6 Must Visit Places In Rajasthan During Winters

Rajasthan, synonymous with images of hilltop fortresses, maharajas adorned in opulent attire, and jewel-adorned scimitars, mounted on intricately decorated elephants accompanied by a grand entourage, paints a vivid picture. Despite being a desert kingdom, the lively turbans and saris worn by the people add a vibrant and colorful spirit to the erstwhile Rajputana princely states that collectively constitute modern Rajasthan.

The tales of valor, romance, and opulence surrounding the Rajput warrior princes have become legendary. However, beyond the extravagance, these princes were also patrons of the arts, fostering a flourishing of culture under their guidance. Present-day Rajasthan boasts some of the most breathtaking forts and palaces ever constructed in India. The array of top-notch destinations to explore in Rajasthan during the winter is extensive enough to captivate even the most discerning travelers.

Rajasthan's attractions include immense hill forts, wildlife sanctuaries, Havelis, bustling bazaars, the vast Thar Desert, and various pilgrimage sites, making it one of India's foremost tourist destinations. In this article, we endeavor to highlight some of the finest places to visit and activities to indulge in while exploring Rajasthan.

# Jaipur

Affectionately known as the Pink City, Jaipur stands out as one of the most lively destinations to explore in Rajasthan during the winter. With its rich historical background and status as a prominent and prosperous kingdom in former Rajputana, Jaipur boasts numerous majestic structures, including a variety of forts and palaces.

Prominent attractions such as imposing hill forts showcasing intricate architecture, vibrant bazaars, elephant villages, and exhilarating tuk-tuk rides contribute to the allure of this captivating destination in Rajasthan. Housing the former maharajas, Jaipur is dotted with heritage hotels – the former residences of these rulers – renowned as some of the most luxurious and impressive hotels across India. An exemplary instance is the Taj Rambagh Palace hotel in Jaipur, lauded as one of the premier heritage hotels in the country.

The culinary and shopping scenes in Jaipur are major crowd-pleasers. Indulge in delectable Marwari cuisine and global fare at authentic local eateries and upscale restaurants within luxury hotels.

Jaipur's bustling bazaars offer a haven for avid shoppers. Explore a variety of items, including jewelry, footwear, Rajasthani artifacts, textiles, and clothing, at some of the finest stores specializing in these products in Rajasthan. From Mowari, a footwear shop supported by the UN, to Anokhi & Soma, two exquisite boutiques in Jaipur, even the most discerning shopaholic will find themselves spoiled for choice with the diverse range of shopping opportunities in the city.

# Jaisalmer

Celebrated for its 'Sonar Kila,' the gleaming Jaisalmer Fort emerges majestically from the golden expanse of the surrounding desert. Despite being situated in the stark Thar Desert, Jaisalmer thrived as a crucial stop on the camel trade route, securing its perennial position as one of the premier winter destinations in Rajasthan.

The formidable Jaisalmer Fortress, featuring 99 bastions, encompasses five palaces and various structures, including temples, intricate Havelis, and shops, all crafted from golden sandstone. Adjacent edifices also share the same sandstone, earning this former princely state of Rajputana the moniker "golden city."

The Jodhpur desert springs to life annually during the Desert Festival, showcasing the cultural heritage of the region. A visit to Jaisalmer is incomplete without a camelback desert safari in the Sam sand dunes, a quintessential experience on the list of activities in this city. The allure of the desert safari contributes to making Jodhpur one of the sought-after destinations in Rajasthan.

While most hotels and accommodations in the city are conveniently located near the fort, for those seeking adventure, tent hotels or desert camps in Jaisalmer offer a unique experience. Additionally, numerous heritage Havelis provide a vintage stay and authentic immersion into the ambiance of this desert kingdom.

# Jodhpur

A mere glance from the summit of the Mehrangarh Fort is all it takes to understand why Jodhpur is affectionately known as "the Blue City." Now designated as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the category of Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh Fort, serving as the city's centerpiece, stands as one of India's most remarkable hill forts.

Nestled in the heart of the desert kingdom, Jodhpur ranks among India's top tourist destinations, drawing visitors from around the world. Jodhpur offers a plethora of activities, including camel safaris in the Thar Desert and the exhilaration of Flying Fox. Each facet of this locale possesses its own allure, with winter weather enhancing the charm for exploration. December, in particular, is an enchanting time to visit Rajasthan, as the climate is conducive to engaging in activities and leisurely strolls through local sites.

The city's main attractions encompass forts, Havelis, Jaswant Thada, and the Clock Tower, renowned as one of Jodhpur's premier markets for bargain shopping. An opportune time to experience the city's vibrancy is during the annual Jodhpur RIFF, a lively cultural festival.

Among the must-visit sites in Jodhpur, Umaid Bhavan Palace stands out. Regarded as one of India's most opulent luxury heritage hotels, Umaid Bhawan Palace is an expansive structure boasting 317 rooms, including the Maharani Suite, spanning 4850 sq ft – an area four to five times larger than luxury apartments in metropolitan cities like Delhi or Mumbai.

# Ranthambore

Situated in Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park stands out as one of India's premier tiger reserves, offering exceptional wildlife safaris with a particular emphasis on spotting the majestic Big Cat—a pinnacle experience in the realm of game safaris. Considered among the top places to visit in Rajasthan in January, the park provides an ideal setting for safari enthusiasts to revel in the pleasant climate conditions during the coolest month of the year.

Originally serving as the private hunting grounds for the maharajas of Jaipur, who favored pursuing the elusive Royal Bengal Tigers, Ranthambore National Park became part of Project Tiger in 1979 and now hosts approximately 30 tigers. Other significant animal species within the park include leopards, hyenas, sambar deer, nilgai, and more.

This wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan also boasts a diverse avian population, with around 300 recorded bird species. Safari excursions into the park are permitted both in the morning and afternoon, with only jeep safaris and open-top bus (canter) safaris sanctioned for wildlife exploration—private vehicles are not allowed. January, with its agreeable weather, emerges as the optimal time to embark on a captivating jungle safari adventure in Ranthambore.

# Mount Abu

The sole hill station amid the otherwise arid landscape of Rajasthan, Mount Abu stands as a sought-after summer destination in North India. Positioned on the border of Rajasthan and Gujarat, this hill station holds significant importance as a Jain pilgrimage site. During winter, Mount Abu transforms into one of the most enchanting destinations to explore in Rajasthan, offering a unique perspective on the state with its delightful weather.

Perched at an elevation of 4000 feet, Mount Abu is renowned for the exquisite Dilwara Temples, while also featuring several Hindu temples. The region's peaks are adorned with meandering water streams, and the emerald Nakki Lake, a prominent tourist attraction in Mount Abu, adds to the scenic charm.

Another notable landmark is the expansive 14th-century Achalgarh Fort, constructed by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, with Nakki Lake at the heart of this majestic hill fort.

# Udaipur

Affectionately known as the 'Venice of the East,' Udaipur emerges as a premier destination to explore in Rajasthan during the winter months. Dotted with floating palaces, gardens, and lakes, Udaipur stands out as one of the most romantic getaways in India. Among its iconic landmarks is the Taj Lake Palace, a breathtaking white marble edifice that has been transformed into one of the most romantic hotels in the country.

The focal point of Udaipur's attractions and activities revolves around Lake Pichola, where the majestic City Palace graces the eastern bank. This expansive complex encompasses numerous gardens, courtyards, palaces, and the renowned City Palace Museum, housing a rich collection of artifacts belonging to the maharanas of Mewar.

Noteworthy structures within the vicinity include the Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Jag Mandir, Vintage Car Collection, and the Fateh Prakash Palace, now repurposed into one of the top palace hotels in Rajasthan.