With sand dunes, lakes, hills, forests, and forts, Rajasthan is indeed a complete tapestry of different terrains. And this makes it a perfect vacation destination. But are the gifts of this royal land to be enjoyed in summer? Well, there is no straight answer to that question. Yes, summers in the desert state can indeed be the most intimidating time of the year and yet, it does not stop you from experiencing the nature and culture of this beautiful land.
Here’s our quick guide to help you plan your ultimate summer vacation to Rajasthan –
Plan ahead
Irrespective of where you are going, you should always plan ahead, especially for the summer holidays. Whether it’s a mountain, desert, or sea, this is the season when most plan their family holidays and chances of overbooking are really, really high. While you might assume that it would be off-season in Rajasthan, there are a lot of travelers, just like you, who want to explore the royal heritage or wildlife of this colorful state. In other words plan at least a month in advance so you get better rates and options for flights, hotels, and local transportation.
Travel smart
Traveling during summer, especially across Western India, is a real challenge. Always keep yourself hydrated while traveling and ensure you don’t overexpose yourself to the sun. And never forget the sunblock before you step out in the day. Another important thing to remember while traveling across Rajasthan is to keep a rental car with you at all times, particularly an AC car, for local tours and airport transfers. More so if you are in the cities or traveling between cities. You can easily get an AC car rental in Udaipur. The same is true for Jaipur, or Jodhpur.
Choose the right destinations
It is fair to assume that Rajasthan becomes sizzling hot in summer and walking tours and sightseeing at the popular cities and tourist destinations might be far-fetched. However, there are a handful of places, where you can escape the blazing sun and still enjoy your holiday.
Some of these destinations might be the perfect spot for a day trip, weekend getaway, or an extended retreat.
Mount Abu
The greenest patch of the state, Mount Abu is the only and the most popular hill station of Rajasthan and the state’s summer capital. The town sits in a valley surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains. The landscape of Mount Abu with its hills, forests, lakes, and nature trails, is also an adventure paradise. Although the amount of greenery would be lesser at this time of the year, the hills and the water bodies keep the area cooler, making it a great respite from the summer heat. You can relax at the Nakki Lake, which has a garden for day picnics, boating options, and lakeside retreats to enjoy the scenery and unwind. Or, you can do local treks to the Gurushikhar Peak. It is the highest point of the Aravallis on the Arbuda Mountains. There is a temple at the summit and a hilltop observatory with astronomical instruments. You can utilize the evenings to visit the temple and enjoy the spectacular views of the town below, glowing in the evening lights.
Jaipur
A city of forts, palaces, and other heritage sites, Jaipur is also a great option for summer holidays. There are a host of retreats in the city where you can rest during the day and indulge in their luxury amenities. The day temperatures in summer touch 45 degrees (Celsius). That is why the tourism department provides options for sightseeing at night and make it comfortable for tourists to explore. You can get a reliable and affordable taxi in Jaipur and visit the Moti Dungri or Hawa Mahal. You can also spend the evening at the Indian Coffee House- the oldest café of the city or dine at the rooftop restaurant in Nahargarh.
Udaipur
The City of Lakes is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also one of the cooler regions in the state. The huge water bodies, although artificial, keeps the temperatures in control. The best place to visit in the city is Lake Pichola. You can stay at any of the lakeside retreats, do boating on the lake, or watch sunsets from its banks. There are four islands on the lake, each with either a palace or a temple for people to visit. The boating rides can take you to any of these islands. For a more scenic experience take a ride during sunset and enjoy the views.
Alwar
If you do not want to be in an urban environment and want to escape in nature, then Alwar is the place to be. It is less populated and less commercialized so you can spend some time in peace and quiet. Surrounded by hills and dotted with beautiful lakes, Alwar makes for a perfect getaway in summer. Siliserh Lake is the most popular one with options for picnic and water sports. The lakeside is also developed for tourists to stay, relax, and engage in adventures like boating, jet skiing, and more.
This summer, don’t get intimated by the temperatures and rather challenge it with a well-planned trip to Rajasthan!
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