You can’t say that you have explored India if you haven’t tried a few Rajasthan tour packages. This state is unlike any other that exists on the Indian map. Whether you consider it from a cultural perspective or a historical one. After all, there is a reason why it is literally called the land of the kings.
This rich heritage is just one of the reasons why Rajasthan tour packages are so popular. Not only among domestic tourists but also international travelers and backpackers. Who are often drawn to its bloody history, as much as the welcoming nature of its residents.
Another reason for the deserved popularity is the unique climate of this region. As it is one of the few places in this country and continent that have an actual desert. Even though the states that surround it are a lot more blessed when it comes to greenery.
This has never stopped people from visiting this place though. As it used to be one of the main routes for foreign traders and travelers to enter India. As well as the invading armies that would often take this route when trying to conquer the region. Considering it was a lot easier to traverse, compared to the might Himalayan mountains. The kings of this region thus spent a lot of their time building massive forts to defend their land.
These Forts are a big draw for tourists from all over the world. Who flock to this state each year to see the iconic structures. Which have withstood the test of time, and are still as majestic as they were a century ago. There are more than 30 major forts that you can visit. With an equally high number of palaces and other royal structures.
Here is a list of the major ones that you can plan your trip around:
| 1. | Jaigarh Fort | Jaipur |
| 2. | Hawa Mahal | Jaipur |
| 3. | Amber Fort & Palace | Jaipur |
| 4. | City Palace | Jaipur |
| 5. | Nahargarh Fort | Jaipur |
| 6. | Lohagarh Fort | Bharatpur |
| 7. | Junagarh Fort | Bikaner |
| 8. | Deeg Palace | Bharatpur |
| 9. | Ranthambore Fort | Sawai Madhopur |
| 10. | Palace of Towers | Bundi |
| 11. | Vinay Vilas Mahal | Alwar |
| 12. | Jaisalmer Fort | Jaisalmer |
| 13. | Mehrangarh Fort | Jodhpur |
| 14. | Umaid Bhawan Palace | Jodhpur |
| 15. | Chittaur Fort | Chittaurgarh |
| 16. | Rani Padmini’s Palace | Chittaurgarh |
| 17. | Laxmangarh Fort | Shekhawati |
| 18. | Kumbalgarh Fort | Kumbalgarh |
| 19. | City Palace | Udaipur |
| 20. | Lake Palace | Udaipur |
| 21. | Monsoon Palace | Udaipur |
| 22. | City Palace | Banswara |
| 23. | Jal Mahal | Jaipur |
| 24. | Mandawa Fort | Shekhawati |
| 25. | Ratangarh Fort | Shekhawati |
| 26. | Laxmi Niwas Palace | Bikaner |
| 27. | Jag Mandir Palace | Udaipur |
| 28. | Neemrana Fort Palace | Alwar |
| 29. | Fateh Prakash Palace | Chittorgarh |
| 30. | Taragarh Fort | Bundi |
You too can explore these world-class monuments any time you like. Since most Rajasthan tour packages are quite affordable. Whether you are planning a family holiday or a road trip with friends. Or even special honeymoon tour packages that include a stay at one of these palaces. A lot of which have been recently converted into resorts for visitors. Who wish to get a taste of the royal life.
In a lot of cases, the people running these resorts are the descendants of the kings themselves. Who feel pride in maintaining and showcasing their heritage. And are more than willing to sit with tourists and share fascinating stories of bygone times.
Other than exploring the forts and palaces, you can also visit the local markets. Which are full of high-quality hand-crafted goods. From unique clothing to beautifully crafted jewelry. And a surprising amount of stonework. As the state is a famous exporter of marble, granite, and other such materials.
Another unique aspect that this state is popular for is its wildlife. It might seem weird hearing that, considering the extremely hot weather of the region. But Rajasthan features a diverse collection of native and migratory birds and animals. And the state is very serious about taking care of them. Considering that it has over a dozen wildlife sanctuaries that you can visit.
| 1. | Ranthambore National Park | Sawai Madhopur |
| 2. | Sariska National Park | Alwar |
| 3. | Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary | Bharatpur |
| 4. | Mount Abu Sanctuary | Mount Abu |
| 5. | Sita Mata Sanctuary | Pratapgarh |
| 6. | Desert National Sanctuary | Jaisalmer |
| 7. | Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary | Kota |
| 8. | Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary | Karauli |
| 9. | Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary | Kota |
| 10. | Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary | Kumbhalgarh |
| 11. | Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary | Bundi |
| 12. | Mukundara Tiger Reserve | Kota |
| 13. | Baretha Wildlife sanctuary | Bharatpur |
| 14. | Jaisamand Sanctuary | Udaipur |
| 15. | Tal Chhapar Sanctuary | Shekhawati |
| 16. | Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary | Udaipur |
| 17. | Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary | Ajmer |
| 18. | Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary | Gajner, Bikaner |
Each place has its own unique attraction, and you can visit them all year round. Make sure you research a bit more about them before finalizing your Rajasthan tour packages.
Now, even though there are so many forts, palaces, and wildlife zones in Rajasthan. The state itself is relatively easy to map out. Since there are only a handful of major cities that house most of these attractions. Here is a small introduction to them, and what you can expect while visiting them.
Jaipur
Jaipur is an obvious first stop in most Rajasthan tour packages. It is the capital city of the state, also known as the Pink City. It hosts a few popular forts, the famous City Palace, and the unique Hawa and Jal Mahal. It can be easily considered as a Tier 1 metro city, with an international airport and metro rail service. It will be your logical first stopover if you are coming to Rajasthan by road, via Delhi.
Udaipur
Udaipur is famously known as the City of Lakes. Due to the presence of eight beautiful lakes that dot the city. Including the unique Pichola Lake, which also houses the Lake Palace. Due to the generally hot climate of the region. It is a popular spot for tourists to visit. And a must-have destination on any Rajasthan tour packages.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is another city that carries a unique color scheme. Therefore often known as the Blue City. It was the center of power for the old Mewar state. And has lots of unique architectural marvels to mark the same. The most popular spots to see are Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, and more. Other than that there is also the entire Old City market to explore. That offers all sorts of traditional handicrafts and clothing to browse from. You will certainly have a fun time exploring it all.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is a unique place to visit. Not only for its close proximity to the country’s border and a history marked by war. But also for its unique architecture which is a sight to behold amongst the barren Thar desert. You will have no lack of places to visit and sights to see. The most infamous amongst them is Kuldhara, the world-famous ‘cursed’ abandoned village. Which only adds to the unique history and heritage of this place.
Pushkar
Pushkar is a well-known pilgrimage destination for people from all over the world. It hosts lots of places that hold religious significance to people. From Pushkar lake, which is often said to have been initially created by the tears of Lord Shiv. To the only Brahma temple in the entire country. And even the popular shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. A big showcase of this devotion is the presence of more than 50 ghats. Where people offer daily prayers to their respective gods. And the world-famous Pushkar Mela, which has been going on for over 100 years now.
Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh is perhaps one of the oldest cities in Rajashtan. With a link to the Maurya dynasty, and a creation period that goes as far back as 734 AD. It is also the birthplace of famous Indian kings and queens. Like Maharana Pratap, and Meera Bai. As well as the location of famous tourist locations. Like the Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort, and Rani Padmini’s Palace. This alone makes it a must-see spot on any Rajasthan tour packages.
There are plenty of other locations to explore in Rajasthan. So, make sure you check out all the different tour and travel packages on offer. To find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
It might seem weird to say but Rajasthan has a similar preferable travel window. Like that of a more tropical destination. However, in the case of this state, the reasons are a lot more practical. Since Rajasthan is a desert state, summer temperatures can soar really high. As high as 45 degrees Celcius and even more. Which makes visiting in summers a bad idea. The monsoon seasons aren’t that different. Since the state doesn’t get as much rain when compared to other Indian states. This is why wintertime is the best time to visit it. As the daytime temperatures are a lot more manageable. Although at night it can get downright freezing. Owing to desert weather phenomenons. So, make sure you plan accordingly.
Just like any other state in India, Rajasthan tour packages come with all types of travel options. You can pick any one depending on your budget and time restrictions.
Reaching Rajasthan by Air
The fastest and most popular option is still air travel. You can easily get direct flights to Jaipur International Airport. From most national and international destinations. There are other domestic airports in Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, and Bikaner. You can find flights to these locations from most major Indian cities.
Reaching Rajasthan by Rail
Considering that Jaipur is the headquarters of North-West railways. It goes without saying that traveling to, and within Rajasthan, is no hassle. You will easily find many express trains connecting the region with the rest of the country. As well as a few that are solely dedicated to tourists and luxury travelers. Although, as you can guess, it will take a lot more time when compared to air travel.
Reaching Rajasthan by Road
Rajasthan shares its borders with multiple states. Including Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, and even Uttar Pradesh. So, there is no shortage of national highways leading to and from the state to all sorts of major and minor cities. In recent years, these highways are being rapidly expanded. To include more lanes, flyovers, and other modern amenities. You can either use your own vehicle or easily get a local taxi. Although that option would be a lot more expensive and time-consuming than the other two.
Still, it is your trip, you plan according to what suits you best. And remain on the lookout for the best Rajasthan tour packages available online.
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