With the backdrop of the Thar dessert, Rajasthan is the largest Indian State. The Rajasthani culture and heritage is extremely popular and has the vibrancy of a glorious history that has survived many battles and wars. The Rajput kings are known for their bravery and never-giving-up spirit. The traditions, folk music, heritage and culture of Rajasthan have come a long way and has turned the state into one of the beautiful tourist destinations of India. While Rajasthan has number of spectacular cities and towns, there are few Rajsthani cities which are known worldwide and have captured the attention of the tourists. Let’s introduce you to these cities.
JAIPUR
One of the most famous cities of Rajasthan, Jaipur is also known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. Named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the city has its foundation dating back to 300 centuries. The architecture of the city including the palaces is stunning and all of them even today reflect the glorious Rajasthan history. Jaipur plays hosts to four major annual festivals which include the elephant festival, Gangaur festival, kite festival and Teej. Touring the entire city of Jaipur will bring you to witness some of truly magnificent buildings which have not only historical but also astronomical importance. For example: the popular Jantar Mantar. Considered as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, it has the world’s largest stone sun dial. The Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur provides a stunning view of the entire city from its top. Other major attractions include Hawa Mahal, Amber Palace, Jaigarh Fort and Rambagh Palace.
Jodhpur
Located with the background of Thar Desert, Jodhpur is called as the ‘Sun City’. A totally splendid and equally majestic, the city has many palaces, lakes and temples. The Umaid Bhawan Palace also known as Jodhpur Palace is one the most breathtaking palaces you would have seen in India. The local handicraft of the city depicts the heritage that has been there for many centuries and is so finely made that anything from here would definitely add beauty to your home décor. The capital of Marwar state of Rajasthan in olden times, the city was founded in 1459 by a Rajput Chief. Today, Jodhpur has become one of the most famous tourist destinations of India with large of tourists visiting the city every year. The sight of the Mehrangarh fort and the view from the fort is so mesmerizing that it lefts the tourist speechless with its beauty. The Balsamand Lake and the Kaylana Lake are two wonderful lakes to see in Jodhpur. The popular Rajasthani festival, Gangaur has its roots here and is one of the most celebrated festivals of the city.
Udaipur
The lake city of Rajasthan, Udaipur is another feather in its hat. So much is the grandeur of this city combined with number of lakes, that people also call Udaipur as the ‘Venice of east’. The famous Rajasthani ruler Maharaja Udai Singh founded this city around five centuries ago in 1559 AD. The picturesque beauty of this city is complimented by five main lakes: Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Jaisamand Lake and Rajasmand Lake. The Udaipur Palace has been turned into a museum where tourist can witness the lifestyle of the Rajput kings along with their legacy left behind. The palace is magnificently lit up at night and is a view worth watching with the lights being reflected in waters of Lake Pichola. The Monsoon Palace, Lake Palace, Moti Magri and Shiv Niwas Palace are must visit places in Udaipur.
