Considered India’s most vibrant state despite the harsh living conditions, Rajasthan is a vast wonderland laced with legends of Rajput warrior princes. It’s heritage, culture, wildlife and sand dunes makes it one of India’s most popular tourist destination preferred specially by international visitors. Once a hodgepodge of Rajput warrior princes, Rajasthan today attract millions of tourists from around the world owing to its unique romantic allure. Forts, palaces, bazaars and colorful people form the backbone of Rajasthan tourism.
It is often said that a list of to do things in Rajasthan might baffle even the seasoned travelers. From mighty Mehrangarh Fort perched atop a hillock in Jodhpur, floating Lake Palace in Udaipur to the resplendent Amber in Jaipur, one cannot but wonder at the architecture and sheer will manifest in these structure. Also embedded in each fort in Rajasthan is a unique story of valor, romance, chivalry and tragedy. Here princes have fought with emperors and queens have committed Jauhar in the name of honor at altars of fire.
Another major appeal of Rajasthan is the Thar Desert and opportunity to go for camel rides in Sam Sand Dunes. With opportunities for cultural folk performance aplenty, sand dunes at Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner is popular with honeymooners and romantic couple. For many a honeymooner, sundowner champagne amidst the sand dunes with folk performers cutting capers on the sensuous tones of Kalbelia is one of the most romantic experiences of their life.
Besides the forts, palaces and Sam sand dunes, the spiritual yet with a hint of carnivalesque air of Pushkar beckons millions of tourists to this tiny jewel of Rajasthan. Pious Pilgrims intoxicated by love of god (or marijuana) throng this low budget paradise. Pushkar annual fare which last for 5 days is the major crown puller and one of the most important event of the region.
Then there is Bundi with its small temples, exquisite Havelis a picturesque lake making it a favored retreat of the budget travelers. It’s an ideal place for a short break from the typical din of other popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan. The other small region equally renowned for its fascinating havelis is the Sekhawati region. A short distance from Jaipur, the trail to Sekhawati is an ethereal ride as you crisscross through some forgotten villages, dazzling Havelis some of which are on verge of being swallowed up by the desert.
Rajasthan is also renowned for its palace hotels. Whereas earlier versions of Palace Hotels in Rajasthan were supposed to make you feel like Hollywood version of royalty, indulgent lifestyle of Maharajas and Maharanis in sheer opulence in the desert country surrounded by courtiers and dignitaries, the reality has changed quite a bit. In the last few years, the heirs of Rajputana Princely states are opening up their personal homes and majestic forts and palaces to bring the visitors face to face with the reality of their heritage. Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur was recently voted one of the Best Romantic Hotels in the World by Code Nast Traveler. Neemrana, Rohet Garh, Ajit Bhawan Palace are some popular Palace Hotels to name a few. Interaction with the scions of warrior families of Rajputana and a peek into their daily life is definitely a unique way to understand the heritage and culture of Rajasthan.
A tour to Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan is one of the important parts of Rajasthan tours. Dilwara Teples, build by the Jain community, are spectacular sight. The 5 Temples of Dilwara build over several centuries are as much an important pilgrimage site as they are sculpture gallery. Nestled in Dilwara is 18th Century built Devigarh Resort voted by Frommer’s Review as “Best Hotel in the Subcontinent” which is “just more than beautiful, it is inspiring.”
There is more to Rajasthan tours than romance of the royalty and forts and palaces playing homage to its regal past. There is shopping in local bazaars, shopping for handicrafts, spices and leather product, Elephant ride, an encounter with the stereotypical snake charmers, chasing the tigers in Ranthambore and birding in Keoladeo National Park, the list of to do thing in Rajasthan is quite endless.
Rajasthan tours are difficult to complete even when one has more than a fortnight up their sleeve. People spend months discovering the secrets hiding in new destinations in Rajasthan and even those coming back to tour this vibrant state are amazed to find something new every time they return on their calling. Vast and wonder-laced state with treasures more magnificent than those of fables and people as colorful as they get, Rajasthan definitely beckons the traveler in you.
A view of blue city from Mehrangarh fort
Oberoi Vanyavilas in the vicinity of Ranthambore National Park
