Rajasthan—Big on Size…Huge on Heart!

Rajasthan, literally means "Land of Kings" or "King's Abode". A name, which couldn’t have been more apt given the fact that everything about it is huge, reflecting its magnificence. The largest state in India—covering an area of 342,239 SqKms., Rajasthan shares its borders with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Sindh and with five Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

A visitor to Rajasthan is simply overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of places to visit and experience.

To begin with as a state renowned for its forts, Rajasthan lists Hill Forts, which are in the World Heritage List such as the Chittor Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort and the Mehrangarh Fort. Rajasthan also list other famous forts such as the Nahargarh Fort, Bhatner Fort, Junagarh Fort, Lohagarh Fort, Taragarh Fort, Jalore Fort, Nagaur Fort and the Shergrah Fort.

Other major features include the Dilwara Temples, a Jain pilgrimage site at Rajasthan's only hill station, Mount Abu, in the ancient Aravalli mountain range and in eastern Rajasthan, the Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, a World Heritage Site known for its bird life. Rajasthan is also home to three national tiger reserves, the Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar and Mukundra Hill Tiger Reserve in Kota. As for the heart, Rajasthan is renowned the world over for its unmatched hospitality, reminiscent of the facets of the Rajputana Culture.

Udaipur
Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is one of the most visited tourist places in Rajasthan. Boating through the shimmering Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights and highlights of every Udaipur trip. Lake Pichola, Jaisamand Lake, City Palace, Monsoon Palace, Jagmandir, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon ki Baari are some of the popular tourist places in Udaipur. A trip to Udaipur is often combined with a visit to nearby Kumbhalgarh (80km) and Mount Abu. The revered Nathdwara temple is about 60 km from Udaipur.

Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is a prominent tourist spot located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India. It is known as the 'golden city' due to its golden dunes and castles clad in golden honey sandstone. Jaisalmer is adorned with lakes, ornate Jain temples and havelis. Climb onto the camel saddle and make your way through this desert to camp under the starry night sky for an unforgettable experience. The Jaisalmer Fort stands as a citadel with narrow alleys inhabited by people for generations and shops selling colourful handicrafts. Jaisalmer is a town, and to reach the Sand Dunes, travellers have to take a jeep safari followed by a camel ride. Thus, Jaisalmer is an amalgamation of exotic Indian desert culture, heritage and adventure.

Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan and the former capital of the Marwar region. It is popularly called "the Blue City" as it looks completely blue from an aerial view because of its blue walls and houses. Jodhpur is primarily famous for its temples, lakes and snacks, with the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort being the main attraction. The magic of Jodhpur lies in the streets of the old city itself, which circles the mighty Mehrangarh. Hundreds of shops, eating joints, and vendors make it a bustling chirpy town, especially near the landmark clock tower and Sardar Market. The new and modern Jodhpur lies beyond Mehrangarh. Nearby Jaswant Tada and Umaid Bhawan Palace are also among the top attractions in Jodhpur. Jodhpur is famous for its delectable food items, especially Pyaaj Kachori, Mirchi Bada and Mawa Kachori.

Ranthambore
Ranthambore : This is one of the best tiger reserves of the country, known to have "friendly" tigers and chances of sighting one here is reasonably better than many other tiger reserves of India. Along with this Ranthambore has one of the richest flora and fauna making it an absolutely must visit area Nestled in the foothills of Vindhya and Aravali Hills, Ranthambore is famous for its tiger reserves and the variety of flora and fauna found. The Ranthambore National Park, along with the Ranthambore Fort and the surrounding hills and valleys, altogether make Ranthambore a traveller's delight.

Pushkar
Pushkar : Pushkar is a small temple town located around 15 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan. A perfect choice for a weekend getaway from Jaipur, Pushkar has an array of cafes and hostels for a backpacking trip. Every November, Pushkar is host to the Pushkar Mela, one of the biggest camel fairs in the country. Known for the world's only dedicated Brahma temple, Pushkar is primarily a pilgrimage site for Hindus. A delight for street-shopping lovers, Pushkar has shops in the main street selling everything from silver oxidised jewellery to merchandise swaddled in various colours. The Pushkar Mela attracts millions of visitors from around the world. With folk performances, rides, stalls and even magic shows, the entire town is lit up, music blares from every house, and everyone is in a festive mood.

Mount Abu
Mount Abu : The only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is located in the Aravali range. The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country. Travellers can enjoy calm and relaxed boating in Nakki Lake, and a view of the sunset from the vista points. The restaurants and eateries around the lake are great places to eat local food and chill. The highest peak of the Aravali Range - Guru Shikhar also lies in Mt. Abu. Mount Abu Forest Sanctuary with an abundance of flora and fauna is also a highlight. The exceptionally intricate architecture of the Dilwara temples are of course the main attraction here.

Ajmer
Ajmer : Surrounded by Aravali ranges, the city of Ajmer is most famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of saint Muin-ud-din Chishti. This makes Ajmer one of the most significant places of Islamic pilgrimage in the world. Ajmer has a unique charm that lies in the ethos and craftsmanship practised over centuries. Visit Ajmer to witness the exquisite Mughal architecture set in an aura of spirituality. The city is also a renowned religious spot for Jains because of Golden Jain Temple. Apart from Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the Jain Temple, there are some other tourist attractions in Ajmer as well. Adhai Din ka Jhopra, Ana Sagar Lake, Foy Sagar Lake, Ajmer Government Museum and Taragarh Fort are some of them.

Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh : Located in South-Eastern Rajasthan, Chittorgarh is known for Chittorgarh Fort, the largest fort in India built on a hilltop, spreading over an area of around 700 acres. The capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, the magnificent fortress will always be remembered for the courageous self-sacrificing Jauhar performed by Rani Padmini to thwart the conquest of the fort by Alauddin Khilji. Chittorgarh stands at the helm of Chattari Rajput pride and is remembered in the pages of history for its glorious battles, especially the siege of Alauddin Khilji. Once known for its grandeur and opulence, today, Chittorgarh has left its tales of bravery and betrayal far behind to catch up to commercialization. It takes a few hours to cover the fort complex on foot. Wear comfortable footwear and keep a water bottle handy.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary : Nestled in the Aravali Hills over an area of about 800 sq. Km covering the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, cliffs and rocky landscape, lays the Sariska National Park, now known as The Sariska Tiger Reserve. This area was once hunting preservation of The Maharaja of Alwar. The Reserve is known for its majestic Royal Bengal Tigers. It was declared as a national park in 1982. The protected area is a part of the Aravali Range and the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion. In 1978, it was given the status of Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger. It is the first tiger reserve to relocate the Tigers (from Ranthambore) successfully. As it lies in the lap of Aravali Hills, it holds an abundant amount of mineral resources like copper.

Chand Baori, Abhaneri
Chand Baori, Abhaneri : Abhaneri, a village 95 kms. from Jaipur, is famous for Chand Baori, one of the oldest, deepest and largest baoris (stepwells) in Rajasthan. Consisting of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 stories, it extends approximately 100 ft into the ground. Dating back to the 8th century, the stepwell consists of three flight of stairs descending into the earth. The flight of stairs and the palace are arranged in a square pattern with the well lying at the bottom. As the air at the bottom of the well remains 5-6 degrees cooler than at the surface, Chand Baori was used as a community gathering place during periods of intense heat with one side of the well having a haveli pavilion and resting room for the royals.