Places to visit in Rajasthan during monsoons

After the sweltering summer at the kings landing Rajasthan, monsoon comes as a fresh breath of air.

This season that begins from mid-June and ends in September is a good time to visit Rajasthan. Monsoon is also a matchless period to relish the beauty of mountains and lakes, along with other popular attractions of the state, which otherwise remain crammed with tourists during the peak tourist season. In fact, monsoon also brings incredible opportunity for photography.

Monsoon rains in Rajasthan are often light, which mainly contribute to bringing the temperature down. It does not hamper your tour experience with flooding and heavy rains and muck all around the place. In fact, the rains make some parts of the state quite green and picturesque. In addition to the picturesque atmosphere, the season is also ornate with festivals like Teej and Abhaneri, which offer a peek into the rich culture and traditions of the royal state.

If at all, you wish to avoid the rush and want to enjoy the best of the state without being disturbed, monsoon season in Rajasthan is an ideal time to plan a tour. To ease out your Rajasthan experience, here are a few cities that you must head to during the monsoon season.

1UDAIPUR

Undoubtedly, Udaipur is a dream destination for a romantic/peaceful holiday. Every year, thousands of tourists come from all over the globe to visit this city of lakes.

A tour to the city of Udaipur would certainly become an unforgettable part of your memories and you will cherish these keepsakes throughout your life.
Also, this is a notable fact that one cannot miss going to Udaipur in the monsoons. To your surprise, there is a legit Monsoon Palace there. The hilltop palatial residence in Udaipur is a perfect retreat in the city of lakes. It was in fact built to watch the monsoon clouds. This makes the city a totally reasonable place to visit in Rajasthan in July.

Here is a list of other heavenly attractions you must catch up with when in Udaipur.

• Bagore-Ki-Haveli – Bagore Ki Haveli is an ancient classical Rajasthani mansion in the vicinity of Udaipur’s largest lake – Lake Pichola. Go there for its regal architectural detail and excellent glass work.
• Vintage Car Museum – The vintage and classic car collection belongs to the House of Mewar. The cars are well maintained and many of them are still in the perfect running.
• The Crystal Gallery – The crystals in this gallery were ordered by Maharaja Sajjan Singh from the famous manufacturers F and C Osler Company, Birmingham, England around 1877 A.D. This gallery in Udaipur is over 130 years old.
• Monsoon Palace – Its position gives visitors an unparalleled view of Udaipur city. It is one of the better sunset points around Udaipur.
• Fateh Sagar Lake – Fateh Sagar Lake might be artificially-made in 1678 but there is no denying to its natural aesthetic appeal. Surrounded by hills and forests, a boat ride here is more than just a romantic gesture.

2MAHANSAR

Mahansar is not just a destination, it’s an experience. You will appreciate a walk through the narrow lanes, open roads and forested scape – its luminous green in the monsoons.

Old havelis, jeep safari and trekking are some of the major attractions for this time of the year. The town is nowadays famous for homemade liquor, known as Daru. Imbibe with care, as it’s extremely potent.

If you are someone who loves to sit in your balcony and enjoy the view of mountains then this place is a natural wonder for you. It beats your regular tourist destination list and offers you something that will make you feel connected to the serenity and pure bliss of Mother Nature.

There are a number of places that you can visit in this quaint town. But here is a list of the top 5, which you cannot miss out on.

• Surana Haveli – The haveli, which is six storied tall, has elegant doors and windows that number 1111.
• Aath Khamb Chatri – The place is an 8 pillar dome constructed atop the Rajput’s cremation ground. The base of the dome is submerged under sand whereas the dome offers a grand view of the Rajput architecture,
• Mahansar Fort – The royal fort is now operating as a heritage hotel. Usually, tourists stay there during the visit.
• Sone Ki Dukan – Sone Chandi Ki dukan’s ceiling is a fresco rich site, there are various mythological depictions made in the inner roof.
• Churu Fort – The frescos are vivid and bright as if painted only recently, despite wasting away from decades. Walking through the fort, we could only imagine it in all its glory.

3RANAKPUR

Most of us know of this shy little town from the movie Bol Bachaan. The town is, however, a priceless visit during the monsoon season. While the entire landscape is covered by a carpet of green, the dark grey clouds overhead add a soothing hue to the 360-degree view of the surrounding hills. What adds to the fun is the fall in temperature, which makes it easier to wander and enjoy the incredible architecture.

While you are in Ranakpur, go on a nature walk and spend a day visiting the ancient temples, which are the main tourist attractions of this place. No many tourists pick monsoons as their preferred time to travel, but Ranakpur is a place you must visit during the rains. The plus point will be it is an offseason and you wouldn’t have to deal with crowded tourist places and you might enjoy some discounts too.

We have also compiled a list of the famous attractions of Ranakpur that you must visit.

• Ranakpur Jain Temple – One of the most significant and extensive Jain temple complexes that can be found in the country is the Ranakpur Jain Temple. Consisting of 29 halls, the temple is one of the most important of the five major pilgrimage centres of Jainism.
• Surya Narayan Temple – It is a beautiful temple dedicated to the Sun God. It also features a sculpture of Lord Surya riding a chariot with seven horses.
• Muchhal Mahavir Temple – The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir and the prime attraction of the temple is an idol of Lord Mahavir with a moustache.
• Sadri Group of Temples – Famous for its group of temples, along with an old Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The main temples in the place include the Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath Temple, which are also the oldest ones.

4MANDAWA

For starters owing to its royal rendition, Mandawa is a hot spot for movie shoots and is filled in by media on and off the year. Mandawa is ancient in its vibe and one of the oldest cities in the state of Rajasthan, definitely worth a holiday.

This city has a number of palaces, havelis and forts. Having grown in a culturally rich atmosphere, the locals have a sense of appreciating art and are involved in art work like painting, craft handicraft etc.

But the highlight of the city is its monsoon. The city is a perfect tourist hub to be explored in Monsoon Season. Among all the seasons, Monsoon is the one which brings happiness with it. The season comes as a treat to this scorching land. The climate of Rajasthan remains hot throughout the year, it is the season of monsoon when the serenity of this place enhances with each falling single drop of the rain.

To make things even better Mandawa is a place that offers amazing tourist attractions that you must look out for. Here is a list that will help you further.

• Castle Mandawa – Castle Mandawa is a beautiful palace turned hotel. It stands tall and proud as a testimony to the charming and colourful city of Mandawa.
• Havelis in Mandawa – Mandawa houses a number of havelis and each haveli have its own history to boast off their architecture is something to look out for.
• Murmuria Haveli – Known for all its paintings of all the famous leaders of the ancient era. In the haveli you can witness the painting of Jawaharlal Nehru sitting on a horse and carrying the tri colour.
• The Harlalka Well – The well is very deep and is still filled with enough water in it. This is one of the places where you can relax and have some peace.
• The Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli – The Haveli is a famous destination for all the travellers due to the different kind of artworks and the beautiful carvings done in the haveli.

5MOUNT ABU

How can the list of places to visit in Rajasthan in August during the monsoons be complete without the mention of Mt. Abu?

The only hill station in Rajasthan is one of the most preferred destinations of tourists. Even though the weather is nippy throughout the year, the monsoon of Mount Abu has a distinctive charm.

It’s Nakki Lake, with its blue waters and clean surroundings, looks even more romantic in the monsoons. The beauty-laden hill station is one of the perfect places to be at if you want to enjoy the droplets of water and the natural beauty that you miss out on in the urbane and mundane city life.
The temperature drops down and the climate has a cool breeze that keeps you warm and cosy. A bonfire in this climate will enhance the charm of your keepsakes that you take back home.

The city has a list of wonderful places that you should take a look at. The list below should do the needful for you.

• Dilwara Jain Temples – The finest Jain temple known world over for its phenomenal design and radiant marble stone carvings.
• Peace Park – An indigenous habitat where hush and amusement exist together.
• Toad Rock – Climbing upon the Toad Rock presents a wonderful view of the surrounding greenery. Photographers will love this location.
• Sunset Point – The point gives you a beautiful perspective of the setting sun.
• Nakki Lake – Go there for the boat ride that you will cherish for a long-long time.

6JALORE

Located in the foothills of Swarnagiri Mountains, Jalore is the ‘city of granite and grandeur’.

The Aravalli Ranges that fence the city become inviting in the monsoons. The enormous grey sky and leafy greenery of the hills provide an imposing background to the city. The whole city looks absolutely stunning drenched in the rains when seen from the top of Jalore Fort.

The grandeur of the Rajput fortification is no less than distinguished forts in Rajasthan. Another haven in Jalore during the monsoons is the 900-year old Sundha Mata Temple atop Sundha Mountain. It is one of the scenic places to visit in Rajasthan in September.

Apart from these places here is a list of the top 5 places you must check out.

• Topkhana – King Bhoj was known for building a number of schools in Dhar, Ajmer and Jalore. During the pre-independence period, artilleries were kept in these school buildings and it was known as Topkhana.
• Sire Mandir – As per local legends, it is also believed that Pandavas, the famous characters from the epic Mahabharata, took shelter inside the temple during their exile.
• Shri Munisuvrata-Nemi-Parshva Jinalaya – It is a famous Jain temple in Jalore and is a highly revered pilgrimage site amongst Jain followers.
• Sundha Mata Temple – Sundha Temple is made of white marble and the design of the pillars is reminiscent of the pillars of the Dilwara Temple at Mount Abu.
• Mosque of Malik Shah – The mosque was built by Ala-ud-din Khilji and is located in the centre of the Jalore Fort. The design of the mosque indicates that the designers drew inspirations from the Gujarati style of architecture.

7ALWAR

Monsoons elevate the allure of the verdant forests and exquisite architecture manifold of the city of Alwar.

The cool pleasant weather of the city makes exotic flora and fauna come out of their habitat. You can spend your evening at a lake or in your balcony – your experience is still going to be mind-blowing.

Alwar nestles in the lap of green hills of Aravalli ranges that have been left replete with exquisite forts, unexplored palaces, and miles of barren land. The place is also an architectural gem of Rajasthan. It’s a graceful combination of nature, ancient history, Indian art, and culture unlike any other place in Rajasthan makes Alwar a popular tourist’s destination.

We have got together a list of 5 places that you must surely visit when in Alwar.

• Bala Quila Alwar – The fort offers panoramic and spectacular views of Alwar. Considered as the oldest building of Alwar.
• City Palace – An elevated door shaped pavilion is built within the Vinay Vilas Mahal, which depicts the pride and honour of Rajput kingdoms. It also boasts of the Rajput and Mughal architecture.
• Rani Moosi Chhatri – This magnificent double storied structure is a treat for the eyes during sunset.
• Tomb of Fateh Jang – This five-storied tomb is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and was built under the reign of Shah Jahan.
• Bhangarh Fort – A 17th century built fort, on the lap of the Aravalli hills is a mystic beauty amidst nature attracting hordes of tourists every year. It also holds the tag of a “haunted fort”.

8BANSWARA

Banswara – The City of a Hundred Islands.

The city is literally one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan in August. The charm of the copious lakes, lush greenery, and mountains is overwhelming. For once, you will forget you are in Rajasthan because of the verdant surroundings.

Banswara gets its name from the ‘bans’ or bamboo trees that once grew here in abundance. It is dominated by Bhil tribals who make up more than half the total population of the region. History states that Banswara was ruled by a Bhil ruler named Bansia or Wasna and the place derived its name from him.

The city has a lot of attractions that you must have a look at. Here is a list that we have put together for your reference.

• Anand Sagar Lake – This artificial lake, also known as Bai Talab is surrounded by holy trees known as ‘Kalpa Vriksha’, famous for fulfilling the wishes of visitors.
• Abdulla Pir – It is a popular shrine of a Bohra Muslim saint. Every year a large number of people, especially of the Bohra Community, take part in the ‘URS’ at the Dargah.
• Ram Kund – It is also known as ‘Phati Khan’ because there is a deep cave under a hill. It is said that Lord Ram, during his exile came & stayed here.
• Diablab Lake – On the banks of this beautiful lake stands the summer residence of the former rulers. A major part of the lake is covered with lotus flowers.
• Madareshwar Temple – This is a famous temple of Lord Shiva built inside a natural cave on top of a hill. It provides a sensational view.

9TONK

Tonk is an absolute delight for the tourists in monsoons.

Once ruled by the Pathans of Afghanistan, the historical town is renowned for sundry mosques and havelis. Tonk has been designated as ‘Lucknow of Rajasthan’ because of the influence of Mughal era on its architecture.

Its rich cross-cultural heritage and magnificent structures are why you should definitely ditch the over-crowded Jaipur city to come and experience the princely charm of this 17th-century town.

It is even better to visit the place during the monsoons owing to its fall in temperature. The monsoons invite the cool breeze and the droplets of water make the town so tranquil and picturesque. With a view of the hills, it is the perfect time to sip coffee while you adore the beauty of the place from maybe a top of the mountain or sitting beside a lake.

Here is a list of the top 5 places in Tonk, you cannot miss out on.

• Arabic Persian Research Institute – Some of the important and historical manuscripts are displayed in a separate hall with the name of “Display Hall”. Namda Calligraphy, the art of charming photography, a collection of postage stamps etc. are displayed in an art Gallery started in 2002.
• Sunhari Koti – The hall within the old palace complex, white walls and ceilings are one sumptuous expanse of enamel mirror-work and painted glass.
• Hathi Bhata – Carved out from a single stone this is a stone elephant which attracts tourists from all over to this place.
• Hadi Rani Baori – This is a step-tank, which is rectangular on plan with double-storeyed corridors on the western side, each having an arched doorway.
• Diggi Kalyanji Temple – There are sixteen pillars supporting the Shikhar which has become extremely attractive because of the statuettes incurved thereon.

10JHALWAR

Located at the border of Rajasthan, Jhalawar is a vibrant township wealthy of flora and fauna.

The water-laden verdant landscape of Jhalawar is strewn with red rocks which look glorious after being washed down by the rains. During the monsoons, the orange orchards and red poppy fields add vivid colours to the scenery making it one of the picturesque monsoon destinations of Rajasthan.

Despite being a small town in Kota district, the tourist attractions in this historical town are galore. Jhalawar was named after its founder, Jhala Zalim Singh in 1838. He was the Diwan of Kota State and established the town as a cantonment. At that time, the township was surrounded by dense forests which were home to many exotic species. The Diwan often came here to hunt and grew so fond of the place that he decided to turn it into a township. It was later turned into a military cantonment when the Maratha invaders passed through the city to capture Hadoti states.

The town has many tourist attractions to visit. Here is a list of the top 5 you must definitely have a look at.

• Jhalawar Fort – The Jhalawar fort or Garh Palace is a beautiful monument that houses beautiful paintings and has excellent frescoes on the walls.
• Gagron Fort – The fort was constructed between the 7th and 14th century. Protected by water and forests, this fort is among the few historical sites which have both ‘van’ and ‘jal’.
• Chandrabhaga Temples – These temples are classic examples of the art of the old days. The beautifully chiselled pillars and arch-shaped gateways depict the artistic excellence of the artisans of the bygone era.
• Buddhist Caves And Stupas – These primordial rock-cut caves, which were excavated from the village of Kolvi, hold considerable archaeological and historical significance.
• Prithvi Vilas Palace – The palace can be entered from three sides, and the palace also houses a monogram that states the stories of humility and chivalry of the former rulers.

With this amazing line up of cities to visit during monsoons, all you have to do is a fix a date and try not to miss out on the monsoons of Rajasthan because clearly, they will provide you with a visual treat of natural beauty.