When you think of Rajasthan, what comes to mind are its vibrant cities, bustling markets, and opulent palaces. But did you know that the state is also home to some of India's most breathtaking natural wonders? Well to be completely honest, even I didn't know most of these places before my recent trip to Rajasthan where I got a chance to explore these hidden gems of the state.
I started my journey exploring the forts and palaces in Rajasthan and I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, the cities are incredible, but I was starting to crave a bit of nature. So I decided to venture beyond the cities and discover Rajasthan's natural wonders and that was one of the best decisions I made. After this journey, I realized there is so much more to Rajasthan than its palaces and historical buildings. This blog explores the wonders I discovered on this trip so that people don't miss out on these marvelous places when booking Rajasthan tour packages.
Ranthambore National Park
My first stop was Ranthambore National Park, where I embarked on a tiger safari. As we bounced along the dirt tracks in our jeep, I couldn't help but feel like I was on a Jurassic Park adventure. And then, just as I was starting to feel a bit disappointed that we hadn't seen any tigers, one appeared out of nowhere. It was breathtaking. The park is also home to a wide range of other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and various species of birds.
Mount Abu
Next up was Mount Abu, a hill station in the Aravalli Range. As I made my way up the winding roads, it seemed like a fairytale. The scenery was stunning, with lush forests and rocky cliffs. And when I finally reached the top, I was rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The Aravalli Range is the oldest mountain range in India, and its rocky terrain is home to a variety of flora and fauna. I hiked through dense forests, crossed gurgling streams, and spotted exotic birds along the way. It was the lovliest expereince on my India Private Luxury Tour.
Thar desert
But the real highlight of my trip was Jaisalmer, a city in the heart of the Thar Desert. I felt like I had stepped into an Arabian Nights tale, with dunes as far as the eye could see. I went on a camel safari, and as I bounced along on my trusty steed, I couldn't help but feel like a true adventurer. And then, just as the sun was setting, we arrived at our campsite, where we were treated to a delicious Rajasthani feast under the stars.
Keoladeo National Park
Next, I visited the Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular birdwatching destination. The park is home to over 370 species of birds, including the majestic Siberian crane. I spent a day exploring the park on foot and by cycle, stopping at various observation points to admire the birds.
Bhangarh Fort
This is probably unexplored and hidden due to the story behind the fort. You ask me why? Well, this place is haunted and yes I am not joking. This place located in the Alwar district is a mysterious fort that has a haunting history and is said to be one of the most haunted places in India. As I explored the ancient ruins, I couldn't help but feel a chill down my spine. The legends surrounding the fort and its eerie ambiance make it a must-visit for anyone looking for an offbeat experience.
Abhaneri Stepwell
Another hidden gem that I discovered was the Abhaneri Stepwell, located in the Dausa district. This architectural marvel is one of the largest and deepest step-wells in India and is a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Indian engineers. The intricate carvings and stunning symmetry of the well took my breath away and I spent hours marveling at its beauty.
Kuldhara Village
Well, this village is again a cursed land. It is one of the most haunted villages in India and has strange stories nobody would believe. It is an abandoned land due to a curse that cannot be lifted. It is believed that a sinful minister forcefully wanted to marry a beautiful villager and threatened her family to take hold of her. the villagers left the place leaving an undying spell so that no one could ever live or breed on this land. Well to add more to this story, this place was checked by the paranormal society of New Delhi. Detectors and the ghost box have recorded the voices of the dead villagers and they have even revealed their names. There were also scratches on the car and footprints of the children in the mud. Spooky much? I was so scared of the story that I did not go to this place but if you are brave enough, you should give it a try.
Wrapping Up
Of course, there were some challenges along the way. The heat was intense, and I found myself sweating through my clothes within minutes of stepping outside. And let's not even get started on the mosquitoes. But those were small prices to pay for the incredible experiences I had. Wanna add one good point of travel experience as comfortable travel means of car rental In India which was luxurious and fabulous in each way.
So if you're planning a trip to Rajasthan, don't just stick to the cities. Venture beyond the tourist trail and discover the natural wonders that this incredible state has to offer. Who knows, you might just have the adventure of a lifetime.