RAJASTHAN: LAND OF COLOURS, CONTRASTS AND KINGS TM2021

Welcome to the “Land of Kings”. Rajasthan is a true state of contrasts, and Rajasthan travel reflects that!

From desert scrub to holy lakes, one thing that is hard to grasp for the first-time (or even repeat) visitor is the sheer size of the place.

In researching a state of contrasts, I was happy to find that the relatively well-developed tourism infrastructure is matched by the gradual appearance of eco-friendly options.

When is the Best Time to Visit Rajasthan?

The best (and therefore most popular) time to visit Rajasthan is during winter, between October – March, with the busiest months being December, January and (sometimes) February. During this time the weather in Rajasthan is pleasant – you’ll be warm under the daytime sun, but it does get cold at night!

Rajasthan is very well connected by air- it has 11 airports.

How to Travel Around Rajasthan

Most of Rajasthan is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the North West of India by rail. Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner serve as the main train station hubs, although it’s also possible directly from Delhi to Jaisalmer by train (daily, 18 hours).

The Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s best known and loved destinations include Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer, and these are not-to-be-missed destinations on any Rajasthan itinerary. But there is more to Rajasthan than these colourful cities, with alternative destinations such as Bikaner and Bundi being well worth a look for their history and old towns, Pushkar is a must for the spiritually curious, and Bharatphur offers some great wildlife-viewing opportunities.

1. JAIPUR:

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and a dream destination for design lovers, is nicknamed India's Pink City due to its plethora of pink shaded walls and buildings. It's also the country’s capital for artisanal craftsmanship, block-printed textiles, and the gem trade. The city can keep you entertained day after day with it's numerous palaces, temples, markets, hand made boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

A. City Palace, Jaipur

City palace Jaipur is a beautiful palace complex comprising of edifices, vast courtyards and attractive gardens, is a souvenir of the majestic history. To preserve the valuable items of the bygone era, most part of the palace has been converted to a museum and art galleries.

B. Gaitore ki Chhatriyan

Just a short ride outside the center of Jaipur, you will find clusters of royal tombs which most tourists overlook. Gaitore ki Chhatriyan, located in the walled city area named Brahmpuri at the foothills of Nahargarh fort, is the royal crematorium grounds which was founded in the 18th century. The Royal’s cenotaphs are scattered throughout the complex creating what looks like a mix of shruken open-air palaces and ornate towers. The monument is built in Rajput architectural style. But Mughal influence is also clearly noticeable in these. The site is famous for its intrinsic carvings on pillars and roofs of the domes.

Gaitore ki Chhatriyan is a fascinating hidden gem. You can take your time while soaking in the quiet atmosphere.

C. Patrika Gate:

Patrika Gate Jaipur is an Instagram worthy spot where you can capture the vibrant colours of the walkway. The gate is the entrance to Jawahar Circle Garden and it’s the perfect spot to get away from the craziness of the city. You’ll find other locals going about their morning, relaxing and also other photographers taking photos under the rainbow walkway.

D. HAWA MAHAL

There are many adjectives to describe Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Wind in Jaipur and to choose one word is really difficult because Hawa Mahal leaves you speechless with its sheer magnificence and beauty. Built in 1799 by the poet-king Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan. A symbol of the splendid Rajput style architecture, Hawa Mahal is five storied and the main feature is the 953 small windows, or jharokhas that are intricately designed. It was primarily built for royal ladies so that they could watch the city and different proceedings from behind these windows. It was called Hawa Mahal as these windows allowed great air circulation which kept the chambers cool all the time.

E. NAHARGARH FORT:

Nahargarh Fort is a tourist hotspot in the magical city of Jaipur. Located high in the Aravali mountains, the breathtaking fortress provides an unrivalled view over the bustling city below. The fort is famed for being an architectural wonder, as well as being one of the best sunset spots in Jaipur.

F. AMBER FORT:

palaces situated on a plateau platform in the south western foothill of the hill of jaigarh fort were built by raja mansingh in early 17th century. And continued its construction till the rule of sawai jai singh ii.
This palace was built of both the styles of Hindu and mughal. Once famous as anbawati this hill valley picture was in the 12th century right to meena at the arrival of kachhawaho. It was named after meeno ‘s wife ambha devi in honour of shivaji and was named after her.

2. JODHPUR:

The Blue City has a real local charm that leaves many travellers smitten. Despite being a popular spot, that doesn’t seem to bother the locals who seem as friendly as can be. I didn’t go to Jodhpur with particular expectations, but found that there is something special about this place.

A. BLUE LANES, NAVCHOKIYA

Jodhpur has a vibe that engrosses everyone, and fabricate life long memories- unique experiences, the traditional finger-licking flavours, the dainty lanes adorned with beguiling myths and fascinating narratives, the heart-warming locals and what not!

By the end of it you will believe why I say, Jodhpur- The Blue City,
which certainly doesn't leave you feeling blue!

B. TOORJI KA JHALRA:

If you are visiting Jodhpur, I say ditch your Wikipedia, talk to the locals, they have so many interesting tales to tell.

Everywhere you go, you find a little treasure box of knowledge soaked in culture and tradition to take back with you.

Toorji Ka Jhalra (Toorji’s Step Well) was built in Jodhpur the 1740s by a Queen, Maharaja Abhay Singh’s Consort, continuing an age old tradition that Royal women would build public water works.

C. UMAID BHAVAN:

Umaid bhavan is a treat to your eyes and fantasies with the carvings and the unmatched architecture of Rathore Royal Kings, to tantalize your taste buds with the most luscious ethnic delicacies of Rajasthan, to soothe your mind, body and soul in the calm and serene environment of Jodhpur and much more.

D. JASWANT THADA:

Erected among lush greenery, the mausoleum features carved gazebos and a small lake surrounded by beautiful gardens, making it one of the top places to visit in Jodhpur.

3. JAISALMER:

A. THAR DESERT:

Rajasthan is also known to be a "Registan". The beauty of Rajasthan may lie in the contrasts of colours and culture, but it also lies in the presence of its sand.

I spend a night in the desert, in the middle of nowhere. This shot was captured in the evening where I could experience the transition from the warmer afternoon with the sun killing your retina to a cold night of Jaisalmer. A total experience of two extremes.

B. GADISAGAR LAKE, JAISALMER

The last thing you expect in an arid region is a patch of soothing blue green water. In the middle of everything golden, hot dry air and harsh sun is Gadsisar Lake, Jaisalmer.

Its not an oasis nor a mirage but a man made reservoir built in 14th century by Maharaja Gadsi Singh to collect rain water and cater to the area during hot summer.

Have you witnessed any Sunrise/sunset of the same or taken a boat ride here?

C. JAISALMER FORT:

Don't miss this golden fort in the golden City l.

4. UDAIPUR:

You can't afford to miss Udaipur when you are Rajasthan.
The “City of Lakes” or “Venice of the East” is branded as India’s most Romantic city. I also found it to be Rajasthan’s most touristic.

A. CITY PALACE:

The walls that have so many stories engraved in them, the intricate art that is still so prominently visible in every corner, all of this and so much more is what I absorbed during my recent visit to Udaipur.

The minute I laid my eyes on City Palace interiors, I was awestruck with reverence.

This staggering beauty is worth capturing not only in your cameras but also deep down in your memories.
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Pro Tip: Go early, it opens at 09:30 am and most people start to pour in late by 10 or 11. So you can have this 1559 built palace all to yourself, some quite some time.