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You sit gazing at the Dargah Sharif in Ajmer. The qawwali from the dargah rings loud through the streets of Ajmer. The air is pregnant with the scent of flowers. You can see the love and devotion in the eyes of every visitor. And then you know, you found peace.
The land of Rajasthan is rich in history and tradition. From stories of courageous Rajputs to fables of love and longing, history and culture enhance the magic of this state. While most visits to Rajasthan and its top tourist places focus on enormous castles and impenetrable forts, the importance of the state as an essential centre for pilgrimage is often neglected. The state of Rajasthan houses shrines that pay homage to various Indian cultural traditions and faiths. Here is a list of some impressive pilgrimage sites you must visit. Listen, keep reading, for this article is full of surprises!
Padhaaro Mhare Des…. The Land of the Rajas beckons!
The Karni Mata Temple is among Rajasthan’s most renowned tourist places. A prominent site of Hindu worship, devotees throng the temple to pay obeisance to Karni Mata. The Karni Mata Mandir boasts of Indo-Islamic architectural styles. While Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner built it in the 1900s, its style is attributed to the Mughal tradition. The Karni Mata Temple attracts tourists because of its distinctive residents- over one lakh rats inhabit the temple. They are taken care of by the temple authorities as well as visitors.
Any visit to the Pink City is incomplete without a tour of its most prominent sightseeing places. The Galtaji Mandir is one such wonder. The Temple, built in ancient times, has borne witness to the complexities and transformations of Rajasthan’s complex history. Like its host city, the Galtaji Temple too is constructed from pink sandstone. However, a large population of monkeys on its premises has resulted in the temple being christened the ‘Monkey Temple. The Galtaji Temple additionally hosts an ancient ‘Gaumukh’ or a cow’s head, which is the source of all water bodies in the temple.
The 2008 hit Jodhaa Akbar treated its audiences with many musical gems. However, perhaps the most spectacular song is AR Rahman’s soulful ‘Khwaja Mere Khwaja‘. The song immortalises the connection between the Mughal Empire Akbar and the Sufi line of Chisti saints in popular memory. Dargah Sharif in Rajasthan’s Ajmer houses the tomb of the founder of the Chisti line- Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. This popular Sufi saint came to the Indian subcontinent from Persia (present-day Iran) at the close of the 12th century. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti gained immense popularity because of his simplicity and charisma. Even today, his dargah represents this subcontinent’s syncretic history and brings together devotees from different faiths and beliefs.
The Bramha Temple, situated in the historic city of Pushkar, is the only shrine of its kind that seeks to preserve the memory of Lord Brahma, who has been accorded the position of the creator of the universe by Hindu myth. The main shrine of the Brahma temple houses the image of a turtle and displays silver coins attached to the floor. According to legend, Lord Brahma undertook severe penance for over 50,000 days to catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna. The city of Pushkar houses several other temples of great piety in addition to the Brahma Temple.
The Jain Temple is situated in Rajasthan’s Ranakpur, perhaps one of the holiest sites for the Jain community. The Jain Temple was constructed by the Rajput ruler Rana Kumbha in the 1400s. The main temple of this four-faced shrine is dedicated to Lord Adinatha, a Jain Tirthankar. Apart from its deep religious significance, the temple is renowned for its unique architecture. 1444 pillars support the temple’s roof, but to the surprise of most visitors, no two pillars are the same or even embossed with the same carvings.
Moreover, you can also check out our article on pilgrimage sites in Gujarat here!
Now that you know which tourist sites to visit, deciding on an itinerary is key. Perhaps the most important component of this step is determining your route to Rajasthan. Fret not because we at Cleartrip are here with invaluable advice and optimal travel offers.
Reaching Rajasthan via air is perhaps the most convenient mode of transportation. Prominent cities in the state, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, are connected to the rest of the country through airports. You can fly to these cities from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
The city closest to Rajasthan via a flight to Delhi. You can reach Rajasthan from the Indira Gandhi International Airport within an hour. A variety of domestic carriers- IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and Air India, connect Rajasthan to the rest of India. And if it’s prices you are worried about, rest assured because a simple search on Cleartrip will lead you to the best offers and discounts, making your journey even more comfortable and memorable.
If flights give you jitters, don’t worry because getting to Rajasthan via trains is equally feasible. While it is not the most time-efficient mode of commute, a train to Rajasthan will help you keep a check over your pocket. A train from Delhi to Jodhpur can take up to 11 hours to reach its destination while travelling to Jaipur from Mumbai can require 18 hours.
Whether travelling to Jaipur Junction or Jodhpur Junction, Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, and Duronto are at your service. Are you perhaps in search of a memorable train journey? Pick from Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, or The Golden Chariot and revel in the opulence of Rajasthani landscapes, culture, and cuisine.
Planning a road trip to Jaipur with friends? Or looking to take someone special to Udaipur? If adventure is your cup of tea, an enthralling road trip awaits you! With intricate channels of roadways that connect the state to other parts of the country, reaching Rajasthan becomes a seamless experience. At the same time, over 20 National Highways aid your journey. Travellers frequent NH8 because of its connection to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.
Also, check out some magical places near Rajasthan in our detailed guide here!
Rajasthan is among the most prominently visited tourist sites in India. Travellers hence have a plethora of accommodation options to choose from. Picking the most suitable hotel is key to having a memorable travel experience in Rajasthan. Here are some tips you must keep in mind while deciding on a hotel in Rajasthan-
Before you choose a hotel, ask yourself, where is it located? Staying in a hotel situated at a considerable distance from all the pilgrimage sites you want to visit is a burdensome idea. You will have to pay extra for transport and additionally, travel can tire you out. As a result, you might not want to visit all the places you had initially envisioned. Picking a hotel that allows you to access the best pilgrimage spots of Rajasthan with ease is key.
Overspending on a hotel will leave you with little funds for visits to sightseeing spots. Choose the hotel that can meet your needs and is within budget. Live that nihilistic life and get the most out of your trip!
Hotels are prone to phishing online. That is why you must read the reviews of the hotel you want to stay in before you make the final call. You might fall for photos of opulence and luxury, but the truth can often be very different!
Now that you have a list of pilgrimage spots to visit in Rajasthan and a comprehensive guide to aid your arrangements, what are you waiting for? Head over to Cleartrip and book your tickets today!
Rajasthan is home to various sites sacred to diverse faiths. The Brahma Temple in Pushkar, The Jain Temple in Ranakpur, and the Dargah Sharif in Ajmer are perhaps the most well-known.
Pushkar is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is home to people from diverse communities. Hence, different religious practices are adhered to by each community. While the Rajputs worship the Sun, Vishnu, and Durga, the Gujjars worship the Sun and Goddess Bhavani.
Rajasthan is steeped in rich traditions and history. Home to the Rajputs, various important historical forts and temples have been constructed within the state.
Yes! Almost a quarter of Rajasthan’s economy depends on tourism.
