No availability
Published on: November 30, 2024
Rajasthan is a magical State replete with ancient forts, sprawling palaces and mystical temples steeped in legend.
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, also known as The Pink City, was given its rosy glow to honour a visit from Queen Victoria in 1876. Since then, the pink walls of this ancient, fortified city have become its world famous signature.
Udaipur, often referred to as “The Venice of the East” or the “City of Lakes”, is an enchanting city featuring waterbodies joined by canals. It is a regular stop on any tour of Rajasthan and a popular choice for destination weddings.
Make your visit to Rajasthan in winter extra special with a stop in Ranthambhore to sight tigers in the wild. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve has one of the largest tiger populations in the world and sightings, especially at this time of year, are very common.
Here are some of our recommendations for the best tourist places in Rajasthan in winter:
The most iconic of places to visit in Rajasthan in December, or any time during the winter months, Amber Fort was completed in 1572 and is currently recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers a huge area high on a hilltop just outside central Jaipur and from its lofty position, commands breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape. Step foot within its tall sandstone walls and you will find lavish palaces, halls, residences and courtyards, ornate with intricately hand carved design elements.
“The Palace of the Winds” is an unforgettable stop on any tour of Jaipur. Seen from the outside - a bustling main street in the centre of the city - the stone latticework façade blends into its surrounds. Step inside and a secret world of lavish palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples almost endlessly unfolds. Hawa Mahal was the abode and playhouse of the ladies of the court. Screened from the world outside, you can easily imagine the world they created for themselves behind its stone walls.
Words can hardly describe the opulence of City Palace in Udaipur. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, its beautiful façade is a sight to behold, especially at sunset from the gardens of The Oberoi Udaivilas. Spanning 244 metres in length and rising over 30 metres in height, its sandstone walls are punctuated with countless windows and topped with traditional minarets. Within these impressive walls, an incredible layout of meticulously decorated palaces, with intricate glass mosaics, traditional miniature paintings and hand carved stone gateways and pillars, present a story of ancient majesty.
A great place to pick up festive gifts or authentic souvenirs of a holiday in Rajasthan in December, or any of the winter months. Bada Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, is imbibed with the ambience of a traditional Indian street market, with hawkers and vendors noisily touting for business, enthusiastically welcoming clients and bargaining over prices. Take your time to hunt for jewellery, accessories, camel leather sandals, bags and shibori tie-dyed fabrics.
Under the protection of the Government of India’s Project Tiger since the 1970s, Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve spans 1,344 square kilometres and is home to around 80 tigers at the last count. It boasts a rugged landscape of dense natural forest, valleys, hills and watering holes, which nurture a varied population of not only tigers but also leopards, sloth bears, deer, and around 270 types of bird, including eagles, kingfishers and nightjars.
Believed to have been built in the 10th century, Ranthambhore Fort lies deep within the National Park and Tiger Reserve, and is often included as a stop on tiger safaris. Originally the hunting lodge of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the fort commands panoramic views from its site 700 metres above the surrounding jungle. The temple to Lord Ganesha within the fort still hosts daily aarti prayers with fire.
A wonderful region to visit at any time of the year, a visit to Rajasthan in winters is sure to leave long-lasting memories for young and old.
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts can be found in Jaipur, Udaipur and Ranthambhore. Please contact us for further information and bookings on reservations@oberoigroup.com
