Rajasthan - Heritage of India

The state of Rajasthan is the largest in India in terms of area and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, for both domestic and international tourists. Rajasthan is known for its great natural beauty and its golden desert along with historic forts and palaces, art and culture. The state is also part of the Golden Triangle, which includes the cities of Delhi and Agra.

Tourism in Rajasthan is flourishing, as every third foreign tourist visiting India also visits Rajasthan. The ancient palaces of Jaipur, beautiful and romantic lakes of Udaipur, the desert and sand dunes of Jaisalmer, the Jain temples at Mount Abu, the colourful cattle fair at Pushkar and the grand Umaid Bhavan Palace of Jodhpur, to name a few, are some of the key attractions of the state and draw a lot of tourism to it- to the extent that tourism accounts for 80% of Rajasthan’s Gross Domestic Product. Many old and neglected forts and palaces have been converted into Rajasthan heritage hotels. Tourism has also increased employment in the hospitality sector.

The Palace on Wheels and the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels are luxury trains that are a great way to explore this splendid state on the go. Online bookings of these trains are available on the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation website.

Places to see

Jaipur

Jaipur, the largest city of Rajasthan is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy. This city was established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, and is India's first planned city. Jaipur was the capital of former Kachwaha rulers and it so presents itself as a versatile tourist destination. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture. With splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis; Jaipur turns out to be an ideal tourist destination. It is not just the royal buildings and palaces that this city offers. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery. These intricate works of art add life and colour to this Pink City's uniqueness. Also, the serenity of lush gardens and floral array acts as the cherry on the cake of fabulous landscapes. All this make a picturesque view that tends to enthral any visitor.

The best time to visit this place is between October and March. Since the weather is pleasant during these months, that allows one to explore more of this place without getting scorched in the seething heat. This city of Rajputs is well known for its fairs and fests that are held on a grand level. The festivals include kite festival, camel festival, teej, gangaur, elephant festival, to name a few. The city witnesses maximum tourists during these days. To add on to its liveliness, this place has brilliant bazaars filled with bright turbans and ethnic attire, hand-dyed and embroidered textiles, pretty jewellery and delicious food. All these things can draw anyone towards them. Dressed in pink, this royal city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is the apt blend of heritage, palaces, culture and art and the flamboyance of this place can be experienced only by visiting it.

Udaipur

Udaipur is an enchanting place full of old mansions, beautiful gardens, intricate temples, and grand palaces overlooking expansive shimmering lakes. The City Palace, which stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, is a highlight. The way it has been constructed is exquisite, with Rajput military architecture and Mughal style decorative techniques both combined together. Its museum displays many royal heirlooms, family photos, and other memorabilia.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is often referred to as being straight out of a romantic Arabian Nights fable. It's a cliche, but how better to describe this remarkable sandstone city that rises magically from the sand dunes of the Rajasthan desert? Jaisalmer's mesmerizing ancient fort, built in 1156, is perched high on a pedestal overlooking the city. Inside, the fort is alive and spellbinding. It houses five palaces, several temples, and some exquisite havelis (mansions), as well as shops and other residences.

Jodhpur

Affectionately known as the "Blue City" for its blue painted buildings, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. The walled old part of the city is presided over by the looming Mehrangarh Fort. One of the largest forts in India, it's the pride of Jodhpur. Every October it has the honor of providing the setting for the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. Inside the fort are a number of palaces, and a museum. The fort is also an excellent place to view Jodhpur's blue buildings.

Pushkar

For most of the year, Pushkar is a sleepy little holy town that attracts a lot of backpackers and hippie types. Pushkar really comes alive for a couple of weeks in October/November, when the Pushkar Camel Fair comes to town. It's a peculiar sight, and a great opportunity to witness an old traditional style Indian festival. Puskar is worth a visit at any time of year though if you want to chill out. However, it's not like it used to be there. These days Pushkar is becoming much more westernized and tourist focused. The priests by the bathing ghats (steps) are known to be very forceful in demanding donations too. Avoid that area, and head to the Pushkar market for some great shopping instead!

Shekhawati

If you're an art lover, or even someone who's into architecture and history, the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is well worth including on your itinerary. Located in the triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner, many people overlook it in favor of more popular destinations in Rajasthan. However, this unique region is often referred to as the world's largest open air art gallery, with old havelis (mansions) having walls adorned with intricate painted frescoes.

Bikaner

The vibrant desert town of Bikaner receives less tourists than many other prominent destinations in Rajasthan. It's an excellent place to go on a camel safari, as an alternative to Jaisalmer. The main attractions are the atmospheric walled Old City and fort. Bikaner is also renowned for the infamous Karni Mata rat temple nearby. The Karni Mata Festival, held to worship the rats there, is one of the quirkiest festivals in India. A Camel Fair is also held in Bikaner every January.

Bundi

Although quite popular with travelers, Bundi also often gets overlooked as a tourist destination in Rajasthan. Yet, it's a captivating place to visit, with its lakes, markets, temples, and blue houses similar to Jodhpur. This relatively laid back town is dominated by the extraordinary and imposing Bundi Palace, which protrudes out of the hillside. The ancient, winding lanes of the Old City are fascinating to wander through. Bundi also has around 60 step wells and a ramshackle fort above the palace. The Folk Tales specializes in rural travel and offers an interesting Rustic Charms of Bundi Itinerary.