Top 16 Things to Do and Places to See in Rajasthan

Thanks to the Rajput Maharajahs and their royal lifestyles, Rajasthan has actually had a rich, romantic past. And today, its pastel cities, spicy food, multicolored turbans, remarkable wildlife and vibrant celebrations work up the colours to fill every artist’s scheme.

With lot diversity, you’re never ever sure what you may see next in this location with lots of hues. It might be a runaway camel dressed up like a Rajasthani bride-to-be, a palace that alters colours inning accordance with the time of the day, a sabha (gathering) that starts with a sip of opium or an entire neighborhood that lives around a haunted fort.

Rajasthan is truly sugar, spice and lots of things good, even with all the sound, chaos and heat. Also, you cannot truly complain since no other place in India uses such value for your money.

Here are top 16 things to do and places to see in Rajasthan:

#1. Get on a camel and take an overnight safari into the rustic, majestic Bikaner

Camel safari bikaner

Many agencies and trip operators in Bikaner offer camel safaris in the desert, which typically vary from one to a couple of days. You can also go with an overnight safari, where you stop at a camp in a town in the desert. A safari will cost you anywhere between Rs. 1500 to 2000 each day, per person. This will consist of the camel trip, stay, food and entertainment. A typical itinerary includes a short jeep trip to the camels, a camel expedition to the camp (along the method you will come across marvelous palaces and ancient temples) and an overnight halt with excellent food and some folk music.

Also Visit – Jodhpur Jaisalmer Tour Package

#2. Take in the magnificence of the Jaisalmer Fort by day, and enjoy some Sam Dune slamming during the night

Jaisalmer Fort

Included in Satyajit Ray’s Bengali classic, Sonar Kella, the Jaisalmer Fort is an ethereal metropolitan centre with around 3000 residents even today. It was constructed in 1156 ADVERTISEMENT by the Rajput ruler, Rawal Jaisal, from who the city gets its name. You go into the fort near the Gopa Chowk and make your method around its winding lanes, temples, handicraft shops, dining establishments as well as guesthouses! The fort walls are made from red sandstone, which alter colour depending on the position of the sun. The fort is open from 9am to 6pm.

When you’ve had your fill of the golden fort, make your method to the Sam Sand Dunes for a sensational view of the sundown. Located around 40km away from Jaisalmer, spend the evening touring the dunes on a jeep and after that settle down at a camp to enjoy some classical music and the golden sand.

#3. Take a peek at the artistry and architecture of the Salim Singh ki Haveli in Jaisalmer

Haveli in Jaisalmer

If there is something you cannot miss out on in Jaisalmer, it is the special Salim Singh ki Haveli. This 300-year-old palace has a gorgeous and usual shape. It is narrow at the bottom and spreads out into huge verandas with sculpted brackets that look like peacocks. Developed by the then prime minister of Jaisalmer, Salim Singh, the style of this haveli is sound in terms of both security and visual appeals. The palace is at a walkable range from Jaisalmer Fort’s main gate. Though, you are not permitted to go inside, you can appreciate its fragile stone carvings from outdoors. It stays open from 8am to 6pm.

Also Visit – Udaipur Mount Abu Tour Package

#4. Slip in to an Amal Sabha and take part in the opium custom of Jodhpur

It is said that Amal Sabhas have become part of the Rajasthani culture for over 1,000 years. This traditional event celebrates brotherhood and relationship in the neighborhood. The sabha is a little group of men, who get together, make a mix of opium resin and jaggery, water it down and then offer it around. The ambrosial liquid is very first provided to Lord Shiva and after that the oldest member of the event uses it to others in the group, who drink from his hand. While women are generally not enabled, it is easy to participate as a traveler. Some tour companies provide this as part of their adventures, and because it is generally become part of regional culture, even authorities select to neglect it.

#5. Explore the world-famous Mehrangarh Fort by day and watch it alter colours from the Indique Restaurant in the evening

Mehrangarh Fort

Writer Rudyard Kipling called the Mehrangarh Fort “the work of giants”. And you cannot argue with that when you see this amazing fort on your own. Standing 120m above Jodhpur’s skyline, the fort was built around 1420. Inside its limits are many palaces with elaborate carvings and huge courtyards. You can reach the fort by strolling 300m from the old city or taking a brief rickshaw trip. You will only need a ticket if you desire to go to the museum inside.

For dinner, visit the Indique Restaurant and request a terrace table, from where you can catch breathtaking views of the illuminated Mehrangarh Fort. Located in the Pal Haveli hotel, this restaurant uses standard tandoori and North Indian food and the Rajasthani laal maas (mutton curry) here is unmissable. It does get crowded however, so either go early or call ahead for a booking.

#6. Pick up silk headscarfs, carpets and Jodhpuri shoes at the colourful city markets

Jodhpur’s vibrant street markets are every shopper’s pleasure. Head to the Sardar Market, which is a huge fair filled with numerous sellers, near Jodhpur’s clocktower. You can discover whatever from brightly-coloured bracelets, traditional juttis (shoes), pottery, spices and fruits and vegetables. However be ready to haggle hard. If screaming and defending low-cost rates is not your thing, then make your method to the The National Handloom Cooperation on Nai Sarak. Here you will find bandhej, the gorgeous tie and die saris, scarves, dress product, mojris and many other Jodhpuri mementos.

Also Visit – Jodhpur Udaipur Tour Package

#7. Take pleasure in a bird’s eye view of Jaipur as you take a balloon trip across its lovely landscape

Balloon Trip

An one-of-a-kind, wonderful experience is a hot air balloon ride over the cosmopolitan city of Jaipur. Normally lasting an hour, you will drift above the landscape of the Pink City and get sensational views of the palaces, forts and natural charm of this remarkable city. Most balloon trips begin from the Jal Mahal, Amer Fort, Shiv Vilas or the Delhi-Jaipur Road. If you pick the early flights, you can watch the dawn from the balloon. Sky Waltz is a popular alternative for hot air balloon flights in India. Prices, nevertheless, are steep.

#8. Savour an authentic Rajasthani meal at the cultural town of Chokhi Dhani

Chokhi Dhani is a mock Rajasthani town, around 20km from Jaipur, and the one stop place to showcase the art, culture, and cuisine of Rajasthan. It pulls you in with its old Rajasthani charm, brilliant turbans and silver anklets. There is a plenty here to keep you captivated for a few hours: conventional dancing, palmistry, authentic meals, elephant and camel rides, flame throwing, puppet shows, shooting, henna painting and naturally, shopping. Chokhi Dhani is open from 5 to 11pm. Tickets are for Rs 600 for adults and Rs 350 for kids.

#9. Learn ways to create an initial block print scarf at the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing

Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing

The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing can be a wonderful, unusual tourist attraction in Jaipur. This adorable little textile museum lies in a wonderfully brought back 16th century haveli and uses amazing insights into the history and tradition of hand-blocked printing and fabric and textile style. On display in the museum are a range of block-printed textiles, tools and related items that provide an extensive appearance into the strategy of this ancient tradition. On the rooftop level, you can try your hand at block printing and attempt the skill on a tee shirt or headscarf. Later on, you can pick up some distinct material from the little present shop.

Also Visit – Rajasthan Desert Tour

#10. Register for a weekend of bird watching at the Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is now called the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. The good news is, nevertheless, the name modification hasn’t dented the amazing experience you can have here seeing birds. The national forest is one of the richest bird areas worldwide, and is understood for the nesting of resident birds and going to migratory birds. Formerly a duck-hunting reserve for the Maharajas of Rajasthan, the sanctuary hosts 364 species of birds from all over, consisting of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. Keoladeo is well-connected through roadway, rail and air. The finest time to see is September to March, and the Hotel Bharatpur Ashok, inside the park, is an excellent place to stay.

#11. Tour Udaipur’s City Palace followed by an evening of seeing a sundown on Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola

Udaipur’s stunning City Palace provides a sneak peek into the lives of the many Mewar rulers who called this home. Found on the east bank of Lake Pichola, it has actually several palaces built within its complex, most of which are topped by balconies and cupolas. A walk through the palace interiors will expose you its deep-rooted history and spectacular architecture. Adults need to pay an entry cost of Rs 50, together with a Rs 200 fee to utilize an electronic camera.

After you’re done touring the palace and its crystal gallery, make your way to the Rameshwar Ghat in the City Palace Gardens for a boat ride on Lake Pichola. It needs to cost you around Rs 700 per head, and will take you for a visit to Jagmandir Palace. Enjoying the sun decrease is a mesmerising experience on the boat.

Also Visit – Rajasthan Heritage Tour

#12. Have a frappe by the lake at Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery

Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery

A quaint place, scrumptious coffee and sandwiches, an interesting book collection and a fantastic view of the lake– Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery is a great place to spend a few hours by the water’s edge. Found inside the Jheel Palace Guest House, this cosy place is popular among solo and offbeat visitors for its lip-smacking frappé, sandwiches and baked offerings. The big windows open to great views of Lake Pichola, however you can also take your coffee approximately the al fresco rooftop dining establishment.

#13. Soak in the authentic colours and culture of Rajasthan in Pushkar

There are no “need to see” websites in Pushkar. Which means you have the time to sit back and observe life happen in this beautiful and devout state, which coils around a holy lake. With among the couple of Brahma temples worldwide and, the town is colourful and disorderly. The place particularly comes alive during the Pushkar fair (which occurs in October or November), when Indian and foreign artists come together on the Jaipur Ghat and play instruments and carry out. Sunsets are particularly beautiful at this splendid ghat, when the bells of the temples noise and the lake changes colour, causing sensations of peace and satisfaction deep within.

#14. Have a “special lassi or coffee” at any among the roadside coffee shops in the primary market

Special Lassi

Being a holy city, both meat and alcohol are banned in Pushkar. However bhaang and hash are used widely, however inconspicuously, and are offered at cafes throughout the city. Choose the “special lassi or coffee” on the menu, and let the server understand whether you would like yours weak, medium or strong. A lassi is a yoghurt drink, and the “special” active ingredient will assist you have an excellent evening with a mellow buzz. Try the roadway side coffee shops in the main market and you will not be disappointed. The Laughing Buddha Cafe, on Gau Ghat, offers some excellent bhaang for your buck.

Also Visit – Rajasthan Cultural Tour

#15. Spot a tiger at the Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore is one of the biggest nationwide parks in India, and the finest to find tigers in their natural jungle habitat. You can easily see tigers here, even throughout the day time. Located in Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, the park is divided into 10 safari zones. Every zone has good tiger spotting areas and fantastic views. You can only pick your preferred zone up to 90 days before you want to do the safari, but after that the safari zones and vehicles are subject to schedule. Besides tigers, the park is the home of a range of birds, reptiles, trees and plants.

#16. Inspect out the Dilwara Jain Temple- among the finest Jain temples in the world

Dilwara Jain Temple

The Dilwara Jain Temples are famous worldwide for their beautiful usage of marble. Built in between the 11th and 13th century, these 5 temples are situated two-and-a-half kilometres away from Mount Abu. Lots of believe that no other architectural marvel matches these temples in regards to their intricate carvings and personalized ceilings and entrances. Remember to click mental photos, since photography is not enabled inside. The Dilwara temples are open every day from 12 to 5pm.

For more information Rajasthan tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in Delhi India.

List of Top 10 things to do in Jaisalmer Rajasthan

Top 10 things to do in Jaisalmer Rajasthan

Glittering sand dunes and fantastic turbans, lissome lasses in gauzy veils and mirror-worked skirts, caparisoned camels and a fortress in shades of burnished gold and latticed screens– Jaisalmer in the desert state of Rajasthan is truly the clichéd Arabian Nights fantasy come alive. Condé Nast Traveller selects 10 things that you must do while here:

Be a king for a day

Developed in 1156, the golden yellow Jaisalmer Fort is the second-oldest in Rajasthan. The sandstone Fort crowns the Trikuta Hill and stands guard over the city. Within its walls, protected by 99 turrets, lies the old city. Stroll through 4 colossal gates into the chaotic streets of the squat Sonar Quila. The most extraordinary part of the fort is that more than 4,000 people still live within its ancient walls. Walk through the maze of tiny lanes lined with temples, havelis, and palaces in addition to souvenir stores and experienced artisans. Lastly, delight in panoramic views of the city from a number of ‘cannon points’.

Be a culture vulture

Visit the Desert Cultural Centre in addition to the Folklore Museum to obtain an insight into the abundant cultural heritage of the region. Get a look of paintings, post cards, old coins, ancient manuscripts, outfits, jewellery and ornate camel and horse decors. Admire regional handicrafts, wall hangings, portable altars as well as clay recreations of haveli facades. Don’t leave without viewing the night puppet show.

Hit a Spiritual High

The most lovely part of the fortress is the cluster of sandstone Jain temples with skyrocketing spires developed in the 12th and 15th centuries with scalloped arches, cornices and fragile filigree work. Do not forget to peek into the Parsvanath Temple devoted to the 22nd Tirthankara with its elaborate ceiling which has a sculpture of a demon-like head with 4 bodies arranged in a circle. As you walk, the head appears to link to each of the bodies. Don’t leave without visiting the poorly lit Gyan Bhandar library in the basement which houses rare manuscripts.

Also Visit – Rajasthan Desert Tour

Be a foodie!

Delight in Rajasthani food which is mainly influenced by the scarcity of water and fresh green veggies. Meat eaters must sample the non-vegetarian special laal maas, a dish of lamb cooked in red hot chilli peppers. Vegetarians will like ker saangri, an uncommon however delicious vegetarian meal made with desert beans and capers and the calorific dhal bhati churma and panchkoota, 5 desert plants cooked in yoghurt. Drink regional lassi topped with copius amounts of cream and indulge your sweet tooth with ladoos made out of gram flour.

Experience bygone splendour

The city is popular for its elaborate estates or havelis that were built from yellow sandstone by rich merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Check out the famous Patwon ki Haveli, a set of 5 homes wedged into a narrow street and constructed by five Jain bros who sold gold and silver brocade. Walk through airy yards and extravagantly chiselled wood ceilings with mirrors and sixty balconies each done in a different style. Follow it up with a see to Salim Singh Ki Haveli with its roofing system lined with peacocks and tuskers, 38 balconies, spacious passages and a façade formed like the stern of a ship.

Time travel

Take an excursion to the ancient capital of Bhattis that’s just 15km from Jaisalmer. Visit the fantastic Jain temple constructed out of golden sandstone with its detailed carvings and complicated jaali work and Kalpavriksha, a legendary tree that satisfies one’s wishes. Lodurva has a multitude of peacocks that add colour to the barren landscape.

Lake Song

The Gadisar Lake was developed in the 12th century and was the enormous effort of a visionary king in conserving rain water and carrying it to this arid city. Up until 1965, it was the city’s only supply of water. Today it’s the favoured place for paddle boats, seeing migratory birds and catching fascinating views of the lots of golden hued temples and shrines that line its shores.

Take a desert safari

Jaisalmer’s place is extraordinary: at the really fringe of the large Thar Desert. The majority of people head here to go on a camel safari which can range from half-day trips to enjoying a sunset on a dune and even spending a few nights under the stars with campfires and rustic food. The closest set of dunes is the Sam dunes where dune slamming has been presented. At Lama Heritage Village, you can take photographs in colourful Rajasthani outfit, pay attention to ethnic music and hear folklore. If you are fortunate you can even find elusive desert animals like the chinkara and fox. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sun block and loads of water!

Delight in retail treatment

Jaisalmer is a riot of colour and craft, much like the rest of Rajasthan. Roam through shops that offer elaborately sculpted wooden boxes, turbans in shades of hot pink and yellow, swirling mirror-worked skirts, woven carpets and blankets, hand embroidered mojris and jootis. For something distinct, go to Hari Om jewellers and take a look at painted scenes on human hair and grains of rice alongside elaborately worked silver rings portraying royal scenes. Choose up chunky silver jewellery and vibrantly coloured puppets to reclaim with you.

A tryst with the ghosts

Visit the so-called ‘ghost town’ of Kuldhara (18km from Jaisalmer). Legend has it that it was as soon as a thriving and bustling settlement of the Paliwal Brahmins. They were oppressed by the high taxes imposed by the rulers and when the ruler pursued the chief’s daughter, they deserted the village over night in addition to the occupants of 83 close-by towns. Till date, nobody understands where they disappeared. It is thought that they cast a curse over the town as they left that would bring death to anyone who attempted to inhabit the land. Today, the ruins of the village include sandstone houses, a temple and wells standing against the eerie desert backdrop, making for a very intriguing check out certainly

For more information on Jodhpur Jaisalmer Tour Package contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in Delhi.

Must know information on Jaisalmer – golden city of Rajasthan

Jaisalmer

The ancient medieval city of Jaisalmer rises like a mirage from the Thar Desert. Spectacularly soaring out of the desert haze, the 12th century fort looms over the countryside and gives the impression of being a fantasy straight out of the ‘Tales of the Arabian Nights’.

Surrounded by a sea of sand, the Jaisalmer Fort appears like a huge magical castle, its sandstone blocks taking on a golden hue in the light of the setting sun conferring upon it the title of ‘Golden City’ and ‘Sun City’. The fort of Jaisalmer is one of the two fortresses in India that is still inhabited, and visiting it is like taking a step back in time. Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput, established Jaisalmer in 1156. Being placed on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West, the Bhatti rulers levied taxes on the caravans that passed by. These caravans laden with precious cargoes of spices and silk brought great wealth to Jaisalmer. And the ardent Bhattis sometimes also raided and looted neighboring towns and rustled cattle. The princes prospered and so did the merchants of Jaisalmer. And all this wealth was displayed in the exquisitely carved and ornamental palaces and havelis that lined the narrow cobbled streets. And even today, the carved monuments of Jaisalmer know no rival in profusion and delicacy with the Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, being spectacular masterpieces No matter what you may have heard or read about Jaisalmer, nothing can quite prepare you for the sheer magic and poetry of this brilliant ancient city.

Jaisalmer

For a complete travel experience on this sector, try Jodhpur Jaisalmer tour package by Swan Tours. Jaisalmer is a dramatic image of utter wonder and brilliance of the desert. Isolated from the outside world for several centuries due its remote location and the harsh desert surrounding it, Jaisalmer can be best described as the ‘land that time forgot’. In fact the first proper road to Jaisalmer was only laid in 1958, the first railway line connecting it only arrived in 1969, and as late as the 1940s, just thirty years before India tested its nuclear bomb in neighboring Pokaran, the Fort of Jaisalmer was used for defense purposes and the Maharawal was considering strengthening its fortifications!

Jaisalmer

This desert citadel is a real golden fantasy and if you can pull yourself away from the charms of the carved havelis and palaces, then the other places you should see are, the manmade Gadisagar Lake, the former capital Lodurva, the royal cenotaphs at Bada Bagh, historic ruins of Kuldhera, the Sam and Khuri Sand Dunes that enunciate the true essence of the desert, the Desert National Park that is the largest protected area in India and houses many mammals, reptiles and birds and the Tanot Temple which is where a very important and bloody battle was fought in the 1965 war with Pakistan. It is a highly revered temple for our defense forces who believe that it was due to the blessings of the Tanot Goddess, that they emerged victorious in the crucial conflict. Tanot is located within a high security zone and is off limits for foreigners and even Indians need to have permission from the army to visit it.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer has become a very popular destination with both Indian and foreign tourists and has many fine hotels. The Jawahar Niwas Palace Heritage Hotel is aesthetically pleasing and also has a good view of the fort. The Gorbandh Palace Hotel offers all modern conveniences, while the efficiently run and clean Deoki Niwas Palace is a more affordable option.

For more information on Rajasthan holiday packages contact Swan Tours, one of the leading tour operators in India.