Free Things to Do in Rajasthan

Besides being the largest state in the country, Rajasthan is one of the most colorful states in the country pulsating with raw vibrant energy of the populace. It draws both local and international tourists in large numbers. The reason is the numerous free things one can do in this desert state. The place is home to unique culture and age old traditions. There is indeed a lot to see and far more things to do without spending a fortune.A bit of smart aleck approach would make you enjoy your trip all the more and you are going to cherish and savor the experience for a lifetime. Various cities like the state capital Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Bikaner are indeed treasure troves of stupendous monuments, imposing forts, splendid palaces, serene temples, striking havelis, and sprawling mansions. To make your stay comfortable you have the options of various heritage hotels besides deluxe, luxurious and budget accommodations. They provide world class amenities and services at the right prices.

If you presume that Rajasthan is only sprawling desertscape and home to the ship of the desert you are a wee bit off the mark. The living and throbbing culture and heritage comes alive with a great many of magnificent tourist destinations littered across the vast Thar Desert and the Great Aravali Range.

Visit Pushkar Camel Fair or Bikaner Camel Festival without paying a penny as entrance fee. Check out the Jaisalmer Desert festival or the Elephant Festival in the same fashion. On a shoestring budget get to the heart of the wildlife heritage of the desert the Ranthambore National park which is famous for its great Tiger Sightings. Bharatpur and Keoldeo Ghana National Park is famous for its birds and is designated as a world heritage site.

Soak into the architecture rising from the sands of the royal state. The colorful havelis are littered around the place particularly notable for their fresco art; when you are out and about don’t forget to notice the rising forts, great palaces and the myriad temples around the place all without any charge barring a few instances of entrance fee.

When you happen to be at the right place at the right time, you are bound to be enthralled by the swirling kalbeliya dance, gair, ghoomar and chari dance forms at lively fairs and festivals. There are a lot of things like these which you can do free of charge in the desert state of Rajasthan so pack your bags and head to the most visited Indian state by travelers from around the globe.


Author: Richard Smith is a professional travel writer and currently writing North India tours and Rajasthan tours

Top Tourist Attractions in Jaipur to Visit in 2012

The ‘Pink City’ of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is a major tourist destination of the country with its grand palaces, forts, cultural ethnicity, princely ambience and amazing colorful markets. A lot of tourist attractions like the havelis, monuments, museums, gardens, lakes, temples, heritage hotels etc are spread around. It is a bright and lively city and the hospitality of the city will leave you spellbound. The place is replete with historical references and vividly reflects the rajputana heritage of the nation. These are the prime attractions of the city.

City Palace: It is the main landmark of the city, and is a perfect combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a huge complex which covers a remarkable portion of the city and includes various gardens and courtyards besides many buildings inside the complex. The royal family still resides here and mughal and rajasthani miniature paintings, mughal carpets, royal costumes and textiles, arms and weapons are on display at the ground floor rooms which houses the Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum.

Amer fort and amber palace: Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, it is named after the town of Amber. The pastel yellow fort is styled in Rajput and Mughal Architecture. The most fascinating area is the Sheesh Mahal where mirrors are used as tiles on walls and ceilings and they form brilliant reflective patterns. Jai Mandir, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole are the main areas of interest. An elephant ride to the fort is a unique experience.

Hawa Mahal: The multilayered palace of Hawa Mahal features a peculiar architecture. Characterized by latticed windows and stone screens it is also known as the ‘Palace of Breeze’. An area earmarked as the female section of the palace by the name of zenana afforded the royal ladies a slice of daily city life through the veiled screens of the 950 windows of the palace.

Nahargarh Fort: It was the capital residence of Raja Sawai Jai Singh in 1734 and was strategically built to ward off the enemy. The stone built walls and the high-rise rooms captivate the tourists and enthrall them. With the Aravalli Hills as a backdrop and the chambers for the queens and the dancing hall heavily adorned with intricate interior work on the ceiling, the Nahargarh Fort comes alive in the evening and leaves the tourists spellbound.

Jai Garh Fort: The fort is famous for Jaivana, the largest wheeled canon in the world, built in the year 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh it also features three water tanks, a museum besides the stunning views of the city of Amber below.

Jal Mahal: It is an 18th century pleasure palace perched amidst Mansagar Lake, noticeable features being the complicated and majestic structural design. A causeway flanked by cenotaphs leads to the Jal Mahal Palace.

Jantar Mantar: Between 1727-1734 Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of the city built many astronomical observatories, Jantar Mantar happens to be one amongst these. The building has many devices to measure time, trace motions of stars and planets.

Ram Niwas Bagh: It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in 1868 as a famine relief project; the place is famous for its brilliant garden and exotic zoo. Museums, greenhouse and sports grounds are the other attractions.

Besides visiting imposing forts, monuments, palaces and havelis one can enjoy shopping in the colorful markets of Jaipur, while there shop for the world famous kundan jewelry, brassware, textiles, quilts and footwear. Jaipur is also famous for its colorful and vibrant festivals; try and visit the city during a festival to see the original charm of the place. An exciting elephant or camel ride can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience on the Jaipur tour.

2 wks in Varanasi & Rajasthan – Feb 2013! Advice on itinerary appreciated

Well, finally tickets are booked for our trip to India. We leave on February 2 from New York and return on February 20, 2013. Our 14 days trip starts from Delhi, Varanasi and ends in Rajasthan. I have been spending lots of time on working and re-working my itinerary and finally, feeling quite good. I have given special importance to the itinerary because it will be my last India trip and I don’t want any compromise while traveling to this amazing country.

We are very excited to interact with villagers, visit temples and small villages and having a chance to learn the lifestyle of local residence that is what toursnorthindia.com tells to me.  After reaching at Delhi airport, we will take a guided tour to Varanasi. I think we could know the history of the temples there before our tour. So, from our side, we don’t have any hesitation.

After touring to Varanasi, we will come back to Delhi and take a flight to Jaipur, Rajasthan. Our main purpose of visiting this vibrant land is camel safari, dinner at City Palace and spends night at Ranakpur. We have heard so many things about camel safari but never having a ride. We are really excited for camel riding for the first time. Now I can’t explain, probably after a camel safari I will tell you my unique experience. 

Ranakapur will be our last stop in Rajasthan. You would surely want to know why we choose this small village. One day, we watch the Hindi movie BoL Bachan and after watching this movie we want to see the village. We want to know the sightseeing of the village which showed in that movie.

I have already got the agent that helps in making our trip interesting. I am here to ask, what are your thoughts about our plan? If you have any suggestion, then write here.

Our Itinerary   

New Delhi (one night)
Catch flight to Varanasi
Stay 2 night in Varanasi
Returning to Delhi and spends one night
Jaipur 2 nights
Jodhpur 2 nights
Mount Abu 2 nights
Ranakpur 2 night
Return to Delhi and catch flight to New York, USA.

Many thanks
Richard Smith

Must See Tourist Destinations During Jodhpur Tour

Jodhpur is among the best heavenly destinations in Rajasthan. It is encircled by enormous fortress wall with castles, the salient blue buildings and the serene Thar Desert. This majestic place is a second largest city of the state and it is situated across 335kms west from Jaipur – the capital city and 200kms from the Ajmer city. Jodhpur is known as popular holiday destination points worldwide for its many historical palaces, astonishing forts and ancient temples.

Due to bright sunny weather, tourists called Jodhpur as “Sun city”. However, it is also popular as the “Blue City” among the holidaymakers because of noticing blue-panted buildings everywhere in the Mehrangarh Fort. Here one can easily travel to any part of Rajasthan due to its ideal location. Recently, the famous Hollywood film “The Dark Knight Rises” has been shoot here that enters this city one of the best prime holiday spots for outside tourists. In single Jodhpur tour package you can explore all these major and historical attractions of Jodhpur.

Let’s come to discuss some eye-catching destinations of Jodhpur to visit in this winter season.

Osian (Osiyan):- This prehistoric town or a sanctuary is beautifully situated in the midst of the Thar Desert and around sixty-five kilometers north region of Jodhpur’s headquarters. Anyone can easily reach by driving from the Jodhpur - Bikaner Highway road. Osian is also called as Rajasthan’s Khajuraho. People also know Osiyan due to the collections of destroyed Jain temples and Brahmanical, since 8^th to 11^th centuries. During the period of Marwar kingdom, the city was largely renowned as the religious place. Lord Mahavir temple, Sachiya Mata temple, Kali temple and the Sun Temple are its prime attractions.

Resort Camp Oasis Osian: This small city has many accommodations have having a comfortable stay but Camp Oasis Osian resort is the most popular of them. It offers fantastic tent across right line center of the desert. Set in between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, it is perhaps the best place for a night stay. We suggest you to go there with friends or family or else you will feel lonely.

Machiya Safari Park: By spending nine kilometers distance driving on the root between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, you will reach at the Machiya Safari Park. A wonderful place for weekend picnic and natural sightseeing, the park is a land of enormous wildlife species such as desert fox, deer, blue bulls, rabbits, mongoose, wild cats, and monkeys. Never forget to bring your digital camera to snap the stunning fauna and other flying birds of the park. Spend night at fort to watch astonishing scene of sunset.

Jhalamand Garh Hotel: This hotel is a suitable place to stay after spending whole day visit in Machiya Safari Park. This elegant property has been known as the finest heritage hotel of Jaipur, which was founded in the 18th century. The hotel provides 20 guest rooms with luxurious amenities. All rooms are attached with separate bathroom. During the vacation season, the hotel hosts events like Folk music & dance and Kalbelia dance in the evening.

Guda Bishnoi Village: This tribal village is the best place to experience the features of tribal life. It is located around twenty-five kilometer from Jodhpur. Deer and Khejri trees make this place a scenic beauty of Rajasthan. The artificial lake “Guda Bishnoi” is considered as the best for picnic point. It attracts several migratory birds such as cranes, blackbucks and chinkaras.

Mehrangarh Fort: Known as one of the largest and ancient forts in India, it is situated in the blue-city i.e. Jodhpur. It is located around 122m above the town and surrounded by the daunting thick walls. Once you in the boundaries, you will be surprised by seeing lots of palaces famed for luxurious courtyards and convoluted carving. The fort has total seven gates which consist of Jayapol, made by Maharaja Man Singh in the memory of vectoring over Bikaner and Jaipur armies. Fattehpol gate remind the victory of King Ajit over Mughals. Another attraction of the fort is museum where one can see many old collection of royal palanquins like gilt Mahadol palanquin domed, costumes paintings and more.

Visit to this majestic destination in Rajasthan during your upcoming this winter vacations.