Rajasthan

The rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan is what attracts a lot of tourists from around the world. Boasting of some magnificent monuments and sites, Rajasthan is the biggest state in the republic of India. It is a destination that is on every traveler’s wish list. Riot invoking colours, battle scarred forts, breathtaking sand dunes, slightly arrogant pride and honor, Rajasthan houses many royal ruins that take you back to the grandeur of its kingdoms. Blessed with elaborate forts and palaces, the state is among the most popular tourist destinations.

People & Culture of Rajasthan The people of Rajasthan come from different castes and tribes making this state a multicultural land. Rajasthani women can be seen wearing flowing cotton ‘ghagras’ (skirts) with rainbow colour dupattas and chunky silver jewellery. Rajasthanis have great fascination towards their folk music and dance. Local craftsmen are known for making beautiful artefacts out of stone, leather, glass, wood, clay, ivory, brass, silver, gold and textiles. Rajasthani textile is world renowned and is famed for its tie and dye, block printing, embroidery and silver and gold work on fabric.

Tourist Attractions in Rajasthan Renowned for its majestic forts and palaces, Rajasthan has numerous legendary tales buried in its walls.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan holds various beautiful monuments and forts to its name. Amber Fort is a highly popular fort palace of the city crowning the crest of a hill. The fort presents a panoramic view of Maota Lake and charms the travelers with its majestic appeal. City Palace, Jaigarh Fort and Hawa Mahal of Jaipur each have their own unique charisma.

Udaipur also attracts numerous travelers with its charismatic range of palaces including City Palace and Lake Palace. The City Palace offers a mix of Rajput military architecture and Mughal-style decorative techniques. The Lake Palace is a pearly white dream reflecting in the clear waters of Lake Pichola.

Other than these, Jaisalmer Fort, Chittorgarh Fort Junagarh Fort, Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhavan Palace are other key historical edifices adding grandeur in the skyline of Rajasthan.

Adventure in Rajasthan The royal state of Rajasthan is perfect to treat your senses with some great adventure activities. Traverse the golden soil of the deserts by hopping on a camel safari or partake in a night desert camp to stare at millions of stars.

Wildlife in Rajasthan Rajasthan houses some bewildering forms of flora and fauna that one needs to see to believe. Home to some popular national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, one can discover enough wildlife attractions in Rajasthan. Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary are the most popular destinations to spot tigers. Keoladeo Ghana National Park is known for housing hundreds of birds.

Religious Destinations in Rajasthan The locals of Rajasthan are extremely religious and this is the reason why the state houses numerous spiritual places that is visited by devotees from all around India throughout the year. The Brahma Temple of Pushkar is the only shrine of Brahmaji ‘"the creator of mankind" on the planet. Edging the banks of Pushkar Lake, one can see uncountable temples including Varah Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Gayatri Temple and Raghunath Temple, etc. Dargah Sharif of Amjer is another highly visited mosque.

Shopping in Rajasthan The local markets of the state are as colourful as its cultures. Some of the common displays at the street markets of Rajasthan include jewellery, pottery, leather items, paintings, textiles, stone items and wooden furniture.

Jaipur is the perfect destination to satisfy your shopping senses. Visit Rajasthali, Johari Bazaar, MI Road, Nehru Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar and Chaupar Stalls to bag local jewellery, gems, semi-precious stones and kundan work artefacts.

Local markets of Bikaner such as Kote Gare and Station Road are great to buy exquisite crafts made of camel and sheep skin.

Shopping in Jodhpur also offers immense pleasure. Buy a pair of mojris at Kapra Bazaar or look for quilts, carpets and wooden furniture at the National Handloom Corporation and the Salawas Durry Udyog.

Udaipur, the multihued city, gives immense opportunities to buy folk toys, bandhini textiles, beadwork, mirror work, puppets, wooden and metal craft.

Food in Rajasthan Rajasthan is the best place to gratify your gluttony. The land of royals comes with a royal touch in its food.

Dal Bati Churma (flaky round breads baked over firewood and dipped in ghee) is the most common item cooked in every household here.

Laal Maas (meat cooked with fiery red chillies) is a charmer for the lovers of non vegetarian food.

For a perfect kingly dining experience, Mohan Maas (meat cooked with milk and mild spices) is also a must try.

The locals of Rajasthan are also mad over Rajasthani Kadhi (spiced yogurt) that leaves a pungent and spicy taste on your tongue forever.

Churma Ladoo (whole wheat flour balls) is also a dish to die for.

In addition to this, Mawa Kachori and Pyaaz Kachori are also delectable snacks of Rajasthan.

Fairs & Festivals in Rajasthan Fairs & Festivals add vivid colours to the landscape of Rajasthan while showcasing the legacy, colourful artefacts, lip- smacking delicacies of the state.

The Summer Festival celebrated in Mount Abu rejoices the warmth and joyfulness of the locals of the hill station.

Mewar Festival is another famous festival of the state showcasing the culture and tradition in Udaipur.

Another most awaited event in Rajasthan is the famous Pushkar Fair. This mega event greets thousands of camel owners who visit Pushkar city to sell and buy cattle.

Best Time to Visit Rajasthan The best time to visit Rajasthan is between November and February.

Summer months (April to June) in Rajasthan are hot and humid making sightseeing difficult. However, Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan is ideal for planning summer holidays in the state. Monsoon (July to September) transforms the state into a beautiful ecstasy when the dry and sandy landscape of Rajasthan gets drenched with showers of rain.

How to Reach Rajasthan By Air - The main airport of Rajasthan is situated at Jaipur that serves both domestic as well as international flights. Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur have domestic airports that connect with all the major cities in India.

By Train - The state has a wide railway network that offers direct links to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

By Road - Road travel is also a preferred choice among travellers planning holidays to Rajasthan.