Each city in India has its history, culture and experience. Most travellers concentrate on the popular routes of India. They forget the gems that are hidden inside these cities. Rajasthan is the land of fascinating traditions, great history, palaces, forts, vibrant bazaars and delicious cuisine. Jaipur, Udaipur Ajmer, Jodhpur and Jaiselmer are the most visited cities in the state. Without a doubt, these cities are amazing but there is much more to Rajasthan than you know. Beyond the major tourist attractions, there is a treasure trove of places waiting to get explored. Do you want to escape the ordinary tourist routine and explore the place like a traveller? If yes, then it is time for you to visit these hidden gems of Rajasthan.
Hidden gems of Rajasthan
1. Bundi
Bundi is a tiny city that is straight out of a fairy tale. The Maharajah palace cascading down the mountainside, miniature paintings, blue houses, man-made lake, hills, bazaars and beautiful temples makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan.
Places to visit: Sukh Mahal, Dabhai Kund, Rani Ji Ki Baori, Kshar Bag, Taragarh Fort, Lake Jait Sagar.
2. Barmer
Barmer is popular for its art, friendly locals and touches of age-old traditions. It is acknowledged for its crafts that include wood carving, embroidery, pottery, and ajrak prints. If you are visiting Barmer, go prepared because it has all the elements of a typical district in Rajasthan-long stretches of barren land, harsh weather, rough terrain.
Places to visit: Kiradu Temple, Barmer Fort, Garh Temple, Juna fort Shri Nakoda Jain Temple, Chintamani Parasnath Jain Temple.
3. Sambhar
Sambhar, situated in the district of Jaipur, is known for the Sambhar salt lake. Many of us might not know this, but it is the largest inland salt lake in India. You can enjoy the salt pans by taking a tour on the train. 76 km from Jaipur, is located an 18th-century British circuit house converted into Sambhar Heritage Resort. If you are looking to stay in Sambhar, this place is perfect! During winter, the view is just mind-blowing as the birds, especially flamingoes, paint the whole lake pink.
Places to visit: Sambhar lake, Albert hall museum, Sambhar wildlife sanctuary.
4. Bhilwara
Bhilwara is a city of ancient remains where history, mythology, art, culture and poetry blend seamlessly. It is not very popular among tourists, but it is definitely worth a visit. The crumbling walls of forts, age-old temples, lush green gardens and intricately carved rock structures is what makes this city a gem.
Places to visit: Gangapur, Love garden, Harni mahadev temple, Mandalgarh fort, Pur Udan Chatri, Kyara ke Balaji temple.
5. Kuchaman
Kuchaman is 100 kilometres from Pushkar and houses a majestic looking fort which is currently a heritage hotel. The spectacular surrounding of the fort is captivating and one of the reasons to visit this historical city. The fort has a rich selection of unique inlay work in glass, semi-precious stones, and gold paint.
Places to visit: Kuchaman Fort, Jal Mahal, Meena Bazaar, Lok Dev Temple, Ganesh Dungri, Krishna Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Meera Mahal.
6. Pokhran
Pokhran is a heritage city located in the Golden city of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer. The name of the city means the place of five mirages. It is known for its havelis, monuments and temples. The best time to visit the city is between October and February, it is relatively pleasant during these months.
Places to visit: Baba Ramdev temple, Fort Pokaran, Salim Singh ki Haveli, Machapuchare, Patwon Ji ki Haveli.
7. Osian
Osian is a village located in the district of Jodhpur. It was a major trading centre of the silk between 8th and 12th century AD. The city has sixteen beautiful temples with intricate designs and innovative architecture that are built all over.
Places to visit: Sachiya Mata Temple, Surya Temple, Kali Temple, Mahavira Temple, Harihara Temples
8. Jhalawar
Unlike most of the Rajasthan, Jhalawar has a rocky but water-laden grassy landscape. The town is culturally diverse and houses many forts and palaces from the Mughal and Rajput periods.
Places to visit: Buddhist Caves and Stupas in Kolvi village, Jhalawar Fort, Bhawani Natyashala, Gagron Fort, Chandrabhaga Temple, Sun Temple, Shantinath Jain Temple.
9. Nagaur
Rajasthan being the largest states in India is full of hidden gems, Nagaur being one of them. It is home to India’s largest salt lake, Sambhar lake. This quiet little corner is worth visiting because, till date, it has preserved a lot of its rich cultural heritage, values and traditions.
Places to visit: Nagaur Fort, Ladnun, Jhorda, Khatu.
10. Phalodi
Phalodi, popularly known as the Salt City, lies between the blue city, Jodhpur and the golden city, Jaisalmer. It is an ancient caravan centre and, is known for its rich heritage. The Jharokha and Jaali styles of Rajput architecture are displayed on the heritage buildings of the city.
Places to visit: Phalodi fort, Lal Niwas, Ramdevra temple, Sachiya Mata Temple, Mahavira Temple, Ramdevra Temple, Sun Temple.
11. Gajner
Gajner is known for its royal palace situated at the edge of Gajner Lake. The palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1976 and, is the largest hotel in the world in terms of area. Besides its architectural beauty, you can also enjoy nature-walks, sanctuary dinners, boat rides, lake-view and desert safaris in the palace.
Places to visit: Gajner Palace, Gajner lake, Deshnook temple, Devi Kund Sagar, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary.
12. Makrana
The city is popular for the white marble taken from the mines in and around it. Makrana marble was utilised in the development of Taj Mahal, Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, Birla Temple of Jaipur and Jain Temple of Dilwara.
Places to visit: Dadhimati Mata Temple, Fort Of The Hooded Cobra, Hadi Rani Mahal, Shri Jasnath Asan.
If you liked this article, then also read Art of Rajasthan: Through the eyes of designers
Follow Rajasthan Studio on Instagram for more amazing art and travel content. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]rajasthanstudio[dot]com. This blog is curated Rajasthan Studio and written by Deepti Parmar.
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