The major places of interest in the state of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is known all over the world for the majestic forts and palaces, and delicately sculpted havelis and temples that were the creations of the Rajput rulers. The lakes of Udaipur, the fortresses of Jaipur, and the desert citadels of Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer are top tourist draws in the state. Mount Abu is the only hill station in the state and there are many temples and lakes in the area. The state experiences considerable number of footfalls from international travelers every year. The major places of interest in the state of Rajasthan are as follows:

Bharatpur:

The city of Bharatpur was set up by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD. The place is mostly famous for the bird sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park. You can see the rarest species of birds here. Bharatpur is dubbed as the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan. An erstwhile part of Mewar, places to see in Bharatpur include the government museum, Bharatpur palace and fort. The sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bikaner:

The desert city of Bikaner will give you the feel of middle age India. The rising and falling sand dunes of the Thar desert are an added attraction here. The main city is bordered by a powerful boundary wall which stretches 7 km. Bikaner is home to teeming marketplaces, forts, mansions and places of worship. It is also famous for the camel festival. Places to see in Bikaner include the Lalgarh Palace, Junagarh Fort, Bhandeshwar Jain Temple, and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.

Jaipur:

Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan. Set up by King Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1727, the city showcases a blend of the modern and the ancient. Jaipur is one of the oldest planned cities of India and is a heritage city. Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Bengali architect, the city houses a number of architectural wonders that leave the travelers spellbound. You can purchase handicraft items, leather goods, trinkets and sculptures from Jaipur. Places to see in Jaipur include City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Galtaji’s Temple, Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Sisodia Gardens, Jal Mahal, Birla Planetarium, Nawab Ki Haveli and Birla Mandir.

Udaipur:

Also famous as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is one of the most romantic places in the state. Established by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1568, Udaipur has another name in the Jewel of Mewar. The Sisodia monarchs governed over the city for a period of 1200 years. Udaipur is one of the prominent cities in Rajasthan because of its rich cultural heritage and folklores. The distance from Jaipur, the capital is 420 km. Top tourist attractions in Udaipur include Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jagadish Temple, Sheesh Mahal and Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon ki Badi, Solar Observatory, Sukhadia Circle, Gulab Bagh and Zoo, Nehru Garden, Doodh Talai, Ahar Museum and Bagore-ki-Haveli.

Jodhpur:

Jodhpur is portrayed as the Sun City of India. Rao Jodhaji, the leader of the Rathore community of the Rajputs, shifted his capital from Mandore to this place in the year 1459. Jodhpur is famous for housing the Mehrangarh Fort and is also called the Blue City since you will see many residences bordering the fort which are painted in bright blue. The second biggest city in the state, Jodhpur is home to top-rated tourist attractions like Mandore Gardens, Jaswant Thada, Maha Mandir, Sardar Market, Clock Tower, Balsamand Lake and Palace, Umaid Bhawan, Mehrangarh Fort, Bishnoi tribal village and Girdikot.

Jaisalmer:

The city of Jaisalmer offers spectacular sights of the Thar desert and undulating sand dunes are an integral feature of this picturesque city. Famous as the Golden City of India, Jaisalmer can take its pride for its yellowish sandstone which is a distinctive feature of the area. People mostly come here to visit the Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Sone ka Qila or Golden Fort. The city was established in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal and is popular for its exquisite handicraft products, camel safaris and cultural festivals. Don’t forget to visit the Golden Fort with 99 citadels, Gyan Bhandar, Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Amar Sagar, Nathumal ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake, Mool Sagar, and the Jain temples.

Bundi:

Bundi is famous for the Bundi Fort and a host of other tourist attractions. This is the historic place which was ruled by the Hada Chauhans, a branch of the well-known Chauhan community who were in charge of Ajmer and Delhi. The place is known all over India for its delicate paintings and frescos. The Aravalli Hills edge the small town on three sides and there is a huge boundary wall reinforced by four entrances. Places to see in Bundi include the Taragarh Fort, Garh Palace, Chaurasi Khambo ki Chhatri, Rani Ji Ki Baori (step-well), Shikar Burj (Hunting Lodge), Phool Sagar, and Jait Sagar.