Among the main features are the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization, found in Kalibanga; The only hill town or hill station in the state is the Dilwara Temple on Mount Abu in the mountains of ancient Aravalli, a pilgrimage site for Jains; And in eastern Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park (a World Heritage Site) near Bharatpur, famous for its aviary. Rajasthan has three national tiger reserves, namely Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar and Mukunda Hill Tiger Reserve in Kota.
The state was formed on March 30, 1942, when Rajputana - named by the British for its dependence on the region [3] - became part of India. The capital and largest city of this state is Jaipur. Other important cities include Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner, Azam and Udaipur.
Tourists visit Rajasthan throughout the year but the best time to visit Rajasthan is during winter months of November to February, when the temperature is not too high. During December and January, there can be a severe variation in temperatures during the day and the night. In fact, temperatures are known to drop as low as 0°C and below. Most of the festivals held in winter from November to March are planned as tourist attractions, with visitors coming in from different parts of the world.
Situated away from the coast, the climate in Rajasthan is typically dry most of the year. There are low levels of humidity with random spurts of rainfall here and there. The nights are comparatively chilly when compared to the mornings. To know the best season to visit Rajasthan, you need to know that there are typically three seasons in Rajasthan; Summer, Monsoon, and Winter.
Depending on the region and the season, the temperatures vary from each place to another. Hence, you need to make a list of your preferences before you can decide on the best time to visit Rajasthan. Summer is always scorching with temperatures above 48 degrees. However, Monsoons are much pleasant when compared to summers with rain showers that change the landscape of the place. Once the monsoon passes, winters arrive. Winters are the most popular time to visit Rajasthan because of the comfortable temperatures.
But however, no particular season can actually be declared as the best season for visiting Rajasthan, India. However, most of the tourists prefer the time between November to February for Rajasthan tourism. The temperatures during this season are slightly comfortable making it perfect for a vacation in Rajasthan away from the city madness. If you cannot resist crowded places, then you can visit the place during the Monsoons from July to September; as the winters are usually crowded with people from across the world landing in Rajasthan.
Monsoon in Rajasthan begin in July and extend until September.
Temperature: The temperature in Rajasthan during winters range between 21 degrees to 35 degrees Celsius.
Weather: The weather during monsoons is relatively fresh when compared to the summers. The temperatures tone down, making it the best time for Rajasthan honeymoon.
Significance: All the lakes within the state are filled up during monsoons, making it more beautiful.
Why you should visit now: The temperature in Rajasthan becomes comfortable and cosy, making it a popular time to visit Rajasthan.
Know before you visit: The place will become more humid during the monsoons, so prepare for this kind of weather in Rajasthan.
Tips: Carry raincoats and umbrellas to prevent yourself from getting drenched in rains.
Winters in Rajasthan
Winter in Rajasthan begin October and extend until mid-March. This is one of the best seasons to visit Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Temperature: The temperatures in Rajasthan during winters range between 10 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius.
Weather: The Rajasthan weather in winters becomes chilly with average temperatures going as low as 0 degrees Celsius during the nights.
Significance: Pushkar Mela time in Rajasthan, conducted in November
Why you should visit now: It is the perfect time to visit Rajasthan, as the temperatures are not high, the atmosphere is fresh, and many festivals are being held during this period.
Know before you visit: It is the best time to visit Rajasthan destinations like Mandawa, Bundi, Rohet, and Ranakpur.
HOW TO GET THERE
AIR
Rajasthan is a tourist hub and therefore well-connected by air. Whether you're flying in from within the country or from another one, you'll find that there are a host of options you can choose from based on your itinerary. The three major airports of Rajasthan are Sanganer International Airport in Jaipur, Jodhpur Airport and Dabok Airport in Udaipur. While Sanganer is open to domestic and international air traffic, Jodhpur and Udaipur only serve domestic routes and Jodhpur also doubles up as a base for the Indian Air Force. These three airports collectively connect Rajasthan to most major cities in India, with Jaipur Airport also offering connections to some international destinations such as Muscat, Singapore, Abu Dhabi etc. With tourism booming in the state, plans are in motion to construct an airport in Ajmer and revive operations to Kota, Jaisalmer and Bikaner in the future which will make flying to Rajasthan easy.
RAIL
Rail is one of the best ways to travel to Rajasthan from anywhere within India as it is both, comfortable and economical. The state is well-connected to all the major cities across the nation and there are several routes to opt from. The major railway stations of Rajasthan are Jaipur, Kota, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, Udaipur, Abu Road and Jodhpur. But out of this lot, Jaipur and Kota are major hubs connecting the major cities of India to Rajasthan.
ROAD
Rajasthan has 20 national highways passing through the state, spanning a distance of about 6373 kms. The NH-8 which connects Mumbai to Delhi is the busiest national highway in Rajasthan and runs through Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur and Chittorgarh. Besides the NH-8, Rajasthan is also connected to other major cities in India such as Delhi, Ahmedabad and Indore by state highways. You can very well choose to drive to Rajasthan or hop onto a bus operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, if you prefer travelling by road.
n North India is Rajasthan, an Indian state close to the border with Pakistan. This incredible state is a popular travel destination because of its landscape, which includes the immense Thar Desert and the magnificent Aravallis Mountains. As a center of Rajput culture, Rajasthan is also a wonderful place to explore palaces and temples created by Rajput kings of the past. As you criss cross the state, aim to add as many of these incredible places to visit in Rajasthan to your itinerary as possible.
Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes, so it should not come as a surprise that the lakes are a main attraction. Two of the biggest lakes, Fateh Sagar and Pichola, are artificial, but that makes them no less beautiful. The main reason to visit Udaipur is for the chance to explore Udaipur City Palace, a collection of palaces, museums and gardens in a range of architectural styles. Shrines, temples, royal residences and art collections are also available to admire within the City Palace. Just north of the palace is Jagdish Temple, Udaipur’s most famous temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple boasts stunning carvings, and it is now an iconic landmark in the city.
Also known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is a remarkable city right on the fringes of the Thar Desert. The dominating features of Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer Fort, or Sonar Qila, which is still an inhabited space. Unlike virtually every other fort in India, Jaisalmer is completely functioning, and within the fort you’ll find private residences, shops and even restaurants. Souvenir shopping within the fort is a fun experience, with common souvenirs including bronze statues and silver jewelry. Within the fort’s walls, there are also a handful of temples. These Jain temples date back to the 12th century, and most are open to the public in the morning.
(3)JAIPOR
The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur, a bustling city teeming with interesting attractions and things to do. Jaipur forms one corner of the Golden Triangle, and it makes a great gateway into the lesser-known destinations within Rajasthan. There are three major forts in Jaipur: Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort. Also worth exploring is the City Palace, a stunning blend of Mughal and Rajput design that is so big most travelers can’t see it all in a single day. Jaipur is also home to a number of temples as well as a major bazaar which comes alive each night as the sun sets.
(4)Jodhpur
Jodhpur, or the Blue City, is located on the edge of the Thar Desert. Its colorful nickname comes from the many blue homes in the city, which make it look blue when viewed from above. Filled with forts and temples, Jodhpur is a historic destination with plenty of appeal. No trip would be complete without a tour of the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort, the largest fort in all of Rajasthan. The fort complex is home to a stunning mirrored hall, intricate sandstone screens in the Zenana Deodi, the Chamunda Mataji Temple and even a number of costumed people who really bring the fort to life.
(5)Pushkar
Pushkar is a holy city, and it is known best for its Brahma temple and its annual camel fair. Brahma is one-third of the holy trinity in Hindu religion, and Pushkar is said to be the home of Brahma. The Brahma temple in Pushkar is impossible to miss, especially because of the frequent chanting ceremonies that take place several times a day. Pushkar is also home to several other temples devoted to Vishnu, Savitri and Shiva. Every November, Pushkar comes alive with a camel fair and Hindu pilgrimage.
(6)Bundi
The city of Bundi is a unique destination, and it is a place that is widely known for its step wells. While this means of water collection is no longer used in the city, Bundi still has more than 50 step wells that you can see. The most famous is the Queen’s Step Well, which dates back to the 15th century and boasts more than 200 steps. Also of note in Bundi is the Taragarh Fort, constructed in the 16th century and now home to a staggering art collection. Escape the urban environment easily at one of the lakes surrounding Bundi, or set off on a wildlife safari at Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary.
(7)Ranthambhore National Park
This national park is also a wildlife sanctuary, and it is known as one of the top spots in the entire world to see tigers in the wild. You can book a wildlife safari to explore the park and see the animals up close. A smaller, open-top vehicle called a gypsy is best for the braver visitors, and the larger open-top vehicles called canters offer a little more protection. In addition to the tigers, Ranthambhore National Park boasts wildlife that includes leopards, hyenas, sloth bears and so much more. On a safari, you will also have the chance to see Ranthambhore Fort, which dates back to the 10th century.
(8) Chittorgrah,
The city of Chittorgrah, situated on the banks of the Berach River, is known for one particularly impressive attraction: The Chittorgarh Fort. Built in the seventh century, the fort is one of the largest in India and is guarded by seven gates. The fort is large, and seeing it all in a day can be challenging. Start with the Victory Tower, built in the 15th century and illuminated beautifully each night. Also make time for Rana Kumbha’s Palace, the oldest part of the fort, and the Meera Temple, which honors Vishnu and boasts a large collection of idols.
(9)Bikaner
Although the city of Bikaner is home to a palace, a historic fort and even a camel research center, many Indians know it as a destination for foodies with a sweet tooth. One of the local specialties you’ll definitely want to try is Kesar Kulfi, a sweet and iced dessert that is delicious and refreshing on a hot afternoon. Desert safaris are also popular in Bikaner, and you can ride a camel into the desert to explore the local culture and landscape. It is impossible to miss Bikaner’s Junagarh Fort, built in the 16th century and now holding an extensive museum about the region.
(10)Mount Abu
Mount Abu is a hill station that offers exceptional views of the surrounding area. A rocky plateau of a summit means that there is a large space to explore, not to mention an abundance of attractions. Nakki Lake is a must-see spot near Mount Abu, and you can even rent an affordable paddle boat to get on the water and admire the hills surrounding the lake. Also of interest in Mount Abu will be the Dilwara Temples. These temples from the Jain religion date from about the 12th century and are carved from an exquisite white marble.
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