Vast Placid Lakes
Some of the stunning palaces in Rajasthan are set in the backdrop or in the midst of calm blue lakes to offer relief from the scorching heat while also providing a picturesque ambience also suitable for boating trips. You get to enjoy the very same features today as well at the different lakes here at Pushkar, Udaipur (Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Dhebar Lake), Jaipur (Lake Man Sagar), Ajmer ( Ana Sagar Lake), Jaisalmer (Gadisar Lake) and Mount Abu (Nakki Lake) as well. Simply watch the lake front, stroll along the shoreline or opt for boat ride for a refreshing experience.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve/Ranthambore National Park
Revel in excitement and joy as you take a guided Jeep tour of these scenic habitats of local wildlife, expecting to catch a close glimpse of the tiger in all its majesty. Monkeys, jackals, deer and other species abound in these lush surroundings.
Sign up for a Jungle Safari at Sariska or Ranthambore and feel your senses on high alert as you explore the rich forested terrain. The Ranthambore fort right in the middle of the National Park offers panoramic views of the scenic surroundings, home to several animals and birds. The Bird Sanctuary/ Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and several other wildlife reserves appeal to nature and animal lovers and photographers as well.
Safaris, Dune Bashing and Desert Camping
A trip to Rajasthan is definitely incomplete without checking out the harsh yet spectacular desert terrain, waves of sands interspersed with high dunes stretching far into the horizon, with an occasional Oasis or village to break the visual monotony. The city of Jaisalmer offers the best of desert experience with camel/jeep safaris to one of the villages that dot the Thar Desert.
You can also opt to camp outdoors right under the canopy of the star-lit sky, enjoy cultural performances by a bon-fire and gaze away into the night. Try a quad-bike ride across the sand dunes!
The Paranormal Trail
Are you curious about paranormal activity? Go chasing ghosts in the haunted towns and villages of Rajasthan still believed to house spirits. Vast, ancient, abandoned and dilapidated Havelis, forts and palaces with a scary history are scattered around its major cities.
Jagatpura, Bhangarh and Kuldhara are just some of places where visitors have experienced distinct negative vibes, screams and other noises, and even odd smells during their tours. Listen to folklore, be sure to follow the locals’ advice, go on a guided tour during the daytime and get out of these sites before sunset!
Local Cuisine
Regional cuisine of Rajasthan, though primarily a Marwari vegetarian fare also has its share of Rajput influence. The vegetarian Pulavs, Khadis, Saag, Maize-based flat breads, Dhal Bati Churma, Gatte Ki Subzi as well as the meat based Laal Maas, Safed Maas etc., are relished by visitors. A variety of sweets made using gram flour, ghee and milk, seasoned with dry fruits are rich and delightful, while the snacks such as Kachori prove filling and lip smacking as well.
Hot Air Ballooning/Zip Lining
Catching panoramic views of the desert terrain during a hot air balloon sortie proves exhilarating. Ballooning facilities are available at both Jaipur and Pushkar. The impressive Mehrangarh Fort is also the Zip Lining hub of Rajasthan, with a circuit comprising six Zip lines.
Spend a couple of hours to complete the circuit. Revel in the scenic beauty of the settings as you speed past the rugged terrain. Avid trekkers must check out the trails at Mount Abu. Cycling tours too are organized across the state. Catch up on puppet shows, elephant rides at the Amer Fort, and if possible stay at one of the heritage hotels to experience the opulence of royalty, even if for a very short span!
These are but a few options for you to check out during your holiday in Rajasthan. Most of the standard Rajasthan tour packages include one or more of these attractions and activities. Feel free to request for changes should you wish to.
