Rajasthan is full of royal wonders
Rajasthan is full of royal wonders, but beyond Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, there’s a whole secret side waiting to be discovered. Here’s a list of hidden gems and offbeat destinations in Rajasthan—perfect for writing travel articles or planning unique experiences.
Hidden Gems & Offbeat Destinations in Rajasthan
1. Bundi – The Blue Town with Forgotten Palaces
- Why go? Majestic yet lesser-known forts, stunning murals, stepwells (baoris), and lakes.
- Don’t miss: Bundi Palace, Taragarh Fort, 84 Pillared Cenotaph, Raniji ki Baori
- Vibe: Quiet, artistic, romantic
2. Kumbhalgarh – The Great Wall of India
- Why go? Second-longest wall in the world after China’s Great Wall.
- Don’t miss: Kumbhalgarh Fort (UNESCO-listed), light & sound show, wildlife sanctuary.
- Vibe: Historical, mysterious, scenic hill views
3. Barmer – The Desert’s Artistic Heart
- Why go? Raw desert landscapes, folk art, pottery, ajrak printing.
- Don’t miss: Kiradu Temples (known as Rajasthan’s Khajuraho), Barmer embroidery
- Vibe: Rustic, soulful, unexplored
4. Banswara – The City of Hundred Islands
- Why go? Tribal culture, hidden waterfalls, and river islands.
- Don’t miss: Mahi Dam, Tripura Sundari Temple, Kagdi Pick Up Weir
- Vibe: Green, refreshing, peaceful
5. Jawai – The Land of Leopards
- Why go? One of the few places where leopards roam free among humans.
- Don’t miss: Leopard safari, Jawai Dam, stay in luxury jungle camps
- Vibe: Wildlife meets luxury, offbeat adventure
6. Osian – The Desert Oasis of Temples
- Why go? Ancient Jain and Hindu temples, prelude to the Thar Desert.
- Don’t miss: Sachiya Mata Temple, camel safaris, sunset dune dinners
- Vibe: Sacred, surreal, spiritual
7. Shekhawati Region – Open-Air Art Gallery
- Why go? Grand havelis with the most vibrant frescoes in India.
- Don’t miss: Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu
- Vibe: Vintage, photogenic, architectural wonder
8. Alwar & Sariska – Heritage & Nature Combo
- Why go? Close to Delhi, yet serene. Royal forts, tiger reserve, and haunted ruins!
- Don’t miss: Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bhangarh Fort (spooky legend), Siliserh Lake
- Vibe: Forests, thrills, tranquility
9. Dholpur – A Forgotten Royal Town
- Why go? Red sandstone marvels, ancient temples, and less-touristy landscapes.
- Don’t miss: Machkund Temple, Damoh Waterfall, Shergarh Fort
- Vibe: Underrated, historically rich, peaceful
10. Churu – Gateway to the Thar
- Why go? Frescoed havelis, old charm, desert vibes
- Don’t miss: Sethani ka Johara, Surana Haveli, Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary (blackbucks)
- Vibe: Offbeat desert, heritage
Bonus Tips:
- Best explored: By road or on heritage train journeys (like Palace on Wheels)
- Ideal for: Writers, photographers, slow travelers, and culture lovers
- Time to visit: October to March for most offbeat destinations
