If you explore Rajasthan, most tours will include a stay at Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer or Udaipur. Your vacation may include a tour of other towns in Rajasthan. But to truly experience the heritage and culture of the "Land of Kings", you need to visit the offbeat locations. From a quaint Rajasthan village to the towns deep in the desert, the charm of Rajasthan lies within these hidden gems.
Explore the Hidden Gems of Rajasthan
Here are the best places to explore if you want to stray from the path of mainstream holidays in Rajasthan.
The Town of Barmer
Barmer is a town located in the Thar desert. This Rajasthan town is often left unexplored by tourists who visit only the big cities. But if you are in Jaisalmer, you can take a car or rent a bike and go on a road trip to Barmer. The town of Barmer is known for its quaint mud houses, deep in the dunes.
Samode Palace in Jaipur
Jaipur is known for its forts and palaces, but the Samode Palace is a hidden gem that most sightseeing tours leave out. It is located in the Aravalli ranges and was once an important Rajput fort. The Samode Palace is 500 years old and has now been renovated as a resort. You can explore the regal architecture of the palace and enjoy a luxurious stay at the resort.
Narlai Village
Narlai Rajasthan is a village located near the city of Jodhpur. The Narlai village offers the charm of rural Rajasthan. There are also many nature trails to explore. Narlai Rajasthan is also known for its temples, a historic stepwell, and an elephant walk! The village of Narlai is also a beautiful location for a romantic getaway, and you can enjoy a candlelight dinner with your partner at the stepwell.
Ranakpur
Situated in Desuri Tehsil, the village of Ranakpur has beautiful temples. This Udaipur village is located in the Pali district and you can also visit it from Jodhpur. If you are in Ranakpur, you must explore the Jain Temple. It is constructed out of gleaming marble and is believed to feature some of the best architecture of Jain temples. There is also a Sun Temple in the Udaipur village of Ranakpur. The Sun Temple is small but beautiful, and it is maintained by the Udaipur Royal Family Trust. These temples of Ranakpur are said to date back to the 15th century and thus, are a perfect way of exploring the heritage of Rajasthan.
Jawai Leopard Camp
While safaris at the Ranthambore National Park or Keoladeo National Park will let you get up close to wildlife, it is the lesser-known Jawai Leopard Camp that gives the most thrill. If you are looking for a jungle adventure, then the Jawai Leopard Camp is the best place. You can enjoy treks and nature walks, and activities like leopard spotting, bird watching, and stargazing.
Khichan
The Rajasthan village of Khichan near Jodhpur is another unexplored gem. If you enjoy watching birds, then Khichan is where you should be. Every winter, a huge flock of demoiselle cranes visit this quaint village. The annual migration of the cranes can be traced back to the 1970s. It is a mesmerising sight that you must see when in Jodhpur. The Khichan Bird Sanctuary is particularly famous for this phenomenon. However, when you visit Khichan, you can also explore other tourist attractions. These include the Phalodi Fort and the Jain Glass Temple.
Chokhi Dhani
Jaipur Chokhi Dhani is an interesting place. It is a model for the rural villages of Rajasthan. This mock village exhibits the culture of Rajasthan and features its history and heritage. At Jaipur Chokhi Dhani, you can experience the traditions of Rajasthan, and taste authentic local dishes. The mock village of Chokhi Dhani hosts tours around the location, and you can book one to explore this beautiful destination.
The Historic Town of Osian
The town of Osian is one of the ancient towns in Rajasthan. It is an offbeat location that you can visit. Osian was a part of the silk route and was a trading hub from the 8th to the 12th century. If you visit Osian, you will be able to see several temples that feature intricate and artistic architecture.
Khuri
Located in the southwest of Rajasthan, near Jaisalmer, in the village of Khuri. If you are in Jaisalmer, you will need to travel for about 50 kilometres to reach Khuri. While camel safaris are popular in Rajasthan, the desert safari at Khuri Jaisalmer often escapes mainstream tourism in the state. Located on the majestic dunes, the village of Khuri offers camel rides and stargazing opportunities. Khuri Jaisalmer also has many quaint homestays that offer the best of hospitality. Here you can experience the rural culture and folk art of Rajasthan.
Neemrana
Neemrana, in the Alwar district, is one of the ancient towns of Rajasthan. While Rajasthan is known for its historic towns and villages, Neemrana is often left unexplored by many tourists. The town of Neemrana is particularly important for the magnificent Neemrana Fort Palace. The palace, with its 72 mahals, was built in 1464 AD and was the royal seat from where Rajput Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan III ruled his kingdom. Today, Neemrana Fort Palace has been restored as a heritage resort. If you explore the palace or stay at the resort, you will be able to realise its glorious past. You can visit Neemrana on your way to any of the popular cities like Jaipur, New Delhi or Gurgaon.
The best way to explore the small towns and rustic destinations of Rajasthan is by RSRTC buses. Rajasthan Roadways offers a huge fleet of buses to reach different corners of the state. If you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, make sure to include a few days at these locations. A getaway to an unexplored Rajasthan town, camping in the desert, or spending a luxurious weekend at a heritage palace is bound to become the highlight of your vacation.
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