Rajasthan has been a humble abode of kings and migratory birds alike. Sporting an avifauna variety of over 500 species, it’s truly a birder’s paradise. Amongst the birding community Rajasthan is more famous for the migratory birds it hosts in the months of winter. Rajasthan sports an avifauna diversity of approx. 510 species including the majestic raptors and vultures, it’s truly a birder’s paradise. Tal Chhapar, Jorbeer, and Keoladeo Ghana national park. Jorbeer is home to Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Cinereous Vultures, Steppe Eagles, and Eastern Imperial Eagle. Tal chhapar is home to White eyed buzzard. Other famous bird watching places include Desert National Park which hosts several threatened species like Mac Quinn’s Bustard, Kumbhalgarh National Park, Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, and many more. Rajasthan never disappoints as bird watching destination and the kind of raptors you can see here in one place; you can’t do anywhere else.

The mighty state of India covering a part of the great Thar desert, Rajasthan is a prime tourist destination of the country. The state has a grand history and a colorful culture. The dynamic history has introduced many cultures into the land.

Today, the ancient structures and the modern bustling cities thrive together, making it one of the royal cities to visit at least once in your lifetime. Read here the Top Reasons to Visit Rajasthan:

Royal Palaces and Grand Forts

The main difference between Rajasthan and other historic destinations in the country is the royal structures of the region. You can find numerous palaces, havelis, forts and other structures that were built since 12th century or even earlier. These remarkable structures stand as a welcome banner for those who would like to explore the historic beauty of the land. Top forts and palaces to visit in Rajasthan are Amer Palace, City Palace, Jaisalmer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Hawa Mahal and others.

Royal Stay in a Heritage Properties

These palaces are not just for sightseeing. If you are ready to live like a royal heir during your trip, there are numerous palaces, which are now converted into heritage properties. These properties still hold the royal décor and grand comfort, which are common among the royals.

Stay For The Wildlife

Rajasthan is a desert state. This does not mean that the entire state will be in the stereotypical desert scenario with rolling thorn bushes, cactus and acres of nothing but sand. Rajasthan’s nature is as diverse as its culture. You can find many enchanting forest regions, which are converted into wildlife parks. Safaris and walking tours in these parks are very famous among nature enthusiasts and photographers. Top national parks in the state are Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh National Park and others. It is best to visit during winter season to enjoy the most out of these national parks.

The Color-Coded Cities

Each city is embedded with a color, thanks to the history, nature and architecture. The Jaisalmer is the Golden City, thanks to the golden yellow desert sand. Jaipur was painted to become Pink City to welcome the Prince of Wales. The city of Jodhpur is the Blue City. It is literally dipped in blue. During the royal times, the royal blue paint could be used only by royals and people of upper caste. After independence, everyone painted their houses in the forbidden royal blue, making it the Blue City. Udaipur is the White City, thanks to the lakes and white palaces.

Colorful Festivals

The best of all the cultural elements of India is the festivals. Thanks to the vibrant culture of Rajasthan, the festivals are even more exclusively beautiful. Not a month goes by without any grand festival. The best of all are the Teej Festival, Elephant Fair, Desert Festival, International Kite Festival, International Folk Festival, Pushkar Fair and others.

One of the main elements of the festival is the cultural performances. Each region of the state has its own main dance and music heritage. Top traditional dances to enjoy are Kalbelia dance, Bhavai dance, Kathputli dance, KacchiGhodi, TerahTaali and others.

Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences

Rajasthan is famous for its unique nature and heritage value. With these, you get to enjoy unique experiences like enjoying moonlit dinner in the middle of a desert, camping in desert, spotting tigers, hot-air ballooning, dune bashing, elephant trip to forts, painting on elephants, zip lining and many others. After all, unique experiences are the ones that make your vacation more memorable.

Shopping Experience

The land is rich with cultural elements and thus, the handicraft section is filled with unique articles. Apart from these, the camel hair and skin articles are one-of-a-kind souvenirs of the land. The vibrant clothing, leather accessories and most importantly, the spices of the land are just an introduction to the shop-o-mania waiting for you in Rajasthan. Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer are some of the top destinations to land for shopping.

Desert Cuisine At Its Best

Do not underestimate what a desert could provide. The main ingredients are desert berries, spices, dals and beans. On the other hand, the land is rich in animal wealth. Milk and meat make up for what is missing in the vegetable site. The dessert section is filled with milk delicacies for you to try. Moreover, the cuisine uses as much as vegetables as possible to create a royal dining experience for all vegetarian foodies too. The cuisine depends on the spices to create the right gastronomic epic taste. Top classic dishes to try are Dal BatiChurma, Rajasthan Thali, Laal Maas, and others.

Ranthambore palace was built like a traditional Rajput hunting palace surrounded by a 16th century style fortress. In the past, maharajas stayed in opulent palaces during hunting season. It perfectly recreates a palace near the former royal hunting grounds, Ranthambore National Park. Upon arrival one is instantly blown away by the magnificent architecture. They have truly captured the traditional Rajasthani style in this elegant property.

From stunning fountains to grand towers, the majestic architecture extends throughout the whole property. The gardens leading towards the main building (used as the main photo for this post) is most mesmerizing section with its lush gardens and series of fountains. The palace also has two swimming pools and a spa, perfect for relaxing after a trip to the Ranthambore National Park.

From transport to arranging our tiger safari, Homelikestay assistsyou in making tour arrangements as a part of the itinerary.Advance booking the Tiger Safari for the Ranthambore National Park is advised since booking this tour online is not feasible for foreign nationals.

A Hotel Room Fit for Royalty

You stay in one of the huge air-conditioned rooms on the ground floor which faced a lovely courtyard. It was breath-taking. The palace encapsulated the opulent life of the maharajas. One really felt like royalty.

The high-ceiling room are furnished with a four-poster bed, a sofa and a dresser. Elements of Rajasthani architecture were also evident in the rooms — stained-glass windows, elaborate doors and colourful arches on the ceiling. Some of the roomshave a balcony which are perfectly cushioned and accented with throw pillows. While there was no TV in the room, you realize that you don’t really need it during your stay. Room amenities included a fridge, tea and coffee facility and free Wi-Fi.

The extravagant dining room was like one you’d find in a Disney Princess movie. It reminded one of Beauty and the Beast with the many chandeliers and candle holders. The atmosphere here is amazing. The staff is even dressed in traditional clothing.

Fields of wheat and mustard swaying in the morning breeze, the echoing ring of the temple bell and the leopards that laze around watching the people go about their day – In a country with booming modernization and economic growth, Jawai still holds onto its organic essence and exists in harmony with the nature that surrounds its lands.

In May of 1949, Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur started to build, what is now the largest dam in Western Rajasthan on the river Jawai, which was one of the few significant signs of modernity in the area.

It is quite remarkable how such a seemingly dull village scene, when looked closely, can suddenly turn to an interesting window into a complex mélange of humanity, wildlife and our relationship with nature.

The luxurious leopard camps are located on a private farm of 120 acres near Jawai Dam which lies between Udaipur & Jodhpur. Five luxury Swiss tents furnished with all advanced/modern amenities with appointed attached bathrooms. The tents are cozy and ideal for a wildlife holiday. The campsite also happens to be the hosts home, a part of the farm is where his family lives and yet guests enjoy their privacy and engagement with the guest at the same time.

Delicious home cooked meals that come host’s kitchen with authentic Rajasthani flavors in the rural & rustic settings of the campsite. Experience wilderness as the Leopards of Jawai are worldwide famous for living in harmony with human settlements.

The mornings and evenings are occupied spotting leopards while the rest of the time one can enjoy the bird life at Jawai or shoot the sun basking crocodile with your lenses.

After Agra, we were set to depart for Jaipur but not before a night’s stay in Dhula Village, a small village in rural India on the route between Agra and Jaipur.

We arrive at Dhula Village in the late afternoon. The first thing we noticed was the sheer silence that surrounded us. Not a horn to speak of. Bliss. The grounds were beautiful and as the sun began to shine. The unique element of our stay in Dhula Village was the accommodation at Dhula Bagh. We stayed in large tents, more glamping than camping, complete with beds and their own bathroom including a proper toilet! Impressive!!

After a wander of the grounds and a short relax in our tent, we all regrouped for dinner, a buffet of curries and breads made from their own home-grown produce. It was delicious and some of the best curry we have eaten so far in India. The evening was rounded off with a lovely a campfire, a well-earned relaxing evening after a hectic few days.

A bike ride through the main village and around the surrounding areas was an optional activity which James did but I decided to walk with a few of the others to the village instead. The locals were very welcoming, friendly and always waved and said hello.