Why visit Rajasthan?
For it’s forts and palaces, the intact culture, the oily and spicy delicacies, the history of the royals, the architecture, the step-wells, the wildlife, the clear skies and the vast desert.
And a chilly winter.
It is one of the few states of India that is distinct in every way.
I’ve been here a dozen times and have also had the pleasure of riding my motorcycle, exploring every possible place for 2 months at a stretch. Here is my take on what it’s various settings has to offer.
1. Pushkar
My favourite place in the desert state. And my favourite time is no other than the annual Pushkar Mela, the camel festival. The little town, set around the lake with the only Brahma temple is vibrant with colours, street side eateries(best malpua in India) and is bustling with travellers.
Half an hour away is Ajmer, known for it’s dargah and the Ana Sagar lake, a city I am indifferent to, like most.
2. Jaisalmer
Living inside the Jaisalmer Fort is one of the nicer experiences. Even better is camping in the dunes of the Thar desert. Synonymous as the golden city, the houses reflect the colour of the sun and contrast with clear blue skies making it the most picturesque town in Rajasthan. Sunsets are epic.
Gadsar Lake is another pretty spot. Beware of scamsters.
3. Jaipur
One of the vertices of the Golden Triangle, Jaipur is a city of historic forts and palaces. I’ve been here numerous times and try to visit at least a few monuments each time. They are in plenty, with Gatore ki Chattriyan and the wall opposite Amer Fort being my go-to ones.
This is the place to relish the perfect tea and delicious kachoris.
4. Bundi
Bundi reminds me of the abandoned fort overlooking the city, a town lost in time, the winter fog and it’s masala Chai at Krishna tea stall. The tea is infused with a lot of spices and love. This is the best tea I’ve ever had and I could visit this eerie town again just for those flavours.
I also recall my dear French friend Damien and our walks around the town, the tea together and meals at a terrace restaurant. It was he who introduced me to this place.
5. Khichan
Witnessing demoiselle cranes in abundance in Khichan turned out to be one of my most memorable experiences in Rajasthan. It is a place and a phenomenon not many people know about.
See here for yourself!
6. Jodhpur
To get the best view, stay near the Mehrangarh fort. That was my best feeling, to wake up early in the morning and get an overview of the city, some sections of which are painted in blue, and the Umaid Bhawan palace afar.
Other highlights were the little lanes and the markets along with shahi samosa, kachoris and a glass of lassi while you explore on foot.
7. Ranthambore
The chances of sighting a tiger are rather high in this reserve, not necessarily during the winters though or unless you are ready to undergo 5-7 trips to the park.
The location is still worth it and so are those hours inside the park, even if it is to watch a few deer, birds, monkeys and crocodiles.
8. Alwar
Alwar can be best visited for the places nearby which include Sariska Tiger Reserve, the haunted Bhangarh Fort as they call it and Silserh Lake.
9. Bharatpur
Keoladeo National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is heaven for bird watchers. Also a UNESCO heritage site, there is a huge variety of birds that migrate in this little place every winter and is great for a day trip.
10. Udaipur
The heart of the city is the lake with the palace, hotels and cafes surrounding it. And though it may be picturesque at sunset, something didn’t quite work for me here.
A lot of these hotels and cafes have terraces and decor painted in white and nice views of the lake which was the only likeable part for me in an otherwise crowded, messy city centre.
11. Mount Abu
I was here for a 10-day long rock climbing course in the hills of the Aravalli range. The course was disappointing and so was Mount Abu. Filled with Gujrati tourists and commercialized to the peak, it is avoidable.
The early morning lake and the surrounding hills provide the only solace.
12. Bikaner
To me, the standout monument was the Rampuria Haveli. Bikaner is popular for it’s bhujia, a savoury snack loved by people across North India. Bikaner has got a few temples, forts and some camels as well. Though, this place is not my first recommendation in this state.
Other notable sights
Kishangarh marble
Waste from marble processing turns this dumpyard into a white wonderland. Good for a visit en route.
Abhaneri stepwell
Chand Baori is one of the largest and oldest step-wells and is an architectural marvel.
Not been but wish to.
Sambhar Lake – Camping looks like a thrilling experience in this salt lake sans tourists.
Garadia Mahadev – The temple and the view of the gorge.
Kumbhalgarh – The second largest wall in the world.
Chittorgarh – The fort and other landmarks I know nothing about.
Not explored and is Not on my list.
Neemrana – For Delhi and Jaipur tourists.
Khimsar – Resorts in some dunes.
Barmer – The mini version of Jaisamler
Life is short. Stay raw!