Rajasthan Travel Guide
Name: Rajasthan
Area: 342,239 sq. km. (132,140 sq. mi)
Population: 68,548,437
Language: Hindi, English, Punjabi, Rajasthani
Capital: Jaipur
Currency: Rupee
Time Zone: UTC+5:30 (IST)
Religions: Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Christians
Located in the north-western part of India, Rajasthan is the largest state bounded on the northwest by Pakistan. Literally, Rajasthan is the “Land of Kings”. With plentiful cultural heritage, it’s India’s most colorful state rich in history, chivalry and legends, with beautiful natural landscapes and exquisite handicrafts, and also boasting four tourism cities - Pink City Jaipur, Blue City Jodhpur, White City Udaipur and Golden City Jaisalmer. Rajasthan covers a part of the Thar Desert, as well as Ranthambore National Park - the best place to experience wildlife safaris and admire elaborate palaces. In this royal and noble land, you can explore some interesting stories of the past times by visiting splendid forts like Amer Fort in Jaipur and Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur on your unique Rajasthan travel.
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Amer Fort
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Ranthambore National Park
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Desert National Park
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Hawa Mahal
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Mehrangarh Fort
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Jaisalmer Fort
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Lake Pichola
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Mount Abu
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Karni Mata Temple
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Dilwara Temple
This state possesses some of the most magnificent palaces and forts in the country, which may be built for praising the bravery of the immortal kings and princes. The first unmissable one on your Rajasthan travel is undoubtedly the stupendous Amer Fort in Jaipur, featuring the large ramparts, night Sound & Light Show and elephant rides. Ranthambore National Park is the best park in Northern India famous for diverse flora and fauna and the wildlife safari. Desert National Park is popular for its sand dunes, salt lakes and a great number of migrant birds. Also, the pink Hawa Mahal and Golden Jaisalmer Fort are must-see.
November to February is an ideal time with the temperature of 10-27 ℃ (50-80 ℉), when visitors can enjoy cool weather with a breezy atmosphere. However, if you don’t mind the rain, the monsoon season from July to September is also a good period for Rajasthan travel. Including part of the Thar Desert in the northwest, Rajasthan is relatively dry and infertile. Because of extensive geographical coverage, the temperature in the state varies according to place. The average winter temperature ranges from 8 to 28 ℃ (46-82 ℉), and summer temperature ranges from 25 to 46 ℃ (77-115 ℉).
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Dal Baati Churma
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Laal Maas
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Gatte Ki Khichdi
Rajasthan cuisine is a splendid combination of colors, spices and unique dishes. Dal Baati Churma, probably Rajasthan’s most favored and famous meal, is the crunchy ball bread (Baati) dipped in ghee with lentils (Dal) and served with sweet Churma. Laal Maans is a lamb curry prepared by hot gravy of tomatoes, chilies and spices. For people who love rice, this dish can tease your taste buds greatly. Gatte Ki Khichdi is a popular rice dish made from green peas, besan dumplings and aromatic rice. More Rajasthan foods you should taste include Dil Khushal, Aam Ki Launji, Methi Bajra Puri…
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The Rajput Room: Lobby Level Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur. This restaurant provides an appetizing selection of Asian and Continental dishes, which is suitable for vegetarians.
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Myra by Ramada Udaipur Resort & Spa: Kodiyat Road Rampura Circle, Ramada Udaipur Resort & Spa, Udaipur. Myra is a multi-cuisine restaurant serving local, Italian, Chinese, Indian, European, Asian food and many options of vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, gluten-free are available.
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Dylan Cafe Restaurant: Gulab Sagar Baccha, Hanuman Ji Ki Gali Gulab Sagar, Jodhpur. Near the Mehrangarh Fort, this restaurant offers an amazing view of the fort while enjoying the delicacy of Indian, Asian food or refreshing coffee.
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The Old Town, Jaipur
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Lake Pichola, Udaipur
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The Old Town, Jodhpur
As the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur must be the first stop of Rajasthan travel. Because of the convenient transportation and concentrated attractions, the Old Town of Jaipur naturally becomes the most popular choice to stay. Then travel to Udaipur, where the Taj Lake Palace Hotel on the Lake Pichola is the most popular stay offering royal architecture and beautiful lake views. Most travelers to Jodhpur choose a hotel with a good view of the Mehrangarh Fort. As the blue buildings in Jodhpur Old Town are one of the most spectacular sights in Rajasthan travel, most tourists choose to stay near the Jaisalmer Fort in the city.
As a popular tourism hub, Rajasthan naturally well-connected by an efficient transport system to other destinations. There are three main airports in Rajasthan, 1 international airport in Jaipur (Jaipur Airport) and 2 domestic airports in Udaipur and Jodhpur. From Delhi (India’s capital) by air, it takes about 1 hour to Jaipur, 1.5 hours to Udaipur and 1.2 hours to Jodhpur. Major train stations are in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ajmer and Kota. All these cities are accessible from the railway stations of Jaipur, respectively taking about 8 hours to Udaipur via Ajmer, 5 hours to Jodhpur, 12 hours to Jaisalmer, 6.4 hours to Bikaner and 4.6 hours to Kota.
In general, auto-rickshaws or prepaid taxis are more conventional and compatible than buses for city tours. Also, the metro systems are well-developed, especially the Jaipur subway joining Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. In addition, the cycle-rickshaw is a distinctive local transport for wandering around cities. Note that the fare must be agreed in advance to avoid commission fraud.
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Johri Bazaar: Johari Bazaar Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan. In this bazaar, you will find pretty Rajasthani jewelry, which with Kundan work and traditional Meenakshi are the most popular items.
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Sardar Market: Naj Sareet Street, West of Manak Chowk City Centre, Jodhpur. Near the Clock Tower, Sardar Market features Rajasthani jeweled bangles, Bandhani cloths, colorful pairs of mojris, flavored tea and brilliant handicrafts.
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Manak Chowk Market: Fort Road, Jaisalmer, Outside the Jaisalmer Fort. Famous as the commercial hub of Jaisalmer, the market boasts the decorative leather works, ethnic silver jewelry, antique pieces, exclusive textiles, and various types of craft works.