The beauty of Rajasthan lies in its rich cultural heritage, royal forts, palaces, unique festivals, colorful attires, and lavish cuisine.
One can only experience this beautiful Indian state by visiting it and exploring its different cities and places. In this blog, we have brought to you 7 unique cities and places that you must explore on a Rajasthan Tour.
Places to visit in Jaipur on your Rajasthan Tour
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is one of the most beautiful Indian cities. Visitors to the city fall in love with this city for its unique architecture, royal forts, and palaces that are time-tested, and some still serve the royal family of Jaipur.
The city is called the Pink City of India because all the buildings in Jaipur’s old city are of a unique shade of Red, Orange, and Pink. This clad of colors together gives a picturesque view of the old city that was built during the Royal Kingdom’s rule.
Along with its historical ties, Jaipur is also a modern city with excellent infrastructure, modern buildings, wax museums, and art galleries. Together, Jaipur city is one of the Indian cities that will allure your mind and will make you fall in love with it.
City Palace
Built by the founder of Jaipur city, the City Palace is the most iconic monument in Jaipur. It is also one of the most beautiful palaces in the city and represents true Rajputana Architecture.
The use of beautiful colors and designs on wide complexes makes the palace look royal, elegant, and opulent.
The intricacy in designs and the color selection reflect the fondness for attention to detail and mastery of the craftsmanship of the royal family.
Hawa Mahal
Also known as the ‘Wind Palace,’ Hawa Mahal has the most distinguished architecture in the entire city. It is designed in such a manner that the indoor complex remains cool with the inflow of wind through its 900-plus small windows.
Further, the windows had a dual purpose of keeping a veil for the women of the Royal Kingdom who could see outside processions without being seen from the outside.
Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar is an old Astronomical Observatory in Jaipur. It was built by the founder of Jaipur City, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, in 1734. It is one of the major attractions in the city as it is one of the oldest astronomical observatories that used pre-modern world techniques to understand space.
The Maharaja of Jaipur was fond of space science and astronomy, and hence, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built.
Amer Fort
Built on the top of the Aravalli hills, Amer Fort is a huge fort visible from a far distance. Its architecture is magnificent, its history and heritage are glorious, and it contains stories of battles, leadership, invasions, and royal heritage.
The iconic fort was built in 1592 and is one of the must-see places in the city.
Albert Hall Museum
In the heart of Jaipur city, you’ll find a unique building built in the Indo Saracenic architecture. The museum displays the art of the city and state and has a precious collection of paintings, jewelry, carpets, and even an Egyptian Mummy. The iconic museum also houses coins from India’s past – Gupta, Mughal, and British periods.
Places to visit in Udaipur on your Rajasthan Tour
The city of Udaipur is a charming one! It’s called the ‘Venice of the East’ and ‘Lake city of India’ noticeably for the beautiful lakes. Udaipur is blessed with 7 beautiful lakes where. Five are popular tourist attractions, and two are quite significant – Lake Pichola and Lake Fatehsagar.
In Udaipur, it’s not just about the lakes; it’s also about the region’s history, heritage, royal palaces, vintage car museums, and more.
City Palace, Udaipur
Similar to Jaipur, the City Palace of Udaipur is the residence of the royal family of Udaipur. It’s a grand palace with a huge complex housing a hotel, auditoriums, museum, and more.
The iconic palace depicts the true intricacy and beauty of Rajputana Architecture. The palace is situated on the East bank of Lake Pichola and one can enjoy serene panoramic views of Lake Pichola.
Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is the lake of prime importance in Udaipur owing to the fact that the iconic City Palace, Jag Mandir, and Jag Niwas are all connected with it. The lake is an artificial one and was created in 1362.
During the establishment of Udaipur city, several lakes were built to provide water to the city for drinking and irrigation needs, Lake Pichola is one of them. Some of the other lakes you can visit in Udaipur are Fatehsagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, and Swaroop Sagar.
Jag Mandir
At a little distance in Lake Pichola, you’ll see a beautiful palace built in between the lake. That beautiful palace is Jag Mandir. Built on an island, it is one of the two buildings built in between the lake.
The Jag Mandir, during the rulings of the king, was the place for summer retreat. It was completed in 1652. When in Udaipur, make sure to opt for a Boat ride (starts from City Palace) in Lake Pichola. The boat will take you to Jag Mandir for a short but beautiful visit.
Monsoon Palace
The ‘Sajjan Garh Palace’ or the ‘Monsoon Palace’ is a beautiful palace on one of the Aravalli Hills. The palace is situated on the outskirts of the main Udaipur city and is visible from far distance. The beautiful palace was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh, who ruled the Mewar Kingdom for a short period. Being located on the hilltop, the dusk and dawn views from the fort are spectacular.
Saheliyon Ki Badi
Saheliyon ki Badi is a popular historical garden built in the heart of the city. It is said that the King of Udaipur built it for the royal ladies of the kingdom, and he designed the garden. The beautiful garden oozes tranquillity and nature with its beautiful flowers, a small lotus pool, and elephants made of marble.
Ambrai Ghat
This place is one of the best viewpoints near Lake Pichola, overlooking the magnificent City Palace. The views are spectacular during the dusk when the royal palace gets lit up, and its reflection oozes serenity in the lake’s reflection.
Places to visit in Jodhpur on your Rajasthan Tour
Jodhpur is another iconic city in Rajasthan that deserves your attention. It is one of the major cities in Rajasthan and once existed as the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar. The city is popular for its citadel, Mehrangarh Fort, which offers panoramic and picturesque views of the city.
Along the same lines as Jaipur (known as the Pink City of India), Jodhpur is called the ‘Blue City of India.’ On your Jodhpur tour, do visit the old districts of Jodhpur and capture the intriguing lanes of Navchokiya, where all the houses and streets are delved into blue.
Mehrangarh Fort
Built on a hilltop above 122 meters from the ground, this historical fort speaks volumes about the might of India’s glorious history. The iconic fort is vast in size and is lit up in the evening, thus giving a mystic feeling to its visitors.
The magnificent structure is an example of authentic Rajputana architecture and houses several places such as Phool Mahal (flower palace), Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), and Moti Mahal (pearl palace). Further, the museum inside the fort displays instruments, costumes, and belongings of the rulers.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
The Umaid Bhawan is a residential palace of the King of Jodhpur. Currently, the grand palace has a private residence of the royal family, a hotel and a museum. The museum has an eclectic collection of artifacts that will make you curious to enquire more.
Our guided tours will offer a deep explanation of even the slightest thing you see in the museum.
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a beautiful cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. This beautiful monument is historically significant and was built near Mehrangarh Fort. What’s ironic about this monument is that it is a white marble monument made of Makrana marble, out of which the world-famous Taj Mahal is also built).
Navchokiya
Amidst the narrow lanes of Navchokiya in Udaipur, you’ll discover decades-old structures, buildings, and houses, most of them cladded in a unique blue shade. Entire lanes in blue look picturesque and will entice the photographer in you.
Places to visit in Jaisalmer on your Rajasthan Tour
Jaisalmer is a desert town in Rajasthan and is generally hot throughout the year. However, if you plan smartly during the Indian winters, you’ll have a great time here! The Sam Sand Dunes are just mystic, and witnessing a sunset in a desert far from the chaos of cities and traffic is indeed bliss. Further, the Jaisalmer Fort, the War Memorial, and Patwaon ki Haveli will give you an insight into Jaisalmer’s history, heritage, and culture.
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort is the major highlight of Jaisalmer. The Yellow sandstone fort is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan and was constructed in 1156 AD. The architecture of the fort is amazing, and if you are fond of intricacy in arts and crafts, you’ll be mesmerized to see the carvings on the walls of the fort.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its yellow color, is also referred to as Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). As the sun sets, the yellow sandstone fort turns golden and looks spectacular.
Longewala War Memorial
In the winter nights of 1971, Pakistan disrupted the peace at the India-Pakistan border with an attack including multiple tanks and numerous soldiers. It came as a shock for the Indian forces to counter as Pakistani forces were more in number than the Indian forces guarding the border.
However, the gallant Indian forces did not give up and chose resistance and to defend the border despite being short in number.
In the wee hours of the next day, Indian Air Force’s squadrons gave a befitting reply to the enemy, killing more than 179 soldiers and destroying more than 30 tanks and 100 vehicles. Seeing such massive destruction, the Pakistani forces withdrew.
Longewala War Memorial is a tribute to the unending courage and sacrifices of the Indian soldiers who fought with bravery without seeking anything in return.
Kothari’s Patwaon ki Haveli
The Patwaon ki Haveli is the epitome of Rajasthani Architecture and showcases its intricate detailing with great finesse. Haveli is a Hindi term for ‘Mansion’ and this old heritage Haveli once belonged to a prosperous merchant in Jaisalmer. Later it was converted into a heritage museum and displays unique artefacts from Jaisalmer and around.
Sam Sand Dunes
The desert has its beauty distinguished from other natural landscapes. The Sam Sand Dunes are one of them and offer breathtaking sunset views. You can camp in between the dunes and enjoy a serene evening, watching the sunset and igniting the bonfire and live music.
Places to visit in Ranthambore on your Rajasthan Tour
Ranthambore National Park is one of the primary Tiger conservation centers in India and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger (National Animal of India). The national park is vast in size where flora and fauna grow in their natural habitat. Embark on a journey to India’s jungle and explore the wilderness, witnessing Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Jungle cats, black bucks, and more.
Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located within the Ranthambore National Park. It is an old fort and by seeing it, you can affirm that the fort has tested its time. It is said that different rulers constructed the old fort during different kingdoms and rulings.
Wildlife Safari
Book a Jeep or a canter to the jungle and experience a wildlife safari. The safari is comprehensive where the driver will drive you into the jungle and will make you explore different regions. Though spotting a Royal Bengal Tiger is a desire of everyone, it can sometimes be disappointing, and one may have to return without spotting any.
Conclusion
It is unlikely that there is any other Indian state that is as rich culturally, geographically, and historically as Rajasthan. Right from the towns in the midst of a desert to the cities with 7 lakes, Rajasthan is indeed a place to explore.
We have covered everything that you need to know before planning a Rajasthan Tour. At Treasure Trip India, we provide private guided tours to top Indian destinations at affordable prices.
