7 offbeat destinations to consider for your next trip to Rajasthan

Many centuries ago, India was known for its kings and queens and their riches. Even today, everything about Rajasthan and Rajasthan tourism oozes royalty. It takes us back to an era when the kings and queens decided the fate of the land and its people.

Apart from lessons in history, Rajasthan also has other treasures in its cusp. These include wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, Sufi shrines, Jain temples, hill stations, monuments museums. Let’s explore some off-beat destinations that offer a glimpse of these in a glorious manner.

Deogarh:

Guarded by the royal cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, Deogarh offers the tourists a tranquil abode among the woods. The place houses the Ragho Sagar Lake, which is a bird watcher’s paradise. Deogarh was once a fort and still offers tourists an opportunity to visit the Gokul Garh Fort, a short distance away. You can also spend time with the people of Deogarh village to get a taste of the village life in Rajasthan.

Alsisar

This hamlet situated in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan holds the Magnetic Fields Music Festival as an annual event.  The Havelis in Alsisar bring alive an old-world charm that is hard to find. You can stay at the Alsisar Mahal, enjoy the hospitality of the wonderful staff, energize yourself with a swim in the pool, and dine in the aesthetically decorated dining hall.

Ajmer:

Ajmer is best known for the Moinuddin Chisti Shrine that is built in remembrance of the great Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti and is visited by Hindus and Muslims alike. It is considered one of the most pious Sufi shrines. Every year the town celebrates the death anniversary of the legendary Saint, popularly known as Urs, with great festivities. However, other attractions in Ajmer are the Taragarh Fort, The Mughal emperor Akbar’s Palace and museum, and Adhai Din ka Jhonpra.

Kumbhalgarh

A trip to Rajasthan is incomplete without a visit to the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend some time in the natural habitat of these wild beasts and watch leopards, chinkaras, and deer running in the wild. This is a dream spot for wildlife photographers. The evening safaris in the wild will fascinate and mesmerize you. You may also treat your eyes to the expanse of the Aravali if you choose to stay in the Fateh Safari Lodge, situated 1100 meters above sea level. You may enjoy the campfire and the infinity pool that comes with mountains for its backdrop.

Longewala

The Battle of Longewala was fought between the Indian and Pakistani army in 1971. It is famous for the grit and courage of the Punjab regiment of the Indian army, which led by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri.  The regiment chose to hold on to its post until reinforcements arrived even though they were given a choice to leave; they immortalized Longewala in the annals of history. Tourists can experience the patriotic fervor and get a feel of this epic event by visiting this historic border post. They can also see the Pakistani tanks captured by the Indian army after the spectacular victory over here.

Chittorgarh

When in Rajasthan, you can’t escape the sight of the magnificent forts that once formed the first line of defense for the royals. Situated on the banks of the rivers Gambhiri and Berach, Chittorgarh is famous as India’s largest fort complex. It has aptly been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stay in Chittorgarh may treat you to the sight of dancing peacocks.

Mount Abu

The sunset at Mount Abu is a spellbinding sight that attracts millions of tourists to Rajasthan each year. The fact that it is the only hill station of this desert state adds to the wonderment of this destination. The Dilwara Jain temples present in the area also make a visit to Mount Abu an unforgettable experience. The five Dilwara temples were built between the 11th to 13th centuries and are devoted to the Jain Tirthankaras. You may also like to pay a visit to the wildlife sanctuary in Mount Abu where you will be greeted to the sight of the sambhars and porcupines.

Hope you liked the offbeat suggestions mentioned here. They are less commercialized than the popular Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur & Jaisalmer routes. Have you been to any of these offbeat destinations when opting for Rajasthan tour packages? Let me know in the comment section below.

Do not forget to check out my post on 8-day Rajasthan itinerary.