Rajasthan Tour

Rajasthan is an incredible travel destination in India. Featuring a unique mixture of historical marvels and cultural treasures, the Land of Kings is known for memorable experiences of India. The golden hues of the undulating sand dunes of the Thar Desert along with vibrant colors, make the land a fascinating kaleidoscope. In Rajasthan, get the chance to explore colossal forts and amazing palaces. Marvel at intricate craftsmanship and unique style of the Rajputs. Go camping under the stars in the desert, wildlife safaris in Ranthambore National park or bird watching in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The pleasures include stay at lavish heritage hotels, tasting the royal cuisine and shopping for treasures, there is so much to see and do.

When thinking of a holiday in India, here are 10 reasons to must visit Rajasthan:

1. Magnificent Architecture

Historical forts and splendid palaces make Rajasthan unique. Ruled by Rajput kings, the land is dotted with magnificent blend of architecture and design. Many of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan are listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jaipur’s Amer Fort, the golden hued Jaisalmer Fort, the massive Mehrangarh Fort, and the hidden Ranthambore Fort are some of the best sites to visit. Jaipur’s City Palace, intricate havelis of Shekawati and many more wonders are lavish palaces. Some of the splendid properties are converted to the best heritage hotels of India.

2. Gastronomic Delights

Rajasthani cuisine is a gastronomical delight. The lavish cuisine is all rich with ghee and spices. The classics include dal bati churma or gatte ki sabzi or kachoris, there is something to suite everyone’s palate. The must try meat curries, are laal maas and safed maas.

3. Colorful Cities

Colors are a part of Rajasthan’s culture. From the dress of its people to the golden desert sands, from the many vividly coloured cities to the vibrant markets, there are multiple hues. From the golden city of Jaisalmer, the pink city of Jaipur, the blue city of Jodhpur, to the white marvels of Udaipur, each city has something unique to offer.

4. Stay in a Lavish Heritage Hotel

Heritage hotels of Rajasthan are transformed from the many opulent palaces, forts and havelis, with all the royal comforts of the royalty who once lived there. The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, the Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, and Samode Palace in Jaipur are just a few of the popular hotels that keep alive the princely traditions and culture of the state.

5. Diverse Wildlife

Rajasthan’s vast landscape is home to some incredibly varied wildlife. From the tigers at the Ranthambore National Park and the Sariska Tiger Reserve, to the endangered river dolphins and rare birds the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary and the Keoladeo National Park, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing animals.

6. Exciting Festivals

Rajasthan is famed all over the world for its colourful fairs and festivals, held throughout the year. It seems that every month hosts some exciting event, such as the International Kite Festival (Jan), the Desert Festival (Feb), the Elephant Fair (Mar), the Teej Festival (August), Rajasthan International Folk Festival (Oct), the Pushkar Fair (Nov), and the Magnetic Fields Festival (Dec). These are of course separate from the many religious festivals, such as Holi.

7. Fascinating History

The historic forts, palaces, and stepwells hint at a long and fascinating history of the people who thrived in this arid and at times inhospitable area. It has many innovations such as the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur. This astronomical observatory was built in 1734 by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II and lets people observe astronomical positions with the naked eye.

8. Truly Unique Experiences

The diverse landscapes of Rajasthan offer an endless choice of exciting experiences. From the camel safaris at Jaisalmer, to hot-air ballooning in Pushkar, trekking Alwar and Mount Abu, there are many adventures to be found. Of course there are less adrenaline packed adventures as well, like the many tribal folk dances, the Bhavai with its pitchers, the Kathputli with its puppets, and the famous Ghoomar.

9. Natural Beauty

10. Lots and Lots of Shopping

The bustling bazaars of Rajasthan have some of the best places for shopping. Some are full of ethnic handicrafts and artifacts, while others are dedicated to traditional jewelry, spices, miniature paintings, textiles, and so much more. Some of the best places are Johari Bazar in Jaipur, Bada Bazar in Udaipur, Clock Tower Market in Jodhpur, and Sadar Bazar in Pushkar.

Tucked in the north-western part of India, Rajasthan, symbolizes the country’s opulence and grandeur from the bygone days. An integral part of India's famous Golden Triangle Tour circuit, Rajasthan beckons with its incredible charms. The land of Maharajas boasts a rich history, cultural heritage, kaleidoscopic festivals, folk music, traditional art & crafts, delectable cuisine, religious sites, magnificent forts and beautiful havelis. The state’s representative melodic tune, ‘Padharo mhare des’, beckons the spirit of a traveler to blend with its magnificence and charm.

Rajasthan tours is considered to be the essence of exploring India. Without exploring its amazing places, things to do and experiences, any India tour remains incomplete. When planning a Rajasthan trip itinerary, here is all that you need to know.

Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Forts:

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur, Bhangarh Fort, Anupgarh Fort, Bala Quila, Badnore Fort, Barmer Fort, Bhatner Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Dev Giri Fort, Gagron Fort, Hill Fort Kesroli, Gugor Fort, Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer, Jaigarh Fort, Jalore Fort, Jhalawar Fort, Juna Fort, Junagarh Fort, Khejarla Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Lohagarh Fort, Taragarh Fort, Neemrana Fort

Palaces

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jag Mandir Palace, City Palace Udaipur, Alwar City Palace, Garh Palace, Bhamashah ki Haveli, Bhanwar Vilas Palace, City Palace Karauli, City Palace Jaipur, City Palace Dholpur, Jal Mahal, Juna Mahal, Lalgarh Palace, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Maan Mahal, Moti Mahal

Lakes

Anand Sagar Lake, Anasagar Lake, Balsamand Lake, Diablab Lake, Doodh Talai Lake, Gadisar Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Kaylana Lake, Gaib Sagar Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Lake Jait Sagar, Lake Foy Sagar, Pichola Lake, Sambhar Lake, Pushkar Lake, Udaisagar Lake, Nakki Lake, Man Sagar Lake

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks

Ranthambore National Park, Desert National Sanctuary, Sariska National Park, Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Mount Abu Sanctuary, National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

Museums: Ahar Archaeological Museum, Ajmer Government Museum, Albert Hall Museum, Alwar Government Museum, Amer Archaeological Museum, Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Maharao Madho Singh Museum, Government Museum Jaisalmer, Dolls Museum, Prachina Museum, Fateh Prakash Palace MuseumThings to Do in Rajasthan

Attend the Pushkar Camel Fair

Go for a Thar Desert Safari

Visit Ranthambore National Park

Enjoy folk music and dance

Enjoy local Rajasthani Cuisine

The royal heritage and the geographic features of Rajasthan have influenced the cuisine of the region. Traditional food items like Dal-Baati-Churma and Bikaneri Bhujia are appreciated by foodies across the globe. Popular dishes of Rajasthan also include Kabuli Pulao, Laal Maas, Mohan Mass, Panchkuta/Ker Sangri, Pittod Ki Sabji, Besan Gatta Sabji, Ker-Dakh Sabji, Lacha Pakori, Govind Gatte, Bajra Roti, Lahsun Ki Chatni, Mogor Ki Sabji, and Haldi Ki Sabji. Some of the must-try sweets are Balushahi, Ghevar, Alwar Ka Mawa, and Gujia.

Shopping at local bazaars in Rajasthan

Shopping in Rajasthan is one of the much loved activities for travellers in the city. The bright bustling markets tempt with handmade items that preserve their heritage and clebrated their skilled craftsmanship. The most popular bargains are Jewelry and gemstones, Paintings, Carpets, Pottery, Puppets and stuffed toys, Fabric, Metalwork, Spices, Jodhpuri juttis, Sweets

Watch a puppet show

How to Reach Rajasthan

By Air: There are seven airports in Rajasthan, which connect the state to major Indian cities and foreign countries. There are direct flights from destinations all over India.

By Rail: Rajasthan is well-connected by rail. Luxury trains in India cover Rajasthan in their journeys. Superfast trains like Rajdhani Express and Duronto Express run through the state.    

By Road: There about 20 national highways passing through the state. A four-lane highway, NH-8 connects from Delhi.

Rajasthan captures the very essence of India teeming with history, heritage, culture and grandeur. The Thar Desert adds to the charisma. The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a celebration of the desert. The annual event is a showcase of the colourful cultural heritage that has passed on through the generations of this state. The folk music, dance, attire, traditions, festivities and everything else are something to be cherished for a lifetime. Adding glamour to the Rajasthan tour packages, the festival is one of the best reasons to explore the desert in winters.

The Desert Festival is held amidst the beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert in the Sam Sand Dunes, 42 kilometers from Jaisalmer. The 3-day celebrations happen in Hindu month of Magh three days prior to the full moon. In 2020, the dates are from the 7th to 9th February. Romantic, remote and unspoiled, the desert comes to life with the Jaisalmer Desert Festival.

The roots of the festival are mostly unknown. The Tourism Department organizes the vibrant festival as an international event to lure visitors to the Desert City. The celebrations of this festival make the desert come alive with colors and excitements.

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival commences with a procession from the Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium on the first day in the morning of the festival. The grand parade displays Rajasthani arts, folk dance and music by local performers many of which are local tribes dressed in traditional and bright costumes. The parade has an amazing display of jugglery performances along with the famous dance forms like Gair and the folk fire dances. The star performers are the Kalabaz or the Nat’s, nomadic community, natives to Jaisalmer known for their gymnastic acts. Poignant folk music and recitals are the creations of Bhopa’s Langhas and Manganiars.

Other exciting activities include camel races, unique contests like the Turban tying contest, the longest moustache contest, Mr Desert pageant, etc. For those seeking for adventure, there are options of camel rides, polo matches, and desert safari ride on camel or jeep over the sand dunes. As the festival commences on the full moon night the folk music and dance performances celebrating the desert under the ethereal sky and the golden dunes is a memory to cherish.

Stay near the sand dunes in luxury camps on the desert equipped with all modern amenities enjoying the festivities closely. The desert festival is a hub for foodies as well as a shopper’s paradise. The delicious Rajasthani fare is a must try. Bargain for intricate handicrafts, handloom artifacts and exquisite pieces of attires and other creations of local craftsmen.

Jaislamer Desert Festival is one of the best times to explore the Thar Desert. Along with the Golden City, explore other cities of Rajasthan or combine the visit with a Golden Triangle Tour for the best memories.