Rajasthan, the land of golden sand, where the battle scarred forts and palaces scream of their glorious victory and the colourful yet serene natural splendour sets you in complete awe! When you are done with enough partying on the beaches and have enjoyed thoroughly in your past vacations, come to the land of golden sand to revive your energy and blend your heart and soul amidst the green forests and yellow sands, in the spiritual aura of the hundreds of temples about thousands of years old and palaces that are borne from the artistic and divine preferences of the historical emperors.
Rajasthan offers you a blend of nature, history, spirituality and adventure! The serene and colourful land is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the globe, so plan your vacation here to explore one of the most precious treasonable land in India.
Before you book your tickets to the land of golden sand, you need to know that October – February are the ideal months owing to winters and especially the colourful festivals that take place here.
Winter (Peak) Season
Below are the most popular tourist attractions during the enjoy the peak season:
1- Jaisalmer, The Golden City
Amazingly built Jain temples, camel rides on Sam sand Dunes in Thar Desert and Patwon ki Haveli are the major highlights here.
2- Jaipur, The Pink City
Explore the Hawa Mahal with more than 900 windows, Jantar Mantar which encloses the with the world’s largest sun-dial, City Palace which is a perfect amalgamation of European, Mughal and Rajput architecture, which surprises every tourist spellbound. The huge Palace consists of two palaces – Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Also, explore the exquisite architecture of the pink coloured walls of every house here!
- Also Read: Best Things to Do in Jaipur
3- Jodhpur, The Blue City
Yet another destination which is known for the exquisite architectural intelligence of the craftsmen from history! The Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace are key highlights amongst other old forts and palaces which remain scarred with victorious history.
4- Sawai Madhopur, For the Love of Tigers
Situated in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan is the largest National Park in the nation, the Ranthambore National Park. This site is best known for housing the highest population of tigers in the wilderness of their natural habitat, about 34 tigers have been recorded to live here in 2008!
You will also find chitals, sloth bears, hyenas, sambars, wild boars, nilgai, and leopards amidst more than 500 different species of plants and green vegetation. Visit Sawai Madhopur with Palace on Wheels train which is the famous luxury train for Rajasthan.
5- Udaipur, The City of Lakes
The major attractions in the City of Lakes, Udaipur include that of Lake Pichola, the Lake of changing colours which is known for its calm and tranquil waters, which mesmerize you like no other! On the borders of Lake Pichola, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, Arsi Vilas, City Palace and Bagore ki Haveli have their own story to tell you from history. You may visit Fateh Sagar on a boat ride from Pichola.
6- Chittorgarh, Birthplace of Maharana Pratap
It is believed that the Pandava hero, Bhim has built this magnificent fort of Chittorgarh which happens to be the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. Noteworthy at Chittorgarh is Rani Padmini’s Palace which was built on the banks of a lotus pool and has a pavilion which provides space for privacy to the womenfolk of the royal Rajput family.
As per history, it was in the pool that Alauddin Khilji saw the reflection of the Rajput Queen, Padmini and was awed by her beauty and grace and hence laid forces to win her. Also don’t forget to explore the nine storey tower of Vijay Stambh built from red and white sandstone has got carved sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, Meerabai Temple, the Jain temples, Gaumukh Reservoir, Fateh Prakash Palace, Kirti Stambh and the surrounding villages of Nagrai.
Summer (Off) Season
Even though the summers can be really hectic here at the land of golden sand, but you can actually visit Rajasthan any time of the year because of the various tourist hotspots each offering you something or the other! The summers and monsoon from March to September are considered the off season here.
The rainfall here is quite low and you can enjoy your trip site seeing the monuments and palaces from history in the slightest of drizzle however during the day the temperatures might soar up to 48 degrees! It is especially during the off season that is ideal for visiting Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur as these are areas with generally high temperatures, during this time the monsoon winds try to calm them down.
Rainy Season
The first drop of rain quenches the thirst of the dried lakes and washes away the dirt from the prehistoric monuments and buildings thus revealing a fresh look, as if a painting has been unveiled!
Some of the nature clad and most mesmerising destinations in Rajasthan in monsoons are Udaipur, Mount Abu, scenic Pushkar, Keoladeo National Park – especially for ornithologists, Bundi, and not to forget Jaipur which celebrates the arrival of monsoon with the festival of Teej.
The biggest perks of visiting Rajasthan during monsoons, rather the off season is that you can avail those luxurious resorts at huge discounts, no heavy crowds and you can observe the culture and lifestyle of the locals here.
Adventure in the land of golden sand – Rajasthan is a site which binds adventure, nature and history with spirituality in a single thread! If you have a brave heart, come explore hot air ballooning at Jaipur which will fly you at an altitude of about 1200 feet above the ground for an hour and you will enjoy a ride and watch the city from a bird’s view!
You may also opt for wildlife safaris in Ranthambore or camp in the Rohet Garh Wilderness Camp. You get all facilities like polished teak furniture, beautiful jute rugs, Rajasthani block prints designed canopies, mosquito nets and attached bathrooms.
Jeep safaris are a must as well as camping in the outskirts of Jaipur and Jodhpur. These adventurous activities would be ideal in winters but not during monsoons. If you can tolerate the heat, you can opt in summers as well.
Whether you want to go camping or explore the architecture, choice is yours! If you want to de stress in a luxurious hotel and just enjoy the amazing view of the lakes and villages nearby, the land of golden sand welcomes you!
If you want to dive into the age old spiritual sagas of the temples and forts and associated myths, come and explore the serene and tranquil waters on the riverside forts and old temples! Rajasthan offers you a perfect package of adventure wrapped in the arms of natural splendour amidst architectural intelligence and historic significance.
