If you are searching for things to do in Rajasthan, you will be spoilt for choice. The royal state of Rajasthan in India is one of the most popular tourist destinations and most visited places in the country, with mighty forts and palaces, vast deserts, and scenic beauty all around. There is so much to do here that one trip may not be enough! However, we have tried to enclose some of the best things to do in Rajasthan in this blog. Read on to find out more!
Visit the grand palaces
Rajasthan is the state of the royals, and you will know why when you visit. Rich in history and culture, Rajasthan once was home to many royal dynasties of India, and still is for some. The state has many opulent palaces that will dazzle you with their sheer size and beauty.
The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur city is one of the most iconic palaces of Rajasthan. Translating to “The Palace of Winds”, the structure is built in a way that cool wind always enters the palace and keeps it comfortable in the hot climate of Rajasthan.
The Amber Palace in Jaipur and the City Palace of Jaipur and Udaipur are some other palaces you must visit. Jal Mahal is a stunning palace floating in the midst of Lake Sagar. Once a shooting lodge for Maharajas, the Water Palace sees a lot of tourists from around the world.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the largest private residences in the world, and a part of it is still home to the royal family of Jodhpur. The other part is a museum displaying the history of the royals.
Hawa Mahal
Explore the mighty forts
The Jaisalmer Fort in the midst of the Thar Desert in the Golden City of Jaisalmer is also known as the Golden Fort, and rightly so. The sandstone structures with their intricate carvings and beautiful havelis offer a glimpse into the history of the fort. When the sun sets, it casts a golden glow on the fort, making it a sight to behold.
The fort of Mehrangarh looks over the blue city of Jodhpur, offering a stunning view of the city. The fort also has a museum showcasing royal artifacts of the Rathore dynasty. The Amer Fort in Jaipur, Ranthambore Fort in Ranthambore, Chittorgarh Fort in the old city of Chittorgarh, and Kumbhalgarh Fort in Kumbhalgarh are some other majestic forts you should visit.
If the majestic forts aren’t thrilling enough for you, how about touring a haunted fort? The Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan is known to be one of the most haunted places in India. People are not permitted in the fort after dusk, although it is favored during the daytime by curious travelers seeking some thrill.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur (Photo Credits – Francisco Anzola)
Enjoy a camel safari through the desert
A trip to the desert state of Rajasthan is incomplete without taking a camel ride through the vast desert. The Bikaner desert, Jodhpur, or the sand dunes at Jaisalmer are perfect to experience this. Witness the sun set over the golden sand dunes as you stroll the desert on camelback. A camel safari in the Thar Desert is a bucket list item for many tourists. You can also indulge in cultural activities and local food amidst the desert.
Camel safari
Stay at a heritage hotel
If you visit Rajasthan, you will fall in love with the architectural marvels of the state – its palaces, ancient temples, forts, and havelis. The best part is that you can also stay at many of these structures! Yes, Rajasthan has many heritage hotels you can book for a royal, luxurious stay. The Neemrana Fort Palace in the small town of Neemrana is one such heritage hotel with traditional decor complete with modern amenities. The Samode Palace and Devigarh are other heritage hotels in Rajasthan.
Neemrana Fort Palace
Take a village safari
The other side of all the rich royalty of Rajasthan is the rural population, which takes up 75% of the region. Village safaris in Rajasthan offer a glimpse into the local life and how the locals in Rajasthan live on a daily basis. The rural village of Bishnoi offers rural tourism with village safaris that take you through the sustainable village that coexists in harmony with nature and wildlife.
Savor the local food
Rajasthan has some delicious food, and you need to try the authentic food of the state while you are here. The signature non-vegetarian dish of the region is Lal Maas, a red meat curry made in a traditional Rajasthani style. Other food items you must try here are daal baati churma, dabeli, pyaaz ki kachori, and Bikaneri bhurji. Whether you are in the cities or in rural Rajasthan, you will get a taste of the authentic local cuisine everywhere, as you will find a few street vendors in all the narrow streets and corners.
Dal Baati Churma
Participate in adventure activities
If you want an adrenaline rush, Rajasthan has got you covered with many fun activities. Try dune bashing in Jaisalmer – drive through the golden dunes of Rajasthan while you are safely in the car with seatbelts on.
Quad biking is another fun thing to do in the deserts of Jaisalmer, a truly exhilarating experience. Ride an ATV bike under the strict supervision of a professional.
You can also soar through the sky by parasailing above the magnificent state, getting a unique view of the royal cities. Neemrana and Jodhpur offer zip-lining or Flying Fox for adventure enthusiasts, where you can zip across the region overlooking the mighty fort and lush greenery around.
The Pink City of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a popular tourist destination. Along with historic forts, palaces, and monuments, the city has also introduced hot air balloon rides. Imagine flying over the gorgeous pink city in an hour-long ride!
Hot air balloon ride (Picture credits: Rajwada Desert Camp)
Go shopping for souvenirs
Rajasthan has many souvenirs you can take back home with you. The state is famous for handmade mojris (shoes), block-print fabrics, ethnic jewelry, unique home decor items, textiles, and so much more. The state is also renowned for miniature paintings. The Hathi Pol Bazaar in Udaipur is perfect for shopping for all these items.
Some other famous vibrant markets in Rajasthan are Johari Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, and Kote Gate Bazaar. The famous Clock Tower in Jodhpur, also known as Ghanta Ghar, has a market with the same name and is a popular tourist attraction in the region. You can also find some local shops selling some beautiful handmade items.
Bapu Bazaar, Jaipur
Go on wildlife safaris
Rajasthan is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Perhaps two of the most popular places to spot the elusive big cats like tigers and leopards and hyenas in the wild are Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve. However, the park is also inhabited by more than 300 species of birds, perfect for bird watching.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Bharatpur National Park, also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With varied geographical terrains, the Keoladeo national park is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is especially famous for a pack of 40 wolves that inhabits the sanctuary. There are also many other animals and more than 200 species of local and migratory birds at this place. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is in Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan.
Raanthambore National Park
Take a boat ride
A boat ride in the many lakes of Rajasthan is a soothing experience. Enjoy a boat ride as it glides across the calm waters of Lake Pichola during sunset. Another beautiful place for a boat ride is the Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer, with the Aravalli Hills in the background. You can also try motor boating in some lakes.
There are many other lakes in Rajasthan, and although not all of them offer boat rides, they are beautiful nonetheless. The Pushkar Lake in Pushkar is considered to be a sacred lake, and the water is believed to have medicinal properties. Some other famous lakes in Rajasthan are Fateh Sagar Lake, Nakki Lake, and Gadisar Lake.
Pushkar Lake
Visit the religious sites of worship
The Ajmer Sharif, or Dargah Sharif of Khwaja, or Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer is one of the most renowned Sufi shrines in India. People from different faiths from all over the country come to see this holy place.
Karauli in Rajasthan has many majestic temples, especially the Madan Mohan Ji Temple, known for its detailed carvings.
The Jain temple Shri Pavapuri Tirth Dham and the Padampura Jain temple are two of the largest Jain temples in the world.
Among the Aravalli Hills in Mount Abu is the Dilwara Temple, known for the stunning use of marble and intricate carvings. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the temple is beautiful and definitely worth a visit.
A unique temple in Rajasthan is the Karni Mata Temple, also known as the rat temple. It is home to thousands of rats that roam around the temple complex and are considered to be sacred.
The Jagdish Temple in Udaipur outside the royal palace has been in worship since the 1650s!
Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Camp in the desert under the stars
The Thar desert in India is not as expansive as those in the middle east of Africa but it is still a unique experience in every sense. Desert camping is a popular activity to do in Rajasthan. You can camp under the stars in the vast deserts of Rajasthan. Away from the chaos of the cities, lights, and pollution, you can see clear night skies with millions of stars. The nights are full of Rajasthani musical, dance, and cultural performances, a beautiful experience like no other.
Camping in the desert
Attend the many festivals
The rich culture of Rajasthan celebrates many festivals throughout the year. No matter when you visit the state, you will always find something to look forward to. The Jodhpur International Kite Festival is a vibrant event with kites of many shapes and sizes flying across the blue sky. It happens during Makar Sakranti on 14-15th January.
Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated in different ways in different regions of the state. Jaipur, Udaipur, and Pushkar are especially famous for their larger-than-life Holi celebrations.
Preceding the Holi festival in March is the Brij Festival in Bharatpur. The Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival is a unique blend of Rajasthan and Spain set against the backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort. The Camel Festival in Pushkar every October or November displays the heritage of Rajasthan with adorned camels, parades, traditional dances, and camel races.
There are many music festivals as well, from the sacred Sufi festival in Jodhpur in February to the famous Magnetic Fields electronic festival in Alsisar every December.
So, what are you going to indulge in once you are in Rajasthan? Let us know! At India Someday, we create personalized trips to India for you based on your requirements and interests. Contact us and we will plan the perfect trip to India for you!
Pushkar Fair
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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