Beyond Jaisalmer: 6 Rajasthan winter gems to plan now

Rajasthan’s regal history, along with its desert landscapes, is best explored when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. Rajasthan is one of the states in India that should not be missed when travelling around the country. The state is packed with culture, history and magnificent architecture, featuring vibrant, colourful cities, local handicrafts and a rich folk culture. Winter is the perfect season to experience the beauty of Rajasthan. From forts and palaces to lakes and gardens, Rajasthan has something for every kind of traveller. Let this be your guide to getting the best Rajasthan experience this winter. 1. Tiger spotting at Ranthambore National Park Tiger at Ranthambore(Image Credit: Canva) An underrated travel experience for wildlife lovers awaits you in the royal state. This winter, swap the palace corridors for jungle trails and head to Ranthambore National Park. The reserve is known for its Royal Bengal tigers, but that isn’t all. The entire safari experience, which can be booked through the official Rajasthan Forest Department portal, involves sightings of varied wildlife, including sambar deer, wild boars and sloth bears. The national park is centred around the historic Ranthambore Fort near Sawai Madhopur. The fort itself has a deep history, with royal women said to have performed jauhar (self-immolation) when Alauddin Khilji laid siege to the fort in 1301. The fort is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under Hill Forts of Rajasthan. 2. Hot-air balloon ride over Rajasthan The streets of Rajasthan are quite narrow and provide a limited view of the city. While forts set atop the Aravalli hills provide beautiful views of the skyline in some places, a hot-air balloon ride over Rajasthan offers a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. This experience has become increasingly popular among young couples, photographers and international tourists. (Image Credit: Canva) October to April is generally a suitable period for outdoor activities in Rajasthan, although the operating season for hot-air balloon rides varies by location and operator. The most popular places for this activity include Jaipur and Pushkar. Sunset flights may be available depending on the operator, while early-morning flights are also common. To ensure a smooth experience, book in advance with a reputable, authorised operator. Moreover, wear comfortable clothes with sufficient layers, as it can get chilly at dawn and dusk. Most importantly, do not forget to enjoy the experience and take a bunch of pictures. 3. Escape to the hills of Mount Abu Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu(Image Credit: Canva) Mount Abu is situated at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet and may surprise you if you are expecting only sand dunes and dry landscapes in Rajasthan. Mount Abu is the state’s only hill station, where you can relax amid cooler air, forested hills and peaceful views. The hill station is home to Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of the Aravalli range, which houses the Guru Dattatreya Temple. The place is most famous for the Dilwara Jain Temples, which are adorned with intricate carvings and are among the important pilgrimage sites of the Śvetāmbara Jain tradition. Other attractions include boating on Nakki Lake and visiting Toad Rock. 4. Heritage walk through Jodhpur’s Blue City Jodhpur, the Blue City(Image Credit: Canva) Imagine an entire city offering Instagram-worthy pictures while giving you a heritage experience. In Jodhpur, the real fun lies in getting lost in the old city’s blue-painted lanes, browsing spice shops and stopping for a plate of quintessential mirchi vada or a glass of lassi. The iconic Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada are the landmark spots to visit in the city. But the trip is incomplete without exploring the local markets, where colourful textiles, handcrafted juttis and traditional jewellery make tempting souvenirs. 5. Jawai, the land of leopards Leopard at Jawai The rugged granite hills of Jawai are an offbeat wildlife destination in Rajasthan’s Pali district. Its safaris are renowned for sightings of free-roaming leopards that live alongside local communities. It is an exemplary place to experience the coexistence of humans and animals, although access and movement are subject to local conditions and wildlife-related guidelines. The place is also frequented by migratory birds that gather around the Jawai Dam. It is the perfect destination if you want to experience rural life in Rajasthan. 6. Sajjangarh — Monsoon Palace Monsoon Palace(Image Credit: Canva) The Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjangarh Palace, is a hilltop palace built by Maharana Sajjan Singh. Originally planned as an astronomical centre, the palace was later used as a monsoon retreat and hunting lodge. It is a splendid sight, offering spectacular views of Udaipur’s skyline and the surrounding areas.