Getting Away With Rajasthan Holidays

By Author: Noshir Lavangia
Total Articles: 430
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There are several reasons to visit Rajasthan, India’s largest state by area. Roughly translated, the word ‘Rajasthan’ means ‘the seat of kings’, which isn’t a surprise given the state’s rich historical and political background. Rajasthan has been the centre of several royal kingdoms over the years, from the Rajputs to the Gurjars, going as far back as the Indus Valley Civilisation. Today, Rajasthan attracts several thousand of visitors every year, from both within India and overseas, due to its unique architecture, culture and history. Tour packages to Rajasthan are aplenty, and if you decide to travel using one, here are some things you should make sure to have on your itinerary.

• Jaipur
Mention the word Rajasthan, and the first location to spring to one’s mind will either be the Thar Desert, or Jaipur. While we don’t recommend holidaying in the Thar, vacationing in Jaipur is a rather pleasant experience. Also known as the ‘Pink City’ due to the extensive use of pink sandstone in the construction, Jaipur is built according to the principles of Vastu Shastra, and is shaped in the form of ...
... an eightfold mandala, also known as ‘Pithapada’.

• Mount Abu
A hill station unlike any other in India, Mount Abu lies in the shadow of the highest peak of Rajasthan’s Aravalli mountain range, and is home to the globally renowned Dilwara Jain Temples, which stand out as a fabulous example of Jain architecture in India. Mount Abu also has something for those who are close to nature, with the Mount Abu National Park occupying almost 300 sq. kilometres of the mountain. Other popular tourist sites in and around Mount Abu include the Achalgarh Fort, built by the Mewar dynasty in the 14th Century. The picturesque Nakki Lake lies at the heart of the fort, and makes for a lovely place to visit around sunset. The Guru Shikhar peak is just a few kilometres away from Mount Abu.

• Jodhpur
Rajasthan has an obsession with combining quirky colours and architecture. A fitting counterpart to the pinkness of Jaipur is Jodhpur, with its similar sounding name and similar fascination with monochrome, this time in the colour blue. The city of Jodhpur also happens to be situated right at the very edge of the unforgiving Thar Desert, and if you’re the adventurous sort, sign up for a camel ride into the dunes.

• Udaipur
You don’t need any more proof of just how luxurious a lifestyle the rulers of Rajasthan lead after visiting Udaipur. Also known as the “Venice of India”, Udaipur is home to the famous Lake Palace Hotel, the Jag Mandir, the City Palace and several expansive lakes. The sheer opulence of the architecture will leave you stunned.

Rajasthan holidays can be one of the most enriching experiences for travellers, both Indian and otherwise. The weather might be harsh, the food might be simple, and sheet aridness of the landscape might hurt your eyes for the first few days, but that’s all part and parcel of the beauty that is Rajasthan!
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Ninad Chaudhari works as a Web UI Designer / Developer with Cox & Kings. In his spare time, Ninad is an ardent photographer and loves the opportunities that different tour packages can give him time to pursue his passion. His albums are replete with amazing pictures of holidays in Rajasthan.