The desert state of India, Rajasthan offers more than just sand to the visitor. The Dreary and yet fascinating Thar Desert certainly encompasses a lot of the landscape of Rajasthan. However, look closely, and you will be surprised with the bountiful life that can thrive in the harsh conditions.
As the dry wind sweeps up the sand dunes, magnificent palaces and cities will seemingly rise from the ground like a medieval mirage. These wondrous cities are full of enigma with their brightly colored walls a stunning contrast to the ochre yellow of the sandy desert. Forts, palaces and desert dreams dot the landscape of Rajasthan. As you step into the desert cities of Rajasthan, you will be awestruck at the seemingly ancient period that you have stepped in. The imposing cities of Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur and others have fascinated travellers and nomads through the centuries and they continue to do so.
History is ingrained with the sands of Rajasthan which was once the home of the hardy and proud Rajput clan. These fierce warriors of old were once the terror of their foes. Though their former glory is lost, the Rajput legend lives on the many monuments and cities that they have left behind. You can relive their great lives through the many forts and palaces that have been transformed into the some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
Rajasthan offers a lot to the visitor. You just need to be patient and let the desert open up its secrets to you.
The rugged hills of the Aravalli Mountains, the oldest mountain range in the world, surround Ajmer like a shawl while Ajmer itself nestles the pristine Ana Sagar Lake in its bosom. Religion is ingrained deep within the views of this chaotic and yet beautiful city. While Islam and Jainism have their mosques and temples in the city, Hindus use the city as a stop before heading on to Pushkar for pilgrimage to the temple there.
The Dargah of Khawaja Saheb – The holy tomb of Khawaja
Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra
Nasiyan Temple
Taragarh
Akbar’s Palace
Ana Sagar Lake
Daulat Bagh
The city of Chittorgarh epitomizes the Chattari Rajput ideals of pride, spirit and romance. In its rich history and close association with the Rajput warrior clan, never has Chittorgarh surrendered to the enemy even though it was attacked thrice by a much stronger enemy. Instead, its people chose the ritualistic suicide sacrifice called Jauhar. This romantic allure of Chittorgarh history still persists strongly within the hearts of Rajput’s.
Chittorgarh Fort
Rana Kumbha’s Palace
Victory Tower
Meerabai Temple
Kalika Mata Temple
Padmini’s Palace
Kumbhalgarh is like a fantastical place that is bound to evoke romance. The remoteness of the fort only serves to enhance its enigmatic aspect. Romantic expectations are evoked and fulfilled as you discover one of the great forts in Rajasthan. It is the epitome of the Rajput warrior culture. Its romantic aspect is heightened by its exciting place in history.
Haldighati
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Mahavir Temple
Situated seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Ranakpur is home to one of the grandest Jain temples ever to have been built. The small town is located right in the foothills of Aravalli Hills. However, the town is dominated not by the ancient hills but by the presence of the incredible temple complex. Ranankpur is conveniently located between Jodhpur and Udaipur which reduces travel worries significantly.
The Jain Temple
Bharatpur is the perfect example of a true Rajasthani town. The dustiness and the noisiness of the town can have a different charm altogether from the rather touristy areas in the other parts of Rajasthan. The Brij festival of Bharatpur is as boisterous as can be expected. It is just as colorful as it is celebrated right before Holi
Bharatpur Government Museum
Lohagarh Fort
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Ganga Mandir in Bharatpur
The epitome of magnificence is not a term that can be applied lightly. However, that is what you will say when you visit the largest and the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Established in 1727, Jaipur is the first planned city of India and was the Kachwaha capital for many years. This is a city worthy of royalty with its incredible history, breathtaking architecture and rich culture.Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is an enchanting place with its large splendid havelis, scenic temples nestled in serenity, and imposing palaces that exude a majestic aura of awe.
City Palace
Jaigarh Fort
Amber Fort
Nahargarh Fort
Jantar Mantar
Jal Mahal
Albert Hall Museum
Hawa Mahal
On entering Mandawa, you may feel that you have stepped into an art painting. The numerous havelis and mansions in Mandawa are painted quite lavishly enough to make the entire town look drenched in colors. In Mandawa, you may feel that you are touring in an art gallery rather than a town. Each haveli is gorgeous and stunning and the fantastic colors of each building enchant the visitor.
Castle Mandawa
Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
Home of one of the biggest national parks in India, Ranthambore is vastly different from the other sites in Rajasthan. Ranthambore is a wildly romantic place where the ruins of an old fort lie in the heart of the park grasslands. The fort is also home to three temples of which the one dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the elephant headed god of the Hindus, receives the most prominence. As you approach the fort which is barely discernible at a distance, it seemingly begins to grow out of the hill on which it is perched. The enormous rampart of the fort still extends to 7km and is a sight to behold. Better yet, the incredible view you can get from the top of the ruins of the surrounding grasslands of the national park is something you are not likely to forget anytime soon.
Ranthambore National Park
Rajasthan is the land of the Thar Desert and in the middle of this desert, a flower can certainly bloom. In Rajasthan, that flower is Bikaner. Founded in the late 15th century, Bikaner has flourished recently to become a charming city and a vista to desert life. This vibrant city has a faintly outpost feel to it but is, however, filled with majestic palaces and beautiful temples crafted from the finest sandstone by the best architects that the Rajput civilization had to offer.
Junagarh Fort
Lalgarh Fort
Camel Breeding Farm
Bhandasar Jain Temple
Karni Mata Temple,(Deshnok)
Gajner Palace
Jain Haveli
In the middle of the sandy plains of Rajasthan, a massive castle of sand arises as if a mirage from the ancient world. That is Jaisalmer, a place that still retains its enigmatic charm and will evoke within you images of camel caravans, desert trades and old world desert mysteries. Enchantment is a feature of this desert citadel which has been crafted from sandstone of the color of honey. The extensive use of this golden yellow sandstone in the ramparts and havelis have cause Jaisalmer to be nicknamed the Golden City.
Jaisalmer Fort
Gadi Sagar Lake
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli
Desert National Park
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
Sam Sand Dunes
The only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is quite unlike the other areas of Rajasthan. It is also the highest hill in the desert state of India. Spiritualism flows through Mount Abu which is home to more than 80 temples dedicated to either Hinduism or Jainism. Mount Abu also offers a vista of rich flora and fauna to the visitor to indulge in.
Guru Shikhar Peak
Adhar Devi Temple
Shri Raghunathji Temple
Dilwara Jain Temples
Achalgarh Fort
Nakki Lake
Durga Temple
Trevor’s Crocodile Park
Gaumukh Temple
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Sunset Point
In between the ochre shades of the Aravalli Hills that stretch into the horizon and the shimmering pristine waters of the lake Pichola nearby is nestled the city of Udaipur which is arguably one of the most romantic spots in India. If Jodhpur is the blue city while Jaipur is the pink city, then the colors that best define Udaipur are rose, cream and honey.
City Palace
Lake Pichola
Sahelion Ki Bari
Jagdish Temple
Bagore Ki Haveli
Nathdwara
Jag Mandir
Eklingji
Monsoon Palace
Shilpgram
City Palace Museum
The town of Bundi may be small but it is captivating. Narrow lanes filled with houses painted in blue, quaint lakes and colorful bazaars fill up the entirety of Bundi. The skyline is dominated by the palace which seems fantastical in the midst of this captivating chaos. Bundi has managed to capture and retain that indefinable magic and charm of the ancient centuries long past. Visit during the months of January to March and you will be greeted and mesmerized by the fragile pink blooms in the poppy fields surrounding the town.
To the unprepared, the blue hue of the city of Jodhpur is like a magical deviation from the yellow sands of the surrounding desert. The nickname of Blue City suits Jodhpur where it seems that the sky has descended and taken residence in the desert. The blue city gets its name from the colors used to paint the walls. The maze like city is littered with blue houses which can be traversed through the winding incense-perfumed streets which end up in unexpected places.
Mehrangarh Fort
Jaswant Thada
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Raj Ranchhodji Temple
Government Museum
This settlement beside the Pushkar Lake has a strong charm which was powerful enough to have mesmerized even Kalidas, the great Indian poet who mentioned it in his classic, Abhigyan Shakuntalam. Pushkar is home to 52 bathing ghats and more than 400 temples whose milky blue colors can be a stunning sight. The sound of the temples enjoined in regular pujas is a soundtrack of enchantment as the music of the chants, drums, gongs and songs mix together in a heavenly harmony of the purest nature.
The Pushkar Fair
Brahma Temple
Muktidham
Savitri Temple
Pushkar Lake
Parvati Hill and Temple
Saraswati Temple
