Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the most enticing tourist destination in India. Palaces and Forts are major interest that brings out many tourists to Rajasthan. Behind each palace and fort is a riveting story about its kings, their kingdoms and the colourful culture of Rajasthan. Six forts are Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambhore Fort, Gagarin Fort, Amber Fort and Jaisalmer Fort.

It also captivates tourists with its festivals, handicrafts, heritage hotels, adventure, rural and eco-tourism, religious tourism and temple architecture.

CUISINES:

Influenced by the arid region of Rajasthan, with extreme climatic conditions and limited availability of water and vegetation, the Rajasthani Cuisine has evolved out of different cooking styles. From the signature dish; Dal Bati Churma to the popular street snack; Mirchi ka pakora. Rajasthani food is a good treat for tourists who travel even a thousand miles.

There are different kinds of bread like Batis, Missi roti, Jowar, Bajra and Makke ki roti, eat with delicious curry/sabzis like Gatte ki Sabzi and Kadhi Pakora which also be eaten with rice. These dishes accompany Moong Dal ka halwa, Pyaaz ki Kachori, Bikaneri Bhujia, Kher Sangri, Lehsun ki Chutney, and the wind-up digestive Butter Milk. And also sweet wonders like Churma, Lapsi, Malpua, Ghewar, Alwar ka Mawa and the long-lasting Gond ke Laddoo. The region is largely vegetarian with the great influence of Rajput’s non-vegetarian food habits in cuisine like Laal Maas, Jungle Maas, Khad Khargosh and Safed Maas.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

·  Summer starts in Rajasthan from April till June. The temperature rises from 24°C to 48°C, and the heat can be very uncomfortable for tourists. This season is not favourable for travel.
· The monsoon season starts in July and ends in September. The temperature reaches from 21°C- 35°C. During Monsoon, crash cover due to heavy rain. The season is also suitable for travel.
· Winter starts from October till March. The temperature rises from 13°C – 30°C, and the weather is suitable for travel due to pleasing daytime temperatures.

PLACES TO VISIT:

1. UDAIPUR

The city of Lagoons, Udaipur, is a lovely land around blue lakes, surrounded by the hills of  Aravalis. It is saturated with colours and vision. It is an engaging blend of observation, sounds and experiences – an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls carry the flavour of a heroic past.

It is a well-liked tourist place in India, and the lakes, palaces and culture attract foreign and domestic visitors.  It has three interrelated lakes – Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichhola and the Swaroop Sagar Lake, along with forts, palaces, temples, gardens and mountains.

2. JAIPUR

Jaipur is a place which is no less than heaven, known as “Pink City.” It is romantic and scenic, beautiful with royal palaces, Havelies, museums, and ancient temples. A combination of old and modern, haywire yet relaxing, embrace and cordial, and it is the heart of Rajasthan.

Jaipur has something to offer to everyone; a colourful mixture of splendid forts and palaces to feel the royal delight; colourful bazaars and chaotic streets full of life for those who want to explore the local life; wildlife and adventure activities to dance in thrill and excitement and repository of divine temples for those looking for solace and spiritual bliss.

3. JAISALMER

The ‘Queen of Thar,’ Jaisalmer is doubtless the best travel destination in Rajasthan. It is not just popular in Rajasthan; it is an experience for the dreamers. The city is all about the fort, Havelis and deserts. The major tourist allure is Sonar Quila/Golden Fort, a fort where hundreds of people live within its extensive room barriers.
There are other constructive masterpieces in the form of ancient Havelis like Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli and Salim Ji ki Haveli. There is a touch of Rajputana culture in everything. The pleasing Gadisar Lake and temples like Tanot Mata and Ram Devra are vital to tourism. There is Desert National Park and Jaisalmer Government Museum for families to make the holiday educational and fun.
The city is exciting for shoppers with a unique taste in handicraft goods and articles. It is the best place to shop for souvenirs of all types to take back as a memoir. You can shop for handicrafts goods with special Rajasthani touch mirror work and stonework. Hand-woven rugs, blankets, shawls, embroidered fabrics, silver jewellery, and wooden articles are all available in this best place to see in Rajasthan. After an incredible shopping experience in Jaisalmer, shift your focus towards the exhilarating desert adventure activities. The arid and expansive Sam Sand Dunes is a hub of thrilling experiences; apart from the cliched camel safari, jeep safari and camping amidst the desert, one can thoroughly relish adventure activities like dune bashing.

4. AJMER

Ajmer was named after Ajay Meru, the ‘Invincible Mountain’ referring to the Taragarh hill. It lies in the west of Jaipur, and Ajmer Sharif and Adhai Din ka Jhonpra are two popular tourist places Ajmer is known.

The first fort was built at Taragarh in Ajmer, which made the city a centre of power. Today Ajmer is a favourite destination in Rajasthan. The tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is an important place of worship for Muslims. It is said that his Dargah brings peace, restores health, relieves trouble and brings happiness. Other driving places in Ajmer are Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpara, Taragarh Fort, Akbari Fort and Museum, Maqbara Shaikh Husain and Anasagar Lake.

The languages spoken here are also varied: Hindi, Sindhi, Urdu, and English. Usually, the sky at night in Ajmer is seen flickering with vibrant fireworks. It is the best place to try Rajasthani cuisine. Dal bati churma or Bajre ki Khichdi- lentils take on a different avatar. Simple chickpea flour gives Gatte ki sabzi. The creative cuisine has evolved due to the arid and rain-starved climate. Sweets are rich and flavourful, so you are bound to delight in these gastronomic treats. Rajasthani miniature paintings and meenakari jewellery found globally by admirers can be bought at Ajmer. Besides, their blue pottery is a confident choice for any art enthusiast for the sheer beauty, glaze and vibrancy in colour and variety. Fairs and Festivals are on Ajmer’s calendar, with a great ethnic mix of people celebrating Urs and Diwali equally enthusiastic. The Pushkar Mela is a major crowd puller. A vacation in Ajmer would be a rejuvenating, refreshing and enriching affair.

5. MOUNT ABU

Mount Abu is a beautiful and only hill station. It is the most popular retreat for vacationers and even honeymoon couples, and it is considered holy by the locals who perform rituals.

It is situated at the heart of Mount Abu and is the focus of attraction in the evening. You can enjoy boating or relax on the banks. You can watch the sunset from this place, which lies southwest of Nakki Lake. The things to do in Mount Abu-take a food break or buy a chronicle from the stalls. British engineer established Trevor’s crocodile park, and he built a big tank for breeding crocodiles. This spot is ideal for a picnic. It is the centre for observing nature’s creatures like birds and wild animals. If you are a wildlife lover, visit the wildlife sanctuary, about seven kilometres long and three hundred metres wide.

6. CHITTORGARH

A perfect reflection of Rajput history, Chittorgarh is a traveller’s opportunity to have a meeting with a splendid past.

Rich in architectural splendour, Chittorgarh’s prized possession remains its mighty and majestic fort, which is a fine example of Rajputana architecture. One of the best sightseeing places in Rajasthan and was once exalted for its eighty-four waterfronts. It is said that this famous tourist attraction in Rajasthan was built in the Epic Mahabharata times when Bhim, one of the Pandavas, created Bhimtal (a lake) within its folds.

Amongst the top places to see in the fort are Vijaya Sthambha, Kirti Sthambha, a silent lake with pristine waters called the Gaumukh Kund, sacred Jain and Hindu temples and magnificent palaces. Another must-see in the fort remains the ruins of Nagina Bazar and Moti Bazar, which were once the bustling markets within this fort. It’s best to visit here during the Jauhar Mela, which is held annually to celebrate the painful sacrifice made by Rani Padmini and the court ladies in the fort after their men lost a war. Apart from the fort, tourism in Chittorgarh is about visiting the two wildlife sanctuaries that sprawl in the district.