Curiosity is never cliché. Especially if it involves a new place!
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.
– Jawaharlal Nehru
Rajasthan is primarily the major hub of significant mystery, exclusive history & sprawling architecture. There is immense culture and tradition that is bound to leave a tourist spellbound. Rajasthan is known for spots like the Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Udaipur etc. which are all common places that tourists visit unlike many more offbeat places none a tourist knows about. Following are a few;
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Banswara
An area – beautifully covered with bamboo grooves – known for its tribal culture is located in Rajasthan with the name of Banswara. It is geographically sandwiched between Chittaurgarh & Udaipur. It is very famous for its nomenclature. Surrounded by a stone wall, this ancient city lies in scattered ruins today. These ruins are overlooked by an elephantine and a majestic palace utilized by former rulers of the area. It symbolizes the cultural Rajput architecture.
Places to Surely Visit in Banswara;
- Madareshwar: Grand Temple devoted to Lord Shiva amidst the picturesque & magnificent natural beauty.
- Anand Sagar Lake: Artificial Lake situated on the eastern side of the districts.
Mahansar
This town is situated in Shekhawati – known for its extensive and intricate paintings and artwork collection. It was established in 1768 and holds a lot of significance due to its forts and havelis. Mahansar has been utterly famous for its “Sone Chand Ki Dukaan” with huge walls of the haveli filled with beautiful and unique paintings, bordered and decorated by golden leaves. The architecture of this place is commendable – ceilings are covered in three divided and stunning images from the Ramayana & the Life of Krishna – each inch being as eloquent and magnificent as ever.
Other Places to Visit around;
- The Dancing Halls
- Raghunath Temple
Kuchaman
Kuchaman is amongst the most mystifying, historical and ancient cities in Rajasthan. It is well-known for its Kuchaman Fort – home to a stunning collection of inlay artwork and pieces of gold, semi-precious stones & glass. It also has along with it the Sheesh Mahal – a palace full of mirrors – architected radiantly. Shooting of the movie “Jodha Akbar” of Bollywood featured the entire fort.
Other Places to Visit when in Kuchaman;
- The Jal Mahal
- The Meera Mahal
Mandawa
Remember the Silk Route connecting our country to China? Consequentially, according to ancient history – Mandawa was situated on the famous Silk Route linking to China and hence became the hub to elephantine havelis with elegant paintings depicting folk culture, religious & traditional themes on each wall, regardless inward or outward. Even today, the place is acknowledged for its beauty and treasure & called the “Open Air Art Gallery”.
Place to visit while in Mandawa;
The Mandawa Castle (now a hotel), helps you experience true royalty and majestic a lifestyle when on vacation – each room is decorated with antique and unique furniture – making you encounter history.
Kumbalgarh Fort
Officially known as the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, Kumbalgarh is the most appalling and fierce fort of the Mewar region. It was built by Rana Kumbha in the fifteenth Century. This fort is bordered by thirteen humongous mountain peaks of the Aravalis range. It also has a 36-km wall; second to the Great Wall of China – surrounding the entire fort. The fort is a hub to 360 beautiful and extensive temples. The region also encompasses the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary which shelters exorbitant endangered species of flora & fauna.
Bundi
Bundi is an inordinate, a pulchritudinous picturesque city that has (according to history) never been conquered! It is home to a palace with alluring mirrors & 50 step walls (baoris) and a radiant architecture at the Nawal Sagar Lake. You can also find unique & stunning rock paintings or a beautiful waterfall like at the movies!
You can also consider making a visit to Kota, which is about 35km from Bundi.
Narlai, Pali
Narlai lies between Udaipur & Jodhpur – midway within the heart of the Aravali Hills. It is home to beauteous chitals, leopards & deer. There are handicraft centers which exhibit local durries and craft textiles being made (while in process). Do not miss out on the variant Rajasthani delicacies – royal style – just at this place!
Places you can visit while on the road;
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
Manwar Desert & Camp Resort
Manwar is located right in the heart of the desert. This place gives you options to choose from – to persuade you to sustain in the best. It offers you a stay at the campsite or exclusive facilities of a resort; or a separate and private camping ground to yourself. This place gives you the experience of a rural lifestyle; more like a village settlement with desert landscapes at the back. Activities like driving in the dunes, camel rides or camp fires, etc. make it worth a shot!
You can also make a visit to Jaisalmer which is for about 175 kilometeres away.
Barmer
Barmer is a combined hub to bright traditional colors, affiliation & affection of the local people & the homely and fervency rituals of the city. It was established back in the 13th Century by Bahada Rao and was also known as Mallani. It has rich crafts and breathtakingly beautiful palaces and havelis. It also has one of the most extensive and intricate embroidery and carpets.
Rawla Narlai
This place is located in the southern part of Rajasthan, established in the 17th Century. The fort – extensively symbolizing Rajput architecture – has now been transformed into an elephantine and exorbitant Heritage Hotel. It has ostentatious balconies, grand suites & huge courtyards, verandahs & porches. The service in itself has a royal touch that makes you believe that you’re back in time with style! The nearby temples and hillocks help you connect with your spiritual self & give you the time and patience to introspect in peace.
Rajasthan is a state opulent in enlivening culture, deep-rooted traditions, significant terrain and definitely worth that visit of a lifetime!


