rajasthan India

The Land of Kings, Rajasthan has located in the northern part of the country.One of the most colorful and vibrant states of India, Rajasthan is the largest state of India by area and the 7thlargest state by population. Occupied with grand and lavish palaces and forts, the state is known for its rich culture, traditions, and heritage. Jaipur is the largest city and capital of Rajasthan, which is also called Pink city.Encompassing a diverse landscape varying from the Thar Desert to the Aravalli Range, Rajasthan is one the most preferred sights for a destination wedding.

Rajasthan is a state known for its richculture and traditions. The culture of Rajasthan dates back to the years of Kings when it was formerly called Rajputana. The area has been ruled by many kings including the Rajput, Marathas, and Muslim rulers, which have risen in the diverse culture of Rajasthan.Hosting numerous remarkable forts with a wide variety of architecture, languages, and customs of its people, Rajasthan, in spite of being a desert, has been gifted with such beautiful sites that include various palaces, forts, and pilgrim sites that define the real Rajasthan.

• Jaipur – Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. It is the largest city in Rajasthan. The 10th most crowded city in India, Jaipur is popular for its rich culture, history, and architecture. It is one of the popular tourist destinations in India with some major spots including the Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and City Palace
• Udaipur – Historically namedUdayapura, Udaipur is known for its remarkable lakes, palaces, and temples. Located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan, near the Gujarat border, Udaipur is often referred to as the "Venice of the East" due to its network of interconnected canals and lakes
• Jodhpur – Second largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is known for its culture, food, Palaces, and forts. Nestled in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is known as the Blue City of India.
• Jaisalmer – Located in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City due to the use of yellow sandstone in many buildings.One of the largest forts in the world, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jaisalmer Fort is nestled in this town.
• Pushkar - Pushkar is a city situated in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. The city is known for its religious significance as it is the land of Pushkar Lake and the temple of Lord Brahma. Known as the Rose Garden of Rajasthan, Pushkar is famous for its Rose plantation which is exported all around the world.
• Bharatpur – Situated at a distance of 185 km from Jaipur, Bharatpur is known for hosting Bharatpur National Sanctuary, that famous for preserving avifauna species.
• Ajmer – One of the oldest and major cities of the state, Ajmer is the heart of Rajasthan. Ajmer is known for Dargah Sharif, a sacred placethat houses the Tomb of Khwaja Garib Nawaz.
• Bikaner – Situated in the northwest of Rajasthan, Bikaner is the Red City of India. The city is embellished beautifully with red sandstone buildings. Representing splendid art and architecture, Bikaner is a paradise for travelers.
• Mount Abu – Nestled in the Aravalli Range, Mount Abu is the only hill Station in Rajasthan. Abode to many Hindu temples, Mount Abu is situated at an elevation of 1,220
• Kota – Formerly known as Kotah, Kota is known for being the best place for preparation for various national-level competitive examinations. Apart from being an education hub, Kota is also famous for its paintings,museums, palaces, and sacred places.

• Ranthambore National Park – One of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, Ranthambore National Park is a gem of Rajasthan. The National Park is famous for its incredible Bengal tigers.
• Amer Palace– Standing gracefully on the top of a hillock, Amer Palace is a grandiose palace made with light yellow and pink sandstones. Built by Raja Man Singh, and expanded by Raja Jai Singh I, The Amer Palace is divided into four main parts.
• Hawa Mahal – Made up of red and pink sandstones, Hawa Mahal in Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. The palace is called Hawa Mahal because of its structure which has many windows, and jharokhas,which make it a windy palace, justifying its name.
• Jaisalmer Fort – One of the few living forts in the World, Jaisalmer Fortis the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. Built by the RajputRawal Jaisal in 1156 AD, Jaisalmer Fort is built with yellow sandstones that reflect a coppery lion color during the day and honey golden at night.
• City Palace – Once served as the Residential Royal Palace, City palace is a beautiful compound built by Rajput ruler Sawai Jai Singh II in the late 18th century. The Palace is known for its impressive blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture,sophisticated carvings, graceful courtyards, and lush green gardens.
• Mehrangarh Fort– pread across an area of 1200 acres in Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort stands charmingly at an elevation of 122 m in a hillock.Made with red sandstone, the fort was built by Rajput ruler Rao Jodha in 1459 AD. Acknowledged as one of the best-preservedforts in India, Mehrangarh Fort preserves many antiques from the past.
• Ghanta Ghar – An impressive clock tower in Jodhpur, Ghanta Ghar was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh. Offering a panoramic sight of the city, the Ghanta Ghar is the landmark to the starting point of Old Jodhpur.
• Pushkar Lake – A sacred lake for Hindus, Pushkar Lake is situated in Pushkar City.The lake has 52 bathing ghats and the water of each ghat is believed to possess a special medicinal power. The Lake looks mesmerizing during the sunset.
• Bharatpur National Park – Situated in the Bharatpur town of Rajasthan, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also known asKeoladeo National Park. One of the elegant bird Sanctuaries, the National Park is famous for preserving avifauna Bird species.
• Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif – Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif is a sacred place, especially for Muslims. Also known as Ajmer Sharif Dargah, it is a Sufi tomb of Sufi saint, HazratMoinuddin Chishti, who devoted his life to poor and needy people. Not only Muslims but people from other religions also come to worship here.
• Adhai Din Ka Jhopra – Built by the first Sultan of Delhi in AD 1199, Qutub-ud-Din-Aibak, Adhai Din ka Jhopara is a Masjid in Ajmer. Legends say thatthe Indo-Islamic architectural mosque wasconstructed in two and a half days and hence it got its name.
• Junagarh Fort – Situated in Bikaner city, Junagarh Fort is one of the most decorated forts in India. Built byKaran Chand under Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner, the fort was formerly known asChintamani and was renamed Junagarh Fort in the 20thcentury.
• Mount Abu – Serving as a source of comfort and leisure from the desert climate of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, is the hill station of the state, standing at an elevation of 4002ft. Nestled in Aravalli Range, Mount Abu is embraced by lush green hills and sacred temples.

• Zip Lining– One of the most known things to do in Rajasthan is Zip Lining or FlyingFox. Zipping from one hillock or end to another and along the way observing and enjoyingthe charming and splendid views of forts and palaces is surely a different experience. Zip lining in Rajasthan can be done in Neemrana Fort and Mehrangarh Fort.
• Safari in Ranthambore National Park – While exploring the palaces and forts, one cannot forget to experience the wildlife safari in the gem of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park. Watching the royal tigers crossing your way during the safari and sighting other wildlife animals with such proximity is definitely an opportunity one doesn’t want to miss.
• Camping – Exploring the beautiful sunset and sand dunes backdropped with huge forts and Aravalli range in cozy camps is so much more relaxing after exploring the day in Rajasthan. One of the famous places in Rajasthan for camping is Pushkar.
• Hot Air Balloon – Hot Air Balloon in Rajasthan is surely one of the exciting activities. Flying over forts, palaces, and lakes, and admiring the remarkable and impressive landscape of the region, with Aravali hills serving as the backdrop.

• The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur – Spread across 50 acres of enticing landscape, the Oberoi Udaivilas is a 5-star resort that offers panoramic views of PicholaLake. The suites of the hotel feature grand Rajasthani architecture and fashionable interiors with iPod docks. Offering a delicious menu in thelakeside diningrestaurants along with, a gym and spa, the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur is an ideal hotel for a stay.
• The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur– Situated in Jaipurthe Pink City of India, The Oberoi Rajvillaslavish hotel is built across 32 acres along with posh gardens, pools, and attractive traditional architecture. The hotel provides a variety of options in rooms, some of which also have the luxury of private pools and 3 dining options.
• Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur - Constructed between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palaceis home to the former royal family and is the 6th largest residence in the world. Built with palm court marble, the property provides 70 impressive suites with state-of-the-art amenities. Set on a graceful veranda, the restaurant in the Umaid Bhawan Palaceoffers Indian and Mediterranean cuisine.
• The Trident, Udaipur - Featuring decorative arched entrances and domes throughout the royal property, The Tridentin Udaipur is a 5-star rated hotel. Occupying an area of 43 acres of poshgardens on the banks of Lake Pichola, The Trident offers comfortable, spacious suites providing elegant interior décor and lenient amenities.
• Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur – Built in the 18th Century, Jai Mahal Palaceis a 5-star palace hotel. Constructed in exquisite Indo-Saracenic architecture in the mid of 18 acres of Mughal gardens, the hotel isowned by the Taj group.Every suite of this hotel palace offers colonial architecture, excellent comforts, and boldly colored themes to emphasize the wooden furnishing.
• The Leela Palace, Udaipur – The Leela Palace in Udaipur assured a peaceful and undisturbed escape while overlooking the beauty of PicholaLake. Backdroppedby Aravalli Hills, The Leela Palace is a dignified grand hotel housing an exclusive spa, decorated gardens, and an outdoor pool. The Leela Palace is popularly known for its fine dining, luxurious comforts, romantic boat rides, and cultural evenings in the splendid inner courtyard.
• The Serai, Jaisalmer – Nestled on a 100-acre private estate of indigenous desert scrub,The Serai is a 5-star rated eco-hotelsin Jaisalmer. The hotel provides impressive facilities like outdoor pools, a massage parlor, and a spa. The Serai Hotel is known foroffering one of the most amazing experiences of camping in Jaisalmer.

• Govindam Retreat, Jaipur – Govindam Retreat offers the significance of Rajasthani culture and heritage. It serves Indian and non-Indian menus along withtraditional breakfasts, and snacks witha wide range of optionsstarting from soups, and snacks toauthentic Rajasthani dishes and desserts.
• Prithvi Restaurant, Jaisalmer – A vegetarian Restaurant, The Prithvi Restaurant serves a tempting menu of a variety of dishes from all around India, including the south, north, and continental.
• ChokhiDhani, Jaipur– ChokhiDhani in Jaipur isan ethnic resort that gives the vibe of rural Rajasthan. The Resort is popular for its dining offering traditional Rajasthani food.
• Peacock Rooftop Restaurant – Decorated with traditional Rajasthani style, Peacock is an open-roof restaurant located at the Hotel Pearl Palace in Jaipur. The place serves a variety of multi-cuisine delights at an affordable price.
• 1135 AD– Known for the classy and royalambiancethat reflects the period of Kings and emperors, 1135 AD is one of the famous restaurants of Udaipur. Decorated with engraved walls with gold and silver, the restaurant serves its customers a variety of Indian and Mughlai dishes.
• Hotel Lal Garh Fort & Palace – Hotel Lal Garh Fort & Palace is a traditional Rajasthani architectural Palace. The restaurant offers well-trained staff and on-site dining options serving tempting dishes from different cuisine.

• Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur – ajasthan International Folk Festival often known as RIFF is an annual art and music festival celebrated topromote traditional folk music and arts.Celebrated in Sharad Purnima (the brightest full moon night of the year). A unique festival where artists from all around the world participate and is organized in theMehrangarh Fortof Jodhpur.
• Pushkar fair, Pushkar – The greatest festival of Rajasthan, Pushkar Fair is a remarkablefive-day camel and livestock fair celebrated in the Rose Garden of Rajasthan, Pushkar. The Fair is organized on the banks of the beautiful Pushkar lake. The motive of this festival is the trade of livestock,especially camels, which attracts a large group of tourists. The fair also hosts other entertainment zones like art, music, dance,gypsy dance, puppet shows, and races. The Pushkar fair also organizes shopping stalls like jewelry, shawls, and other accessories.
• Desert Festival, Jaisalmer – A three-day festivalorganizedin February month of every year by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. A beautiful festival celebrating the culture and happenings of the desert, where the artists are dressed in bright traditionalclothes and are conveying the tragedies and achievements of the desertthrough theirsongs and dance.
• Teej Festival, Jaipur – One of the biggest festivals of west India, Teejis a festival celebrated to honor a woman's love for her husband and the beginning of the monsoon season. The festival is celebrated with immense excitement, especially by women. The married women of the family observe fasting for their husbands and apply mehndi on their hands.

The best time to visit the desert state of Rajasthan is during the winter season. During this time Rajasthan enjoys moderate weather with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 30°C. Winters in Rajasthan usually stayfrom October to January. During the daytime, it stays sunny and pleasant and at night it gets chilly.