RAJASTHAN "The Royal City"

Things to do in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is an interesting travel destination, an amalgamation of different travel experiences. There are some stunning forts and palaces to explore in Rajasthan, cultural villages to take a tour of, rugged sandy terrains for a quintessential desert safari, and much more. If you are travelling to Rajasthan any time soon, keep this list of things in Rajasthan handy. You do not want to miss out on these awesome Rajasthani experiences:

Things to do in Jaisalmer

1. Thrilling - Dune Bashing

Jaisalmer in Rajasthan has a quintessential desert terrain, with barren lands and plenty of sand dunes. Dune bashing is an interesting way to explore the sand dunes. You get inside a 4*4 and go on a rugged, off-roading experience, travelling through the sand dunes of the region. It is a different kind of thrill when you get to destroy the sand dunes, knowing you are not doing any harm to the environment.

2. Camel Safari- A rustic tour

Don’t miss out on a quintessential rustic desert experience when in Rajasthan. The best regions of Rajasthan for a typical desert safari are Osian, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. You get to travel to some remote places of Rajasthan during the desert safari and explore some interesting ruins of the place. There is a story associated with the ruins and forts of Rajasthan, stories that captivate you from the word go.

3. Visit Patwon ki Haveli

A historical masterpiece- One of the most prominent of all havelis in Jaisalmer is the Patwon ki Haveli. It is an ostentatious haveli which dates back to the early part of the 19th century. The haveli was built by Guman Chand Patwa, who is believed to be an influential trader back in those days. Walk through the haveli and marvel at the intricate architecture of it which is still in very good shape despite all these years.

Things to do in Jodhpur

4. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort- A visit to the times gone by

One of the largest forts in India, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur towers above the rest of the city. The fort is situated atop a vertical cliff and is in pretty good shape. There is a museum too you can visit which houses various artifacts belonging to the royal times.

5. Capture the blues in Jodhpur

If Jaipur is the pink city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur can safely be called the blue city of Rajasthan. Most houses in the old part of the city are painted blue, making for a great photo-op. Try capturing the blues of Jodhpur in the early morning hours, when the sun creates an impressive visual effect.

6. See the gypsy snake dance- you will forget Shakira

While in Jodhpur, don’t miss out on a performance by the Kalbeliya tribe. The women of the tribe perform the traditional Kalbeliya dance, where they move to some groovy Rajasthani music. Their movements are as lithe as snake, making for an impressive experience.

7. Tour Sadar bazaar in Jodhpur- one for the shopaholics

When in Jodhpur, don’t miss out on a street shopping experience in Sadar Bazaar. It is a flea market where you can shop for almost everything under the sun. There are jewelry shops, shops selling leather goods, shops selling

8. Tour the Umaid Bhawan Palace – a royal legacy

Udaipur is home to many beautiful forts and palaces, dating back to the royal times. One of these is the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the largest private residences in the world. A part of the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, operated by the Taj Group. While a stay in the palace may be out of bounds for most, you can always take a tour and be awed by the legacy of it.

Things to do in Jaipur

9. Elephant ride at Amer Fort, Jaipur- A gigantic experience

One of the most popular tourist attractions of Jaipur, an elephant ride upto Amer Fort can be a really interesting experience.  The fort itself, built by Raja Mana Singh I, is an interesting architectural symbol of the royal times. The architecture of the fort is a mix of Hindu and Rajput influences, and like other forts of Rajasthan, you can feel the ornate aura here too.

10. Attend a royal wedding- Indian weddings just got fatter

Indians are known for their lavish weddings. But a traditional Rajasthani wedding takes the experience to a whole new level. If you ever get a chance, do attend a royal Rajasthan wedding. You will be treated to the most sumptuous buffet, and get to experience the famed Rajasthani hospitality that tourists crave for around the world.

11. Hot air ballooning- a sky ride the old way

How about flying in the air, not in an airplane, but in a hot air balloon? Popular across the world, hot air ballooning has finally come to India. You get take a hot air balloon ride in Rajasthan. Flights can be arranged from Pushkar, Jaipur and Ranthambore.  It is an eclectic flying experience, one which kind of takes you back to the old times.

12. Vintage car rally in Jaipur- see old beauties

Much of Rajasthan is about taking a trip back in time, with a visit to old forts, palaces and monuments. If you are interested in visiting modern history, watch the vintage car rally while in Rajasthan. The car rally is organized every year in Jaipur, between the months of January and February. There are some really old beauties you can see at the rally, such as an Austin which dates back to 1923.

13. Watch a game of Royal Elephant Polo a royal experience

Elephants have for long been associated with the Indian royal class. When in Rajasthan, you can watch these gigantic animals in a whole new avatar- in a game of polo. Jaipur plays host of elephant polo tournaments throughout the year. It is a fun game, and a royal one too.

14. Visit the Nahargarh Fort - for a spectacular view of Jaipur

One of the most well preserved forts of Rajasthan is the Nahargarh Fort. The fort is built on Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city of Jaipur. The fort is a luxury resort too, with its traditional Rajpur elements still intact. You can savor the luxury of the fort with a stay here and come here just for a spectacular view of the Pink City.