Rajasthan Travel Guide & Tips

Dal Bati Churma is a famous food in Rajasthan where the tasty Batis are served with Panchkuti dal and the churma. Those who love spicy food will enjoy Laal Maas, which is full of fiery red chillies.  For rice lovers, Gatte ki Khichdi and Gatte ka Pulao are some of the popular Rajasthani food items that one must try. The spicy Rajasthani Kadi is different from the Kadi eaten across the country and is also a must try.

Among the popular Rajasthani snacks are the sugary sweet Mawa Kachori,  the tasty Methi Bajra Poori,  the scrumptious Pyaaz Kachori, and the crispy Kalmi Vada. Any visit to this state is also incomplete without savoring Rajasthani sweets list like Ghevar, Balushahi, Gujia, and Churma Ladoo.

Shopping

Tourists will come across a variety of exquisite wares in the streets and bazaars of Rajasthan that reflects its rich and diverse culture.  Any tourist guide in Rajasthan will tell you that Johari Bazar is the perfect place to visit for Jaipuri ornaments. Bapu Bazaar has a variety of handlooms while Clock tower market is famous for its spices. For Bandhani items, Nai Sarak is the place to go whereas Hathi Pol Bazar is the ideal place for home items. Sadar Bazar, Mahatma Gandhi Road, and Kote Gate are other bazaars one must check out on a trip to Rajasthan.

Weather

The weather in Rajasthan generally varies due to the fact that the state has a tropical desert climate. Rajasthan weather is extremely cold from October to February,  scorching hot from the months of April to June, and quite pleasant from July till September. Temperatures can reach as high as 49°C and as low as -2°C.  Jaisalmer, Phalodi, and Barmer are the hottest regions while Churu, Sikar, Bikaner, and Pilani get pretty cold. Rainfall in Rajasthan depends on the region you are in, with the east of the Aravalli region receiving much more rainfall than the westward area.

Festivals & Fairs

There are a myriad of fairs and festivals in Rajasthan that showcases its colorful vibrancy and heritage. Among the popular festivals of Rajasthan is the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur that is celebrated around Sharad Purnima. This festival is a treat for art and music lovers. The Jaipur Literature Festival held at Diggi Palace is a literary delight with writers from across the world attending it.

The Desert festival in Jaisalmer is another famous Rajasthan festival where the spirit of Rajasthan comes alive in the form of  camel races, desert rituals and life,  competitions like turban tying, longest moustache, Mr Desert etc, scrumptious food, and handicrafts stalls. This festival lasts for three days and is generally held in February.

The Teej festival and the Gangaur festival in Jaipur are traditional festivals of Rajasthan that are marked by old palanquins, elephant processions, folk songs, and chariots. Other festivals that are celebrated with fervor in Rajasthan are the Elephant Festival in Jaipur, the Urs Festival in Ajmer, the Camel Festival in Bikaner, and the KIte festival in Jodhpur.

Among the fairs, the Pushkar mela is the biggest highlight of Rajasthan where there is a melange of cultural events like dance, music, puppet shows, races, and gypsy dances. Other fun fairs are the Chandrabhaga Fair in Jhalawar and the Nagaur Fair in Nagaur.