Rajasthan, the royal state of India set on the edge of the Thar Desert, is a medley of gorgeous destinations & fascinating experiences. Its regal heritage, colorful culture, and joyful festivities promise you an experience worth living and cherishing forever. If you are ready to embark on this royal adventure, here are a few pointers to make the best of your holiday in Rajasthan.

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Stay at a Palace

Though thousands of tourists visit the magnificent palaces of Rajasthan, there are just a few who actually live the royal experience. Be the guests at a royal palace and savor the impeccable hospitality and ultimate royal experience befitting the guests of a Maharaja! Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, and the spectacular Lake Palace in Udaipur are some of the best heritage properties that promise you a regal experience.

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Arrive on an Elephant in Style

Don’t just visit a Rajasthani fort, but arrive in style like a Maharaja! Ride on a bedecked elephant up the meandering road to the Amber Fort in Jaipur and feel like royalty as the elephant takes you through the tall gates into the sprawling premises of this hilltop fort.

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Go Tiger Tracking in Ranthambore

Once the royal hunting ground of the Rajputs, Ranthambore is now a protected national park and is hailed for its exciting tiger safari. Visit the ruins of the old fort & temples in the forest, go on an early morning jeep safari to track the beast, and feel the Maharaja-vibes in the jungles of Ranthambore.

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Enjoy a Desert Safari

Experience the rippling desert sands, the gorgeous setting sun, and the romantic allure of the desert that has beckoned travelers for centuries. Enjoy a bonfire in a moonlit desert, dig in delectable local cuisine, dance with the local folk dancers, and let the spirit of the desert take over! Camel safaris in Osian near Jodhpur, Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer, and camel safaris camps in the rural areas of Bikaner are an overwhelming experience.

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Celebrate with the locals

Join in a football match with the locals during the Pushkar Camel Fair and participate in royal traditions at the City Palace Holi celebrations in Udaipur. Celebrate life in the desert at the Jaisalmer Desert Fair, and jubilate at the arrival of monsoons during Teej festivities- the options are various and varied!  A spree of celebrations all around the year gives you a perfect opportunity to celebrate with the locals.

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Bask in the Glory of Sufism

Take a trip to Ajmer in Rajasthan, the bastion of Sufism in India, and check out the qawwals singing Sufi melodies in praise of Saint Moin-ud-din Chishti at his tomb. Floating clouds of incense, fragrance of rose petals, and Sufi strains of the singers create a magical ambiance.

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Hop Aboard a Royal Train

Hop onboard one of the luxury trains, and get ready to be transported back to the days of yore. Indulgent, opulent, and indisputably royal, these luxury trains promise you an experience of a lifetime. The Palace on Wheels and the Maharaja’s Express are the two most sought-after train journeys in the Rajasthan travel circuit.

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Watch a Light and Sound Show

Catch up with the history, legends, and folklore of Rajasthan at the various Light and Sound Shows held in forts & palaces. With their classic scripts and brilliant play of lights, these presentations give you a peek into the illustrious Rajput dynasties. Shows held at Amber Fort in Jaipur, City Palace in Udaipur, and Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur are a perfect way to bring alive the glorious Rajput past.

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Dig into the Street Food

From spicy Mirchi Vadas to crispy Pyaz Kachoris, delicious Daal-Baati-Churma, and piping hot jalebis, Rajasthani cuisine is a jumble of playful flavors. Tickle your taste buds with Rajasthani Laal Maas (mutton curry) & Bajra Roti (millets bread) or dig into a Rajasthani Thali for a sumptuous experience.

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Pick a Colorful Souvenir

Colorful tie-and-dye & batik prints on fabrics & bags, embroidered camel leather footwear, sparkling glass bangles, traditional silver jewelry, an array of vibrant home décor, and miniature Rajasthani paintings are some of the handcrafted stuff to buy from the local markets. Pick whatever you want but be sure to take a piece of Rajasthan with you!

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Well, this is not the end. There is much more in store for you! From haveli-hopping in Mandava & zip lining at the Mehrangarh Fort to hot balloon rides in Pushkar & puppet making in Jodhpur, Rajasthan does not have a single dull moment. Live your experiences and do share them with us to add to our rich repertoire.