It is very usual to visit famous forts or palaces or monuments in Rajasthan but Rajasthan is not only meant for this. Rajasthan is like a land of surprises and unusual experiences which have to experience at least once in your life. In Rajasthan, some places are there which may not be popular but they are perfect destinations for the offbeat experiences.
Here is the list of top 10 offbeat places in Rajasthan. For enthusiastic travelers, these are the perfect destinations in Rajasthan.
1. Churu
Churu, the gateway of Indian Desert nestled amid golden aura sand dunes looks rustic and harsh. The major attraction of this place is its surroundings havelis. Here you can find numerous old-aged havelis, built by Surana and Kothari merchants. Among them, Malji Ka Kamra haveli is the best known.
All these old-aged havelis are known for exquisite architectural styles of Shekhawati and Italian styles. Another famous attraction of Churu is Sethani Ka Johra reservoir. This reservoir always remains with plenty of water even in summers also. And some other attractions are temples of Rani Sita and Khatu Shyamji. In Rajasthan, Churu is the best destination to experience the harsh lands of the desert.
Sethani Ka Johra Reservoir
How to Reach
Air: To Reach Churu, the nearest airport is in Jaipur.
Rail: Churu has a railway junction. So it very easy to access a train to Churu.
Road: Through regular buses, you can reach Churu easily.
Where to Stay
Malji Ka Kamra, Hotel Natraj, and Hotel Rathore Lodge and Restaurant etc.
2. Rajsamand
Rajsamand, a quaint little city with a number of attractions to see. The famous Rajsamand lake with beautiful natural phenomenon makes everyone bowl to surrounding attractions. Near the lake, a famous temple known as Kankroli is the major attraction of the lake.
Apart from the lake, the major attraction of Rajsamand is Kumbhalgarh Fort at a hilltop. Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the popular forts in Rajasthan and also recognized by UNESCO. And nearby Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is also a must visit place in Rajsamand. Overall, Rajsamand is the best destination for nature lovers and peace seekers.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport to reach Rajasmand is in Udaipur.
Rail: There is no railway station for Rajasmand. The nearby station is in Udaipur.
Road: Buses are available from the major cities in Rajasthan. So it is very easy to reach Rajasmand through road.
Where to Stay
Hotel Shreenath, Hotel Ratan Palace, Alpine Hotel, Sagar Hotel and Resort etc.
3. Dausa
The name Dausa is very popular for its well-known step well “Chand Baori”. In Rajasthan, Chand Baori is a unique step well with stunning architectural styles. Tourists from different areas mostly visit Dausa to see this architect marvel. And the other major attractions of this place are Madhogarh Fort and a few temples.
Madhogarh Fort a famous tourist spot in Dausa with a beautiful hill backdrop. Now, this fort was converted into a heritage hotel. If you are interested you can stay here. And some other famous temples in Dausa are Mehandipur Balaji Temple and Harsha Mata Temple. Spiritually and historically, Dausa is a perfect destination.
Chand Baori
How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport to reach Dausa in Jaipur.
Rail: A small railway station in Dausa which is well connected to major cities.
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Road: Through buses and taxis easily you can reach Dausa.
Where to Stay
Pinky Hotel, Madhuvan Hootel, Hotel Aashirwad, Hotel Rawat Palace, and Hotel Kesar Palace etc.
4. Jalore
Jalore, a well-known destination in Rajasthan for pilgrims. Here you can spot numerous temples on hilltops with unique architectural styles. The two famous temples of Jalore are Sirey Mandir on a hilltop Kalasha Chal at an altitude of 646mts and Sundha Mata on Sundha Mountain at an altitude of 1220 mts and Malik Shah’s mosque are the major attractions of Jalore.
Apart from temples, Jalore is known for Jalore Fort with captivating architectural styles. And Sanskrit school by the king Bhoj is also a beautiful building but it almost ruined. For history buffs, Jalore is the best destination in Rajasthan.
Jalore Fort
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How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport in Jaipur to reach Jalore.
Rail: Jalore Railway station was well-connected to Jodhpur. It receives trains from different major cities.
Road: By road, it is very easy to reach because Jalore is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, Jodhpur, etc.
Where to Stay
Hotel Taanu, Hotel Raghu Ratan, Hotel Hill View, Hotel Mansarovar etc.
5. Dholpur
A visit to Dholpur is worth due to many beautiful architectural attractions and monuments. Tourist attractive places in Dholpur are infinite to see. Here you can witness numerous forts, temples, sanctuaries, etc a lot. Simply, Dholpur is a place where you can see a number of attractions at a time.
The major attraction of Dholpur is Nihal Tower and it is widely known as Ghanta Ghar. Other tourist attractions of Dholpur are ancient temples, Dholpur Palace, Mughal gardens, and the famous Van Vihar Sanctuary. However, there is a lot to see in Dholpur.
Nihal Tower
How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport to reach Dholpur is located in Gwalior.
Rail: Dholpur’s Railway stations is well-connected to all major cities like Delhi, Amritsar, Jhansi etc. Either you can also opt for the luxury train like Palace on Wheels which is the famous luxury train for Rajasthan.
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Road: Dholpur has a good road network with major cities. To reach Dholpur public buses are available.
Where to Stay
Jaya Palace Hotel, Hotel RB Palace, Hotel Gaurav, Raj Niwas Palace, and Jagan Hotel & Restaurant.
6. Barmer
Barmer is an unknown desert town in Rajasthan and close to Jaisalmer. This town is known for barren lands of the Thar desert. Lives of people in this town are very hard with intense heat climate. But this desert town is popular for its historical attractions and cattle fair.
What to see in Barmer means Siwana Fort and Juna ruins and what to experience means its cattle fair and the Thar festival. Barmer’s Cattle Fair is very popular. However, never miss the local cuisines of Barmer.
Siwana Fort
How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport to reach Barmer is the airport in Jodhpur.
Rail: Barmer has a good railway network. Its railway station is well-connected to the major cities.
Road: Barmer’s road network also well-connected to all major cities like Jaisalmer, Tilwara, Jodhpur, etc.
Where to Stay
Hotel Kailash International, Hotel Kalinga Palace, Hotel Marwar, Hotel Madhav Paradise etc.
7. Jhalawar
Jhalawar is known for its ruined attractions in Rajasthan. Here you can find a number of old palaces, forts, temples, etc which were almost ruined. Even though they attract tourists to visit this place. The major attraction of this city is Jhalawar Fort and also known as Garh Palace.
And other famous attractions of the city are Buddhist caves belongs to 5th to 8th century AD and some other ruined temples etc. However, it will be very interesting to visit this type of places to know about the bygone era of Rajasthan.
Garh Palace
How to Reach
Air: Bhopal airport is the nearest airport to reach Jhalawar.
Rail: Jhalawar receives a number of trains from the major cities. It is very easy to reach Jhalawar through the train.
Road: Through regular buses from major cities you can easily reach Jhalawar.
Where to Stay
Hotel Krishna Palace, RTDC Tourist Camping Village Gavdi Talab, Shiv Shakti Hotel, Hotel Jhamku Palace etc.
8. Baroli
Baroli, a recognized place by Archaeological Survey of India due to its famous architectural temples. This place in Rajasthan well-known for different architect marvel temples in carved stonework alongside Chambal River. The structures and detailed carvings of the temples attract everyone attention.
The famous temple of this region is Ghateswar Shiv temple and also this temple is one of the oldest temples in Rajasthan. Other attractions to see in Baroli are Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Dara Wildlife Sanctuary. A must visit place to experience the unique architectural styles.
Ghateswar Shiv temple
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How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport to reach Baroli is located in Jaipur.
Rail: To reach Baroli you have to reach Kota Railway station. Kota is well-connected to all major cities.
Road: Baroli is well-connected to all major cities through Kota.
Where to Stay
Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel, Niyaz Hotel, Mewar Guest House, Soubhagya Hotel and Guest House Rawatbhata etc.
9. Osian
Osian is known for many old temples but almost all temples are ruined. Once Osian was the capital of Marwar Kingdom and they are the reason for many monuments and temples. All temples in Osian are known for unique architectural styles and structures.
The most famous temples here are Sun Temple and Sachiya Mata temple. Even though this place is flocked with many historic attractions but tourists visitors to this place are very few. To get educate about Rajasthan’s famous temples, Osian is the best place.
Have a look on the cabins of Palace on Wheels train.
How to Reach
Air: Osian is near to airport in Jodhpur.
Rail: There is no railway station for Osian. You have to reach Jodhpur’s railway station.
Road: Roads to Osian are well-connected to the major cities like Jodhpur.
Where to Stay
Karni Bagh The Heritage Resort, Madhav Hotel, Hotel Greater Kailash, Padam Palace etc.
10. Mahansar
If you want to experience the rural background of Rajasthan means you have to visit this place known as Mahansar. This village is located in Shekhawati region which was once home for merchants. Here you can find numerous havelis in different architectural styles with paintings and frescoes etc.
Different paintings and frescoes on the ceilings of havelis display historic epic scenes like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Mahansar is the best place to get a glimpse of architectural styles besides rural attractions.
Mahansar Fort
How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport to reach Mahansar is in Bikaner.
Rail: Mahansar has a railway station. So it is easy to reach Mahansar through the train.
If want are planning your trip to Rajasthan then make the online ticket booking of Palace on Wheels train.
Road: Roads of Mahansar is well-connected to major areas of Jhunjhunu district.
Where to Stay
Mahansar Fort Heritage Hotel and Narayan Niwas Castle Fort Mahensar.
If you any doubt in your mind then you can Frequently Asked Questions here.
These places may be popular or may not but sure you will attract to the attractions of these places even they are ruined. That’s the greatness of these top 10 offbeat destinations in Rajasthan which you have to experience.
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