10 Cities You Definitely Explore in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is located in the northwestern region of India bordering Pakistan. This popular state of India is one of the most famous travel destinations for both international and domestic tourists. Culturally, Rajasthan is very significant because of its rich history and art. This destination is included in almost all popular Rajasthan tour packages available at various travel agencies. With destinations located in the Thar desert to the ones located in the Aravallis mountain range, both are equally popular among tourists. Every year,

Rajasthan houses an amazing display of arts and architecture, courtesy of it being a princely state. Each individual kingdom of Rajasthan has a distinctive style of architecture and arts making it one of the most culturally diverse places in the world.

Jaipur

Jaipur Tourism has something to offer to everyone; colourful melange of magnificent forts and palaces to feel the royal bliss; colourful bazaars and delightfully chaotic streets full of life for those who wants to explore the local life of Jaipur; wildlife and adventure activities to dance in thrill and excitement and repository of divine temples for those looking for solace and spiritual bliss.

The pink city of Jaipur is a UNESCO world heritage site. At the city’s heart, the city palace is still a home to the last ruling family. It paints a beautiful picture of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Some of the popular heritage points of tourist interest in Jaipur are Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Sunehri kothi, Jantar Mantar, Jai Mahal, Rambagh palace, Rajmahal Palace and many others. Each tourist places in Jaipur maintains a heavenly aspect.

Udaipur

Udaipur, no doubt will definitely rejuvenate your body and soul because multiple lakes adorn this city. For this particular reason, Udaipur is also known as ‘Venice of the East’. The lakes of Udaipur are a poetry of charm and enchantment which has been luring tourists for ages.

You would see tourists enjoy a lazy lake day on a boat ride and be lost in the mesmerizing beauty of nature. Some tourists would enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the lakes. Some lakes would give you the reflection of the rich history of the region. Explore best romantic places to stay in Udaipur.

Some lakes of Udaipur like Lake Pichola are even featured in Hollywood and Bollywood movies. Some lakes would take you to green fields and farms, narrow pathways, scenic villages. Some of the most popular lakes of Udaipur are Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Udaisagar Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Badi Lake, Doodh Talai etc. Visiting Udaipur would be one of the best things to do in Udaipur if you want to experience the feel of Venice in India.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here.

Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. The city is known to be built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar. Hence, the people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are commonly known as Marwaris. Also, it is believed that the relics of Mandore can still be witnessed in the Mandore Gardens.

Jaisalmer

If geology interests you, then Jaisalmer is where you need to journey. The Wood Fossil Park or Aakal is located about 15 kilometres away from the city. Here, one can discover and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago. The city of Jaisalmer also acts as the guard to western Rajasthan (and India’s) frontier. This 'Golden City’ is located close to the Pakistan border and in close proximity to the Thar Desert. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live.

Jaisalmer traces its inception to the 12th century. History tells us of Rawal Jaisal, the eldest heir of the Rawal of Deoraj, was passed over for the throne of Lodurva and a younger half-brother was crowned king. Rawal Jaisal went looking for a new location to set up his capital when he came across sage Eesul. The sage told him about Krishna’s prophecy which said that a descendant of his Yaduvanshi clan would found a new kingdom at this same spot. It was in 1156 that Rawal Jaisal constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself and declared it his capital.

Bikaner

Bikaner is home to one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British during World War I. They were presented by the British to Maharaja Ganga Singh, then ruler of the city. Another unique aspect about Bikaner are the sand dunes that are scattered throughout the district, especially from the north-east down to the southern area. Bikaner is situated in the northern region of Rajasthan. One of the earlier established cities, Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone, that have withstood the passage of time. The city boasts of some of the world’s best riding camels and is aptly nicknamed ‘camel country’. It is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms; as well as being known for having its own unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnok, called the Rats Temple.

The origins of Bikaner can be traced back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, founded the kingdom. Legend has it that Bikaji, one of Rao Jodhaji’s five sons, left his father’s Durbar in annoyance after an insensitive remark from his father, the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. Bikaji travelled far and when he came upon the wilderness called Jangladesh, he decided to set up his own kingdom and transformed it into an impressive city.

Pushkar

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. Located to the northwest of Ajmer, the tranquil city of Pushkar is a favoured destination for thousands of tourists and devotees flocking to Rajasthan. Situated at a height of 510 metres, Pushkar is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The ‘Nag Pahar’, literally meaning Snake Mountain forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar. Known as ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’, the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported all over the world. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city.

According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. The city of Pushkar is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the whole world. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation

Suggested Tour : Jaipur Ajmer Pushkar Tour

Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore)

Cuddled up in the eastern zone of Rajasthan, Sawai Madhopur is one of the prominent conurbations of Rajasthan. Popularly known as the 'Gateway to Ranthambore', the town has seen many historic episodes and reigns. Sawai Madhopur has partly plain and partly undulating hilly terrain. The South and south east part of the district has hills and broken ground which form a part of a vast track of rugged region enclosing the narrow valley of the Chambal river. Surrounded by Vindhyas & Aravalis, this place is a treat for adventure enthusiasts as well as the ones with a fascination for history, with the Ranthambore National park- the most renowned national park in northern India and the Ranthambore Fort which was recently included in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, being the main attractions.

Passed on from the Chauhan Rajput king, Govinda to Vagabhatta, from RanaKumbha to Akbar and Aurangzeb, the city has been patronized by almost all the rulers. Beautification and renovation of the city has been regularly undertaken in almost all the regimes. Under the rule of Rao Hammir, the last Chauhan ruler the Ranthambore region prospered magnificently. In ancient India the region was more popularly known as Ranthambore. It was much later that it received the name, Sawai Madhopur from Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh ji I who is believed to have given the city its current plan in 1765 AD. During the British Rule Sawai Man Singh built a railway line between Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur. As a result it became accessible from a central spot in the state of Rajasthan. Today it has grown as one of the popular tourist destination in India.

Suggested Tour : Jaipur Ranthambore Tour

Shekhawati (Churu, Mandawa, Jhunjhunu & Sikar)

The realm of lovely havelis, harking back to the yester years, epitomizes the beauty of Shekhawati – a region that comprises of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. It is a major landmark tourist destination of colourful Rajasthan. Once the bastion of Rao Shekha, this magnificent land, located on the North of Rajasthan, derives its nomenclature from the former.

Shekhawati is a tourist's paradise. The land is laced with innumerable beautiful havelis or grand mansions that are guaranteed to capture one's imagination. It is a haven for a true connoisseur of art and architecture. A riot of colours encapsulates the spirit of this vibrant landscape. Exquisitely embellished havelis mushroomed during the eighteenth century and former half of the twentieth. Mythology and fauna lies at the very core of this wonderful art. Tales narrating the valour of Lord Rama and the miracles of Lord Krishna unfold on a journey of these marvellous mansions. The region also houses towering forts, baoris, and shrines, besides the ubiquitous havelis

Suggested Tour: Jaipur Shekhawati Tour

Mount Abu

Mount Abu in the Sirohi District of Rajasthan is beautiful and one and only hill station in Rajasthan. It is one of the most popular retreats for vacationers and even honeymoon couples. With a distinctive blend of the flavours of Rajasthan, Mount Abu has some of the best places to visit like Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, Achal Garh, Guru Shikhar, Adhar Devi, Sunset Point, Trevor’s crocodile Park, Wildlife Sanctuary and Gaumukh.

Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Chittorgarh is named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180-meter-high hill and is spread across 700 acres.

Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamored by Queen Padmini, launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction. Four decades later, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the fort. It was finally in 1616, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir that the fort was returned to the Rajputs.

10 Cities You Definitely Explore in Rajasthan