Best Destinations to Travel Rajasthan

Rajasthan is one of the major tourist destinations in India. It receives numerous domestic and foreign tourists every year. Rajasthan is known for its scenic beauty. Its majestic forts and palaces add charm to its beauty. This princely state has so much to offer its visitors beginning from the fascinating camel rides in Jaisalmer, the colorful cattle fair of Pushkar, the stunning sand dunes of the Thar Desert, relishing cuisine of Bikaner, amazing sunny weather of Jodhpur, romantic lakes of Udaipur, the Jain temples at Mount Abu and many more. Rajasthan known formerly by the name Rajputana or the land of the kings, is the largest state in the republic of India. It covers an area of 342,239 sq kilometers which is 10.4% of India. However despite of its large size it is covered by the Great Indian Desert, Thar. The Thar Desert runs parallel to the Sutlej-Indus river valley. Being located at the forefront of Indian civilization, the state of Rajasthan has seen the age of kings thus, explaining the moniker ‘the land of kings' Rajasthan houses an amazing display of arts and architecture, courtesy of it being a princely state. Each individual kingdom of Rajasthan has a distinctive style of architecture and arts making it one of the most culturally diverse places in the world. In this article we shall list out the 10 popular places to visit in Rajasthan

Jaipur is the capital of this state. Jaipur is also the largest city in the princely state of Rajasthan.It was founded in 1727, by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Sawai Jaisingh II, who was the ruler of Amber Fort. Jaipur is also known by the nickname ‘Pink City of India’ which is due to the distinctive saffron or pink color of the buildings of city. The planning of the city was done according to the Vedic Vastu Shastra (Indian architecture). The well planned streets and detailed and artistic architecture make it one of the top preferred tourist locations.

Udaipur is also known as the City of Lakes. The city was the capital of the Sisodiya Rajputs of Mewar and it was founded in 1553 by the Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Maharana Udai Singh II. The Mewar Rajputs founded the city to relocate their capital from Chittor to a more secure location. Udaipur city is known for its elegant palaces, forts, and lovely lakes. It is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in India. Key attractions of tourist interest in the city are City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Lake Palace, Pichola Lake, Fateh Prakash Palace, Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Eklingji Temple, Nagda Temple, etc.

Jodhpuris also the second most populated city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city was founded in 1459 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler, Rao Jodha Singh of Marwar. The city was founded as Marwar’s new capital after the fall of the former capital of Mandore. Jodhpur is also called the Sun City as it enjoys a bright sunny weather all year round. Strategically, it is considered to be the most important city of western Rajasthan. Jodhpur is an important tourist destination as well. Jodhpur has been listed many a times in various tourism magazines and documentaries and has topped the lonely planet’s list of most extraordinary place to stay in 2014. The various hill forts, palaces and the old walled city are just a handful of attractions from the multitude that this wonderful city has to offer.

Jaisalmer is also known as the Golden City of India The aptly named “golden city”, which comes from its view during the day, the city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded by The Bhati Rajput ruler Maharawal Jaisal Singh in 1156 Ad. The city gets its name from the golden sands of the Thar Desert and the same golden colored sandstone used in the city’s architecture. The city is a famous tourist spot due to its magnificent architecture and the various arts and crafts which are unique to this region. The city thrives on tourism, and can be called a home away from home for a huge no. of tourists from all around the world. Key attractions of tourist interest in the city are Its Golden Fort, Jain Temples, Havelis and an exciting trip to rippling sand dunes of vast Thar Desert.

Mount Abu is a hill station that offers exceptional views of the surrounding area. A rocky plateau of a summit means that there is a large space to explore, not to mention an abundance of attractions. Nakki Lake is a must-see spot near Mount Abu, and you can even rent an affordable paddle boat to get on the water and admire the hills surrounding the lake. Also of interest in Mount Abu will be the Dilwara Temples. These temples from the Jain religion date from about the 12th century and are carved from an exquisite white marble.

Bikaner Although the city of Bikaner is home to a palace, a historic fort and even a camel research center, many Indians know it as a destination for foodies with a sweet tooth. One of the local specialties you’ll definitely want to try is Kesar Kulfi, a sweet and iced dessert that is delicious and refreshing on a hot afternoon. Desert safaris are also popular in Bikaner, and you can ride a camel into the desert to explore the local culture and landscape. It is impossible to miss Bikaner’s Junagarh Fort, built in the 16th century and now holding an extensive museum about the region.

Ranthambhore National Park This national park is also a wildlife sanctuary, and it is known as one of the top spots in the entire world to see tigers in the wild. You can book a wildlife safari to explore the park and see the animals up close. A smaller, open-top vehicle called a gypsy is best for the braver visitors, and the larger open-top vehicles called canters offer a little more protection. In addition to the tigers, Ranthambhore National Park boasts wildlife that includes leopards, hyenas, sloth bears and so much more. On a safari, you will also have the chance to see Ranthambhore Fort, which dates back to the 10th century.

Pushkar is a holy city, and it is known best for its Brahma temple and its annual camel fair. Brahma is one-third of the holy trinity in Hindu religion, and Pushkar is said to be the home of Brahma. The Brahma temple in Pushkar is impossible to miss, especially because of the frequent chanting ceremonies that take place several times a day. Pushkar is also home to several other temples devoted to Vishnu, Savitri and Shiva. Every November, Pushkar comes alive with a camel fair and Hindu pilgrimage.