Things to see in Rajasthan India

The term ‘Rajasthan’ signifies the land of ‘Rajas’ or the kings. The witness of a glorious and romantic past and the bearer of that heritage till date, Rajasthan is the largest state of India. The majestic palaces hold the tale of courage, love, glory and win, whereas the desert holds mystery and magic.  The awesome combination of these two and much more makes Rajasthan one of the most colorful states to visit in India. The rural Rajasthan will give you a glimpse of old and traditional India, whereas the beautiful cities are to offer you the glittering palaces, the unique architectures, the colorful culture and the arts.

Women in Rajasthan wear Colorful clothes and Men wear colorful turbans

Transportation: I have taken trains, Buses from New Delhi, Also drove through Rajasthan on my way from New Delhi to Bombay. For buses check http://rsrtc.rajasthan.gov.in/index.php

Stay: Popular tourist destination, plenty of cheap hotels. If you want to splurge stay at the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, I stayed a night there.

Let’s check out some places of this state, where you can have a real feel of Rajasthan

Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. This largest city of Rajasthan is also known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. This city is famous for its excellent palaces, architecture and the colorful markets. The main attraction of this place is the palace of the winds, which was created by Rana Pratap Singh during the 18th Century. Inside this palace, the glimpse of royal grandeur can be seen. The city palace of Jaipur is another attraction you cannot afford to miss. In a one day trip from this city, visit the famous Amber Fort. While leaving Jaipur, do pick up the local trinkets from the local market Johari Bazaar

My Recommendation for Food in Jaipur: Chokhi Dhani Village

Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second largest city of the Rajasthan. Form the color of the outer wall of the houses, this city is known as the blue city. Back in the day, the color blue outside the house used to signify the occupancy of the upper-class people, i.e the Brahmins. The fort named Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in the country. You can also take a trip to a village named Bishnoi, to get an authentic taste of the rural Rajasthan

Jodhpur Fort

Apart from Meherangarh, the Umed Bhawan palace is also very famous. It is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, this monument has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umaid_Bhawan_Palace

Photo I took of Jodhpur city from the Fort

Udaipur

The city of Udaipur is named as the city of lakes. The awesome beauty of the Lake Pichola and the royal establishments around that takes away the breath of every traveler. The city palace and the view from it are the most popular tourist attractions of this city. Apart from that, do give a visit to the Bag dore-Ki- Haveli, Jag Mandir Island, Sajjan Garh Palace etc. While visiting this city, don’t miss a puppet show which portrays the colors of Rajasthan and its glorious culture

Jaisalmer

The famous golden city of Rajasthan is called Jaisalmer. Apart from the golden fort, this city also takes you near the golden sand of the Thar Desert. The stay inside the desert in a tent with a dose of local traditional dance will give you an adventure not lesser than a tale of Arabian Night. Primarily,   the city of Jaisalmer is called the City of Gold for its awesome golden sandstone, with which the whole city along with its fort is made. The fort is called Sonar Quilla (The fort of Gold). From Jaisalmer, do take a visit to the Gadisar Lake. 

Jain Temples inside the Fort are a must see.

Chittorgarh

The Chittorgarh is the place where the largest fort of India is based. Location southern Rajasthan. The Fort is a must see and is UNESCO World Heritage site.  In the temple of Mira Bai at Chittorgarh Fort, the great devotee of Lord Krishna had merged with her lord.

Ranthambore

This is the one and only national park of Rajasthan. Apart from the excellent view of the tigers in their natural habitat, this place also offers you the view of majestic Ranthambore Fort. This fort is situated in the middle of the national park. Along with the fort, the temples inside of the fort are the other important attractions of this place

Bikaner

Named after its founder Rao Bika Ji, this city is famous for the Junagarh Fort. This is one of the forts of the country which claims the honor of never being defeated. The heritage hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace is also the home of the royal family of the state. The elusive Karani Mata Temple is located near the Bikaner, where rats are treated as sacred beings

Bikaner is famous in India for its dried snacks and Sweet dishes. 

Ajmer

Ajmer is a holy place for both Hindu and Muslim pilgrims. The shrine of saint Chisty is the holiest place for the Muslims in India. The Taragarh Fort and the beautiful Ana Sagar lake is the other must visit places of this beautiful small town. 
Careful -- shrine of saint Chisty can be very crowded. 

Pushkar

I visited Pushkar Rajasthan in November a few years back, for the world famous Camel fair, details of that trip are on my post at http://www.arvintravels.com/p/pushkar-camel-fair.html

Apart from being the gorgeous, Rajasthan also holds the reputation of being one of the most colorful nations of India. So, after your visit, the trinkets of this colorful cultures is a must take with all the memories you have created here.   

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