Rajasthan: The Land of Rajputs and Deserts!
Rajasthan, the largest Indian state by size and the seventh largest by population is famous for its history of valiant rulers and sprawling deserts. It is the only Indian state to enclose hot deserts within its boundary. Thus, it is an excellent tourist destination, much cherished by Indians and foreigners alike. Several travelers visit this state every year. Forts and palaces of Jaipur, Havelis of Mandawa and Fatehpur, lakes of Udaipur, wildlife of Ranthambore, Temples of Rajsamand and Pali, the scenic beauty of Mount Abu, sand dunes of Jaisalmer and Bikaner, tribes of Dungarpur and Banswara, the famous wildlife sanctuary of Ranthambore and the cattle fair of Pushkar are among the chief reasons or attractions of the tourists who visit Rajasthan.
Why Visit Rajasthan?
Jodhpur, The Blue city or the Sun city: As the name suggests Jodhpur is known for its blue colored buildings in the old part of the town. The city is famous for its castles, deserts, as well as camel rides.
Udaipur, The city of lakes: Udaipur is renowned for its natural as well as man-made lakes. The lakes were mostly built by kings or Rajputs ruling over the city in and are mostly adjacent to the forts and palaces. The tranquil waters are excellent for boating, bird watching and enjoying picnics.
Jaipur, The pink city: This world-famous city of Rajasthan is admired for its architecture. It earns its name from the pink and red marble, stones and paint used to construct masterpieces of buildings throughout the city.
When is the Best Time to Visit Rajasthan?
Summers (April to June): Summers are extremely hot for a vacation in Rajasthan. The temperature goes up to about 49 degrees during the day and it is highly recommended that you do not plan a trip during the summer season. However, the prices significantly drop. If you are looking for a budget trip you might want to include places like Udaipur and Mount Abu which are relatively cooler and enjoyable, even during the summers.
Monsoons (July to October): Even if the precipitation rates remain within 13% all year, the monsoons are a serious relief on the weather of Rajasthan. The temperature also drops during this season and tourists are hugely attracted to visit Rajasthan at this time.
Winters (November to February): Rajasthan has a comfortable and pleasant climate when it comes to winters. The temperature ranges from 10 to 27 degree Celsius. It remains the best and most visited by the tourists. Due to its clement temperature, visitors throng Rajasthan to avoid the winter blues and enjoy a family vacation. The nights are comparatively colder and it is recommended that you pack accordingly.
How to Reach Rajasthan?
Jodhpur
By air: Jodhpur airport is about 5 kilometers from the city and has frequent flights to all major cities of India.
By train: Jodhpur Railway station is well connected to all major Indian railway stations. It also provides a luxurious train journey on the Palace on Wheels trains and that is an amazingly royal experience for travelers.
By road: Jodhpur presents an outstanding opportunity for a road trip across the countryside crossing picturesque hamlets and small towns.
Udaipur
By air: The Maharana Pratap Airport is about 22 kilometers away from the city of Udaipur and is extremely well connected with flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Jodhpur and the like.
By train: Udaipur Railway Station is connected to all important cities in India as well as in Rajasthan. It is almost within the city limits and luxury trains to visit Udaipur in a royal style are also available.
By road: There are numerous bus and cab facilities from all over India to visit Udaipur. However you might also choose to visit by personal cars which provides a wonderful opportunity for a road trip.
Jaipur
By air: The Sanganer Airport is about 10 kilometers from the city of Jaipur. Frequent flights from all over the country are available. Sanganer Airport is an international air terminal where direct flights to Sharjah, Muscat, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur are available.
By train: The three major railway stations Durgapura, Jaipur Main, Udaipur City Railway Station and Jodhpur Junction are all well connected to major cities of India.
By road: In case you want a road trip NH 8, NH 11, and NH 12 will take you to Rajasthan. AC and non-AC buses are also available along with cab services to travel to Jaipur by road.
Where to Visit in Rajasthan?
Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum: Mehrangarh is one of the largest forts in our country that was built during 1459 by Rao Jodha. It houses a Museum devoted to the fine works of jewelries, daily accessories and other artifacts from the 15th century.
Jaswant Thada: Built in the Jodhpur state in 1899, Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, by his son Maharaja Sardar Singh. It also serves as a family cremation ground of the royal family for generations.
Kaylana Lake: Kaylana Lake is one of the most famous artificial lakes in Rajasthan that was built in 1872 by Pratap Singh. It provides boating and picnic facilities. It is located about 8 kms away from the city center of Jodhpur, and remains one of the most visited spots by tourists.
Udaipur
Lake Pichola: Created in the 1362 AD, this man-made wonder features among the best places to visit in Udaipur. Boat rides are available along with attractions like the Lake Palace and the Lake Garden Palace situated close by.
Lake Garden Palace: Many are unaware that the Lake Garden Palace is what inspired Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. An excellent boat ride facility is available along with delicious Rajasthani cuisines at the Darikhana restaurant.
Bagore Ki Haveli: Located close to the lake, this haveli was built in the 18th century by Amir Chand Badwa for Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore. This is a Museum cum entertainment centre where one can witness music and folk-dance shows, theatres, puppetry shows and much more. The beautiful view of the sunset here is not to be missed.
Jaipur
Hawa Mahal: An outstanding architecture built with red and pink stones, the Hawa Mahal is the chief attraction in Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 it is literally the reason behind the naming Jaipur as the “pink city”.
Jantar Mantar: Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar dates back to its creation in 1734. It features the world’s largest stone sundial. It has also quite proudly earned its name as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. Another major attraction is that it represents nineteen kinds of musical instruments.
Culture
Rajasthan is the country of Rajputs. Hence the culture of Rajasthan is deeply impacted by the customs, dresses, food preferences, architecture and cultural practices of the Rajputana.
The traditional attire in Rajasthan is a full length embroidered and pleated skirt called ghagra, choli and odhni that come in a variety of prints, fabrics and colors,. These are gorgeous and extravagant in nature, and tourists love to buy original Rajasthani lehengas for themselves and their loved ones.
Traditional dances include Rajasthani folk dances, kathputli dance, ghoomar, and kalbelia.
The architectural heritage of Rajasthan is famous world over. Some notable architectural splendors include forts like the Amber Fort, the Bala quila, the Chittorgarh Fort, the Jalore Fort, the Jaisalmer Fort, the Junagarh Fort, the Khejarla Fort, the Lohagad Fort, the Taragarh Fort, the Ranthambore Fort, the Jag Mandir, the Jaipur City Palace, the Jal Mahal, the Badal Mahal, the Mandir Palace, the Moti Dungri, the Moti Mahal, the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Ratan Singh Palace, the Udaipur City Palace, the Ranisar Padamsar, the Monsoon Palace, the Laxmi Niwas Palace, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sukh Mahal, and the Sunhari Kothi.
Food
Some of the major foods of Rajasthani cuisine include the Mawa kachori, the laal Maas, the Mohan mass, the kalakand, the pyaz ki kachori, the Kadhi, the masala chhach, the daal bati churma, the bajre ki roti and so on. People savour these along with chutneys of imli, kachri, lehsun and tamatar. Once in Rajasthan, the delectable cuisine is a must-try.
Explore the land of Maharajas, vibrant with a colourful local culture and harkening back to the bygone era of glory and valour. Get enchanted by the exotic palaces and majestic forts, marvel at the magnificence of the Aravallis, seek solace at the tranquil lakes and feel awe-struck at the vast expanse of the barren desert. A trip to Rajasthan is sure to leave you mesmerized and leave you wanting to come back again and again.