Rajasthan
Rajasthan starts about 100 kilometers southwest of New Delhi. This unique Indian state has been fought over the centuries by the Rajputs, the Islamic Mongols, and the Maharajas. Since 1947 these different ancient kingdoms have been part of the Indian republic. The impressive part of Rajasthan is still visible in the form of many forts, castles, palaces and of course the typical colorful clothing of the residents, who wear the most lavish turbans or saris.
The most important and beautiful cities (and at the same time highlights) of Rajasthan are the 'pink city' of Jaipur, the 'blue city' of Jodhpur, the 'golden desert city' of Jaisalmer and romantic Udaipur. The landscape in Rajasthan largely consists of the Thar Desert, but you will also find jungle and special wildlife.
Jaipur:
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
The Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).
The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur and is also called the 'pink city' because of the many earth-pink-colored buildings in the city. It is a large, fascinating and surprisingly clean city and you will find fascinating remains from days gone by. The colorful streets are filled with chaotic traffic, the best is to be transported in one of the many rickshaws that the city has. Jaipur is also a great city for shopping. You will find beautiful gems, silver jewelry, clothing, textiles, and pottery. Tip: always negotiate!
City palace
The impressive City Palace in the old city is one of the main attractions of Jaipur. The former royal family still lives in the palace, which means that part of it is not accessible to the public. Inside the palace is a museum, an art gallery, and exhibitions with royal costumes, ancient weapons and the largest silver jugs in the world.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds):
The "Hawa Mahal", also called the "palace of the winds", is actually more of a facade than a palace. The fascinating facade was built in 1799 and has 953 windows, niches and balconies over five floors. The wind that blew through the windows gave the palace its name. According to legend, the Hawa Mahal, located on the main street of the lively old city of Jaipur, was built for the harem women of the Maharaja. That way they could look out over the street without being seen themselves.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Amber Fort:
The majestic Amber Fort is half an hour's drive from the center of Jaipur and seems to come out of a fairy tale. The huge, imposing fort sits on a hill and overlooks Lake Lakota. This was once the home of the Rajput kings. In the evening a light show is held that brings the history of the Fort to life.
Amber Fort, Jaipur
The spectacularly lit Amber Fort in the evening.
There are a large number of hotels and guesthouses in Jaipur: from very luxurious to simple backpack hostels. View here an overview with Jaipur accommodation tips.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur:
The 'blue city' Jodphur.
Magical Jodhpur is also called the 'blue city'. Here you can imagine yourself in a fairy tale! The sight of the city is dominated by the Mehrangarh Fort, a mighty fortress that towers high above the many blue roofs of the old town. The museum in the fort shows an extensive collection of art from the Mongol period. In the center, walk as far as possible into the old town for picturesque blue houses and streets and visit the many colorful street markets around the old clock tower.
Jodphur
Market in Jodphur
View here an overview with Jodphur accommodation tips. Our personal favorites: the simple but very friendly Hotel Mustache jodhpur (from € 15) or the more luxurious Ranbanka Palace (from € 53).
Udaipur
Udaipur, in the south of the magical Rajasthan province, is considered the most romantic city in India. The city is situated in a valley along the beautiful Pichola lake. There are beautiful palaces in and on the lake, with the extravagant Lake Palace as the highlight in the lake (where the Bond film Octopussy was shot). During a Rajasthan tour, Udaipur is the city to take it easy, and to enjoy delicious (cheap) food and drinks at sunset, overlooking the lake.
You can check the Best Taxi Service In Udaipur.
Udaipur
View here an overview with Udaipur accommodation tips. Our personal favorites: the beautiful Jagat Niwas Palace (from € 35) or the atmospheric Mahendra Prakash (with swimming pool, from € 41).
Jaisalmer and the Thar Desert:
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, the 'golden city', is located in the far west of Rajasthan on the border with Pakistan. It really is a fairy-tale town, with its impressive fortress and golden-yellow havelis (merchant's houses) looming out of the blue in the desert. Jaisalmer is small, the atmosphere is relaxed and the view of the fort from almost every roof terrace is magical, especially in the evenings.
Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer is a good base for a camel ride in the Thar desert, there are possibilities for day or multi-day trips, where you spend the night in the middle of the desert. The Thar desert lies on the border between India and Pakistan and consists of rocky landscape with light vegetation and in the west part of a sandy desert. The contrast with the hectic cities cannot be greater here. Here you will find peace and on the way, you will only encounter the traditional people in the remote desert villages.
View here an overview with Jaisalmer accommodation tips. Our favorite: the Tokyo Palace Hotel (from € 12).
Ranthambore National Park:
Bengal tiger in the Ranthambore National Park.
In the east of Rajasthan, a 2-hour drive from Jaipur lies the Ranthambore National Park. This park is the best place in Rajasthan to spot wild tigers. The landscape is characterized by vast forests, steep cliffs, and rock formations and open fields. In the time of the Maharajas, the park was used for hunting. On one of the steep rocks in the park is an impressive fort from the 10th century that reminds us of this time. Take a safari through the park and there is a good chance that you will spot tigers. In addition to tigers, there is plenty of other wildlife to see in the park. Crocodiles live in the three lakes Padam Talab, Malik Talab, and Raj Bagh Talab. You can also spot gazelles, deer, lip bears and more than 300 bird species.
Bikaner Rat Temple:
In Deshnok, about 30 kilometers from the city of Bikaner, there is perhaps the strangest temple in the world: the Rat Temple, also known as Karni Mata. Karni Mata was a woman who was said to possess supernatural powers. In the beautiful marble temple that was once built for her, today live around 20,000 rats, worshiped as saints by the locals. The rats are said to be reincarnations of deceased relatives. Most rats are black, but if you come across a white one then this brings good luck: this would be the incarnation of Karni Mata or one of her sons. Even if a rat walks over your feet, this would bring good luck. The rats are fed by priests and pilgrims. Because the temple is holy, shoes are forbidden when entering it.
Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary:
The Keoladeo National Park is one of the world's most important breeding grounds for rare birds. In the rainy season, one-third of the park is flooded and up to 360 different species of birds can live here. Around 1850, the Keoladeo National Park was also a hunting ground of the Maharajas. However, it has been a national park since 1982 and has been on the World Heritage List since 1985. In the park near the entrance, you will find the Salim Ali museum, which tells the history of the park and gives information about the landscape and the animals that live here.
Pushkar & the Pushkar Camel Fair:
Pushkar
In many ways, Pushkar is not like the rest of Rajasthan. The town, situated around a small and 'holy' lake on the edge of the Thar desert, is a very important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. According to tradition, the lake originated when the supreme god Brahma dropped a lotus flower. In Pushkar, you will also find the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma: the Jagatpta Temple. In addition to pilgrims, you will also find many travelers looking for spirituality in Pushkar: it is full of gurus, yoga schools and meditation courses and marijuana are sold everywhere. You hear singing and music everywhere. Please note that you are not being scammed: there are a number of vague gurus active around the lake who are trying to trick your money.
Also Visit: Taxi Rental Service In Udaipur.
Once a year the legendary Camel Fair or 'Pushkar ka Mela' takes place in Pushkar at the end of October / November. During this five-day event, thousands of traders come to the holy town to buy or sell camels, horses, and cows. It is one of the most exotic festivals on earth and attracts nearly 200,000 visitors a year, including many tourists. In addition to the camel trade itself, the market is one big circus spectacle, with acrobats, snake charmers, plus all kinds of competitions such as the nicest cut mustache and the best-decorated camel.
Pushkar Camel Fair:
Pushkar Camel Fair
Traveling to Rajasthan - how to get there
Both Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur have good connections with major cities such as New Delhi and Mumbai. Domestic flights go there and you can get there by train or bus. The best starting point for an individual Rajasthan tour is also the farthest Jaisalmer: you can travel there by night train from New Delhi and from here by bus or train travel east through Rajasthan via Jodhpur and Jaipur. Traveling around by car with a private driver is also recommended in Rajasthan: it is cheap (count on around 40 euros per day) and flexible. Your driver arranges his own place to stay in every city.