Things to do in Rajasthan

Spending a night under the stars in the Sam Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer is the quintessential Rajasthan adventure. The vast expanse of the Thar Desert, with its shifting golden sands, offers a landscape of stark beauty and solitude.

The experience typically begins with a camel safari into the dunes to watch the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sand turns a deep crimson. The silence of the desert is profound.

Evenings at the desert camps are vibrant, featuring traditional Kalbeliya dance performances and Rajasthani folk music by the fire. Sleeping in luxury tents or directly under the open sky, you are dazzled by the carpet of stars, far brighter than anywhere else.

It evokes the romance of the ancient Silk Road trading caravans.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places in the world to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park is dotted with ancient ruins, including a majestic fort that overlooks the jungle.

A jeep or canter safari takes you through dry deciduous forests and open grasslands. The thrill of tracking a tiger—listening to alarm calls of deer and monkeys, checking for pugmarks—is exhilarating.

When a tiger finally emerges from the bush, walking with its unhurried, royal gait, time stands still. Apart from tigers, the park is home to leopards, sloth bears, and a rich variety of birdlife. The backdrop of ruins against the wilderness makes it a photographer's dream.

Udaipur is often called the 'Venice of the East', and a boat ride on Lake Pichola explains why. Flanked by the City Palace on one side and the Aravalli hills on the other, the lake is the heart of the city.

Cruising past the floating Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) and Jag Mandir island during the golden hour is incredibly romantic. The reflection of the illuminated palaces on the calm waters creates a fairytale atmosphere.

The view of the city's ghats and havelis from the water offers a unique perspective. It is peaceful, regal, and visually stunning, capturing the essence of Udaipur's royal charm.