Tag: Rajasthan

  • Top favorite Places to visit in Rajasthan

    Top favorite Places to visit in Rajasthan

    Quintessentially Royal Rajasthan

    The state which tops the list in India as far as tourism is concerned is unarguably Rajasthan. One of the most visited states in India. It’s not surprising because it shows India at its most colourful, iconic, and exotic best. The most common things that come to mind when you think of India can be found in Rajasthan—palaces, forts, desert, camels, and elephants. Don’t miss to visit these top tourist places when in Rajasthan.

    Jaipur

    The “Pink City” of Jaipur forms part of India’s renowned Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Doesn’t come as a surprise why it is one of Rajasthan’s most popular tourist destinations. It has many famous forts and palaces, with most of them boasting evocative views and elaborate architecture. Staying & spending time in Jaipur is beyond mesmerizing. Accommodations are reasonably priced and many have been converted from heritage properties, giving guests a very regal experience! Jaipur is a perfect place for the shopaholic in you as well.

    Udaipur

    Often touted as the most romantic city in India, Udaipur is filled with expansive lakes and palaces. The landmark City Palace Complex, which stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, dominates the city and the royal family still lives in a part of it. Many personal royal heirlooms, family photos, and other memorabilia are displayed in the City Palace Museum, giving Udaipur a very regal feel. Believe us when we say, You can even stay in the City Palace! Alternatively, for those on a budget, there are heritage hotels by the lake with amazing views, such as the Jagat Niwas Palace hotel.

    Jodhpur

    Endearingly known as the “Blue City” because of its blue painted buildings, Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan. The walled old part of the city is presided over by Mehrangarh Fort, which provides the best outlook across Jodhpur’s blue buildings. It’s one of the largest and best-maintained forts in India. Inside are a number of ornate palaces, a museum, and a restaurant. You can find many inexpensive yet characterful places to visit in Rajasthan and stay in Jodhpur with views of the fort. It’s refreshing to do nothing but relax on their rooftops and soak up the atmosphere. Here’s how to best experience Jodhpur.

    Jaisalmer

    An outstanding sandstone city that rises mysteriously from the sand dunes of the Thar desert, Jaisalmer looks like it’s straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. Its mesmerizing ancient fort, built-in 1156, is perched high on a pedestal overlooking the city. Inside the fort is full of life and enchanting. It boasts palaces, several temples, and some elegant Havelis (mansions), as well as shops and other residences. These top things to do in Jaisalmer cover the best of the city and its surroundings. Stay at a hotel with a fort view or a desert camp.

    If you’re keen on a desert camel safari experience but without the crowds and commercialization, Osian is an ideal alternative option. This small town is about an hour and a half north of Jodhpur, on the way to Bikaner, and is surrounded by several sand dunes. Intricately carved stone temples dating back to the 8th century are interesting too. Stay at Osian Sand Dunes Resort and Camp or Reggie’s Camel Camp.

    Pushkar

    For most of the year, Pushkar is in slumber and this little holy town attracts a lot of backpackers and hippie types. Yet it really comes alive for a couple of weeks in October or November, when the Pushkar Camel Fair hits town. Pushkar is worth visiting at any time of year if you want to chill out. Sadly, the town isn’t like it used to be though. Lately, it is much more westernized and tourist-focused. The priests by the bathing ghats (steps) are nagging in demanding donations. Avoid this part, and head to the Pushkar market for some fun shopping instead!

    Bikaner

    The distant and picturesque desert town of Bikaner receives fewer tourists than many other prominent places to visit in Rajasthan because of its unique location over five hours north of Jodhpur. The main attractions are the atmospheric walled Old City and fort. Bikaner is renowned for the rather astonishing Karni Mata rat temple nearby as well. The Karni Mata Festival, held to worship the rats there, is one of the eccentric festivals in India. A Camel Fair also happens in Bikaner every January. 

    Kota and Chambal

    Rajasthan’s third-largest city — Kota — sits alongside the Chambal River. Once you’re done revelling in the beauty of its palaces, temples and museums head out to explore the National Chambal Sanctuary and take a boat ride along the river. It’s home to rare wildlife such as the gharial (a long-snouted, fish-eating crocodile) and Gangetic river dolphin. Bhainsrorgarh Fort boutique heritage hotel was once a royal abode and has an enviable position atop the cliff. The view is breathtaking! Plus, the 9th century Badoli Temples are nearby. Kota is famous for its Dussehra festival and fair in October.

    Ranthambore

    Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan, India to spot a tiger in the wild. In contrast to many national parks in India, Ranthambore is also really accessible and easy to get to. This makes it very popular (and, unfortunately, it’s been facing a lot of tourist pressure). As well as nature, the park is home to the formidable 10th century, Ranthambore Fort. It’s a huge structure that contains ruined pavilions, monuments, and three Hindu temples. The park is packed with history, having witnessed many battles played out on its land, and the rise and fall of many rulers.

    Bharatpur

    One of India’s top bird sanctuaries for bird watching and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was formerly a duck-hunting reserve of the maharajas. More than 370 species of birds can be found there, including a large congregation of non-migratory resident breeding birds.

    Mount Abu

    The British preferred  Mount Abu because of its comfortable climate, and they relocated the headquarters of their political Rajputana Agency therefrom Ajmer in 1857. Mount Abu has a reputation as a honeymooner’s haven but Indian families flock to the area as well. However, it remains an offbeat destination for foreigners. These top things to do in Mount Abu are centred around enjoying the great outdoors.

  • Wintery Destinations Of India Which You Shouldn’t Miss!

    Wintery Destinations Of India Which You Shouldn’t Miss!

    A season of a plate of hot Pakoras & hotter Chais, Winters in India are usually waited with bated breath and an inexplicable longing. Majorly experienced during the months of Dec & Jan it’s a very short affair compared to a good 10 months of sweltering heat and Blazing sun, well Monsoons do come in as a reprise but Summers in India are a non ending tale.

    Still the vast geographical expanse does give us a few places to look forward to in Winters. A colder & a harsher winter is predicted this year due to La Nina Conditions. It is a recurring phenomenon and the change in temperature is accompanied by changes in the patterns of upper and lower level winds, sea level pressure, and tropical rainfall across the Pacific Basin. It’s not good news for places with extreme air pollution especially the likes of Delhi where Covid19 has already taken a toll. Yet here are a few places in India where we have nearly dreamy Winters!

    Auli, Uttarakhand:

    Auli is a Himalayan ski resort and hill station in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Encapsulated by coniferous and oak forests it’s as good as a place straight out of dream. It also is surrounded by the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains. A long cable car links Auli to the town of Joshimath. North of Auli has the colorful & Divine Badrinath Temple and the Valley of Flowers National Park, with its alpine flora and wildlife like snow leopards and red foxes. With snow-draped peaks on every side and tranquility abound, Auli is the ultimate winter destination.

    Manali, Himachal Pradesh:

    A resort town in northern Himachal Manali is fondly known as the Honeymoon town. With towering snow-capped Himalayan peaks and stunning valleys, Manali is a beautiful place year-round, and perhaps at its best in winter. It is also known as the backpacking center. Located on the Beas River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It’s also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass.

    Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:

    Rightly the capital of Himachal, Shimla was once the summer resort of the British. Shimla is the most popular base for treks. In winter, there is skiing at Kufri and Narkanda from January to mid-March. Shopping is a relishing experience at some of Shimla’s most lively and colorful markets like Lakkar Bazaar. The Kalka- Shimla railway line is an engineering marvel that is recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Also known as the Queen of Hills, Shimla is a winter spectacle from December until February.

    Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:

    One of the biggest salt deserts in the world, the great Rann of Kutch in the Gujarat state of India is famed for its natural splendor. The best time to visit this Marvel is during Winters where the inhabitants organise the great ‘Rann mahotsav’. Every winter lakhs of visitors descend on the world’s biggest salt desertRann of Kutch stretching 7,505 square miles in the Thar Desert.

    Have you seen this Underrated places to visit in India?

    Gulmarg and Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir:

    Nestled in the pit panjal range this abode is said to be one of Nature’s creations which even God would love to visit. Popular for both family and Honeymoon trips there are a lot of winter sports activities which are organized in this part of the valley for the tourists who throng in. Trip to Gulmarg is magical year-round, but when winter arrives, it takes on new hues with the entire town blanketed in white.

    Goa:

    The beaches of Goa are somewhere you can be at any time of the year but the sweltering climate otherwise makes it a little uncomfortable during peak summers. The cool breeze and the coastal effect make it a much popular Destination during Winters. People who don’t enjoy the chills too much the pleasant climate of Goa during Winters’s would be a perfect choice with His hosting one of its biggest festivals the Sunburn festival!

    Kerala:

    Popularly known for monsoons, Winters are one time where you can catch the Scenic marvel Kerala is minus getting drenched. The climate is not very wintery but not humid or drenching either. With a pleasant one at other places. The popular ones like Munnar, Wayanad, etc are quite cold and a calming experience. If you find yourself down south during winters (December-February), then make a beeline for ‘God’s Own Country’.

    Rajasthan:

    It doesn’t call for a ‘stay inside blanket’s’ kinda climate but hop out and relish in the Colors and heritage kind of one. The colorful Rajasthan flaunts its best of colors during this season. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, or Bikaner. Go anywhere, you come back with a colorful chest of memories. Right from the cuisines to the folklore and Handloom everything in this part of the country is noteworthy! Winter is the ideal time to visit the Land of Maharajas and experience its regal culture and tradition.

    Shillong, Meghalaya:

    Extremely cold Shillong is one of the most popular honeymoon Destinations, You can Better be blanketed. One place which witnesses an array of climatic changes and kaleidoscope of nature. Winters around here are quite cold but there isn’t much of a snowfall. This capital city of Meghalaya is a picturesque hill station that is in full bloom during winter.

    Kohima, Nagaland:

    Most popular for it’s trekking Experiences and the tribal activities Kohima is one of the popular destinations in India. Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak offer one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the region. Nagaland is called the ‘Switzerland of the East’ and Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak provide solid proof to that. Kohima’s winter highlight is the Hornbill festival held in December.

    Warm up the Kulhads and get the wools ready with not much tourism happening abroad. The winter destinations in India are going to be much in demand this winter!