No one tells the stories about the rich culture and history of India better than Rajasthan. Rajasthan is a universe of diverse kingdoms, vibrant history, and colourful festivals. With pink, blue, and gold cities, Rajasthan is undoubtedly the brightest state in all of India. Everything from local streets to massive forts and palaces is basking in the rich heritage of this land of kings.
Visiting delightful places and eating delicious food in Rajasthan is an experience of a lifetime. So, this experience needs to be planned carefully and to not miss anything you should check out the many Rajasthan Packages on the internet. Here, we have compiled a list of 8 places you must visit in Rajasthan to have the overall feel of one of the most culturally diverse places in the world.
1. Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is a golden city with landscapes that makes you think like you are in the deserts of The Arabian Nights fable. Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila, is an enormous Sandcastle emerging from the desert, built in 1156 by Jaisal. What makes this Fort stand out is that actual people live there with numerous hotels, restaurants, temples, handicraft stores, etc. Jaisalmer is also known for its world-famous Havelis and mansions with intricate architecture and stonework.
2. Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan. From houses to forts to Havelis to temples, everything is painted in bright shades of blue in Jodhpur; hence it is called the blue city. It also has two other names: “Sun City” and “ Gateway to Thar”. One of the most famous forts – Mehrangarh Fort, is situated in Jodhpur. Mehrangarh fort overlooks the entire city of Jodhpur and gives an aerial view of all the blue houses and walls located in the city. Mehrangarh Fort got its name from the Rathore dynasty, as they were great worshippers of the sun; hence, ‘Mihir’ means sun, and ‘Garh’ means Fort. Don’t forget to add Jodhpur to your Rajasthan tour packages’ bucket list, as many Hollywood and Bollywood movies are also shot here.
3. Bikaner
Bikaner is the town of the “Camel Festival” located in the middle of the Thar desert. Bikaner is a remote and quiet town located 5 hours north of Jodhpur. Most people visit main cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur when they visit Rajasthan, but Bikaner is a new and underrated city with incredible sightseeing to offer. The main attractions of Bikaner include Karni Mata.
Temple, Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace and Museum, Gajner Palace and Lake, and many more.
4. Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh tells the folklore of immortal sacrifice and heroism. Chittorgarh Fort has faced and won many battles, and it is also remembered for its brave act of Jauhar done by Rani Padmini to refrain from being abducted by Alauddin Khilji in 1303. It is said that the construction of this Fort was initiated by Bhim, one of the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata. Other places worth visiting in Chittorgarh include Meera Temple, Kalika Mata Temple, and Gau Mukh Kund.
5. Bundi
Bundi, named after its former rulers Bunda, is one of the essential landmarks of the Rajput glory. Initially, Bundi was called Bund-ka-Nal, meaning narrow passages. The Taragarh Fort here, where the rich legacy and heritage of Rajputs are displayed. Close to Taragarh Fort is another Fort called Bundi Fort, with massive walls overlooking Jait-Sagar Lake. Jai Sagar Lake is a 4 km long lake and was named after Sukh Mahal. Apart from this, Bundi is also famous for its style of paintings started in the 17th century. You can also visit Bundi at the time of the Kajal Teej and Gangaur festival, which is celebrated on a considerable level.
6. Mount Abu
Mount Abu is the ‘Oasis in the desert’; it prides itself by being the only hill station in Rajasthan. While Rajasthan has a hot and humid climate, Mount Abu gives you that cold and soothing breeze that feels like a soft embrace. Mount Abu has various waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and dense- green forests, which is called ‘The Summer Capital of Rajasthan’. The main attraction here is Dilwara temples filled with incredible historic architecture and were built around 1000 years ago. You can also go boating from Nakki Lake and watch the sunset sitting on a beautiful boat in the middle of the water.
7. Sawai Madhopur
Famous for its guavas, Sawai Madhopur is an important destination to visit in Rajasthan. Sawai Madhopur was named after the famous Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur. Sawai Madhopur is home to the famous Ranthambore National Park, which has wildlife and cultural importance. This park was named after the historic Ranthambore Fortress and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957. Ranthambore National Park is home to more than 360 species and raptors; it also has rare animals like hyena, wolf, jackal, civet cat, leopard, sloth bear, Indian marsh crocodile, sambar, and many more.
8. Kumbhalgarh
Kumbhalgarh is the most important fortress in the Mewar region after Chittorgarh. The main attraction in Kumbhalgarh is Kumbhalgarh Fort which was built in the 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha. It also gave refuge to king Udai of Mewar in his childhood. However, the main significance of this Fort lies in the fact that Maharana Pratap, the legend of Mewar, was born here. You can also visit Badal Mahal, which is part of the main Kumbhalgarh Fort. The architecture of these forts is spell-bounding and provides a bird view of the entire city.
