Though the hype of major tourist destinations is undeniable, these hidden gems of Rajasthan are just as worthy of your itineraries. By Naina Atri
The authentic charm of a destination often gets lost in its commercialisation as an oft-visited tourist spot. And though the classics mustn’t be brushed off as ‘too touristy’, we do understand the urge to explore the unknown. To discover hidden gems, untarnished by overpriced marketing, is an adventure that makes any vacation unforgettable.
If you crave something new in Rajasthan, here are seven off-beat destinations you have to visit
Narlai
Hidden in the countryside of Rajasthan, amidst the Aravali Hills, is the tiny village of Narlai. With the ‘Elephant Hill’ towering over it, the ‘holy village’ (a moniker based on the sheer number of temples in the village), has remained untouched by flocks of visitors. Temples, the Kumbhalgarh Fort and leopards abound, Narlai combines all that we love about Rajasthan with all that we are unaccustomed to.
Narlai’s central attraction is the Rawla Narlai, a luxury rustic heritage hotel that was once a hunting lodge for the royals of Jodhpur. Meals by the lake or a 16th Century step well, laps in the stunning pool and walks to catch the sunset will make you wonder why it took you so long to finally vacation here.
Alsisar
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Known for one of the hottest EDM festivals, Magnetic Fields, Alsisar is found in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. According to local legends, Alsi and Malsi were two sisters. Unable to bear taunts aimed at his sisters who went to draw water from the village well, Thakur Nawal Singh decided to dig his own well. He dug through the night until he struck water. Alsi settled at this sar (water source) and the place came to be known as Alsisar, while the village where Malsi settled became Malsisar.
10 minutes away from Jaipur is the magnificent 17th-century Alsisar Mahal, an iconic landmark of the area, home to renowned music festivals. The hotel captures the old world charms of Rajasthan’s royal past with frescoes, family portraits and grand courtyards. Interestingly enough, the Mahal also houses a World War II lounge and ‘British Bar’ – making it a truly unconventional Rajasthani spot.
The Alsisar Mahal offers heritage walks, safaris, sundowners and day trips that take you through the region. If you’re planning a trip then prepare yourself for a vacation chock full of experiences.
Deogarh
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Also known as Devgarh, Deogarh is a renowned destination in Rajasthan for art and architecture enthusiasts. The marvellous Deogarh Palace has been partly converted into a heritage hotel, making it the perfect stay for your exploration. Known for its own school of miniature art, Deogarh’s lakes and temples add to its charms.
Bundi
The southeast region of Rajasthan is known as Hadoti, where one finds the blue city of eastern Rajasthan, Bundi. Bundi was once the capital of a major princely state during the heyday of the Rajputs.
Surrounded by Aravalli ranges and dotted with blue-walled houses, there are lakes, bazaars and a temple at every turn. Of the many forts and baoris, the grandest are the Taragarh Fort and the Raniji ki Baori. Bundi is also home to one of India’s largest palaces, Garh Palace.
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Famous visitors to Bundi include Rudyard Kipling, Rabindranath Tagore, and film-maker Satyajit Ray.
Osian
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An ancient desert town close to Jodhpur, Osian’s sand dunes and majestic temples are known to captivate visitors, long after they’ve left. Often called the Khajuraho of Rajasthan, Osian makes for the desert vacation of your dreams. Camp under open skies, embark on jeep and camel safaris and explore the ruins of what was once a great trading centre on the historic Silk Route. The Majestic Sachiya Mata temple and the Surya temple are particularly noteworthy for their carvings and architectural grandeur.
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Do you remember swooning over Hrithik Roshan in Jodha-Akabr? Well, you can relive the iconic movie (sans the Bollywood heartthrob and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) at the Kuchaman Fort, where part of the movie was shot. Situated atop a cliff at a height of 1000 feet, its prominent attractions include the Jal Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Sabha Prakash.
There is a lot more to do in Kuchaman City. Pay a visit to the splendid Meera Mahal, which honours the memory of the poet-saint Meerabai, whose life is depicted through murals and wall paintings. There is no dearth of history to be found in the city founded in 1781. The Sambar Lake, a gigantic saltwater spring, is an excellent place for avid bird watchers.
Also read – Hill Stations In Rajasthan For A Natural & Cool Summer Getaways
Manvar
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Located in the middle of the Thar Desert, Manvar lies between the three great cities of Rajasthan – Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner – making it the perfect remote escape from everyday life. The area is dotted with villages of the tribal Bishnoi people, known as fierce protectors of their local flora and fauna.
Visitors to Manavar usually head to the Manvār Resort and Desert Camp. Drive through the great sand dunes, ride high on camels and get to know the locals as you walk through the nearby villages. Sometimes, the best of vacations are the simplest ones.
Related: Here’s Why Our Editor-in-Chief Will Keep Going Back To Mihir Garh In Rajasthan
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