Rajasthan: Rajput Forts, Desert and National Parks

Rajasthan appeals to travelers with a range of interests: fortified seats of power, Jaipur’s historic street layout, the Thar Desert and national parks. When planning your trip, it helps to choose a focus first: would you like to explore Rajput history and architecture, experience Jaipur, or focus on nature and activities?

Forts and city history

Together, the six Hill Forts of Rajasthan reflect the elaborately fortified seats of power of Rajput princely states, which flourished between the 8th and 18th centuries. They include Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort and Jaisalmer Fort. These four are protected as Monuments of National Importance of India. The forts therefore offer a historical focus spanning several centuries.

Geographic orientation can also help with planning: Kumbhalgarh Fort is 84 kilometers north of Udaipur. Ranthambore Park takes its name from Ranthambore Fort, which lies within its boundaries. The park and the fort are distinct points of reference here, even though they are geographically connected.

Jaipur offers a different focus. Jantar Mantar is the most significant and best-preserved group of fixed monumental instruments built in India in the first half of the 18th century. The complex was designed to observe astronomical positions with the naked eye. So this site is not only about the instruments themselves, but also about the way of observing the sky for which they were intended. Jaipur’s main thoroughfares were laid out as markets and remain characteristic bazaars of the city. The city’s history can therefore be seen both in its monumental scientific architecture and in the enduring function of its markets.

Desert, migratory birds and diverse landscapes

Rajasthan’s nature destinations differ in their landscapes and wildlife. Desert National Park showcases the Thar Desert ecosystem and its diverse wildlife. Keoladeo National Park, by contrast, is an important wintering ground for Palearctic migratory waterbirds. Those comparing nature destinations will find a clear distinction here between desert ecology and an important seasonal habitat for migratory birds.

Sariska National Park’s landscape includes dry deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky outcrops, and Somsagar and Siliserh lakes. These features offer another perspective on Rajasthan: besides desert, forests, open areas, rocks and lakes also shape the description of a national park there. The landscape or the particular nature theme may therefore be key to your choice.

Activities in the landscape

Camel safaris in the Thar Desert have been offered to visitors since 1998. They pass through sand dunes and by old havelis, temples and historic landmarks. The route therefore combines desert scenery with architectural and cultural heritage. Cycling is recommended as a way to explore Rajasthan’s landscape, and bicycles can be rented almost everywhere.

Hot air balloon rides also offer a way to explore Rajasthan’s landscape and see the Pushkar Festival from the air. Advance booking is required for a ride. Camping includes established campsites and the opportunity to gaze at the starry sky at night. Boating and other water sports are also possible on lakes and other bodies of water in Rajasthan. These activities offer different focuses: a tour through sand dunes, exploring the landscape by bicycle, or spending time on the water.

Pushkar and travel planning

The Pushkar Fair, also known as Pushkar Mela, is an annual five-day camel and livestock fair in the city of Pushkar. Since the exact dates vary, it is advisable to check the event dates if you are planning your trip around the fair. The event offers a different reason to choose your travel dates than the enduring themes of forts, city history and national parks.

When looking for a hotel in Rajasthan, it helps to first organize the places and activities you have planned according to your personal interests. Jaipur is known for Jantar Mantar and its characteristic bazaars; the national parks differ in their landscapes and wildlife, while Pushkar’s annual fair offers a specific event to plan around. When weighing up accommodation locations, also consider the geography: Kumbhalgarh is 84 kilometers north of Udaipur.

Discover more destinations: Chhapar, Bap, Sirohi, Balesar, Kherwara, Bandanwara, Nagaur, Bundi, Bhilwara, Rajsamand, Barmer, Churu, Sirohi, Basari, Bijainagar, Khandela, Gajner, Mount Abu, Bagar, Santpur Rural, Lambana Bhatiyan, Basni, Bandikui, Hundar, Lalsot, Kharda, Dharmpura, Tadgarh, Tonk, Jalore, Dhaulpur, Jhalawar, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Dausa, Banswara, Baran, Sri Ganganagar, Mawal, Salawas, Nagar, Sikar, Tonk, Raila, Thalera, Karauli, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jhunjhunun, Udaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Chittaurgarh, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Pali, Bharatpur, Parsoli, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Surajgarh Rural and Dhariyawad.

For the broader travel overview: India.