Rajasthan, known formerly by the name Rajputana or the land of the kings, is the largest state in the republic of India. Here is the list of 10 popular places to visit in Rajasthan.

1. Jaipur

The capital of the state, Jaipur is also the largest city in the princely state of Rajasthan. Also known by the nickname ‘Pink City of India’ which is due to the distinctive saffron or pink color of the buildings.

Jaipur has lots to offer to even the most average tourists. Forts, monuments, temples, Gardens, museums and vast market places of Jaipur bring tourists who come from all around the world to experience the food, fun and frolic at this wonderful town. Jaipur is also home to a huge no. of arts and craft with over 20 unique specializations.

2. Udaipur

The City of Udaipur is known by its common moniker is the city of lakes. Today, most of the palaces have been converted into hotels, thus attracting a huge no. of tourist crowd to this city.

The city’s picturesque location at the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains, the state of Udaipur is a unique destination. Apart from its various palaces, forts, market places, and various temples are also the reason for its popularity. The cities are well planned and the people hospitable, the place is not only famous for its palaces and monuments, the city of Udaipur has a lot to offer its visitors.

3. Jodhpur

The second largest City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is also the second most populated city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. Jodhpur has been listed many a times in various tourism magazines and documentaries and has topped the lonely planet’s list of most extraordinary place to stay in 2014. The various hill forts, palaces and the old walled city are just a handful of attractions from the multitude that this wonderful city has to offer.

4. Jaisalmer

The aptly named “golden city”, which comes from its view during the day, the city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city is a famous tourist spot due to its magnificent architecture and the various arts and crafts which are unique to this region. The city thrives on tourism, and can be called a home away from home for a huge no. of tourists from all around the world.

5. Bikaner

The city of Bikaner was founded in 1488 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler Rao Bika. Today Bikaner is another prime tourist destination and is famous for its sweets and snacks. The place is known for its forts and food.

The various arts and crafts of this place are also unique, especially the intricately carved windowpanes called jharokhas. It is one town we would personally recommend for you to visit if you want to experience the authentic taste of rajasthani cuisines. The famous temples like Karni Mata and Laxmi Nath Temple etc are also worth the visit.

6. Pushkar

Lying in the Ajmer District of Rajasthan, the holy City of Pushkar is often described as the king of pilgrimage sites in India. The town is located at the shores of the Pushkar Lake, which was created by the tears of Lord Shiva. The water of the lake is considered sacred and thus is responsible for the town’s repute as a pilgrimage spot.

Perhaps the most illustrious attraction of Pushkar is the annual camel fair. It is a five day fair held where people buy and sell livestock. But that’s not all; the fair is home to a large no. of tourist crowd that is attracted by the music, dance and various events that are held here during the camel fair. Camel races are one of the major attractions as well.

7. Sawai Madhopur

Sawai Madhopur was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh of The Kachwaha Rajputs and was founded in 1763. They are two famous forts called the Ranthambore Fort and the Ranthambore National park. Both of the two places are a must visit and will take up around 2-3 days for one to explore properly.

One should also visit the Ranthambore fort, which is a part of the UNESCO world heritage site. The fort is situated in the forests of the Ranthambore National Park. The construction of the fort predates the reign of the Kachwaha Rajput Clan and was founded by the Nagil Jat Ruler Raja Sajraj Veer Singh Nagil in 944 AD.

8. Chittorgarh

The ancient city of Chittorgarh also known as Chittor, was said to have been founded by the Maurya Dynasty. One of the major places to visit in Chittorgarh is the Chittorgarh fort, which is the largest fort in India. Upon visiting you will experience and witness the Rajput style architecture at its best. The fort complex itself contains several palaces, gardens and temples most of which have a great historical significance.

9. Mount Abu

The place takes pride of it being the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is situated in the Aravalli mountain range and is a part of the Sirohi District of Rajasthan. The place apart from being a retreat for the people of Rajasthan and Gujarat from the scorching sun but has a lot of historical and religious significance.

The hill station houses many ancient sites and temples which are frequented by many pilgrims from across India along with many forts and lakes. The place is a heavenly retreat for the sun scorched people of Rajasthan, with its lush green surroundings and various picnic spots. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Trevor’s Crocodile Park, Nakki Lake and the most Famous Dilwara Jain Temples are situated here. Apart from these, one can also visit the ruins of Achalgarh Fort which was built in the 17th century. The surroundings and the cool and enjoyable weather make it a place like no other in the desert state of Rajasthan.

10. Alwar

The City of Alwar Founded by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Pratap Singh in 1770. The city being one of the princely states of the Rajputana has tones of tourist attractions. The forts, temples and the immense abundance of natural Fauna has brought this place in this list. The Haunted Bhangarh Fort, The Karni Mata Temple, the Historic site of Pandupole, and the Sariska Tiger Reserve are just a few of the many attraction this city houses.

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BY M. DIVYA SRI