The Royal State of Rajasthan is one of the most fascinatingly beautiful regions of India and one of our favourite destinations to visit on this planet. The northern region of Rajasthan really has it all from unrivalled architecture, to fine hospitality, to natural beauty and colors unlike anywhere else! Known as the 'Land of Kinds' it's a great place to visit in India for both the seasoned traveller and someone who is brand new to India. While there's never any shortage of things to do in Rajashtan we've complied some of the best and most beautiful for you to enjoy. Here's our list of Rajasthan must see activities.
Take a Walking Tour of Jaipur
Walking through Jaipur will put you in touch with the living culture of the city in a way that driving through it by car wouldn't be able to. The city is now densely populated but there are many residents who still live and work in the same area their families have inhabited since Jaipur was first built. An evening walking tour through the crafts capital of India will give you the opportunity to mingle with the locals, trying some of the region's culinary delights from the street food vendors. You will observe local artisans at work and visit a local resident in his private Haveli which is beautifully decorated with gold painting, rich tapestries, carpets and artefacts before ending with a wander round the colourful bazaar at Tripolia gate.
Enjoy a Boat Trip in Udaipur
A visit to Udaipur is incomplete without a boat cruise on the Lake Pichola - the historic 14th century lake made by a local banjara (gypsies) that was extended in the 16th century by Rana Udai Singh II to establish Udaipur, the 'city of lakes'. The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic view of the lake and the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake. Beginning with the monumental lakeside façade of the City Palace Complex, the boat ride moves to the picturesque ghats with their distinctive steps, still used by the locals. The lake-side is lined with the Haveli's of the nobles, the most prominent being the Bagore ki Haveli.
Cook a Curry in Bundi
Indian Food has been rated by most of the cultures as one of the best food available. During your time in Bundi you will be able to watch a cooking demonstration by a Brahmin family, who specialise in Vegetarian cuisine and during the demo you will learn around 3 to 4 traditional dishes. They have their own organic farms from where fresh vegetables are used to get that perfect taste. After the cooking demonstration you will be able to enjoy the lunch with the family.
Camel Trek the Thar Desert - Jaisalmer
The Thar Desert is a large arid region of approximately 200,000km squared in the north western part of the Indian subcontinent, covering a large part of Rajasthan. During your stay in Jaisalmer you will have the opportunity to go out to the desert for a camel safari. The safaris can last between one hour and a three day trek, so it really depends on how long you would like to be in the desert for on camel back! Though not the most comfortable of creatures to ride at first, once you get used to the steady pace of the camel it can be a really enjoyable experience and is a great way to wander through the sand dunes and take in the desert scenery.
Stroll through Old Delhi
A walking tour of Old Delhi will give you an insight into the different world and way of life here compared to modern Delhi. You will start the evening with a tasty cup of 'Chai' before diving into the sights of Old Delhi. This part of town is buzzing with smells of street food, colourful and vibrant bazaars, old temples and living historical sites that you'll be able to visit this evening. Your walk will take you through narrow alleyways to visit the local people, sights and smells of Old Delhi and no two trips will be the same as there is always something different happening in this part of town. Your guide will take you to discover the real essence of places like Grate Chandini Chowk (which was made by Daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan), the Town Hall and Spice Market (Asia's largest). The evening will end with a meal at Karim.
Play Elephant Polo in Jaipur
Dera Amer situated behind the hills of the famous Amer Fort is the ideal location for outdoor recreational and adventure activities in very close proximity to Jaipur. The Camp is located at the foothills of the Aravali Range and surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local farming villagers.Clients who have done the elephant safari at Dera Amer are able to experience elephant polo "stick and ball" at the camp during the day and floodlit at night. The stick and ball experience has been designed for couples who fancy a go at elephant polo, without playing a full game. As there are just two elephants at the camp this is a game for two people, each with their own elephant. This is a really fun experience and at the end of the game you will be able to feed your elephant.
Spot Leopards at Bhenswara
Ravla Bhenswara is the ideal place for those wanting to experience adventure in the form of local excursions in rural Rajasthan. During your stay you will have the opportunity to venture out into the countryside in a vintage jeep taking in the semi-arid, picturesque countryside with the Eshrana mountain range looming close by. On an evening safari to visit a couple of the local villages and villagers, you will then be able to experience a sun downer as the sun sets across the rocky landscape before turning on your flash light in the hope of spotting the illusive leopard. The locals have a rather unusual way of trying to encourage the leopards from the rocky hills! Other wildlife you might see includes hyena, jackals, antelope, wild boar, porcupines and hares. Read more about travelling in Rajasthan with Wild Frontiers.
Float over Ranthambore National Park
A hot air balloon ride offers an unusual tour of the amazing landscapes of Ranthambore, giving you the opportunity to see the Aravali and Vindhya Mountain ranges from a bird's perspective. The tour will take place from any point in the national park, which will be decided on that day and will depend on the direction of the wind. If you are lucky you will be able to spot wildlife from the balloon.
If our list of Rajasthan must see activities has intrigued you enough to want to visit the region, check out our variety of Rajasthan tours and holidays we offer to the region.
