10 Deserts in Rajasthan for a Fun-Filled Holiday

Rajasthan can be considered the land of deserts, as 60% of deserts in India are located in Rajasthan. The Great Thar desert is also present in Rajasthan and around 85% of it is situated in India while the latter 15% is present in Pakistan. Other than the royal palaces, and multi-cuisine the attractive deserts are one of the most sought places in Rajasthan. The endless deserts with shimmering sand, sand dunes, and camel safari are some of the activities to indulge in while in Rajasthan. In this blog, we are going to guide you through the top 10 deserts in Rajasthan for a fun-filled Holiday.

The Great Indian Desert or the Thar Desert is the 20th largest desert in the world. It has an area of 238,245 km2 and 85% of this is present in India while the last 15% is in Pakistan. It has a diverse ecosystem as well as flora and fauna. The Thar desert spreads through Rajasthan, Gujrat, Punjab, and Haryana as well. Travellers mostly visit this desert in a limited area. 

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: 20th largest desert in the world
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Duration: 1 Day

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Camel, Jeep, and Desert Safari
• Other Places to visit: Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake

Jaisalmer or ‘The Golden City’, is situated close to the Pakistan border in Rajasthan. The name Golden City is given due to the yellow sandstone used in the architecture of the fort and town of Jaisalmer which shimmers golden-yellow in light. Whether you go through the desert or camp under the clear sky, you will leave with a bag full of memories of your loved ones. The two famous sand dunes in Jaisalmer are Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri Sand Dunes. 

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Jaisalmer Fort, Jain temples, and Palaces
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Duration: 4-5 hours

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Camping, Desert, and Camel Safari 
• Other Places to visit: Jaisalmer Fort, Kothari’s Haveli

The city of Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika in 1488 CE. The city of Bikaner is famous for hosting the camel festival in January every year. This festival is celebrated by the locals in order to honour camels, which were the main transport medium when auto-mobiles were not present. The desert in Bikaner offers some exciting Adventure activities such as celebrating the camel festival. Bikaner has some of the most dazzling palaces and is the only country that breeds camels.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Red shade of architecture, Camel breeding 
• Best time to Visit: October to March
• Duration: 2 days 

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Camel festival in January, Boat ride on Gajner Lake
• Other Places to visit: Lalgarh Palace, Shree Karni Mataji temple

The village of Khimsar houses the famous Khimsar Fort, which attracts tourists from all over the world. This village also celebrates the renowned Nagaur festival in which, people from all over India trade cattle in bulk. The magnificent sand dunes, camel safari, and camping are activities that you can indulge in while visiting the village of Khimsar. This village acts as a gateway from the hustle and bustle of city life, where you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful time with loved ones.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Khimsar Fort, Nagaur festival
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Duration: 5-6 hours

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Camping, Camel safari 
• Other Places to visit: Nagaur Fort, Sand dune village

Present in the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, Kumbhalgarh is known as the Great Wall of India and is a Mewar fortress. It was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, falling under the category of Hill Forts of Rajasthan. The fort of Kumbhalgarh is a sight to behold with its mesmerizing desert and beauty. The town of Kumbhalgarh also houses magical monuments, temples, and majestic palaces too.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Kumbhalgarh Fort
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Duration: 1 day

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Parshuram Mahadev Temple, Ganga Goverdhan temple 

Jodhpur is also known as the blue city in the world, due to the colour of its buildings. These blue buildings were painted so, as to keep the temperature of the house maintained. Jodhpur is famous for the Mehrangarh fort. The Mehrangarh fort was a former palace that is now a museum. The city of Jodhpur also comprises several temples, lakes, and shopping places. This place offers delicious cuisine and folklore on the desert sight.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Mystical blue appearance, Mehrangarh fort
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Duration: 2 days

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Camel Safari
• Other Places to visit: Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada

Pushkar is a city which is located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. Pushkar is a sacred holy place and is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs. Pushkar is a world-renowned site and is home to the only temple which is dedicated to Lord Brahma in the whole world. This city is divine, mystical, and serene and is also called the abode of gods. The magical aura around the temples of Pushkar will fill your soul and will leave you enchanted and bless your mind and soul.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Renowned Pilgrimage site, Lord Brahma temple
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Duration: 2-3 days

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Camel safari, Horse safari, Jeep safari
• Other Places to visit: Pushkar Lake, Savitri Mata temple

The city of Chittorgarh lies on the banks of the Gambhiri and Berach rivers. Chittorgarh is home to the Chittor Fort, which is the largest fort in India as well as Asia. This place has a lot of history associated with it and is known for some of the glorious battles fought in the past. Chittorgarh also houses many forts, temples, towers, and palaces. Commercialization has taken place in the city but the sounds and aftermath of glorious battles are still fresh.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Chittor Fort
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Duration: 1-2 days

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Kalika Mata Temple, Rana Kumbha palace

The village of Bundi is located in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. Bundi was formerly known as the ‘Republic of Meenas’. Away from the hectic city life, the village of Bundi provides peace, solitude, and a picture-perfect landscape. The village of Bundi is a perfect getaway place, which has a panoramic view of the palaces, which will leave you and your family in awe. Bundi is also known as the blue city of Eastern Rajasthan.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Garh Palace, Taragarh Fort
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Duration: 3-4 hours

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Raniji ki Baori, Sukh Mahal

The city of Ajmer is located in the heart of Rajasthan. The former name of Ajmer was ‘Ajayameru’ which translates as Invincible Hills. It is also a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Muslims. The Dargah Sharif-tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is the most visited place in Ajmer. Ajmer is equally revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Visit the city of Ajmer to witness exquisite Mughal architecture amidst divinity and spirituality.

Traveller Information:

• Famous for: Dargah Shafir-tomb
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Duration: 1-2 days

Things to do:

• Other Places to visit: Anasagar Lake, Foy Sagar lake

Apart from the desert, Rajasthan is known for its cultural diversity, handmade ornaments, jewellery, bangles, cuisine, palaces, and architecture. The city of Rajasthan has a rich history of deserts. The shimmering sand dunes are captivating and will provide a soul-enriching experience that no other place can replace. After you’ve completed this journey, you’ll experience some of the best landscapes, monuments, and architecture and will have a bag full of memories.