Rajasthan - where sun kisses the golden sand!
A land of rich cultural heritage, majestic palaces, rustic havelis, imperial forts, shining golden desert, colorful folk dances and a delicious Marwari cuisine; Rajasthan is an exotic state located in North Western region of India. Once a princely state always known for its stories of bravery, romance and chivalry, it is a place of immense natural beauty with vast stretches of Thar Desert on one side and world’s oldest Aravalli mountain ranges on the other. Rajasthan is a perfect tourist destination if you want to get face to face with true Indian folk culture. The enchanting state of Rajasthan has been successful in attaining the reputation of being an unparalleled tourist destination in the world because of its vivid offerings to all its visitors.
This article talks about various activities which one should not miss during the tour to Rajasthan.
Things to do in Rajasthan
Get Fascinated with the Camel Safaris
Rajasthan is worldwide famous for its enchanting camel safaris. So, if you are in Rajasthan and not thinking of getting this lifetime experience, then it is really not a good idea. Taking a camel safari is a best choice if you want to explore the rustic charm of Thar Desert with its vast stretches of golden sand dotted with dunes and wild shrubs. Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Osian are few of the cities in Rajasthan where you can have this magical experience of your lifetime. These camel safaris are mostly arranged for a day but can be extended for longer durations also depending on your choice. During the longer camel safaris, night camps are arranged at some local villages giving you an opportunity to mingle with the villagers and get an insight into their traditional lifestyles. An icing on the cake is the opportunity to watch some traditional folk dance performances under the full moon while enjoying warmth of bonfire.
Attend the Pushkar Fair – the Biggest Camel Fair of the World
Pushkar is a small holy city in Rajasthan and is dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator God of universe. It is the only city which has a temple of Lord Brahma and hence gets a footfall of thousands of pilgrims every year. It is believed that taking a holy bath in the sacred waters of Pushkar Lake takes off all your sins and gets you rid of the cycle of life and death. Apart from its religious significance, the city is famous across the globe for its largest camel festival which is held every year for 5 days in the month of November. Fully decorated and shaven camels, people with bright colored dresses and ornamental jewelry, folk dancers, acrobat artists, snake charmers and folk musicians all around: it is a perfect place if you want to take a glimpse of the true Rajasthani culture. This unparalleled experience of the magical Pushkar city is sure to make you come back every year.
Take a Rugged Tour of Dune Bashing
Apart from the camel safari, another interesting way to explore the endless stretches of golden Thar Desert is 'Dune Bashing'. In this activity, trained drivers take you around the deserted area destroying the shining sand dunes in closed SUVs. The fast and bumpy rides on the sand dunes add fun to this activity. The Sam Sand Dunes located at a distance of around 40km. from the main city of Jaisalmer, are the major tourist spot to start an excursion trip for Dune Bashing in the endless stretches of the golden Thar Desert.
Take a Sneak Peak into the Bygone Era by Visiting the Mehrangarh Fort
Located on a 400 ft. high cliff top in Jodhpur city, the Mehrangarh Fort is the most magnificent and well preserved fort in Rajasthan. From the fort, you are ought to get spectacular views of the Jodhpur city with almost all its houses having the rooftops painted in blue. It is here where you will get to know why Jodhpur is also referred to as the 'Blue City'.
As you enter the fort, the battle marks on the gates, handprints of maharanis on the fort walls and steep paths, take you back in past centuries. The awe inspiring beauty of the magnificent palace and courtyards inside the fort will surely leave you spellbound. A part of the palace has been converted into a museum where you can see an impressive collection of Marwari paintings, costumes and furniture used by the royal family.
Tourists can also visit the Chamunda Devi temple nearby.
Experience a Cultural Stay in Chokhi Dhani
Located in Jaipur, the 'Pink City' of India, Chokhi Dhani is an authentic 5 star village resort where you get an opportunity to soak yourself into the true spirit of Rajasthan. It is here where you can get a feel of true ethnic Rajasthani village life. Always filled with an atmosphere of festivity, this place is a must visit for both the national and international tourists. With a unique blend of Rajasthani culture and modern amenities, this place is an ideal destination to spend a fun filled day. Suites and cottages here give you a glimpse of the Rajasthani village where houses and huts are made of mud and hay. These so called huts with all modern amenities will not let you leave without spending a wonderful evening of folk dance performances, puppet shows and above all, mouth watering and authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
Check out on a Gypsy Snake Dance Performance by the Kalbelia Tribe
Rajasthan is a land of folk music and dances. So, watching a traditional gypsy snake dance performance by the women of Kalbelia Tribe is a must ‘To Do Activity’ when you are in Rajasthan. Most of the people of the Kalbelia tribe are snake charmers. The men of the Kalbelia community earn their living by catching snakes and Kalbelia women contribute to the family earning by performing the Kalbelia Dance. As bodies of snakes are flexible and sway in air, in a similar fashion the body of these women are also very flexible and sway as they perform this dance. Dressed in attractive black long dresses embroidered with silver and bead work, these women performing the art form are a delight to watch.
Experience a Luxury Stay at the Hotel Rambagh Palace
Once a royal residence of the Jaipur’s king, the Rambagh Palace has now been converted into a luxury Taj Palace Hotel. The Rambagh Palace hotel is also renowned as one of the best luxury hotels not only in India but in the entire World. Do experience a stay in one of their exquisitely designed palace rooms or historical suites.
Discover the Spirit of Rajasthan on 'Palace on Wheels' - one of the Best Luxury Trains in the World
The 'Palace on Wheels' is one the top 10 luxury trains in the World. Your trip to Rajasthan is incomplete without indulging into this royal experience of the lifetime. The train has everything which one can wish to lead a luxurious and royal life - 14 royal carriages built in ethnic style with well dressed attendants always at your service, luxury saloons, fine dining area, library, royal bar etc. This list is endless.
The royal journey on Palace on Wheels continues for 7 days during which it takes you through all the majestic forts and palaces, wilderness of Ranthambore and temple of Khajuraho.
This is one magical experience which you will cherish throughout your life.
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