Hidden Charms and Destinations to Experience Rajasthan in Monsoons
Sindhu Murthy
The royal state of Rajasthan in India known for its intriguing tales of chivalry and romance is a destination popular among domestic and international travels alike. Monsoons in Rajasthan offer a pleasant experience as the temperatures tend to drop across the state and the occasional showers transform the arid landscape of Rajasthan giving a new lease of life. No wonder, monsoon palaces have been built by the kings to witness the dance of the clouds and songs have been written praising the beauty of rain. The best part about visiting Rajasthan in monsoons- along with some amazing experiences, you also get showered with the best of discounts for both hotel and flight bookings.
Monsoon palaces have been built by the kings to witness the dance of the clouds and songs have been written praising the beauty of rain in Rajasthan.
Monsoon in Rajasthan does not encompass torrential downpours like in many other states of India. It is more like drizzles with the occasional downpour lasting for a couple of hours. For the same reason, the possibility of getting your trip ruined due to rain is almost impossible in Rajasthan. Â Now that I have convinced you that Rajasthan is best explored during monsoons, I would like to share with you a few hidden charms and offbeat destinations where you can experience the best of monsoons in Rajasthan. Including the likes of trekking in lush forests covering the oldest mountain ranges of India and witnessing the incredulous grandeur of the grand canyon of Rajasthan, here are 5 offbeat monsoon experiences in Rajasthan you should not miss.
Step back in time in the Quaint little town of Bundi
Located at a distance of a little over 200 Km from Jaipur in Rajasthan, the quaint little town of Bundi is nestled amidst the lush green hills of Aravallis. Very few places in Rajasthan have been able to retain the charming atmosphere of the olden days and Bundi is undoubtedly one among the best.The Taragarh Fort encompassing the Bundi Palace perched on the slope of the hills stand guard to the numerous ancient Havelis lining the alleys of the old town. With the electric blue Brahmin homes surrounding the Nawal Sagar Lake present in the center of the town, Bundi gives a close competition to Jodhpur in claiming the title The blue city. While you are in Bundi there is no dearth of activities to keep you occupied. You can visit the Bundi Palace to appreciate the murals and fresco paintings of Chitrashala, climb the arduous path to Taragarh Fort to get a panoramic view of the town, explore the numerous lakes and step-wells surrounding the town, drive to the nearby caves to wonder at the prehistoric rock paintings, take a peaceful walk around the Nawal Sagar lake in the evenings enjoying the view of the illuminated palace and its reflection in the lake or just stay at a Haveli and experience the warm hospitality.
Step back in time in the Quaint little town of Bundi
Experience a Rendevous with Nature and Architecture at Menal
Menal is a complex of Shiva temples built with red stone dating back to the 11th Century. The main shiva temple in the complex built in Bhiumja style of architecture has detailed carvings of various animals and deities. While the temple complex with its beautiful carvings makes Menal an architectural marvel, the stream that plunges into a narrow gorge from a rocky cliff which is about 100mts high right next to the temple complex makes it a natural splendor. When the water level rises in the stream during monsoon, the reverberating sound of the waterfall plunging into the gorge can be heard all across the temple complex. As the water level in the stream subsides post monsoons, one can cross over to the other side of the stream to explore more temples and ancient structures. Menal with its magnificent water falls, deep gorges, dense forest, and ancient temples is a testimony to a beautiful symphony of architecture with nature.
Experience a Rendevous with Nature and Architecture at Menal
Get mesmerized by the thunderous water fall at Bhimlat
The thunderous waterfalls of Bhimlat plunging from a height of over 60mts into a deep pool of water amidst the lush greens is a seasonal splendor which comes to life during monsoons. Located at about 210km from Jaipur, this splendid waterfall is sure to break your perception of Rajasthan being synonymous to deserts and dunes. The lush green surroundings of the waterfall attract various species of migratory birds making it a paradise for ornithologists during monsoons and a few following months. Not just the waterfall, even the route leading to the waterfall is breathtaking. The country road meanders along seasonal streams, plateaus, lush green fields, lakes, tunnels and even crosses railway tracks in the most picturesque environs of western Rajasthan.
Get mesmerized by the thunderous water fall at Bhimlat
Marvel at the incredulous beauty of the Chambal valley at Garadia Mahadev
Garadia Mahadev located near Kota in Rajasthan is popular among the locals for its shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, what makes it a monsoon paradise is the view of the canyon formed by the serpentine Chambal river. To reach Garadia Mahadev, you will have to take a detour from NH76 into the vast plateau that is believed to be formed by erosion of sediments and by the deposition of magma caused by volcanic eruptions dating back to a few hundred million years. The aqua green colored Chambal river flows in a deep canyon as if dissecting the plateau strewn with thorns and bushes and takes a U turn offering a breathtaking view of the walls of the canyon and the lands beyond. The deep orange colored rocks towering high from the lush green foliage on the banks of Chambal river in the canyon set a striking contrast against the blue sky making it a delightful sight. The almost deserted plateau which was once famous for being home to many dacoits and bandits is slowly gaining popularity among tourists after being featured in the recent ads by Rajasthan Tourism Board. visit Garadia Mahadev during the monsoons and be treated with numerous tiny water falls plunging into the Chambal river along the rocky walls of the canyon.
Marvel at the incredulous beauty of the Chambal valley at Garadia Mahadev
Embark on a monsoon trek in Aravallis and walk along the great wall of India at Kumbhalgarh
Famed as the oldest mountain range in India, the Aravallis rise high in the north western part of India dividing the Thar desert in Rajasthan from its planes and plateaus. The semi dry deciduous forests that cover the Aravalli hills get a new lease of life during the monsoons turning the entire area of over 600 sq km into a lush green paradise. Fortuitously, the Aravallis are also home to the Kumbhalgarh Fort which is famous for its long wall known as the great wall of India and as the 2nd longest wall in the world next to the Great Wall of China. The trekking trail to the Kumbhalgarh fort starts at a jungle lodge located near a village named Ghanerao which is located on the foothill of the Aravallis and goes through the thick deciduous forests of the Kumbhalgarh National Park. You can even plan a stay at the royal castle of Ghanerao or at the royal hunting lodge in the secluded fringes of the Kumbhalgarh National Park.
Embark on a monsoon trek in Aravallis and walk along the great wall of India at Kumbhalgarh
have you visited any of these destinations of Rajasthan in monsoons? Or, do you know of any other hidden charms in Rajasthan which you would want to share? Do let me know your thoughts.
Wauuuuh……
Love the images 🙂
Thankyou
Some great places on here and yes, monsoons are the best time to travel.
Lovely collection of photographs and excellent choices of places to visit too.
Thanks Shubham
Lovely pictures and a good list. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Manoj
I’ve never been to India, but if I had to choose somewhere to visit, it would be Rajasthan. All these places you’ve listed are incredible and inspire me even more to visit! I love the waterfalls at Menal, and the Great Wall of India, who knew there was one?! Not me that’s for certain.
Thankyou! Not many people know that Kumbhalgarh fort is known as the great wall of India. You shall believe why it is called so when you actually see it.
I’m having a hard time believing this is in India. It looks like Australia or China! Everything is so lush and green and inviting. I can totally see why kings would have built shrines to enjoy the monsoon season. I now want to visit Kumbhalgarh National Park as well! Thanks for the beautiful post and pictures!
Thanks Rachella. There is much more to Rajasthan beyond its sand dunes, palaces, and forts.
Thank you so much for helping me out with my current trip planning to India! I’ll be there in just 3 weeks and really hope to explore Rajasthan. I love trekking so I’ve got my eye on that Great Wall of India 😀
Awesome! Let me know how you like the state.
Rajasthan looks like a whole ‘nother world! Wow! What a beautiful place, definitely fit for royalty! I would love to visit there some day!
Thanks Ressa. Hope you get to visit soon.
First of all, I simply loved your photography. Being a photographer and a creative person, I simply appreciate great photography and presentation. Excellent post. I am in love with Rajasthan anyway. I remember visiting Jodhpur in Monsoon and I can’t tell you how stunning it looked then. I had visited Kumbhalgarh Fort during my MTV Travel Show a few years back. I would love to visit Bundi and Garadia Mahadev for that epic shot.
Thanks much Parnashree. Your compliments mean a lot. I hope you get to visit Bundi and Garadia Mahadev soon. Can’t wait to see how your lens can capture them 🙂
Rajasthan is defintliey an under the radar city competing with along the lines with Paris because of its intriguing tales of chivalry and romance. The first activity that I would do, would definitely be walking along the great wall of India at Kumbhalgarh, the oldest mountain range in India. Such beautiful pictures!
Thanks Mariella. I m sure you would love the experience.
Wow! What a beautiful place. Honestly, if I just saw the photos I don’t think I’d pick that it was in India. I’ve been thinking a lot about visiting India lately, but think maybe we’ll wait til the kids are a bit older. When we do though, I know where we’ll head first! The waterfalls, the temple complex, the great wall – just incredible!
Thanks Erin. I m sure the kids will have a gala time exploring the ancient forts, sand dune sand everything in between which Rajasthan has to offer.
I have been to Rajasthan thrice now and I still have a lot to cover. May be next time, I will do it monsoons. Lovely pictures and I will go with your advice 😉
Thanks Deepika. I m glad you liked it.
Recently I visited Alwar and Bhangarh in monsoon. My friend was surprised to see a green Rajasthan because mostly Rajasthan is perceived as a dry barren state. With your pictures and text, you have done justice to the beauty that Rajasthan is! Kudos!
Thanks much Abhinav. I have seen some amazing pics of Bhangarh with a lot of greenery. I m sure both Bangarh and Alwar would look equally magnificent in monsoons.
The scenery here is beautiful! I know some people get turned off by Monsoon season but I’m actually fond of them since places tend to be more green and rain always adds to the fun. I especially loved the water fall pictured here. It’s beautiful!
Thanks Edith. Monsoons definitely bring out the best of the colors.
I have not yet been to India. But monsoon trekking in the region of Rajasthan looks like it would be a magnificent travel experience. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thanks Doreen. There are quite a few trails in Rajasthan which you can explore during monsoons.
This year I dedicated my monsoon months to Maharashtra but Rajasthan is so much on my list! I would love to visit all the places you mentioned. Menal piqued my interest the most. Thanks for the post!
I have visited a few places between Mumbai and Pune during monsoons and totally loved the experience. I m waiting for a 2nd chance to experience the monsoon magic in Maharashtra. Menal was a surprise for me. You should definitely visit.
Rajasthan is definitely a must-visit. I have heard about it often but I didn’t know until now that it is naturally gifted. The waterfalls is truly breathtaking!
I have been to India twice, but never visited Rajasthan. Thank you for sharing these photos, I will definitely put this state on my bucket list!
That looks and sounds amazing. I have wanted to travelt to India for a long time, but as a female traveler traveling with my girlfriend I am a bit sceptical. Do you have any recommendations for females traveling to India?
What absolute gems hidden in India. this is the first time I have ever heard about a Monsoon Palace. They are so breathtaking and I love how they look to compliment and appreciate nature and it’s seasons. those waterfalls look majestic. wow. breathtaking photos too.
Great images to accompany the narration! I love India, but have never been to Rajasthan yet. Those waterfalls look amazing and the architecture has so much texture. I had no idea the Great Wall of India existed. Definitely putting it on the list to travel to.
Menal complex looks stunning really. Love the photo with the view of the town below. 🙂 And what a way to begin your post with “dancing clouds” and “poems written about them”. It sounds so poetic. And judging by your photos, I can see why. 🙂
Beautifully written piece! I have yet to go to India but it’s on my list. I can agree with you on traveling in monsoon season though. I’m currently in Central America and we are just coming to the end of the Rainy season. It’s so much more lush and green at this time of year.
OMG your pictures are amazing. I didn’t know about this place in India and it’s definitely on my bucket list now. It looks so peaceful. The canyon and wall look breathtaking, thank you for sharing this wonderful destination. 🙂
Love reading your Rajasthan posts. Some of these bring back memories of past while others aspire me to go and explore more of Rajasthan. You know I am soon headed on yet another trip there. I very much wanted to include Bundi but couldn’t due to the lack of time !!
This is definitely a different and refreshing perspective of Rajasthan. Generally we do not associate Rajasthan with the monsoon, given its desert characteristics. However there is really so much more to this lovely state that goes beyond Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer. Would be lovely to visit the state when it is in the throes of the monsoon.
Woah, I love the mixture of nature and architecture in these places. I hope I get to visit this in my lifetime 😀
I can so imagine Kumbhalgarh in rains. The views from the Badal Mahal would be so amazing. Love your list and maybe, next year will want to do a few of these – including Bundi.
Rajasthan has a very unique and different charm in summer and monsoon! Both needs to be experienced. Impressive list of things to do in Monsoon. Menal is just splendid. No one would guess its in Rajasthan!
Beautiful photographs! Great ideas you share here for travellers. You have definitely provided us with some ideas for when we do visit! Thank yoU!
I honestly couldn’t believe that it could be recommended to see some places during the monsoon season! Very beautiful, I love the mix of ancient history and nature
Very interesting and refreshing post Sindhu. First time; I have read about these places and different from the other tourist spots. I loved your pictures and will bookmark this post for my next getaway. Thanks for sharing.
Wow the mountain and waterfall looks amazing! The great wall looks really impressive as well. Would love to visit India and this place!!
According to me, Rajasthan is very great. I want to go to Rajasthan once in my life.
I never thought that travelling at monsoon season would be a good idea but now it seems to make perfect sense. Beautiful place! I especially like the nature. I would be so happy to visit Rajasthan some day.
I can’t believe I have been to Rajasthan twice but missed every single one of these hidden gems. No wonder they are on the off beat tourist path. I would love to go back and visit Bundi, it looks so beautiful and it reminds me a little bit of Udaipur. The waterfall at Bhimlat looks amazing as well, definitely worth a visit!