Rajasthan: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Rajasthan, formerly known as Rajputana or the Land of the Kings, is the perfect example of India’s grandeur and magnificence dating back to several centuries. Majestic palaces, white and golden-sand deserts, traditional crafts and authentic cuisine make Rajasthan an ideal choice for all kinds of travellers.

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Don’t leave Rajasthan before you:

See

1. Amber Fort (Jaipur)

The ancient citadel of the Kachhawa clan, Amber (pronounced Amer) fort, is located approximately 11 kilometres from Jaipur. A perfect blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture, the fort is a stunning creation in red sandstone and white marble. The Maota Lake adds to its charm and offers visitors with crystal clear reflections of the fort.

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2. Lake Palace (Udaipur)

The Aravalli Mountains form the perfect backdrop for this jewel in the middle of Lake Pichola. Built as a summer palace by the royal family of Udaipur, it has now been taken over by the Taj Group of Hotels. Sculpted marble columns, decorative gild moldings and, of course, a magical view has led to it being voted as one of the most romantic hotels in India and the world.

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3. Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur)

One of the largest private residences in the world, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, can be best described as the perfect mix of Indian and Art Deco styles. With 347 rooms, the palace used to provide employment to more than 3000 people when the royal family was still in power.

In fact, a section of the palace is still the private residence of Jodhpur’s royal family. Another section has been acquired by the ITC Group of Hotels, and caters to the needs of numerous tourists throughout the year.

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4. Dilwara temples (Near Mount Abu)

The Jain temples at Dilwara are considered the finest example of marble stone carvings in India. Located a few kilometres from Mount Abu (the only hill station in Rajasthan), the temples are famous for their ornate marble architecture, particularly the intricate carving on the ceilings and the pillars. It is one of the most popular Jain pilgrimage sites in the world.

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Do

1. Get up, close and personal with camels at the Pushkar Fair

Held in November every year at the time of Kartik Poornima, the Pushkar Camel Fair is organized on an epic scale, attracting more than 11,000 camels, cattle and horses. Held over 14 days, it’s visited by more than 400,000 people from around the world and is the perfect opportunity to witness the chaos and the colour of Rajasthan.

Read More: Top Tourist Places to Visit in Rajasthan

2. Tie a mannat at Ajmer Sharif

According to folklore, those who visit the Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti dargah at Ajmer are blessed by Allah, and their mannats (wishes) are always granted. Colourful chadars, soulful qawwalis and authentic Mughlai food will make your trip to the dargah a memorable experience.

3. Take a ride on the wild side at Ranthambore

Ranthambore is one of the largest national parks in the country. Located in the Sawai Madhopur district, the Park is approximately 130 kilometres from Jaipur. Once the favourite hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park has today become a popular tourist attraction for people interested in wildlife. Opening times of the Park may vary as per the season, and safaris are organized twice every day (morning and evening).

4. Go on a desert safari in Jaisalmer

A desert safari through Jaisalmer evokes an amazing picture of the brilliance and the desolation of the desert. The golden city of Rajasthan (named after the yellow sandstone the city is famous for) is well-known for its camel safaris into the Thar desert. For a truly unique experience, spend the night in the desert under a clear sky with millions of stars shining their light upon you.

Read More: Forts in Rajasthan You Can Actually Stay In

Eat

1. Dal Baati Churma

When in Rajasthan, eat like the Rajasthanis! Try the iconic Dal Baati Churma, the most-loved food in Rajasthan. Baati is a hard bread that is served with a mixed-lentil dal. You can choose from plain baatis or ones stuffed with lentils, peas, onion or sattu. Unsalted baatis are finely crushed and mixed with sugar and ghee to prepare choorma.

2. Laal Maans

This traditional Rajasthani dish is a meat curry cooked in myriad spices and loaded with red chillies.

3. Ghevar

A popular Rajasthani dessert, Ghevar is a round sweet made with wheat flour and soaked in syrup and is available in multiple varieties.

When to Go

The best time to visit Rajasthan is from October to March, when the Sun is not too fiery and intense. Winter season is the perfect time to visit most cities in Rajasthan.

Summer season in Rajasthan is hot and humid. Average temperatures can rise up to 45 degrees. Mount Abu is a good option for a summer visit to Rajasthan.

Monsoon stretches from July to September with increased humidity. Udaipur is the best place to visit in Rajasthan during monsoon season.

Getting There

By Air - Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur have airports with direct links to most major cities in the country.

By Rail - Overnight trains from Mumbai and Delhi reach most major cities in Rajasthan. The Rajdhani and the Shatabdi Express are good choices for travelling to Rajasthan via rail.

By Road - National Highway 8 runs through Rajasthan and connects the state to Delhi and Mumbai. Though Mumbai is quite far, a road trip to Rajasthan from Delhi takes only around 4 hours.

Getting Around

Taxis –  A car hire is the most preferred way to travel in Rajasthan due to its well-built roads. However, beware of drivers who overcharge tourists. 

Buses –  The Rajasthan Tourism Department (RTDC) runs luxury buses connecting various cities in the state.

Read More: Forts in Rajasthan That Are Worthy of Travel Goals

What to Pack

• Take a scarf, sunglasses, suncream and other accessories to keep yourself covered in the heat
• Light cotton clothes, scarves and hats to protect you in the heat if you’re travelling in summer
• Essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses and mosquito repellent (especially if you’re travelling to Ranthambore)
• Flip-flops for desert safaris

Majestic palaces, great food, rich cultural heritage and endless opportunities to shop make Rajasthan the best place for an authentic ‘Indian’ travel experience. No matter what kind of traveller you are, Rajasthan will take your breath away at every step of the journey.

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