We all know that Rajasthan is the biggest state in northern India. It’s as big as Germany means Rajasthan is the same size as Germany. This state isn’t as old as you might think; it was formed on March 30, 1949. It was made when 22 smaller areas joined together to form one geographical location. This state covers an area of approximately 3,42,239 square kilometres.
Before the British took control of India, the state of Rajasthan was called ‘Rajputana,’ and it was ruled by different kings, each with their own strengths.
Notable Rajput Kings
- Hammer Dev Chauhan: Last Chauhan Dynasty King (1283-1301)
- Rana Kumbha: Invincible Warrior (1433-1468)
- Hem Chandra Vikramaditya: Defeated Akbar’s Army (1501-1556)
- Maharana Pratap Singh: Fought in the Battle of Haldighati (1540-1597)
Here we have some lesser-known aspects of Rajasthan travel, providing you with insider tips and advice to make your trip truly unforgettable. Although Rajasthan’s grand palaces and forts are truly impressive, the state has much more to offer than just historical sites.
Exploring Rural Rajasthan
| S. No. | Attraction Name | Location |
| 1. | Shekhawati Havelis | Shekhawati Region (Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Fatehpur) |
| 2. | Abhaneri Stepwell | Abhaneri, Dausa District |
| 3. | Kanota Village | Near Jaipur |
| 4. | Ranthambore National Park | Sawai Madhopur |
| 5. | Mandawa Fort | Mandawa, Shekhawati |
| 6. | Bundi Palace | Bundi |
| 7. | Kumbhalgarh Fort | Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur District |
| 8. | Chittorgarh Fort | Chittorgarh |
Desert Festivals
| Festival Name | Location | Timing |
| Desert Festival | Jaisalmer | February |
| Pushkar Camel Fair | Pushkar | November |
| Kite Festival | Jaipur | January |
Festivals in Rajasthan
| Festival Name | Locations | Timing |
| Diwali | Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer | October-November |
| Holi | Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner | March |
| Teej | Jaipur, Udaipur | July-August |
| Gangaur | Jaipur, Udaipur | March-April |
| Raksha Bandhan | Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur | August |
| Dusshera | Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur | October |
| Pushkar Camel Fair | Pushkar | November |
| Desert Festival | Jaisalmer | February |
| Kite Festival | Jaipur | January |
| Mewar Festival | Udaipur | February-March |
| Elephant Festival | Jaipur | March |
| Bundi Utsav | Bundi | March-April |
| Nagaur Fair | Nagaur | January-February |
| Kolayat Fair | Bikaner | January-February |
| International Folk Festival | Jodhpur | October-November |
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Rajasthan depends on your preferences and the specific experiences you seek.
| Season | Attractions | Locations | Timing |
| Winter (November to February) | Palaces, Forts, Temples, Desert Safaris, Festivals | Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Monsoon (July to September) | Lush Green Landscapes, Waterfalls, Wildlife Sanctuaries | Udaipur, Mount Abu, Ranthambore National Park | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Summer (March to May) | Historical Sites, Cultural Experiences, ShoppingJaipur, Jodhpur, | Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner | Early Morning and Late Evening |
Famous Deities of Rajasthan
| Deity Name | Location |
| Pabuji | Nagaur |
| Veer Teja Ji | Ajmer |
| Ramdev Ji | Pokhran, Jaisalmer |
| Goga Ji | Hanumangarh |
| Rawal Mallinath | Pali |
| Harbuji | Nagaur |
| Mehaji | Nagaur |
| Eloji | Western Rajasthan |
| Shrinathji | Nathdwara |
| Salasar Balaji | Churu |
| Khatu Shyam Ji | Sikar |
| Kaila Devi | Karauli |
| Shila Devi | Nagaur |
| Jeen Mata | Nagaur |
| Karni Mata | Deshnok, Bikaner |
| Sakrai Mata | Alwar |
| Jal Devi | Different locations |
| Rani Sati | Different locations |
| Shetla Mata | Different locations |
| Aai Mata | Different locations |
Famous Hindu Deities with Temples in Rajasthan
| Deity Name | Temple Location |
| Govind Dev Ji | Jaipur |
| Krishna | Nathdwara |
| Eklingnath | Udaipur |
| Kalika Mata | Bhilwara |
| Salasar Balaji | Churu |
| Khatu Shyam Ji | Sikar |
| Akshardham | Jaipur |
| Maa Saraswati | Jhunjhunu |
| Lord Hanuman | Different locations |
| Lord Vishnu | Different locations |
| Lord Shiva | Different locations |
Know about – Lok Devtas of Rajasthan: Guardians of Tradition and Faith
Respecting Local Traditions in Rajasthan
| Custom | Details | Location |
| Modest Dress | Dress up properly, especially when visiting religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees. | Religious Sites |
| Footwear | Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, religious or spiritual places. | Temples, Mosques, Homes, religious or spiritual places. |
| Touch and Photography | Avoid touching religious idols or sacred objects. Ask for permission before photographing people, especially women. | Religious Sites, Public Places |
| Public Displays of Affection | Refrain from public displays of affection, as it’s considered culturally inappropriate. | Public Places |
| Eating with Right Hand | Use your right hand for eating and offering food. The left hand is considered unauspious. | Dining |
| Respecting Local Customs | Observe local customs and traditions, even if you don’t understand them fully, give it a try to understand and respect them | Everywhere |
| Bargaining Etiquette | Haggling is common during shopping, but always respectful and avoid aggressive bargaining. | Markets, Shops |
| Photography Etiquette | Ask for permission before photographing people, especially women. Avoid taking photos of military installations or sensitive areas. | Public Places, Sensitive Areas |
Also Read – Exploring the Vibrant Local Communities of Rajasthan: A Journey Through Culture and Heritage
Bargaining Tips
Bargaining, or haggling, is a negotiation process where two or more parties talk about the terms of a possible agreement, trying to find a solution that benefits everyone. It’s often used in buying and selling, but it can also be used in other situations, like discussing salaries or contract details.
The Art of Haggling
- Start with lower price than the asking price.
- Be Patient
- Be Polite
- Walk Away
When to Walk Away
- If the seller is being unreasonable or disrespectful.
- If you’re short on time and the haggling process is taking too long.
- If you feel uncomfortable or pressured.
Off-Beat Destinations
| Destination | Category | Location |
| Kuldhara | Silent Cities | Jaisalmer District |
| Bhangarh | Silent Cities | Alwar District |
| Keoladeo Ghana National Park | Bird Sanctuaries | Bharatpur |
| Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | Bird Sanctuaries | Bharatpur |
Must try Local Food and Beverages in Rajasthan
The Spicy Delights of Rajasthan
| Dish Name | Must-Try Locations | Timing |
| Dal Baati Churma | Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur | Lunch and Dinner |
| Laal Maas | Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur | Lunch and Dinner |
| Ker Sangri | Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur | Lunch and Dinner |
| Mirchi Bada | Bikaner, Jaipur | Evening Snack |
| Pyaz Kachori | Jaipur | Breakfast |
| Ghevar | Jaipur, Udaipur | Festive Season |
Local Beverages
| Drink Name | Must-Try Locations | Timing |
| Lassi | Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur | Anytime |
| Thandai | Jaipur, Udaipur | Festive Season |
| Aam Panna | Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur | Summer |
| Masala Chai | Anywhere in Rajasthan | Anytime |
Transportation in Rajasthan
Rajasthan, a large state with many different landscapes, has several ways to travel around and see its beautiful culture and nature. Here are the main ways to get around in Rajasthan:
Renting a Car or Bike
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Flexibility | Cost |
| Comfort | Traffic |
| Convenience | Driving Conditions |
Local Transport Options
| Mode of Transport | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Trains | Affordable, Comfortable, Scenic | Limited Routes, Time-Consuming |
| Buses | Affordable, Convenient | Less Comfortable, Crowded |
| Taxis | Convenient, Door-to-Door Service | Can be Expensive, Traffic Congestion |
| Auto-rickshaws | Affordable, Flexible | Can be Uncomfortable, Meter Tampering |
| Camel Safaris | Unique Experience, Scenic | Slow Pace, Limited Destinations |
| Jeep Safaris | Adventure, Off-Road Exploration | Can be Expensive, Rough Terrain |
Read about – Best Shopping Places of Jaipur – Must Visit Bazaars of Pink City
Accommodation Options in Rajasthan
Rajasthan offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the most popular choices:
Heritage Hotels
- Royal heritage of Rajasthan by staying in a luxurious heritage hotel.
- Historical palaces and forts
- Popular Locations: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer
Budget Hotels and Hostels
- Affordable Stay.
- Basic Amenities
- Popular Locations: Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar
Homestays
- Authentic Experience: Stay with a local family and experience the warmth and hospitality of Rajasthan.
- Experience local customs, traditions, and cuisine.
- Popular Locations: Villages in Shekhawati, Pushkar
Camps and Tents
- Desert Adventure in the Thar Desert.
- Stargazing
- Popular Locations: Jaisalmer, Bikaner
Rajasthan’s Hidden Gems
Bharatpur
- Keoladeo Ghana National Park
- Lohagarh Fort
- Ganga Mandir
- Laxman Mandir
- Bharatpur Palace and Museum
- Deeg
- Band Baretha
- Government Museum Bharatpur
- Chawad Devi Temple
- Bankey Bihari Temple
Ranakpur
- Adinath Temple
- Chaumukha Temple
- Surya Temple
- Parshvanath Temple
- Neminath Temple
- Suparshvanath Temple
- Ambika Mata Temple
- Ranakpur Jain Temple Complex
- Ranakpur Garden
- Ranakpur Dam
Shekhawati
- Mandawa
- Nawalgarh
- Fatehpur
- Jhunjhunu
- Sikar
- Laxmangarh
- Dundlod
- Ramgarh
- Bissau
- Churu
Alwar
- Bala Quila
- Vijay Mandir Palace
- City Palace
- Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri
- Siliserh Lake Palace
- Government Museum
- Bhangarh Fort
- Neemrana Fort-Palace
- Sariska Tiger Reserve
Kuldhara
- Kuldhara Village Ruins
- Desert Landscape
- Local Villages
- Desert Safari
- Camel Safari
Bundi
- Taragarh Fort
- Sukh Mahal
- Nawal Sagar
- Raniji ki Baori
- Dabhai Kund
- Bundi Palace
- Garh Palace
- Chitrashala
- Bundi Utsav
Jhalawar
- Gagron Fort
- Garh Palace
- Shri Nathji Temple
- Padampura Fort
- Aklera Fort
- Shri Dwarkadhish Temple
- Shri Nathji Temple (Aklera)
- Shri Nathji Temple (Manpura)
- Jhalawar City Palace
- Government Museum
Kumbhalgarh (Great Wall of India)
- Kumbhalgarh Fort
- Badal Mahal
- Neelkanth Mahadeo Temple
- Vedi Temple
- Mammadev Temple
- Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Parshuram Temple
- Muchhal Mahavir Temple
Mandawa
- Chokhani Double Haveli
- Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
- Murmuria Haveli
- Mandawa Fort
- Local Markets
- Shekhawati Region
Why Mandawa?
- Unique Architectural Heritage
- Cultural Experience
- Peaceful Atmosphere
- Photography Opportunities
- Historical Significance
