A Journey Through Rajasthan Tourism

About Rajasthan Tourism

Rajasthan is a state of vibrant folk dance and music, gigantic forts and palaces, spicy food, colourful and large turbans, extensive golden sand desert, camels, and rich handicrafts. It is, therefore, an incredible place to visit in India to enjoy unforgettable holidays. Sprawling in an area of 342239 sq km, Rajasthan is perfect for history buffs, culture aficionados, adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, family vacations, honeymoons, and more.

Architectural Splendour: Forts, Palaces & Havelis!

The major tourist attractions of Rajasthan are its havelis, palaces, and forts that add to the experience of exploring one of the historically wealthy states in India. Some of the most famous and most visited forts in Rajasthan are Chittorgarh, Mehrangarh, Jaisalmer, Jaigarh, and Junagadh Forts. Of these, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is spread over 5 kilometers and stands on a hill almost 125 kilometers high. Chittorgarh Fort is also a must-visited tourist attraction, as it’s the largest fort in Asia. It is spread over an area of 700 acres, extending to 3 km in length and 13 km in peripheral length. The exquisite architecture isn’t only confined to the palaces and forts as Rajasthan also boasts impressive Hindu & Jain temples like Dilwara Jain Temples and Eklingji Temple.

A Rich Melange of Dances, Songs, Rides & Colors!

For culture aficionados, there are a number of fairs and festivals in Rajasthan to witness. The flamboyant manner in which even the cattle fairs take place in Pushkar and Nagaur is truly something to behold. Some of the most famous tourism festivals that showcase the rich traditions, customs, folk dance, and music of the state are the Desert Festival, Bikaner Camel Festival, Nagaur Fair, Pushkar Fair, Elephant Festival, Mewar Festival, Mount Abu Winter Festival, Gangaur Festival and Teej.

Rajasthan Also Boasts a Rich Wildlife!

Rajasthan, even though a hot and arid place, is rich in wildlife tourism. It offers several opportunities for tiger sighting and birdwatching. Some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of the state are Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park, Keoladeo, and Mukundra Hills National Park. It is blessed with a rich variety of vegetation and animal & bird species. To spot the Royal Bengal Tigers, Ranthambore National Park and Sariska National Park are the most famous wildlife destinations in Rajasthan.

Those who love birdwatching should visit Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is home to at least 230 species of birds. Home to indigenous water birds and migratory water birds, specifically the Siberian Crane, the Bharatpur Sanctuary also boasts many species of mammals like Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, and Boar. It is the major tourist spot for most of the ornithologists today during the hibernal season. Apart from these, Rajasthan is home to a large number of leopards, blackbuck, great Indian spotted eagles, and marsh crocodiles.

Go Shopping: From Jewellery to Paintings!

An indispensable part of the culture of Rajasthan is the handicraft skills, shopping for which is an experience to have. The state is famous for its jewellery pieces and is one of the largest centers for hand-cut gems in the world. Gold and silver jewellery is extremely famous, along with Kundan and Meenakari styles of ornaments. The gold work on glass, called Thewa is also quite a popular thing to buy in Rajasthan.

Another shopping-worthy article in Rajasthan is about the miniature paintings that have a Mughal influence on them. These paintings have intricate detailing and come in different styles like Mewar, Bundi, Kota, Marwar, Bikaner, Jaipur and Kishangarh. An ancient art of scroll painting called Phad also makes for one of the best things to take back home from Rajasthan. Pichwais is another form of painting, a little different from Phad; but equally attractive.

Apart from the home decor in the form of paintings, Rajasthan offers an opportunity to buy some authentic and exquisite leather items, amongst which Mojari/Jutti/Shoes are the most popular things to buy. One can get the best Mojari from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jaisalmer along with musical instruments made out of leather. From Bikaner one can purchase lamp shades, shields, and vases made out of camel hide.

Daal Baati Churma to Laal Maas: Savour the Rich Cuisine of Rajasthan!

Influenced by the parched region of Rajasthan, extreme climatic conditions,s and limited availability of water and vegetation, the Rajasthani Cuisine has evolved out of the unique cooking style and pugnacious lifestyle of its natives. From the signature dish of the state; Dal Bati Churma to the popular street snack; mirchi ke pakore, from the generous use of spice and ghee to the prominent use of a variety of lentils and legumes, Rajasthani food is a fine treat for which the tourists travel even thousand miles.

Starting from different kinds of breads like Batis, Missi roti, and Jowar, Bajra, and Makke ki roti, to go with exceptionally tasty curries like Gatte ki Sabzi, Papad ki Sabzi, and Kadhi Pakora. The pungent tidbits and accompaniments like Moong Dal and Pyaaz ki Kachori, Bikaneri Bhujia, Bajre ka khichda, Kher Sangri, and Lehsun ki Chutney, and the wind-up digestive Butter Milk elaborates the menu even more. And not to forget the sweet wonders like Churma, Lapsi, Malpua, Ghewar, Alwar ka Mawa and the long lasting Gond ke Laddoo. Though the region is predominantly vegetarian, the influence of Rajputs non-vegetarian food habit can be seen in the cuisine with the presence of delicacies such as Laal Maas, Jungle Maas, Khad Khargosh and Safed Maas, that in a way completes the menu.

Luxury Holidays and Royal Hospitality!

For luxury holidays, Rajasthan tourism has a decent number of heritage hotels that along with offering incredible hospitality to all its guests also cater to the fantasies of honeymoon couples. There are several ways that you can experience both luxury and royal hospitality in Rajasthan. One of these is taking a ride on the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Train where you can sink into relaxing massage session; sample spicy Rajasthani cuisine in restaurant and bar-cum-lounge; relaxing stay in twin-bedded chambers with attached bathrooms and pampering session in the well-furnished salon, while enjoying the pretty view of the desert rolling by.

You can also stay at the heritage hotels, which were once palaces of the princes and maharajas but were later on converted into heritage hotels. The major percentage of hotels are adorned with exotic murals; original artifacts; king sized beds, manicured gardens; mirrored bar; sunlit corridors and most modern style with the convenience that were once the properties of the reigning monarchs. Some of the most famous heritage hotels in Rajasthan are Leela Palace, Taj Lake Palace, Umaid Bhawan and Jal Mahal Palace. The fabulous exteriors, spectacular interiors and hospitality normally reserved for royalty are some of the experiences in store for you at these heritage hotels. A stay in any of these hotels would transfer one to the world where everything is lavish, luxurious and larger than life.

From Zip Lining to Zorbing, there are Several Options for Adventure Tourism Sports!

Rajasthan also offers numerous opportunities for enjoying several adventure tourism sports activities. Some of the adventure hotspots in the state are Jaipur, Pushkar, Bharatpur and Jaisalmer. In Bharatpur, you can enjoy different types of adventure activities like zip lining, quake walk and rope course.

Jaipur attracts adventure enthusiasts with a number of adventure activities like zorbing, cycling and ATV bike ride. In Pushkar, you can enjoy hot air balloon rides, quad biking and camel safari. And of course, with Rajasthan being home to the great sand dunes of the Thar desert, you can enjoy camel rides, feel the thrill of sand dune bashing and biking. You can also enjoy parasailing and enjoy the views of the forts and desert from above.

Spirituality Abounds in the State of Rajasthan!

Rajasthan is also immersed in spirituality, with its numerous places of worship belonging to Hindus, Muslims and Jains. Some of the temples are famous throughout the country, like the Karni Mata Temple, where rats are treated like deities and offered food. Some of the most visited Hindu temples in the state are Brahma Temple, Deo Somnath Temple, Jagdish Temple, Kunj Bihari Temple, and Kaila Devi Temple.

There are several Muslim places of worship, and some of them are visited by both Hindus and Muslims alike. One of them is the Dargah Sharif or Ajmer Sharif. It is dedicated to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti occupies a prominent place amongst the spiritual healers of the world. Constructed with a white marble, it has 11 arches and a Persian inscription running through the full length of the building. The other one is Abdullah Pir Dargah Banswara.

Rajasthan is also home to the most beautiful Jain temples in the world. Two of the most visited ones are Ranakpur Jain Temples and Dilwara Temple. The Jain temple of Ranakpur is situated in the heart of the Aravalli hills. The temple is a fine specimen of art and culture that makes it a treasured site of Rajasthan that is to be cherished. The construction of this temple was started in the year of 1446 and was completed in the year 1496. It took fifty years for the completion of the temple.

Dilwara Temple is one of the finest and architecturally renowned Jain temples in India. A large number of visitors and pilgrims visit this temple every day. Its extraordinary architecture is its major attraction. Intricate carvings on the marble stone and high-quality craftsmanship of the workers is clearly visible in every aspect of this temple, making it truly unique and distinct. Its opulent entranceway is truly stunning and spectacular. Other famous Jain Temples are Shri Mahavirji Jain Temple and Tijara Jain Temple.

We at Tour My India want to help you explore this incredible land, and thus bring to you the best Rajasthan holiday packages at best prices. With our travel deals you have the opportunity to discover Rajasthan the way you want.

Top 10 Most Visited Destinations in Rajasthan

• Jaipur : The capital city Jaipur has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dotted with numerous heritage sites, the Pink City is an unmissable destination.
• Udaipur : Dubbed the City of Lakes, Udaipur is adorned with many man-made lakes, palaces, and the Aravalli Hills which make it a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan.
• Jodhpur : Home to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhavan, Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan is a history lover’s paradise.
• Jaisalmer : The Golden City, Jaisalmer is flanked by the Thar Desert and adorned with a living fort. Reflecting the rich history of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is a land of experiences you cannot forget.
• Ranthambore National Park : One of the major tiger reserves in India, Ranthambore National Park boasts rich wildlife, historical monuments, and an enthralling wildlife safari experience.
• Pushkar : One of the oldest cities in India, Pushkar is a religious destination which also has a hippie vibe. Its 52 ghats and one-of-its-kind Brahma Temple attract many from across the world.
• Bikaner : Displaying the opulence of Rajasthan’s culture and history, Bikaner is popular as a world’s largest camel research and breeding farms and is home to the unique rat temple, Karni Mata.
• Ajmer : Famed as an important Muslim pilgrimage, Ajmer is a sacred destination in Rajasthan that is also known for historical opulence.
• Chittorgarh : The largest fort not only in Rajasthan but in India, Chittorgarh is known for its architectural brilliance and different periods of history that it has been the witness of.
• Kumbhalgarh : Boasting one of the longest walls in the world, Kumbhalgarh is the second-largest fort in India. This impressive fort is not to be missed witnessing in Rajasthan.

Best Time for Visiting Rajasthan for Holidays

The best time to visit Rajasthan is between October and February, when the weather is cold, and is ideal to go on sightseeing tours and enjoy all the activities offered in the state.

A Quick Information About the State – Rajasthan