Rajasthan is the heritage capital of India, with multiple cities and towns which attract the tourist with their royal flamboyance and charm. Experience the lives of the Maharajas as you live in their Luxurious Palaces, explore wildlife in their true habitat, shop in the hustling bazaars and indulge in authentic and mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine.
Wine, dine, and travel in royalty on the legendary Palace on Wheels, be a part of the world’s largest camel fair, and view the attendance of farmers, traders, and tourists all in one place. Zipline through nature on Mehran Garh Fort and study the stars in astrology. Following is the top attraction of Rajasthan for all type of travelers.
The Amber Fort, one of the most prominent features of Rajasthan, located on a hilltop just outside Jaipur, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a part of the six hill forts in Rajasthan. Construction was commenced by Maharaja Man Singh I in 1592. This benevolent architecture is a fusion of the Rajput and Mughal styles that exude royalty and history.The City Palace of Jaipur is another marvelous piece of architecture. It was originally built as the home for the royal family and later divided into two sections: museums and courtyards. This palace has preserved the city’s history and is a model of brilliance.
Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and the rich natural habitat that enables tourists to easily spot the diurnal tigers, Ranthambore National Park, is your place to engross yourself into nature and wildlife. The mesmerizing landscape of Ranthambore is an amalgamation of deciduous trees and, of course, their various species of wildlife like leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, sambar and spotted deers, and wild boards, which can be easily spotted on your jungle safari. The Ranthambore National Park has it all. In addition to the Jungle Safari, there is the fierce Ranthambore Fort, Ancient Temple, Jogi Mahal, and Raj Bagh Ruins. Visiting Ranthambore will be an experience for years to come.
Rajasthan is blessed with a wealth of palaces and castles, and a lot of them have been turned into heritage hotels in the last few decades. Treat yourself to a stay at one of the heritage properties in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, or Bikaner. Almost all of these places serve an array of local delicacies of the vast Rajasthani tastes, serving authentic flavors and culinary stories to the traveler. Experience top hospitality and feel like royalty surrounded by stunning architecture. It’s a treat like none other. The Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur are our top choices for the Heritage stay.
Dominating the skyline of the “Blue City,” Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of the most spectacular and preserved forts in Rajasthan. The diverse architecture of different rulers throughout the years can be witnessed here. The story behind the fort is equally interesting, a local nobleman sacrificed his life by burying himself in the fort’s foundation to lift the curse on the place. As a tradition, an Indigo blue tint coated each Brahmin’s house in Jodhpur, but eventually, that color became a badge of recognition for the non-Brahmins too. Jodhpur got its title of “The Blue City, ” and it has maintained a strong Rajput character for centuries.
The Maharana of Udaipur was so captivated by Lake Pichola that he established the city around it. Lake Pichola mesmerizes its tourists with its blue water and breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by restaurants, temples, palaces, islands, ghats, and mansions, it is a treat for everyone who chooses to indulge in this man-made beauty. The sunrise and sunset boat rides are a true testimony to the enchanting views and beauty that falls upon this lake. The palaces built on both sides of this lake will remind you of the James Bond movie, Octopussy, during dawn.
Explore and dive into the real Rajasthani experience with a desert safari that will not only allure you into Jaisalmer’s landscape but also provide you with an unparalleled adventure. A visit to the secluded village that speaks of the simple rural life experience dinner over a fire in an intimate setting, savor the beauty of the golden sand dunes as you travel on with a personal guide, the camel, and experience everything Rajasthan offers. Choose from various Desert Safari packages, each providing an unparalleled experience. Luxury camps, breakfast, sunset and sunrise facing the sand dunes, cultural performances, and more, all under the beautiful night sky.
When you want the best of both worlds, heritage stays are the way to go. Rajasthan has many countryside retreats that are a combination of luxury and culture. From luxury arrivals to grandeur stays and an elevated dining experience to the day excursion to a private wildlife safari. Many retreats, such as Rawla Narlai, Chanoudgarh, and Shahpura Bagh, are situated in the countryside with magnificent architecture, decor, and significance. Each countryside stay has amenities like luxury spa services, village walks, stepwell dinners, and more.
One of the world’s largest camel fairs is a livestock fair that happens every year (In November) on the Kartik Purnima (full moon day) according to the Hindu astrological calendar. According to the legends, Lord Brahma, the creator of the world according to the Hindus, created the lake that is still standing today. This camel fair attracts viewers from around the world to be a part of a carnival that brings together farmers, traders, and villagers. It is filled with events and activities, camels, culture, and colors; it stands for more than just a marketplace; it is a celebration of culture and tradition.
The Shekhawati region, which lies on the Delhi -Bikaner route, was once the residence of the Marwaris, which showcases their opulent lifestyle and choices. Ruled by the Shekhawati Rajputs, these havelis were established in the 18th century along the caravan trade route. The wealthy business community from Marwar migrated from there to Shekhawat, and they commissioned artists to paint frescoes on their homes to signify opulence. The scenes depicted cover ten themes: religion, daily life, folk mythology, decorative designs, historical events, and personalities. Expanded over 13,000 sq.km, numerous painted havelis make Shekhawati the largest open-air gallery, attracting visitors to understand the painted history and stories.
The festival of colors and Udaipur is a royal celebration. The descendants of the royal family would begin the festivities by lighting the bonfire, followed by people making rounds around the Holika Dahan (burning of the Holika symbolizing the triumph of good over evil), some even perform a folk dance. The royal table celebrates Holi through a feast of traditional dishes and delicacies. The next day is a colorful affair with balloons and colors, which are natural colors made by the tribal women in Udaipur. Attending the unique Holi celebrations in Udaipur is one of the most delightful and unforgettable things to do.
The bazaars of Jaipur are an affair in themselves. From 13 large bazaars, each of which caters to different markets altogether. Shopping in every bazaar, such as Johari and Tripola Bazaars, which are for jewellery; Chandpole and Kishanpole Bazar for handicrafts and textiles; Nehru, Sireh Deori, and Bapu bazaars for footwear; street shopping and all jaipuri products. Gaurav Tower, The Gem Palace, Teatro Dhora and Jaipur Pink for all things local products, antique charms, a stylish multi-brand store and a designer souvenir store. Explore even more bazaars in Jaipur to find where you can shop to your heart’s content; Jaipur is a paradise for jewelry lovers, so be sure to stack your bags up with versatile and affordable pieces.
The scarcity of water in Rajasthan led the locals to develop unique cooking styles that were different from other Indian cuisines. These dishes can be kept for several days and need no re-heating. However, Rajasthani dishes are rich in spice and flavour, they are deeply aromatic and robust. Spices such as turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, coriander, and more are used to impart warmth and depth to the dishes. The influence of Rajputs, who earlier devoured meat, saw the evolution of various meat-eaters in the region, and hence the development of dishes such as red, white, and goat meat. Laal Maans is a must try if you are a meat lover !
The Jain Temple Of Ranakpur in Rajasthan is known for its grand architecture. Built completely in white marble, it is dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. It is intended to be one of the best temples in Rajasthan, or some might say in India too. Built in the 15th century AD – This Jain temple consists of 29 halls, 80 domes, and a support system of 1444 intricately carved pillars, out of which not even two look the same. Each one is unique and designed in a different way.
Get a whirlwind experience on the Palace On Wheels, the preferred mode of transportation for the Nizams of Hyderabad and Maharajas of Rajasthan. The journey will transcend you to serene bliss with massages, sampling some Rajasthani authentics with a bar on-board, and a salon for an Ayurvedic treatment onboard. Started in 1982, The Palace on Wheels was the introduction to Luxury Trains in India. Covering cities in Rajasthan in grand opulence and cabins with designs adapted from the royal dynasties that once ruled Rajasthan. Elevation in the way of attached bathrooms with class toiletries, fine dining, internet, a safety deposit box, and a special attendant to serve your needs.
When a fort such as the Mehrangarh is situated at the top of a rocky hill, the only justice you can do is to admire its architectural excellence. The fort is an example of Rajputana craftsmanship that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Jodhpur’s enthralling city life. Renowned for its Zipline activities, also known as the Flying Fox – that allows tourists and fellow adventure junkies to view the fort’s majestic landscape, the scenic Aravali hills, an aerial experience of the two desert lakes, Rao Jodha Eco Park, and an exciting and unique perspective on the architecture of Mehrangarh of the “Blue City” of Jodhpur.
The Rajasthan government started a new heritage train line that travels through Marwar Junction and Kamlighat Railway Station, known as the Valley Queen heritage train, on October 5, 2023. This route will cover the Aravalli valleys, hills, two curvaceous tunnels, and 170 different bridges. This heritage train will provide a sense of connectivity, an experience, and a look into the history of Rajasthan, with the addition of a 360-degree vista dome with panoramic views, large side windows, and the Rajasthani culture with the depiction of elephants, horses, and the chariot. The Indian railways designed this train to carry 60 passengers at a time, for a surprising detox with nature.
Rajasthan is a famous spot for astrological readings, various readers are skilled in niche or all types of accurate readings. Astrology is a type of science that studies your birth month, zodiacs, compatibility, and decisions. Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 instruments designed by a Rajput King, Sawai Jai Singh, who is also the founder of the city of Jaipur. This monument features the world’s largest sundial and was completed in 1734, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near the City Palace and Hawa Mahal of Jaipur, this instrument works on the celestial coordinate systems, which are the equatorial system, the horizon-zenith local system and the ecliptic system.
Chand Baori in Abhaneri is visually spectacular and one of the largest step-wells in Jaipur. It is a magnificent 4-sided well, with a temple on one side and 3,500 Escher-esque terraced steps on the other 3 that goes to a depth of 100 feet. The establishment and creation of this stepwell began in the 10th century AD and is dedicated to Harshata Mata,who is the goddess of happiness and joy. Water plays an important and crucial role in the Hindu cosmology, as it is the boundary between heaven and earth known as tirtha. The wells eventually were not only sources of drinking water, but also became the source of prayer and meditation.
Karni Mata Temple, popularly referred to as the Rat Temple in Bikaner, is one of the most culturally authentic places to explore in India. It is dedicated to the Hindu sage Karni Mata, who is regarded as the incarnation of Goddess Durga. A famous legend claims that once, an army of 20,000 soldiers deserted a battle and reached the village of Deshnoke. Usually the price of deserting a battle was death, but Karni Mata took pity and turned them into rats instead. The few white rats that can be spotted in the temple are said to be the reincarnation of Karni Mata and her 4 sons – hence they are highly auspicious and you are considered lucky if you do spot them.
Just outside Jaipur, Dera Amer is a luxury glamping farm spanning 180 acres of transitive desert scrubland. The Wilderness camp is owned by the Singh family and has been passed down by generations. The two elephants, Laxmi and Rangmala, are fully acquired by their owners, allowing them to move freely around the property without destroying or harming any local crops or the livelihood of the farmers. Enjoy the Elephant’s daily life, go on long walks with them through the desert, and observe them scavenge for the best-tasting tree. You can see them while you dine and enjoy the camp’s luxury.
