10 Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, an Indian state near Pakistan’s border, lies in northern India. Because of its geography, which includes the vast Thar Desert and the majestic Aravalli Ranges, this amazing state is a popular destination.

Rajasthan is also a wonderful place as a center of Rajput culture to discover palaces and temples built by the kings of the past. As you cross the state, you want to add as many points as you can to your itinerary in Rajasthan.

Mount Abu

Mount Abu is a hill station offering outstanding views of the vicinity. A rocky summit plateau means a large area to explore, let alone plenty of attractions.

Nakki Lake is a must-see place near Mount Abu, and even you can rent a budget paddle boat to take a dip into the water and admire the lake’s hills.

The Dilwara Temples will also be of interest to Mount Abu. These Jain temples date back to the 12th century and are sculpted of exquisite white marble.

Bikaner

Though a Palace, a historical fort, and even a Camel Research Center live in the city of Bikaner, many Indians know it as a place of sweet tooth foodies.

Kesar Kulfi, a sweet and ice cream dessert that is delicious on a hot afternoon is one of the local specialties you definitely want to try.

Desert safaris are also popular in Bikaner and you can go gambling in the wilderness and enjoy the local culture and scenery.

Bikaner fort Junagarh, which was built in the 16th century and now contains a large museum in the region, is not to be missed.

Chittorgarh

On the banks of the Berach River Chittorgarh is famous for its impressive attraction: the Fort Chittorgarh. Built-in the 7th century, the fort has seven gates and it is one of the largest in India.

The fort is fantastic and it can be difficult to see all in one day. Start with the Victory Tower which has a beautiful light every night, built in the 15th century.

Take the time to visit Rana Kumbha Palace, the oldest part of a fortress, and the Meera Temple to honor Vishnu.

Ranthambhore National Park

Also known as one of the top spots on earth to see tigers in the wilderness, the National Park is a wildlife sanctuary.

To explore the park and see the animals close up, you can book a wildlife safari. For those that are more courageous, a smaller open-top vehicle named gypsy offers a little more protection and the large open-top vehicles known as canters.

Ranthambhore National Park, in addition to its tigers, also has wildlife including leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, and more. You will also have the opportunity to visit Ranthambhore Fort on a safari, dating from the 10th century.

Bundi

The town of Bundi is a unique destination and is known for its fountains. While this water collection system in Bundi is no longer used, there are still over 50 steps that can be seen in the city.

The best known is the Queen’s Step Well which is more than 200 steps and dates back to the 15th century. The Taragarh Fort built in the 16th century and now home to a beautiful collection of works of art is also notable in Bundi. Escape from the urban world on one of Bundi’s lakes or take the Ramgarh Vishdhari Shrine for a wildlife safari.

Pushkar

The Holy City of Pushkar is best known for its temple of Brahma and its annual camel fair. Brahma is in Hindu religion one-third of the holy trinity, and Pushkar is said to be Brahma’s birthplace.

It is impossible to miss the Brahma temple in Pushkar due, in particular, to the frequent chants which take place several times a day.

There are also several other temples of Vishnu, Savitri, and Shiva in Pushkar. A camel fair and a Hindu pilgrimage come alive in Pushkar every November.

Jodhpur

On the edge of the Thar Desert is Jodhpur, which is the Blue City. The colorful nickname comes from the city’s numerous blue homes that make it appear blue from above.

Jodhpur is a historic destination full of forts and temples with a lot of appeals. No tour of Mehrangarh Fort, the biggest fort in Rajasthan, in the 15th century, will be complete.

The complex of fortresses includes an impressive mirrored space, complex sandstone screens in the Zenana Deodi, the Mataji Temple in Chamunda, and even many costumed individuals who bring it into life.

Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur, a vibrant town full of interesting attractions. Jaipur forms an angle of the Golden Triangle and is a perfect gateway to Rajasthan’s lesser-known destinations.

Jaipur consists of three main forts: Amber fort, Nahargarh fortress, and Jaigarh fort. The City Palace, which blends Mughal and Rajput architecture and is so massive that the majority of travelers can’t see it all in one day, is also worth visiting. A host of shrines and a large bazaar come alive every night when the sun sets in Jaipur.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is an outstanding town on the edge of the Thar Desert, also called the Golden City. The Jaisalmer Fort or Sonar Qila, still a living place, is the dominant feature of Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer works entirely, and in the fort, you’ll find private homes, shops, and even restaurants, unlike almost all other fortifications in India.

Shopping in the Fort with traditional souvenirs such as bronze statues and silver jewelry is an enjoyable experience.

There are also a number of temples within the fortification walls. The temples of Jain date to the 12th century and in the morning are most of them open to the general public.

Also Read: Famous Historical Hill Forts of Rajasthan

Udaipur

Udaipur is known as the city of lakes, so the main attraction should not be surprised. Two of the largest lakes, Fateh Sagar and Pichola, are not less beautiful.

The key reason to visit Udaipur is the opportunity to explore the palace of Udaipur, a series of architecture-style palaces, museums, and gardens.

The City Palace also provides shrines, temples, royal residences as well as art collections. The Jagdish Temple, Udaipur’s most prominent temple is situated to the north of the palace. The temple, built for Lord Vishnu, features wonderful gravure, and now an emblematic sight of the city.

Nanda Devi National Park, Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Overshadowed by the 7,800 meter of Mount Nanda Devi, the 2nd tallest mountain in the Indian Himalayas, Nanda Devi National Park is one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in India. This 630 sq. kms area park was formed by receding glaciers and is surrounded by a ring of 19 mountains ranging between 6,000 to 7,500 meters (24,600 ft) in height. If you are thinking to climb Nanda Devi mountain, then you cannot do it, because the Indian government has not given permission to climb it, but you can expedition on the eastern side of Nanda Devi. 

In addition to the many stunning vistas resulting from the alpine peaks, the Nanda Devi National Park also has unique high altitude flora and fauna that is being aggressively protected by the Indian government. The park is located in Uttarakhand, India.

Sir Edmund Hillary, in his autobiography, described that “Nanda Devi Sanctuary is God gifted wilderness...India’s-training ground for adventure".

Along with the Valley of Flowers National Park, and the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, this area is also referred to as the Nanda Devi Biosphere and recognized as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO).

History

Hindus have revered Nanda Devi as a religious monument since ancient times.  Nanda Devi, meaning "Blessed Goddess", consort of Lord Shiva, is a manifestation of Parvati. Every 12 years, during the Kumbh Mela festival, approach the foot of Mount Trishul to worship Nanda Devi.

The British were the first to actively explore the region starting with W.W. Garden in 1883. In 1936, Mount Nanda Devi was finally scaled by N.E. Odell.  The region became a Game Sanctuary in 1939 and a National Park in 1982.

Location

The Nanda Devi National Park is located in Chamoli District, in the upper Garhwal Himalaya range.

Access to the park is only possible from the village of Lata, a 23 km trek from the town Joshimath (the closest town with a road).  The other sides of the park are completely surrounded by mountain peaks and gorges.

Best Time to Visit

July and August are the best months given that the plants in the park will be in full bloom and it may be possible for you to combine a visit to the Valley of Flowers National Park which will also be in its prime during these months.

STD Code

• 01389 (Joshimath)

Ecosystem

Geography

Standing tall over The Nanda Devi National Park is Mount Nanda Devi, the 23rd tallest peak in the world, and the 2nd tallest in India after Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 metres or 28,169 feet) which lies on the border of Nepal.

In addition, to Mount Nanda Devi, there are an astonishing 21 other mountains that are either inside the park or encircle it that are all taller than 6,000 m (19,000 feet).

The park is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere and has unique topography, climate, and soil and it supports diverse habitats, species, and ecosystems.

• Area: 630 sq kms
• Altitude: Ranges from 6,000 metres (19,700 ft) to 7,500 m (24,600 ft)

Wildlife

There are several endangered species at this National Park including the Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, and Blue Sheep who are all rather elusive.  Other animals include Musk Deer, Red Fox, Langur, and a variety of butterflies.

In addition, there are 80 documented species of birds in the park during the season. The most common birds are Warblers, Gresbreaks, Rose Finches and Ruby Throat.

Flora

There are 300+ species of floral plants within the park and total species of flora in excess of 500.

Operating Hours & Season

The Nanda Devi National Park is only open from May 1 to October 31st each year.

Winter snow makes access to the park impossible for the rest of the year.

Fees

·         Indians: Rs.50/-

·         Foreigners: Rs.150/-

Activities in Park

• Trekking, Camping, Wildlife.

Visiting the Park

Nanda Devi National Park is broadly split into two portions - the Inner and Outer Sanctuaries.

The Inner Sanctuary comprises ~ two-thirds of the park's total area and includes Mount Nanda Devi along with Devistan I (21,909 feet), Devistan II (21,421 feet) and Rishi Kot (20,459 feet).  In addition, the Inner Sanctuary includes two major glaciers - the Uttari Rishi Glacier (north) and the Dakkhni Rishi Glacier ((south) which flank the Nanda Devi mountain

The Outer Sanctuary is separated from the Inner Sanctuary by high ridges (the Rishi Gorge), through which flows the Rishi Ganga tributary. The Outer sanctuary is encircled on 3 sides by 19 mountain peaks, all taller than 19,000 feet.

The entire area comprises the catchment area of the Rishi Ganga, an eastern tributary of Dhauli Ganga which in turn flows into the Alaknanda River at Joshimath.

Entry Rules into Nanda Devi National Park

Since 1982, and in a bid to preserve its fragile ecosystem and the beauty, visitor flow at Nanda Devi has become the most restricted amongst National Parks in India.  Only about 500 people are able to visit the park each season.

Current access restrictions are as follows:

• Individual access is prohibited.  Visitors can only enter the park in groups.
• Each group consist of a maximum of five visitors.
• A maximum of two groups are permitted into Park in any one day
• A maximum of only four groups are granted access to the park in a given week.
• A registered guide is mandatory to travel with each group.
• Under 14 years old visitors are not allowed inside the park.

Lodging inside Park

• There are no lodging options, other than camping, inside Nanda Devi National Park.
• The closest town with hotels and rest houses is Joshimath.

Did You Know?

• Nanda Devi National Park is one of the least travelled to, and most protected, amongst India's National Parks.
• The terrain at the Park is arduous and treks will be isolated. The Park Management is not equipped to provide appropriate rescue services.  As such, it is important that a visitor is appropriately healthy to embark on a challenging trek.
• The Snow Leopard is actually not related to the Leopard / Panther family of cats.  It is actually actually its own genus - the uncia uncia - and the only member in this group.  One of its unique differences versus the family of cats is that it has weaker vocal chords and, as such, is incapable of full and deep roar of the other large cats.

Getting There

Air

Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the closest to the Nanda Devi National Park.

Rail

Rishikesh is the closest railway station to the Nanda Devi National Park.

Road

The nearest major town to the Nanda Devi National Park is Joshimath in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. From Joshimath visitors have to trek to the park.

Driving distances to Joshimath:

• Badrinath: 42 kms
• Dehradun: 280 kms
• Haridwar: 280 kms
• Rishikesh: 302 kms
• Delhi: 512 kms

Nearby Destinations

• Nearby attractions to the Nanda Devi National Park include:
• Valley of Flowers National Park
• Hemkund Sahib
• Badrinath
• Hill Stations:  Chopta, Tungnath and Auli

Nepal Travel Guide: Famous Treks - Places to Visit

Nepal is a beautiful country which can be found in the Asian continent, it is situated in between China and India and has been divided into 7 main provinces. It may surprise some people that there is no set language in Nepal, many people across the country speak multiple languages although they are also similar to the official language Nepali.

If you’re looking to take a trip to Nepal then there are some amazing places to go and visit, and loads of trying treks to do throughout your visit. This guide will help you decide which routes are best for you whilst giving you some helpful facts about Nepal and its heritage. Make sure you are prepared for the weather, should you be planning a lot of outdoor activities.

Although Nepal is one of the best countries in the world for hiking and long walks many people seem to think the only place to visit is Mount Everest, although Everest is an unbelievable Mountain which we would recommend visiting. However trying to climb the beast takes years of training and lots of practice.

Everest in 8,848 meters or 5 and a half miles tall and can challenge even the most experienced climbers in the world; nearly 300 people have lost their lives trying to reach the summit. We would only recommend attempting to climb this mountain if you’ve been preparing for a long time!

Best Treks in Nepal

There are plenty of choices when it comes to Trekking in Nepal, there are a couple of main factors you should ask yourself before setting off on this trip. First off how long do you plan to stay in Nepal, this will have a massive effect on the treks you can pick.

We would recommend ensuring your trip will last at least a week, this gives you an opportunity to do certain hikes, although most do last around 2 weeks if you want to experience some of the best places in Nepal. Below are a few of our favorite Hikes with some in depth information about how long each will take, where it will take you and what to expect throughout the Journey.

Langtang Trek

The first Hike on our list is for people who only plan to visit Nepal for around a week. Although this is far from the longest trek in Nepal that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best with thousands of people a year completing it. This is probably the best Hike to do if you aren’t able to visit for longer than a week and will leave you feeling as if you’ve traveled the whole of Nepal within 7 days!

Along with this journey, you will see some incredible buildings, views and much more. Beautiful Local Villages will take you in along the way and make you feel at home. There are also loads of old monasteries that still stand along the path and you can, therefore, experience a bit of Nepali history along the way.

On this Hike, you will be given the choice of which nearly 5,000-foot peak you would like to reach and no matter what we can guarantee there will be an amazing view from the top of each. When compared to some of the other, longer treks the Langtang is relatively cheap and you shouldn’t encounter any problems whilst walking.

Key Facts

• Difficult, but not too hard (around 5/6 out of 10 on the scale)
• Cheap compared to other hikes
• Can be completed within a week
• Got to experience some of the real Nepal including old monasteries
• You will reach a 4,984m Peak

Everest Base Camp

Many people think that if you don’t want to climb the whole Mountain there’s no point taking a Trek near Mount Everest. We think this is still one of if not the best Treks in Nepal. Can you think of many things in the world like being at the side of a nearly 9,000 meters tall Mountain? You must also keep in mind the fact that Everest isn’t the only mountain in the area so as you take this magical journey you will be met by incredible and unique views around pretty much every corner! This trek will undoubtedly take up the majority of two weeks as you discover different parts of the Everest Base camp/s. However, a lot of the journey will be spent going back and forth between destinations.

Although you don’t have to train like you would if you were going to climb the Mountain, this is a difficult trek that shouldn’t be underestimated. UP to 14 days of hiking can become rather tiring so make sure you’re up for it before booking the trip! Around 30,000 people a year complete Mt. Everest Basecamp trek and it isn’t the Cheapest hike around. You will reach a maximum elevation of nearly 5,500 meters which will definitely provide a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.

Key Facts

• You won’t be alone throughout this Trek, thousands of people complete this every year.
• Quite difficult, wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who doesn’t Hike regularly (8.5/10).
• Although it isn’t overpriced, there are much cheaper treks around Nepal should you be on a tight budget. However, this is one of the best you can take on!
• You will reach an elevation of around.
• If you don’t feel confident in actually trying to climb Mount Everest, this is the next best thing.

Annapurna Circuit

Another rather long Trek, the Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular years in year out in Nepal and it’s pretty clear why. If you’re looking for a challenging walk that will come packed with unique views and massive difference in terrain then this is for you. You will have to cross the worlds largest pass which in itself will be an incredible experience. This 12-14 day trek will take a lot of effort and leave you looking forward to getting home! But it is definitely doable with pretty much everybody who decides to take it on completing it.

You shouldn’t end up being alone at any point throughout the trip, and if you do find yourself lost or alone it’s very likely you will see somebody with thousands of people doing the Circuit every month. We would recommend you check out the weather in the local area when booking this trip and make sure you pick the best time of year for you. The only negative we could find surrounding this Trek Is just the fact that there may be some road building going on at the side of you during certain parts of it. This could be a bit annoying but won’t last the whole trek so is not something that should put you off.

Key Facts

• With thousands of people a month during this trek it is definitely not remote.
• You will be staying in Guesthouses/Lodges throughout the Journey.
• Also accessible during winter.
• Compared to some of the other Treks this is quite cheap should you be on a small budget.
• Quite difficult (7/10).
• Will take around 12-14 days to complete.

Poon Hill Trek

The second trek on our list that won’t take longer than a week to complete, and one which is again going to be an unbelievable journey. The Poon Hill Trek will provide you with some beautiful views and an unforgettable experience as you take in all of your surrounds. Thousands of people manage to complete it every month and it’s known to be one of the easier hikes in Nepal. It is best to go to the summit of Poonhill on a clear morning, maybe you could watch the sunset, or sunrise over the mountains?

Because this is a rather cheap and easy Trek anybody should be able to complete it without too much if any difficulties. At the height of your trip, you will reach the Poon Hill summit which stands at 3,210 meters tall.  Throughout the trip, you will stay in Guesthouses and Lodges which is slightly better than certain Hikes where you may have to carry a tent and sleeping equipment everywhere you go!

Key Facts

• Pretty easy to complete, most people should be able to do it.
• Because of the number of people doing this Trek, you should never be alone, or get lost.
• You’ll reach a maximum elevation of 3,210 meters.
• Good value for money, one of the cheaper Treks in Nepal.
• Takes up to 7 days to complete.

What else can I do in Nepal?

Although most tourists visit this country for the awesome treks and Mountains there is plenty more you can do whilst there! If you enjoy observing wildlife then Nepal has plenty of natural life that you can check out. There are also some amazing opportunities to try out some water sports such as kayaking and white water rafting should you be interested in that. Many people think that Nepal is all about walking and seeing the local nature and breath-taking views. We would definitely recommend you go and take a look at some of these treks and hikes. However below we have found some of the best things to do in Nepal that isn’t as common…

Boudhanath Stupa

This amazing destination has managed to become the highest rated activity to do in the whole of Nepal. It’s easy to see why as well. This 14’th Century building is the oldest Stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside of Tibet itself and is one of the greatest Religious buildings in the world. Throughout the years there have been many different stories surrounding the construction of this amazing building, which means we can’t be sure exactly why it was built in the first place. Although the amazing design and construction is just part of the reason the Boudhanath attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year!

Chitwan Nation Park

If you love animals and wildlife then make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Chitwan National Park. This will be an amazing experience which you’ll never forget, this Park is protected by The World Heritage which covers a massive 932 Kilometres of Marshlands, Forests and beautiful Grasslands. Rated as one of the best National Parks in the world with loads of different activities throughout, if you’re lucky enough you may be able to watch an Elephant give birth at the Elephant Breeding Centre. On your trip, you can expect to see many different animals which include Rhino’s, Tigers, Crocodiles and much more! Most local Lodges will put on a show where they will dance and sing for guests. Another unforgettable moment that you can look back on in years to come.

Food

When it comes to food, Nepal has some amazing and unique dishes. Most of these are vegetarian options, simply because meat is more expensive and therefore harder to come across. Rice is a common partner to most meals include the most popular ‘Dal Bhat’; A meal which is pretty much rice, or a similar food such as Cornmeal, Potatoes or even bread (Depends on the area you visit and their Farming abilities). With a number of side dishes to make up the remainder of your plate, everything from Yogurt to Fish can be used as a side dish to make your meal more interesting.

Every dish in Nepal is different every time you eat it. The spices used and ingredients that are stuffed inside will differ massively in different parts of the country. So if you enjoy trying new things then this trip could be perfect for you!

Conclusion

Nepal is an incredible country which was recently struck by a terrible Natural Disaster, certain parts of the country are only just getting back to their feet. But this is probably a better time than any to go and pay a visit. There are loads of breathtaking hikes in all the different areas and if you do decide to take a Trek it will be an unforgettable experience. But make sure you check out some of the other things to do in Nepal as well! Thank you for reading and we hope this has given you a bit more information on this Wonderful country.