Rajasthan, also known as the “land of kings” is India’s largest state covering an area of 342,239 kilometres and 10.4 per cent of India. It is located in India’s northwestern side comprising the maximum of the Thar desert. Rajasthan the imperial state is undoubtedly the most magical and colourful state of India. This place is filled with different types of art, culture, forts, palaces, the ship of the desert and the terrifying desert, Thar. So, these are the top ten places in Rajasthan that should be visited.
- Jaipur
The capital state of Rajasthan is also known as the Pink city of India. It is the largest city of Rajasthan and is build according to the Vedic Vastu Shastra in the year 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh 2 the Amber ruler. This city is ornamented by beautiful monuments, forts, gardens, and museums. The market place covers a vast area of this city offering some of the best foods, jewellery and all other things that attract travellers. The Jaipur literary festival and its huge variety of musical instruments is also another attraction for tourists.
- Udaipur
Also known by the name “city of lakes” is very renowned among couples as it offers some of the most mesmerizing and expansive lakes, palaces, gardens, and monuments for spending time. Also, the locals are very welcoming in nature. Some of the palaces were converted into hotels that have the finest architectural works, allowing the guests to have a memorable stay. It was founded in the year 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh 2, the Sisodiya Rajput ruler.
- Jodhpur
Also known as the “Sun City” and “blue city” is the second-largest city of Rajasthan by area and also by its population. This city was founded in 1459 by the Rathore Rajput ruler Rao Jodha Singh. It is considered as the most important city of Rajasthan as the India-Pakistan border lies just 250kilometers from this city. jodhpurs maximum houses are painted in blue that offers a mesmerizing view from the 15th-century lavish fortress. Apart from this, there are also ornate museums, narrow streets filled with different flavours of art and culture.
- Jaisalmer
This city is also known by “the golden city” for its view during the day. The city was founded by Bhati Rajput ruler Maharawal Jaisal Singh in the year 1156AD. This spot is especially famous for its rich architectural work and different art forms. Jaisalmer houses some of the most beautiful palaces and fortress in Rajasthan among which the “Patwon-ki–Haveli” has a brilliant architectural work. This city is the gateway to Thar which also offers camel safari. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is the month of November and December.
- Bikaner
Bikaner is a paradise for culture lovers. It was founded in 1488 by Rao Bika the son of Rao Jodha. This place is known for forts and foods. It offers some of the finest art and craft works especially the intricately carved windowpanes known as jharokhas in the local language. This city is a must-visit for its authentic taste of Rajasthani cuisine. The Karni Mata festival is very famous where they worship the rats there makes it more eccentric. It is also very famous for its Camel Festival as some of the worlds best camels are found here.
- Pushkar
Mostly this town is a Hindu pilgrimage place that buzzes with prayers, drums, and devotional songs. This town is rounded by a holy lake that has 52 bathing ghats and 400 white temples which includes one of the world’s few Brahma temples. But during the month of October and November, this town looks totally different for its world-famous Camel Fair which has some of the worlds best camels, and it also attracts a lot of backpackers worldwide. It gives a chance to experience the great opportunity to witness the peculiar and traditional style of Indian festival.
- Ranthambore National park
This national park is stretched around an area of 329square kilometres. This area is bordered by Chambal and Banas river. This park surrounds the historic Ranthambore Fort that was once used by Kachwaha Rajput family. After independence, it was converted into a reserve forest that is now famous for its tiger population. The tigers here are camera-friendly which attracts the tourists mostly. Other than that it is also home for 539 different species of flowering plants.
- Shekhawati region
This place is purely for art, history architecture lovers. This region is often referred to as the largest open-air art gallery. It is the best place that reflects those forgotten and rare artworks of Rajasthan that are seen in the forts, temples, and havelis . Most of the walls of the monuments are filled with different artwork. It is located in the triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Bikaner. Another famous spot in Shekhawati region is the Tal Chappar sanctuary which is famous for blackbucks.
- Chittorgarh
The city of Chittorgarh is located on the banks of Berach river is mostly known for its attraction The Chittorgarh Fort built in the 17th century and is one of the largest forts of India. This fort is guarded by seven gates, making the fort so huge that it is nearly impossible to see it in one day. The fort houses palaces, temples, and lakes and 84 waterfronts making it even bigger. Another must-see in this fort is the Nagin bazaar and Moti bazaar which was once the bustling markets within the fort.
- Bundi
This is a unique destination that is well known for its step wells. This means of water collection is no more used but has become a major attraction for tourists. It has more than fifty step-wells that can be explored. Amongst them, the most famous stepwell is the Queen’s stepwell which was created in the fifteenth century and has more than 200 steps. The charming silhouette of this city is often mentioned in the cinemas and novels of famous authors like Rabindranath Tagore’s False fort and Sonar Kella by Satyajit Ray.