With Christmas and New Year vacations around the corner, the airfares are bound to rise. But this year, after the shutdown of Jet Airways, airfares to international destinations like London, Europe, and the US have surged by over 100% as compared to the last year.
Because the international airfares have surged, you don’t have to be dismayed and cancel your holidays abroad. This year don’t go far, rather opt for domestic and short-haul destinations in India itself!
We’ve found a 15-20% jump in advance bookings for destinations like Jaipur and Udaipur from the year-earlier as an increase in winter schedule capacity has resulted in a decline in some domestic fares.
With this in mind, it’s time that you look closer to home and start exploring your own country’s hidden treasures.
There’s so much to see right here in Rajasthan, A Dilli-wala or wali can just explore something new in their neighborhood in Jaipur or the connoisseurs of princely experiences in Mumbai and Bangalore can head a lil extra couple of hours for exotic destinations near Jodhpur, Bikaner or Udaipur.
We’ve listed a few handpicked experiences for you! Pick your destination and enjoy best of experiences locally 😉
Ranakpur
Tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravali range, Ranakpur is situated around 60 km north of Udaipur in Pali district. Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex and a must-visit for the tourists coming to this region. The place is well connected through a road network to other places in the region. A winter holiday admiring the marvelous marble architecture surrounded by the abundance of nature is no less than a holiday abroad.
Narlai
Narlai is a small village surrounded by the oldest Aravalli range in Pali district, Rajasthan. It lies in between Udaipur and Jodhpur. Narlai is a perfect holiday destination to enjoy and experience a Rajasthani village life with the best equestrian Marwari horses.
A comfortable 2 hrs ride from jodhpur—‘Rawla Narlai’ makes for a most charming destination to stop & inhale the magic of rural Rajasthan while you get spoilt with their white-gloved hospitality and its splendid folk tales. This 17th-century village gives a perception of the rural Rajasthan and the visit to this small hamlet would surely leave you spellbound.
Rawla Narlai, which was once a favorite hunting lodge to the royal family of Jodhpur has been meticulously and tastefully restored and converted to the finest heritage boutique hotel. An abundance of wildlife made this area a popular haunt for a favorite royal indulgence, ‘shikar’ (hunting) & the ‘Rawla’ provided the perfect abode to set up camp during their sojourns.
Go for a countryside safari, or have tea by the lake, climb up to elephant hill or go for a leopard sighting Narlai has plenty of experiences to indulge. Experiencing Mystical stepwell dinner is something no place can even match to.
How to reach: www.rawlanarlai.com
Kumbhalgarh
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh is a Mewar fortress near Udaipur. The magnanimous fort has seven fortified gateways and there are over 360 temples within the fort which is an experience in itself. From the palace top, it is possible to look tens of kilometers into the Aravali Range. Kumbalgarh is situated 82 km from Udaipur towards its northwest and is easily accessible by road. Beautiful scenery, lush greenery and the frequency of tourists and travelers have also made it one of the most preferred locations for the vacationers.
Alsisar
In the storybook town of Shekhawati dwells Alsisar, which is an exceptional hamlet of rustic life with an array of colors it garners deep inside the heart of its desert. A pastoral calmness hangs in the air of Alsisar as soon you enter the boundaries of this village of ancient and medieval Havelis. There lies the battle-hardened palace of Alsisar.
Alsisar Mahal is a spectacular retreat featuring splendid views over the village boasting beautifully appointed suites, a darbar hall converted into a modern fine dining establishment, and enchanting lawns and pool. The expansive serene courtyards and gardens lend a distinctive character to transport guests into the romance and grandeur of its dignified era.
From the most playful to the incredibly sophisticated, Alsisar Mahal abides an array of different ambiances and hosts marvelous New Year’s Eve dinner party that will leave you with memories of an unforgettable time in the palace.
How to reach: www.alsisarmahal.com
Ranthambhore
For those who are passionate lovers of wildlife, India does not dishearten them at all. Ranthambore National Park is a must-see place. This gift of nature having a long history is famous for the tigers It is the place where some unique activities can be enjoyed by travelers since more tigers in comparison to any other sanctuary or park of India can be seen. This excellent tiger reserve is spread over around 400 square kilometers, and it is located in the middle of hill ranges of Aravali and Vindhya.
Nahargarh Hotel is a retreat here, which is just a few yards away from Ranthambhore National Park. Stretched across acres of land, and encompassed by lush wilderness, Nahargarh dressed in ivory white fortification and set amidst thousands of trees offers a tranquil experience of royalty and wilderness. The exuberant palace hotel is revered amongst the guests for being one of the most indulgent properties in Rajasthan; where adventurous safaris and tiger tour moments bring excitement to mornings, while evenings are more engaging with cultural performances.
You can experience a fascinating holiday in Nahargarh featuring fine amenities, anticipatory service and mesmeric views of wildlife.
How to reach: www.nahargarh.com
Mount Abu
Nakki Lake
Situated amidst lush green, forested hills on the highest peak in the Aravali range, Mount Abu is the hill station for the Indian state of Rajasthan. Its cool and soothing climate makes it an ideal retreat for vacationers. Explore a number of Jain temples, including the Dilwara Temples, a complex carved of white marble, or visit the nearby Achalgarh fort, which houses many beautiful temples of its own.
The Winter Festival takes place each year in Mount Abu during the last week of December. It celebrates the happiness and cheerfulness among the people of this picturesque hill station. Tourists are welcomed here during the festival with great enthusiasm and they celebrate the festival with great joy and happiness.
Pushkar
Pushkar has a magnetic appeal with 400 temples that are blue-white and a number of mesmerizing ghats. The town resounds with chanting of hymns, along with drums and gongs. Pushkar is a happy tourist attraction for the mix of eager tourists flocking from the world over.
There is a dash of westernization due to foreign tourists but the town retains a mystique. The Nag Pahar is a small hill that separates Pushkar from Ajmer a mere 11 km apart, which is another attraction you mustn’t miss. And, when it comes to hot air ballooning ride in Rajasthan, one should make their way to Pushkar.
Bhainsrorgarh
Who doesn’t love the view of lush green forests and rivers? The heritage boutique hotel of Bhainsrorgarh situated on a cliff on the banks of Chambal River will give you the time of your life. Sightseeing during winter, a visit to the Badoli Temple, capturing the beauty of the river and enjoy the moments of relaxation while dining on a cliff is holiday bliss.
Bonus
When it comes to the adventure holiday, you just can’t let go of the number of options that can be experienced here in Rajasthan. To feel the thrills and chills, paragliding over Jodhpur and Jaisalmer can prove to be completely out of heaven. Feeling of butterflies in the stomach when taking a flight atop some grand forts is simply hard to define in some limited words is priceless. There is something about Rajasthan’s beautiful landscapes, and palaces dotted on them; they create a royal aura, and if seen from high above the fray, their beauty doubles up and would rekindle the tourists’ love for air travel. Besides, Udaipur, Ghanerao, Kumbhalgarh, and Udaipur are some of the best places to go trekking in Rajasthan.
Wait no more and plan a trip in your very own country’s Royal Rajasthan, and make it an insta-worthy getaway of the year with your loved ones. There will be ample moments to capture on your trip to these destinations of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Tourism Beat 