10 Attractive Places in Assam

If you are looking for variety while choosing your holiday destination, Assam could be the perfect spot. Be it the natural scenery or culture of the people of Assam, you are sure to be awed by the variety and color Assam has to offer. People belonging to various cultures and races live here. The land has people following various faiths. Assam is home for various crafts as well. Though the picturesque state has so much to offer, ensure that you do not miss the top 10 places to visit in Assam.

1. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site. The park is spread over 430 sq. kms and you will find various wild species such as tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, Indian bison, sambar, deer and many more. If you love birds, you need to be here during winter as migratory birds are seen in great numbers. You could go round the park in a jeep or car. If you fancy elephant ride, you are most welcome. The nearest cities from Kaziranga National Park are Jorhat and Tezpur. Image credits Deva

2. Agnigarh Hill

Agnigarh hill is situated in Tezpur in Assam. As per Hindu mythology, a fortress was built here by King Banasura with a view to isolate his daughter Usha. The legend further goes to say that the place derived the name owing to the fire that surrounded the fortress always to avoid movement in and out of the place. The word Agni means fire. Image credits PXT1

3. Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple is located on Nilachal Hill, Guwahati top at an altitude of 800 feet above sea level. River Brahmaputra flows on the northern side of the hill. The temple is over 2200 years old. Apart from its rich cultural heritage, Kamakhya is beauty personified. It offers a stunning view of rivers and hills. Whatever faith one follows in life, being at this location would make one experience divinity. Image credits rob of rochdale

4. Dibru Saikhowa National Park

Dibru Saikhowa National Park is situated in Tinsukia in Assam. It owns the credit of being one among the major biodiversity hotspots of the world and one among the largest parks in Assam. The park is a blend of deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests and swamp surface making it bio-diverse. You will find many rare wildlife species here andferal horses are one of the most famous species seen here. Image credits Rubul Deka

5. Orang National Park

The park is situated on the northern banks of the river Brahmaputra. It is the only National Park in the country, which was created naturally. The tribes who lived there had abandoned 78.81-sq.km area. Some of the animals found here include royal Bengal tiger, one horned rhinoceros, leopard, elephant and many more. The place offers great delight to bird watchers as one could find various local birds and migratory birds here. Image credits Sandrine

6. Haflong Lake

Haflong Lake is situated at the centre of Haflong hill town, which is famously called the‘Switzerland of the East’. The picturesque landscape with blue hills, large and beautiful lakes, enthralling streams, waterfalls and abundance of pineapple trees and orange trees earns the title for Haflong town. Haflong Lake is one among the two lakes of the town. It is situated at an altitude of 1683 feet above MSL and no wonder you will find clouds and mists touching your arms as they gently move away. The beauty not only enthralls you but also offers various water sports and hence both your body and mind are rejuvenated. Image credits shil55

7. Digboi

Asia’s first oil refinery, which is the second in world, is in Digboi. The oil town not only has refinery, which is over 100 years old but also has number of tea gardens. The place with misty blue hills offers various attractions including Digboi Oil Refinery, Ridge Point and Digboi Centenary Museum. From Ridge Point, you could have a stunning view of snow-clad mountains of eastern Himalayas. Digboi Centenary Museum gives you an insight into the history of the town. Image credits Dipsekhar Photography

8. Diphu

Diphu is situated in Karbi Anglong district in Assam. The town has various tourist attractions. If you love nature, you would love Arboretum, which is located near Diphu. The13-hectare lush greenery offers spectacular views, which soothes your mind. Botanical Garden, which is a 5 km distance from Diphu, houses a variety of species of trees and plants. Boating facilities are available here. If you are keen to learn about the cultural past of the town, you need to visit District Museum. The museum was founded in 1886 and it displays artifacts that have archaeological importance and represent the culture of the land. You could find hunting tools used by the tribes here. Image credits Assam tourist spots

9. Umrangshu

Like most of the towns in Assam, Umrangshu is a picturesque beauty with beautiful hills and lush greenery. You would love your journey if you go trekking from Haflong Hill to Umrangshu. If you are planning a perfect holiday in a serene atmosphere that elevates your spirits, you cannot choose a better place than Umrangshu. Nature has blessed certain places on earth abundantly, but Umrangshu gains prominence as it remains untouched by the modern world in the name of so-called civilization. Garampani, the hot spring here attracts many tourists for its medicinal value. Kapili Hydel Power Plant is situated near the border and it is a famous tourist spot being the first of its kind here. Image creditsAssam tourist spots

10. Cruise on River Brahmaputra

Your trip to Assam will not be complete if you do not cruise river Brahmaputra. Dividing the city into 2 halves, the majestic flow of the river offers stunning views and great entertainment. Brahmaputra is the longest river in the country and cruising on the river that flows through the rich beauty of Assam is a unique experience. A cruise on Brahmaputra offers tea garden visits, wildlife viewing and exploring villages and towns. You could have a great time experiencing the essence of Assam on your cruise. Image credits Assam tourist spots

The moment you think of Assam, you might feel the tea taste in your mouth. If you visittourist places in Assam, you will see that the state has a lot more to offer. Barpeta,Bongaigaon, Dispur, Goalpara, Karimganj, Nalbari and Silchar are also some places which are worth a visit in Assam. The scenic landscapes and the enthralling views of Assam make the place a traveler’s delight.

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

The words Tamil Nadu literally means ‘The Land of The Tamils or Tamil Country’. The State of Tamil Nadu is the 11th largest State out of the 29 states of India. But what Tamil Nadu lacks in size, it gains in its abundance of natural resources. The western, north-western and the southern parts are abundant in vegetation since they’re the meeting points of the Western and Eastern Ghats with the Nilgiris Hills. This makes the state an ecological niche which gives the State of Tamil Nadu abundance in flora and fauna. Tamil Nadu has also been home to the oldest of civilizations, and has seen the rule of various ancient dynasties like the Chera, Chola and Pandya which ruled the region between 300 BC – 300 AD. The state of Tamil Nadu is thus rich in both the aspects of Cultural and Natural making it a tourist haven. In this article we shall discuss about the 10 popular places you must Visit in Tamil Nadu.

1. Chennai

Formerly known by the name Madras, Chennai is the Capital City of Tamil Nadu. The city has been surrounded by the South Indian Kingdoms since ages, thus it has always been the forefront of all cultural, economical, social, commercial and industrial development in the south of India. Chennai is the short form of the actual name Chennapatnam. It’s often nicknamed as the Detroit of India, due to Chennai housing the majority of India’s Automobile industries. Not only industries, the city is famous for its distinctive culture and heritage as well and you might need to take around 2-3 days to properly explore this city alone.

The city houses more than 20 heritage structures including railway stations, Museums, Book Shops, Cinema halls and many more. Chennai is also famous for its clean sandy beaches, parks, temples and cultural centers. There are various shopping attractions here and most sorts for Modern Day Activities one can name. With a big list of tourist attractions, Chennai is aptly the 3rd most visited City by tourists after Delhi and Mumbai. Image Credits Thiagu

2. Mahabalipuram

Also known as Mamallapuram, the city of Mahabalipuram is famous for its ancient and cultural heritage. The city of Mahabalipuram was a prominent sea port dating back to 7th century AD and was ruled by the Pallava Dynasty. The place is famous for its monuments and is classified among the UNESCO world heritage sites. Almost all of the monuments are carved out of Granite and display the brilliance of Dravidian style architecture.

The town is otherwise a small one and the best way to get around it either by foot or bike rental. The attractions in the whole town can be covered in a day or two. The city is bustling with tourists most times of the year except monsoons. The amazing location of this place adds to the charm of the monuments and the intricate carvings. The temples here are a marvel to behold and with the aid of a knowledgeable tour guide one can totally get lost in the ancient stories behind each of the monuments. Image Credits bubble_boy

3. Kanyakumari

The southernmost tip of mainland India, Kanyakumari was formerly known by the nameCape Comorin. The ancient town of Kanyakumari was an important site during the Reign of the Chola, Chera and Pandya dynasty. The town is famous for its beautiful beaches, temples, monuments and cultural centers. The town is also famous for its distinctive culture and hospitable people.

The place due to its unique location witnesses a marvel like only a few places in the world has seen i.e. the sunrise and the sunset can be viewed at the same beach. The town lays at the confluence of three bodies of water namely the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal and is thus considered an important pilgrimage site in the south of India. The temples here are built in Dravidian style of architecture. The various south Indian delicacies served here are great and light on the stomach and include some of the south Indian classics like Sambhar, Idli and Dosa etc. a trip to this town is sure to refresh your senses. Image Credits svenkadesh

4. Madurai

The 3rd largest city in Tamil Nadu, Madurai is also one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. The place has been mentioned by many such as Kautilya and Megasthenes. The city has been ruled by both the Pandya and the Chola dynasties. The city houses a number of important and magnificent temples that it is built around. Geographically the city of Madurai lies on the fertile plains near the river Vaigai which divides the city in two parts. The land is thus mainly used for agriculture and the major supplier for paddy crops such as rice in India.

The majority of tourists who come to Madurai come to visit the various temples that enshrine this ancient city. The Meenakshi Ammam Temple is of prime importance here as it has been mentioned in almost all the ancient texts and is considered as the prime pilgrim spot for the Tamil people. The Temple complex consists of 27 different temples and the highest tower with the height of 51.9 meters high crowns the place. Many different monuments and temples are also a must visit along with the various festivals celebrated here. The town of Madurai is a spiritual experience in itself. Image Credits R E B E L

5. Kodaikanal

The town is also referred to as the ‘Princess of the Hill stations’ with its name meaning ‘the Gift of the Forest’. It is a small hill station with an average elevation of 2,331 meters above sea level. The place is surrounded by thick forests and is located at the top of the Palani Hills. The establishment of the hill station dates back to 1845 which was founded as a refuge from the heat and the diseases of the tropical plains. The town is a major tourist attraction and tourism industry is the source of the majority of the town’s economy.

Kodaikanal is famous for its scenic beauty and has a number of natural attractions that is the reason for its high tourist population. The lakes, parks and different waterfalls along with the rich abundance of flora and fauna, the town, is indeed the gift of the forests. The place is a home to many natural marvels and phenomena such as the blooming of the rare Kurinji Flower which only blooms once in 12 years and is said to cover the entire valley in blue. With its various flora and natural and manmade attractions to enjoy, Kodaikanal will make you want to stay. Image Credits Noushad Bangalore

6. Vellore

Also known as, the Fort city, Vellore is located at the banks of Palar River at the North-eastern part of Tamil Nadu. The city came under the reign of various kingdoms and monarchies such as the Pallava, the Chola, the Carnatic Kingdom and the British. The place’s name comes from the Monolithic fort of Vellore which was built in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar Kings and is constructed out of granite. The fort complex has a Christian church courtesy the British, a Mosque and an old Hindu Temple which has some of the most magnificent carvings.

The place has a lot of historic relevance as well, as the fort of Vellore is said to have housed Tipu sultan’s family during the British Rule. Apart from the fort there are several other attractions that have made it an important tourist destination. The various temples with a brilliant display of carvings and Dravidian Style architecture, the picturesque hill station of Yelagiri, the churches and mosques and various shopping hotspots has made it a must visit place in Tamil Nadu. Image Credits Ponraj Krish

7. Ooty

The Capital of the Nilgiris District, Ooty or Ootacamund is one of the top visited hill stations in India. The place lies in the heart of the Nilgiris Mountains with an average elevation of 2,240 meters above sea level. The place is characterized by the blue smoky mist from the thick eucalyptus forests and is also known to house the rare kurunji flower. The town’s major source of economy, like most hill stations is tourism. Many officials of the British government described the likeliness of this place to resemble Switzerland.

Despite of being located in the tropical region of India, Ooty enjoys a pleasant and mild climate throughout the year, with chilly nights. The best time to visit is between the months of December till February and is frequented by tourists all around. The various lakes, mountains, gardens and valleys are amazing places to visit. The different peaks are great spots for trekking and the lakes make amazing camping and picnic spots. A visit to Ooty and you will experience a surrounding which is unique to almost any place in India.Image Credits spicydev007

8. Kanchipuram

The city of Kanchipuram is located on the shores of the Vegavathy River. The city has seen a number of ruling dynasties and monarchies such as the Pandya, Cholas, the Vijaynagar Empire, the Carnatic kingdom and the British monarchy. Kanchipuram since medieval times has been significant as the educational center and was known as the place for learning. The city is also famous for its various temples that are built in the Dravidian style of architecture and display amazing stone carvings. Kanchipuram has been an important city and has been mentioned in texts dating back to the Maurya Period (325-185 BC) and has been constantly mentioned as a city like no other in the Dravidian Kingdom.

Kanchipuram apart from its various temples is also known for its medicinal herbs, this fact has been vouched for by the ancient texts as well. One of the major products of Kanchipuram is its specialized silk and more than 5000 families residing here are involved in silk weaving and famous for the “Kanchipuram silk Saris”. The place is rich in both natural and manmade attractions and has a distinct culture that one must experience. With its various Temples, bird Sanctuary, beaches, backwaters etc. makes the city a must visit. Image Credits Xavier Favro

9. Coimbatore

The highly industrialized town of Coimbatore is often termed as the ‘Manchester of India’. It is the second largest city in terms of area in the State of Tamil Nadu. The place is famous for its various temples, shopping hubs and typical Tamil food items. The town of Coimbatore is also surrounded by various picnic spots like waterfalls and rivers which are sure to refresh your senses and are great places to visit with family or friends. The city is located on the banks of the Noyyal River and is surrounded by the Western Ghats.

The best thing about this city is its pleasant weather all year round. The thick forest covered mountains and the cool wind from the Palghat gap makes the hot weather a pleasant one. The city also takes pride in housing the Siruvani River which is a tributary of the River Kaveri. The special thing about this river is the taste of the water due to a perfect mix of the minerals making it the second tastiest water in the world after the Nile River (do not buy packaged water when you visit this place). There are various parks and zoos that only add to the large number of tourist attractions present in this city. Image Credits Sreekanth Arayankavu

10. Tirunelveli

Another ancient city in Tamil Nadu, Tirunelveli is famous for its temples. The city is located at the southernmost tip of the Deccan plateau with the river Tamirabarani running through the city. The city is a religious and agricultural hub and thrives on tourism. The place is abundant in natural resources and has a diverse range of physical features like mountain ranges, rivers, sea coasts and forests.

The temples here are of special significance as they were created in medieval times by the ruling dynasties of that era and display some brilliant architecture and stone carvings. Apart from being a monumental hub of Tamil Nadu, the city holds numerous undiscovered spots which make it a tourist haven. The forests house a variety of natural flora and fauna along with many rare and endangered species. The best time to visit the place is between October-February when the climate is pleasant and the vegetation is at its peak. Image Credits Sankar Salvady

The Magical State of Tamil Nadu is the second most frequented tourist spot in India. With its abundance in natural and man-made wonders the city has more than 4000 years of cultural history. Most of the sites and monuments from the ancient era have been well preserved along with the natural resources which make it a definitive tourist attraction.

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8 Stunning Places to Visit in Jodhpur

How would it feel to be greeted by the first ray of sun in the morning, not through your window at your home but in a land where the sun seems to ‘rise’? Jodhpur is famously called the Sun City, as the sun is visible here first every morning. Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha and the city earned its name after him. The second largest city in the state of Rajasthan is divided into old city and new city. The city is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces. Given below are the top 8 places to visit in Jodhpur that need a definite place in your itinerary.

1. Mehrangarh Fort

Beyond question, Mehrangarh Fort tops the list of ‘must visit’ places in Jodhpur. It is one among the largest Indian forts. This invincible fort stands magnificently 400 feet above the city. Rao Jodha constructed the fort in 1459 AD. Though the attempt to construct the fort was started in 1459, the fort had seen many centuries before it was completed. Hence, you could find that the style of architecture represents various periods. The grandeur in architecture is awe-inspiring. It offers stunning views of the city. The fort stands as a symbol of power. Image credits Ritesh maity Photography

2. Jaswant Thada

Jaswant Thada was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, the Second in the year 1899. This is close to Mehrangarh Fort. The tranquility of the marble construction is enchanting. The carvings are intricate. Inside Jaswant Thada, you will find the portraits of the Rathore rulers. The grounds of Jaswant Thada consist of a stunning multilevel garden, intricately carved gazebos and a pond. Image credits lifebeginsat50mm

3. Balsamand Lake

Balsamand Lake is an artificial lake that was constructed by Balak Rao Parihar in 1159 AD. The lush greenery around the lake has mango groves, papaya groves and groves of guava, plum and pomegranate. Balsamand Lake Palace was intended to serve as summer resort for the royal family of Jodhpur. The lawns and gardens with birds and peacocks finding their homes here, the place is exquisite. The palace reflects Rajputana style of architecture. The palace turned heritage hotel was built of red sandstone. Image creditssabamonin

4. Kailana Lake

Kailana Lake is located on west of the city. This is yet another artificial lake, which was constructed in the year 1872 by Pratap Singh. This is one amongst the most frequented lakes in Rajasthan. It is a birdwatchers’ paradise. You could sail on a boat if you aim to add some breathtaking photographs to your collection. The view of sunset would be stunning. Image credits Ankit varshneya

5. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park

The aim behind the formation of Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park in the year 2006 was to restore the rocky area near the fort. Once preliminary steps were taken to restore the land, more than 80 native plant species from the famous Thar Desert were grown. The 200 acres of park is located at the foot of the impregnable Mehrangarh Fort. The place reflects the hard work and dedication of the ecologists who spared no efforts to make the place green. Image credits Nilesh Korgaokar

6. Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum

The construction of Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum was started in the year 1929 and it was completed in 1943. The palace is situated on the highest point in the city. The 347-roomed massive palace is named one of the largest private residences in the world. The palace boasts of a combination of Indian and European style of architecture. A part of the palace still serves as a residence to the former royal family, while other two parts of the palace are converted into Taj Palace Hotel and museum. Image credits bandarji

7. Mandore Gardens

Mandore, belonging to the 6th century, was Marwar’s capital before Jodhpur was established. Mandore Gardens here attract tourists in great numbers. The Mandore Gardens also house a government museum, a ‘Hall of Heroes’ and a temple to 33 crore Gods. Various artifacts and statues found in the area are housed at the museum. The architectural splendor of the bygone era is clearly evident here. Image credits Nagarjun

8. Clock Tower

Clock Tower is a famous landmark in the Old City. It was constructed by Maharaja Sardar Singh during his tenure between 1880 and 1911. The clock tower offers a good view of the fort. Sardar Market is adjacent to Clock Tower where a wide range of products is sold. You can find handicrafts, saris, spices, vegetables and a lot more. There are over 7000 shops and you can have a great shopping experience here. Image creditscarbajo.sergio

Famously called the ‘Sun City’ and the ‘Blue City’, tourist places in Jodhpur brings back the days of the past. If you are passionate about things of the past, you will love the city that is rich in palaces, forts and museums. You could indulge yourself in a great purchasing spree as the city offers unique handicrafts, antiques, miniature elephants, silver jewelry and many more. Also, checkout other attractions in Rajasthan by visiting this link.

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, known formerly by the name Rajputana or the land of the kings, is the largest state in the republic of India. It covers an area of 342,239 sq kilometers which is 10.4% of India. However despite of its large size it is covered by the Great Indian Desert, Thar. The Thar Desert runs parallel to the Sutlej-Indus river valley. Being located at the forefront of Indian civilization, the state of Rajasthan has seen the age of kings thus, explaining the moniker ‘the land of kings’. Rajasthan houses an amazing display of arts and architecture, courtesy of it being a princely state. Each individual kingdom of Rajasthan has a distinctive style of architecture and arts making it one of the most culturally diverse places in the world. In this article we shall list out the 10 popular places to visit in Rajasthan.

1. Jaipur

The capital of the state, Jaipur is also the largest city in the princely state of Rajasthan. It was founded in 1727, by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Sawai Jaisingh II, who was the ruler of Amber. Also known by the nickname ‘Pink City of India’ which is due to the distinctive saffron or pink color of the buildings. The planning of the city was done according to the Vedic Vastu Shastra (Indian architecture). The well planned streets and detailed and artistic architecture make it one of the top preferred tourist locations.

In the 2008 Conde Nast Traveller Readers Choice Survey, Jaipur was ranked #7 of the best places to visit in Asia. Jaipur has lots to offer to even the most average tourists. Forts, monuments, temples, Gardens, museums and vast market places of Jaipur bring tourists who come from all around the world to experience the food, fun and frolic at this wonderful town. Jaipur is also home to a huge no. of arts and craft with over 20 unique specializations. To learn more about the tourist places in Jaipur, please visit: places to visit in Jaipur. You might want to plan a separate 3 day itinerary for this city alone.Image Credits pacific1117

2. Udaipur

While in a few texts, it has been termed as the Venice of the East, the City of Udaipuris known by its common moniker, the city of lakes. The city was the capital of the Sisodiya Rajputs of Mewar and is famous for its palaces that exemplify the finesse of Rajputana Style architecture. Udaipur was founded in 1553 by the Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Maharana Udai Singh II. The Mewar Rajputs founded the city to relocate their capital from Chittor to a more secure location. Today, most of the palaces have been converted into hotels, thus attracting a huge no. of tourist crowd to this city.

The city’s picturesque location at the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains, the state of Udaipur is a unique destination. Apart from its various palaces, forts, market places, and various temples are also the reason for its popularity. The cities are well planned and the people hospitable, the place is not only famous for its palaces and monuments, the city of Udaipur has a lot to offer its visitors. To learn more about the popular tourist places in Udaipur, please visit: places to visit in Udaipur. Image Credits lindsaypunk

3. Jodhpur

The second largest City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is also the second most populated city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city was founded in 1459 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler, Rao Jodha Singh of Marwar. The city was founded as Marwar’s new capital after the fall of the former capital of Mandore. Jodhpur is also called the Sun City as it enjoys a bright sunny weather all year round. Strategically, it is considered to be the most important city of western Rajasthan as it lies only at a distance of 250 kilometers from the Indo-Pakistan border.

Also, because it lies in the center of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is an important tourist destination as well. Jodhpur has been listed many a times in various tourism magazines and documentaries and has topped the lonely planet’s list of most extraordinary place to stay in 2014. The various hill forts, palaces and the old walled city are just a handful of attractions from the multitude that this wonderful city has to offer. To learn more about the famous tourist places in Jodhpur, please visit: places to visit in Jodhpur. Image Creditsmr_sandro1

4. Jaisalmer

The aptly named “golden city”, which comes from its view during the day, the city ofJaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded by The Bhati Rajput ruler Maharawal Jaisal Singh in 1156 Ad. The city gets its name from the golden sands of the Thar Desert and the same golden colored sandstone used in the city’s architecture. The city is a famous tourist spot due to its magnificent architecture and the various arts and crafts which are unique to this region. The city thrives on tourism, and can be called a home away from home for a huge no. of tourists from all around the world.

The unique feature about the city of Jaisalmer is its architecture. It was built as a walled city which makes it one of the largest forts in the world. You might want to pack a lot of paperbacks and almost 3-4 days to enjoy the life in this city to its fullest. The fort has numerous eateries that offer Italian, French and local cuisines. Visit during the months of November and December and you will enjoy this castle city to its fullest. To know more about the main tourist spots in Jaisalmer, please visit: places to visit in Jaisalmer.Image Credits DineshGarg

5. Bikaner

The city of Bikaner was founded in 1488 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler Rao Bika. Rao Bika was the son of the Rathore Ruler Rao Jodha who founded Jodhpur. The land was usurped from the rivaling Jat rulers of that time. However, no matter how many wars the ancient city has seen in the past, today Bikaner is another prime tourist destination and is famous for its sweets and snacks. The place is known for its forts and food.

The various arts and crafts of this place are also unique, especially the intricately carved windowpanes called jharokhas. It is one town we would personally recommend for you to visit if you want to experience the authentic taste of rajasthani cuisines. The various fairs held in Bikaner also attract a huge no. of visitors from all around India and the world. The famous temples like Karni Mata and Laxmi Nath Temple etc. are also worth the visit. To know more about the main tourist destinations in Bikaner, please visit: places to visit in Bikaner. Image Credits Abhishek

6. Pushkar

Lying in the Ajmer District of Rajasthan, the holy City of Pushkar is often described as the king of pilgrimage sites in India. The town is located at the shores of the Pushkar Lake, which was created by the tears of Lord Shiva. The town is one of the oldest cities of India and the date of its origin is unknown and is often associated with the Hindu mythology. The town is famous for its temples and various Ghats which are frequented by hundreds of visitors during the annual bath. The water of the lake is considered sacred and thus is responsible for the town’s repute as a pilgrimage spot. To learn more about tourist places in Pushkar, visit: Places to visit in Pushkar.

Perhaps the most illustrious attraction of Pushkar is the annual camel fair. It is a five day fair held where people buy and sell livestock. But that’s not all; the fair is home to a large no. of tourist crowd that is attracted by the music, dance and various events that are held here during the camel fair. Camel races are one of the major attractions as well. Image Credits Piyush

7. Sawai Madhopur

Sawai Madhopur was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh of The Kachwaha Rajputs and was founded in 1763. While the town itself doesn’t have any notable tourist attractions, just two attractions have made this city a must visit place in Rajasthan. They are the Ranthambore Fort and the Ranthambore National park. Both of the two places are a must visit and will take up around 2-3 days for one to explore properly. For other tourist attractions, please visit: tourist places to visit in Ranthambore. The Ranthambore forests were the hunting grounds for the Kachwaha Rajputs of Jaipur till the time India received its independence. After independence it was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary and it rose to being a tiger reserve in 1973 and got its national park status in 1980.

One should also visit the Ranthambore fort, which is a part of the UNESCO world heritage site. The fort is situated in the forests of the Ranthambore National Park. The construction of the fort predates the reign of the Kachwaha Rajput Clan and was founded by the Nagil Jat Ruler Raja Sajraj Veer Singh Nagil in 944 AD. The fort housed many different ruling clans till it finally fell to the Kachwaha Rajputs of Jaipur. The vast cultural history imbibed in this ancient architecture is a must visit indeed. Image Credits saragrahi

8. Chittorgarh

The ancient city of Chittorgarh also known as Chittor, was said to have been founded by the Maurya Dynasty. However its significance rose when the Ruler of the Sisodiya Rajput Clan of Mewar captured the city in 734 Ad and made it the capital of Mewar. The place is known to be the birthplace of many great warriors and historical figures like the Great Maharana Pratap and the Hindu saint, Meera Bai. The city being an ancient place contains many different palaces, temples and forts which display some of the most advanced architectural designs and artistic mastery.

One of the major places in Chittorgarh is the Chittorgarh fort, which is the largest fort in India. The fort was the former capital of mewar before its relocation to the more secure city of Udaipur. The fort was founded in the 7th century by the 1st Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Bappa Rawal and spreads over an area of 2.8 sq kilometers and its highest elevation point is 1,075 meters above sea level. Upon visiting you will experience and witness the Rajput style architecture at its best. The fort complex itself contains several palaces, gardens and temples most of which have a great historical significance. Image Credits serenapc

9. Mount Abu

The place takes pride of it being the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan.Mount Abu is situated in the Aravalli mountain range and is a part of the Sirohi District of Rajasthan. The place apart from being a retreat for the people of Rajasthan and Gujarat from the scorching sun but has a lot of historical and religious significance. Mount Abu was known as the Arbuda Mountain, which has been mentioned in the Hindu Epic Mahabharata and is known for to be the place where the Great Sage Vashishta retired. The hill station houses many ancient sites and temples which are frequented by many pilgrims from across India along with many forts and lakes.

The place is a heavenly retreat for the sun scorched people of Rajasthan, with its lush green surroundings and various picnic spots. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Trevor’s Crocodile Park, Nakki Lake and the most Famous Dilwara Jain Temples are situated here. Apart from these, one can also visit the ruins of Achalgarh Fort which was built in the 17th century. The surroundings and the cool and enjoyable weather make it a place like no other in the desert state of Rajasthan. To know more about the main tourist destinations in Mount Abu, please visit: places to visit in Mount Abu. Image Credits michael

10. Alwar

The City of Alwar Founded by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Pratap Singh in 1770. The town’s name was Ulwar during those days and was changed to Alwar to bring it to the top in the alphabetically arranged list of the Princely states of Rajputana. The town is significant for its various military participations in various battles and was the first state of Rajputana to sign a treaty with the British East India Company.

The city being one of the princely states of the Rajputana has tones of tourist attractions. The forts, temples and the immense abundance of natural Fauna has brought this place in this list. The Haunted Bhangarh Fort, The Karni Mata Temple, the Historic site of Pandupole, and the Sariska Tiger Reserve are just a few of the many attraction this city houses. Image Credits Yajuvendra

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