Places To Visit In Rajasthan
Ajmer (pronounced 'Uh-j-mare') is a popular pilgrimage centre famous for its Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (pronounced 'Push-cur'). A 30 minute uphill drive will take you to this famous tourist destination that is renowned for its Hindu pilgrimage spots, flea market and great roadside food. You can get some amazing pictures of Indian sadhus here.
Bikaner
Bikaner (pronounced 'Beeka-nair') is famous for its palaces and its intricately sculptured red and yellow sandstone temples. The climate in Bikaner is characterised by extreme variations in temperature, so be sure to carry weather-appropriate clothing while visiting. However, despite its rugged climate, it is said that Bikaner was once an oasis town used as a stop-over on the trade route between Central Asia and India. It's always interesting to plan a trip around the time of the Bikaner Camel festival, usually held in January.
Jaipur
Aptly nicknamed 'The Pink City' for its peculiar affinity for pink stone buildings Jaipur is part of the famous Golden Triangle of cities formed with Delhi and Agra as the other two corners. A bustling capital city and business centre today, Jaipur still retains a royal charm that never fails to surprise. Jaipur is home to several stunning ancient forts. A great time to visit is during January when the annual Literary Festival is held.
Jaisalmer
'The Golden City' of Jaisalmer (pronounced 'Jey-sull-mare') is popular for its 12th century Jaisalmer Fort as well as beautiful havelis, miles of smooth yellow sand dunes, and camel safaris. Well known for its camel hide artefacts and the stupendous musical and dance talent of its native people, Jaisalmer is the very heart of the Thar Desert.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is a city with a long and captivating history. While India was still under British colonization, the walled city of Jodhpur had the largest land area of all Rajputana provinces. Today, it is a flourishing centre of handicraft export and tourism, with tons of hotels and palace resorts. Jodhpur has contributed significantly to the culinary traditions of the country. We strongly recommend a visit to the famous Umaid Bhavan Palace to soak in some history.
Ranthambore
Once a princely game conserve, the sanctuary at Ranthambore (pronounced 'Run-thum-bore') is home to the beautiful Indian tiger. Ranthambore National Park is open from October to May every year. You will also get a chance to see an abandoned fortress and lake and take pictures of the gazillion monkeys that are oddly human in their behaviour. Don't miss a chance to visit the majestic Nahargarh Palace Hotel run by the very hospitable royal family there. It's gorgeous, especially at night. Katy Perry had her much publicised royal wedding there.
Udaipur
Udaipur is known as the 'City of Lakes' in view of the 8 prominent lakes within its limits. The Lake Palace Hotel in the middle of Lake Pichola is a spectacular sight especially when lit up at night. Other big tourist attractions include the 'Shilpgram Fair' which is a craftsmen's village showcasing ethnic craft, art & culture and the 'City Palace' with its various towers, domes, arches and courtyards. The live cultural show at 'Bagore ki Haveli' is worth a visit. Udaipur has been used as a backdrop for lots of movies including the James Bond flick 'Octopussy'.
