Things to do in Rajasthan

[Amit Sharma]

Rajasthan is among the most culturally and historically wealthy states of India. It is a magnet for hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the globe to experience fascinating sights and experiences. No matter if you're a culture vulture or history lover or seeking adventure, you'll find the top 10 things you can explore in your Rajasthan trip.

Admire the palaces and forts of the past

Rajasthan is the state of royalty in India, with numerous forts and palaces that you can marvel at. Some of the most beautiful and stunning places to visit are Mehrangarh Fort as well as Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur); Amer Fort, City Palace, Jal Mahal and Hawa Mahal (Jaipur); City Palace and Kumbhalgarh Fort (Udaipur), Chittorgarh Fort (Chittorgarh), Junagarh Fort (Bikaner), Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon ki Haveliyan (Jaisalmer). These palaces and forts are popular with tourists not just for their stunning architecture but also for their royal aura and glorious history due to the stunning panoramic views of the region.

Marvel at the stunning lakes

Although Rajasthan is a desert state, however, the state has several beautiful lakes which offer scenic boat tours that leave tourists in awe of stunning views of palaces, temples, and ghats on its shores, as well as lush green hills that form the landscape. The most spectacular ones are Lake Pichola (Udaipur), Man Sagar Lake (Jaipur), and Pushkar Lake (Pushkar).

Visit the temples

The royal state is a spiritual center, with many temples having a distinct history and architectural beauty that goes to the 8th and 11th centuries. This sacred architecture attracts people by the thousands every year. Some of the most prominent ones you shouldn't come to miss while visiting includes Brahma temple (Pushkar), Dilwara temple (Mount Abu), Eklingji temple Kailash puri (Udaipur), Govind Dev Ji temple (Jaipur), Mehandipur Balaji Temple (Dausa) and Karni Mata temple (Bikaner).

Watch wildlife

Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers have a wide range of options in Rajasthan because one of the most popular attractions in the state is its gorgeous sanctuaries and National parks, which are alive with incredible and diverse wildlife. The best places to enjoy the varied species of fauna and flora, as well as get a glimpse of nature, are Ranthambore National Park (Sawai Madhopur) which is famous for its tiger populations, Sariska Tiger Reserve (Alwar), well-known for its vast numbers of Royal Bengal Tigers, and Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) that is home to numerous migration-prone birds. There are safari tours organized within these parks, which means people can sign up and have a close encounter with the fascinating wildlife.

Get favors from Ajmer Sharif Dargah.

You cannot visit Rajasthan and not stop by the sacred shrine Ajmer Sharif, the burial place of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chisti. The sacred shrine is encased in the spiritual ambiance of peace, harmony, and serenity. All religions and beliefs come to the shrine to seek prayers and peace of mind. The interior is stunning, with an array of massive silver doors that lead to the courtyard in which the marble and gold-covered tomb that is the tomb of the Sufi saint is located.

Take pleasure in some unique and exciting outdoor activities.

Rajasthan offers plenty of activities for adventurers. The most famous adventures that are available in Rajasthan include speed boating on the Fateh Sagar Lake (Udaipur) as well as treks through Alwar or Mount Abu, hot-air ballooning in Pushkar and Jaipur and dune bashing in Jaisalmer, and an elephant ride in Amer Fort (Jaipur), and zip-lining in Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur). If you have more time, you could ride around Jaipur, the Pink City of Jaipur. The tour that you take of the city's historical and cultural heritage sites and exploring the rural areas is a fantastic experience. Many tour operators offer a cycle tour, including Cyclin' Jaipur or Le Tour De India; simply sign up to get the top!

Explore the hidden treasures that are off the beaten track

Off the beaten path will lead to unique hidden treasures that delight you with their stunning beauty and fascinating stories of the past. The must-see places off the beaten path include the 13th century Barmer town, which is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship; Banswara that is enveloped in folklore from the tribes and the fortress built in 17th-century Rawla Narlai; Mahansar that is famous for its 18th century built haveli, adorned with golden foliage and gorgeous paintings; or the villages Pali and Bishnoi which promote tourism in the rural areas.

Experience authentic Rajasthani food at Chokhi Dhani

A visit to the state of Rajasthan isn't complete without sampling its traditional cuisine. The best spot to enjoy it is Chokhi Dhani that not only serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine as well as traditional entertainment such as traditional dances, cultural performances, and acrobats. The warm hospitality and the regal atmosphere create a unique experience.

Visit colorful bazaars for shopping.

When you visit Rajasthan, Don't forget to enjoy the fun shopping experience. The entire city of Rajasthan is full of bustling bazaars where you can take in the local culture and culture and purchase authentic, traditional products for a reasonable price. For the classic Jaipuri ornaments, look up the Johari bazaar (Jaipur) and for traditional clothes and souvenirs, visit the Sadar Bazaar (Jaisalmer). For traditional jewelry and bandhani fabrics, look into Bada bazaar (Udaipur).

Visit fairs and festivals

If you're in search of an area where culture and history are celebrated all year long, Rajasthan is for you. There's always a fascinating and lively fair or festival taking place that gives insights into the diverse tradition of culture that makes Rajasthan tick. The most important ones to attend are those of the International Kite Festival held in January in the vicinity of Makar Sakranti (Jaipur & Jodhpur), Pushkar Camel Fair in November (Pushkar), Elephant Fair in March (Jaipur), Urs festival that runs from the 1st to 7th of Rajab (Ajmer) in addition to the Magnetic Fields Festival in December (Alsisar).