Rajasthan, the land of maharajas is home to numerous medieval forts and palaces. This lively palace state of India features royalty, tradition, culture, and flavorsome cuisine, making it a charming experience for wanderers from across the world. The land has a glorious past and the architectural marvels of Rajasthan unfold the story of the bygone golden era.
This magnificent tourist destination in India has numerous facts that amaze tourists. From geographical treasures to man-made wonders, and countless deep-rooted cultures giving birth to exclusive beliefs and attitudes that eventually nourished in the societies are admirable. These beliefs and veracity are today taken as interesting facts about Rajasthan and every traveler who wishes to encounter the exquisite experiences of Rajasthan must know it!
13 Interesting Facts About Rajasthan
Color-coded cities with warm-hearted locals, scrumptious delicacies and authentic spices, and chronicled stories of realms and terrain, the following interesting facts about Rajasthan have been surprising travelers from across the world. Read now!
1. Geographical Area – The Largest State Of India
This colorful melange is the largest state in India. It covers the area of 342,239 sq km with a population of 68548437 (according to the Census 2011). It comprises 22 kingdoms of princely states that combined under a common name, Rajasthan on 30 March 1949.
Must Read: Popular Hill Stations In Rajasthan
2. Kalibangan – The World’s Earliest Attested Ploughed Field
Kalibangan in Rajasthan, located beside the confluence of Drishadvati and Saraswati Rivers features the ruins of the civilizations that were settled in the region during the prehistoric and pre-Mauryan times. The lands of Kalibangan are distinguished as the world’s earliest attested plowed field.
3. Mandore: Ravana’s In-law’s House
Mandodari, Ravana’s wife and the queen of his empire were from Mandore in Rajasthan. It is believed that their marriage ceremony was organized at the same place. Ravana Chavri is the site where the couple vowed for their lifetime. This significant place also served as the capital of Marwar.
Suggested Read: 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Rajasthan To Spend A Day Amidst The Wildlife
4. Bhangarh: The Most Haunted Fort
Bhangarh, located in the Alwar district is one of the most haunted forts in India. The fort was established by Raja Bhagwant of Amber in the 16th century. The entire village of Bhangarh is believed to be cursed by a Tantrik who tried to woo the beautiful princess Ratnavati. The thrill of this place can be witnessed only during daylight as the entries to Bhangarh are prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
Suggested Read: 20 Historical Places In Rajasthan That Will Take You Back To The Glorious Past
5. Thar: The Great Indian Desert
The world’s 9th largest subtropical desert, Thar proudly resides in the state of Rajasthan. However, portions of Thar are also in Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, and Sindh (Pakistan) but 60% of this secluded desert lies in Rajasthan. The region remains dry nearly throughout the year with high-velocity winds forming shifting dunes.
Suggested Read: 20 Things To Do In Rajasthan That Make It The Ultimate Vacation Destination
6. Aravalli: The Oldest Range Of Fold Mountains
Aravalli Range dates back to the time when the Eurasian Plate was separated from the Indian Plate by the ocean. This significant shield was formed from cratonic collisions and used to be higher in ancient times. This isolated rocky range is nearly 560 km long and its major portions pass through Rajasthan.
7. Kumbhalgarh Fort: Longest Walls In The World
Kumbhalgarh Fort in its present form was established by Maharana Kumbha. The enormous structure of Kumbhalgarh Fort makes it one of the most elaborated forts in India. The fort is located at a height of 1,100 meters on a hilltop with parameter walls extending 36 kilometers. The palace accounts to have the longest fortification in the world.
Suggested Read: 68 Places To Visit In Rajasthan: Get A Glimpse Of Rajputana Splendor
8. Hawa Mahal: The Palace Of Breeze
Hawa Mahal, the architectural marvel made up of red and pink sandstone was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the 18th century. The exterior of the palace is like the honeycomb of a beehive, comprising 953 Jharokhas (windows) having complex latticework.
9. Vibrant Culture: Colour-Coded Cities
One of the most amazing facts about Rajasthan is that a few of its major cities are color-coded. Jaipur is called the Pink City as the Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh passed a law in 1876 asking residents to paint their houses pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria. The blue colored houses in Jodhpur once signified the residence of Brahmins, later turned to be the color of the city. The stories of Jaisalmer are glorified by the name of Golden City which seeks its inspiration from the color of Thar Desert.
Suggested Read: 10 Breathtaking Hill Stations Near Rajasthan That Should Be On Your Bucket List
10. Luni River: India’s Saline River
Luni River originates in the Pushkar Valley and flows through the Thar Desert to meet its final destination in the marshy lands of Kutch. The river got its name from the Sanskrit word Lavanvati, which means salt river. The river has a high amount of salinity in its water.
11. Tourist Attractions: 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The vibrant state of Rajasthan is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites which include Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Keoladeo National Park, and Jantar Mantar. Apart from the national park, all the other mentioned historical sites exhibit marvelous architecture of the Royal Rajputs.
Suggested Read: 15 Tourist Places Near Jodhpur That Are Worth Extending Your Vacation In Rajasthan
12. Luxurious Transfers: The Palace On Wheels
One of the most luxurious trains in India, the palace on wheels was initiated in the year 1982 by the Indian Railways and Rajasthan tourism development corporation. The concept and design of this train are based on the royal culture and customs of Rajasthan. The train has 23 coaches with a total capacity of 104 persons.
Suggested Read: Visit Chokhi Dhani, Sonipat To See The Best Of Rajasthani Culture And Cuisine!
13. Kuldhara: The Abandoned Village
Kuldhara is a secluded village, located in Rajasthan at a distance of 18 kilometers from Jaisalmer city. The place was established in the 13th century by the Paliwal Brahmins. According to studies, the place was abandoned in the early 19th century due to an earthquake. However, locals narrate a different story. They believe that the residents cursed the village and fled on a dark night fearing the wrath of the Diwan.
Other Quick Facts About Rajasthan
The following are the quick yet interesting facts about Rajasthan that may make you fall in love with this dynamic place:
- Rajasthan has only one hill station, Mount Abu
- Pushkar is home to the only temple of Lord Brahma in the world
- Rajasthan shares its boundaries with 5 Indian states – Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh
- The diverse topology of Rajasthan is gifted with infertile lands in the west and fertile terrains in the east
- The place hosts some of the major festivals of India including, the International Camel Festival, The Pushkar Fair, Jaipur Literature Festival, etc.
- Karni Mata Temple is home to over 25 thousand rats
- Pokhran witnessed the first nuclear test of India
- Jantar Mantar of Jaipur comprises the largest stone sundial of the world
- Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur is among the best heritage hotels in the world
- The white marble of Taj Mahal (Sangemarmar) was mined from Makrana in Nagaur district
Further Read: Budget Trip to Rajasthan
Wasn’t it interesting to know the facts about Rajasthan? The place is home to numerous surprises that captivates tourists from across the globe. Plan your trip to Rajasthan with TravelTriangle and enjoy the best vacationing experience.
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Sakshi Awasthi, an ardent traveler by heart is a Research Scholar from the University of Delhi. Unveiling the untold story of historical sites and encountering the impeccable beauty of nature, turned her to be a Travel Blogger. Currently, working as a Senior Content Writer with TravelTriangle.
