Magical Attractions That Are A Must-See On Vacation In Rajasthan, India

India is a vast and fascinating country and some of its attractions truly stand out for a vacation in Rajasthan. In fact, the northern state is one of the most popular destinations, where travelers can experience India at its most colorful and exotic best. Among the attractions are palaces and forts rising up from the desert and Rajasthan has all these and more. Read on to find out more about these magical attractions in Rajasthan, India.

The desert city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

This magical city rises from the Thar Desert and, together with its sandstone buildings, could be something from the popular Arabian Nights stories. Visit the fort in Jaisalmer, which looms up high above the city. The fort dates back to 1156 and was built by Jaisal, the Rajput ruler at that time.

Meanwhile, the Jaisalmer fort hosts five palaces, several beautiful mansions (dubbed havelis), and seven Jain temples that date from the 15th and 16th centuries.  Surprisingly, the fort also features shops where visitors can buy incredible souvenirs to take home with them. While there, travelers can also experience a camel safari in the desert.

Jaipur – the ‘Pink City’

The capital of the Rajasthan state is an absolute must-visit. Jaipur dubbed the “Pink City,” is famous for its gorgeous forts and palaces, all constructed in shades of pink. Meanwhile, the opulent palace complex is surrounded by gardens, courtyards and museums. However, it is interesting to note that part of the colonnaded building is still used as a royal residence.

To see more palaces, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) is the place to be, which was originally a cloister for the women of the royal family. Once again, the beautiful building has a pink sandstone façade.

Moreover, the nearby Jantar Mantar dates from the 18th Century and is an open-air astronomical observatory. Another exciting adventure is to ride on an elephant to the Amer Fort, up in the nearby hills which hosts beautiful wall carvings and paintings.

While heading back to the city, visit Man Sagar Lake to see the partially submerged Jal Mahal palace.

Jodhpur – the ‘Blue City’

Staying with colorful cities, Jodhpur bears the nickname “Blue City” due to the many blue buildings in the city. Meanwhile, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan and features a walled old town. Besides the striking Mehrangarh Fort, which offers panoramic views of the city, the fort hosts a number of beautiful palaces and a fascinating museum to visit.

Meanwhile, for those who play polo, the city’s name will be familiar, as the jodhpur pants worn by players hailed from the city and were designed by the Maharaja’s son, Pratap Singh. When the Queen of England visited here for a polo game in 1897, the pants were famously worn by the players and caught the monarch’s eye.

For those seeking adventure while in the city, the Jodhpur Flying Fox is a zip-lining circuit featuring six zip lines. Each offers beautiful views of the Mehrangarh Fort. The full zip-lining circuit takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and is a worthwhile experience indeed.

Make sure to visit the state of Rajasthan on your visit to India to take in all these magical sites and so many more.