Its palaces and forts are reminders of the many great kingdoms; its people adore the colors of religious festivals and the first rains transform this land. Ever thought of visiting Rajasthan post July? Three reasons why you MUST visit here are Monsoons (yes, rains), festival of lights, i.e., Diwali and third reason being, its an ‘off-season’, so its the best time to beat the crowds.
India’s very own desert turns into a home to flora and fauna and abstract beauty in its own during rainfall. The fortresses, when lit up with lights, touch the sky with its beam, well almost. The fiesta of lights is nearing, and it’s one of those festivals that ties people from almost every religion, caste and community together. These 11 places across Rajasthan will bring out the best of monsoons and the festival that follows.
UDAIPUR
The City of Lakes, has romance stretching away in every direction, from Lake Pichola which shimmers full of life during monsoons, to Aravalli Hills setting an unmatched location across India. The boat rides on the lake, hustle of its age old bazaars, the tempting food shops, and ever so colorful clothes, do justice to its tag, ‘most romantic destination of India’. This city is specifically very famous for its beautiful lakes and water bodies with all the greenery around, come alive in the rains! During monsoons, the sky remains dark and overcast, the temperature falls and long drives along the stretch of the lake city at Rani road or Badi lake will make you fall in love with it.
# 1 Detox yourself in the old city of Udaipur
Wondering where you could stay to experience all of the above? A two floor apartment with its own private roof terrace, located amid the old city of Udaipur is a retreat for anyone looking to spend time in a quiet place. Facing the Lake Pichola, the sunset gives an amazing view from the terrace.
Click here to know more about this lakeside apartment in Udaipur
# 2 Rediscover your love for Lakes in Udaipur
All your life you might think that you have had enough of beaches and lake views. Oh no! You are so mistaken till the time you spend at least a day at this place facing Pichola Lake. Imagine spending your time in an apartment that is located on the banks of this lake which provides an uninterrupted view of City Palace, Aravalli Hills and the Lake Palace.
Click here to know more about this lake facing rooms in Udaipur
# 3 Rejuvenate yourself at the Lakeside Villa
This lakeside Villa gives a simple yet beautiful view from your doorstep. The serene view makes this an ideal place to relax and spend your time sipping on your cup of tea, reading a book or conversing with your beloved or just sit there looking over the lake.
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# 4 Experience a day in a Royal Palace in Udaipur
Surrounded by Aravalli ranges, you can spend hours by embracing the calmness of Fateh Sagar lake while sitting in your room or in the lush green lawns. In addition to the breath taking location of the Villa, it also has a private collection of vintage and classic cars which add up to the royal lifestyle.
Click here to know more about this Royal Villa in Udaipur
AJMER
A popular stop over on the Udaipur-Jaipur route, Ajmer is among the most important religious sites in India. Surrounded by tranquil lake of Ana Sagar, this is the 5th largest city of Rajasthan and the most important in terms of Islamic history. It is a home to the shrine of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, most important pilgrimage centres for Muslims.
# 5 Spend your time looking over Anna Sagar Lake in Ajmer
What feeling it did be like to sit in your balcony with a mug of hot chocolate and watch the running water at Anna Sagar Lake! If you are in a need for some solitude away from the hustle bustle of your daily routines, this place at Ajmer is a real rescue partner!
Click here to know more about this stay in Ajmer
# 6 Witness the warmth of a Rajasthani family in Ajmer
A British Colonial Bungalow with varied roof line which hints at cool, high-ceiling interiors protected from the hot desert air by thick walls and deep, shaded verandas, is a birdwatcher’s paradise with its small tranquil garden at the back of the lawn, while the house is approached across a large front lawn.
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JODHPUR
Jodhpur is famous for its architecture and the city shares a vibrant culture with its guests. The second largest city of Rajasthan has a beautiful past. The city that is known for its blue building actually has a historical reason behind it, meaning, the blue color years ago was chose to represent that the family belongs to Brahmin’s community.
# 7 Spend your Diwali like a Royal would do at Jodhpur!
This famously known as old city has to offer you a eighty year old residence located in a peaceful, well connected area. It stands as an oasis of hospitality and warm Rajput charm. Don’t be taken aback by its old world elegance for it comes with the modern comforts of a classic heritage property and the essence of being a guest of the family. Where else can you find a homestay that has a restaurant, swimming pool, a private lounge and a lush green lawn all under one roof? Now that’s a royal lifestyle!
Click here to know more about this place in Jodhpur
PUSHKAR
Besides Diwali, Pushkar is home to a very enchanting cultural festival, “Pushkar mela”, in the month of November where people come out of their houses, all decked up in beautiful clothes and ornaments, music in the air and lights everywhere.
# 8 Because at Pushkar brick houses are real!
Where we are surrounded by concrete jungle from every side, there is this holy place set in the arms of Rajasthan where you will find not one or two but majority of brick houses. Ever thought of spending your monsoon under a roof that smells so full of moist and mud? But wait until you spend one rainy day here and you might forever love the fragrance of rainfall.
Attending Pushkar Festival, November 2015? Click here to know where to stay!
JAIPUR
Rajasthan is popular for its festivals every year. Jaipur, specifically, boasts of the ‘Best Diwalis’ in the country. It paints the city red with red-topped turbans, painted Elephants, decked up Camels, candle lit balconies, and the sky filled with fire crackers! The famous monuments like City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Gopinathji Temple as well as Shopping areas are all lit up with colorful lights, lanterns and rangolis’.
# 9 Experience the ‘Best Diwali’ in the country in the Pink city
Spend your time at a Heritage Haveli situated in the Jaipur city, which gives you a glimpse and feel of the hustle and bustle of the people of this ancient city. The terrace offers an enthralling view of the famous Nahargarh Fort perched on the hilltop overlooking the Haveli.
Click here to know more about this place in Jaipur
# 10 Get drenched with locals in Jaipur
Rural people of Rajasthan would be more than honored to welcome you for a homestay. Given that it is pouring in Jaipur, the pink city, or a festive season, they are bound to be happy, and would gladly invite you over for a family goath, i.e. family outing / dinner. Spend some quality time with the local family and get a taste of their regular life.
Click here to know more about this stay at Jaipur
JAISALMER
The desert city of Jaisalmer is known for its golden fort perched on top of a small hill. The city offers a lot of fairytale sights which could keep the photographer in you busy! This place is a desert mystery, it is sound and remote but very famous among the tourists. One can have a laid back stay at the sand dunes where camel rides is a famous mode of transport.
# 11 Camping in the interiors near Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer
This old-styled house located in Khuri village, 45 kms away from Jaisalmer, is a place which is in close proximity of Sand dunes, Desert National Park and Godawan Bird Sanctuary. If you are craving Rajasthani food, you could stay here, spending lazy time, laying on the ground, gazing at the sky, camping under the stars in Khuri village.
Click here to know more this place in Jaisalmer
There are enough places for you to pick your suitable desires and plan before the city runs out of festive enthusiasm! Plan your holiday at majestic Rajasthan, the King of lands, a must-see state of India!
Click here to check all stay options in Rajasthan
P.S. Cover Photo Credits: http://www.diwalidussehra.in
About the Author:
Keenjal Patel
A reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!
