A New Strategy for Tourism
Rajasthan's tourism department is widening its strategy to showcase a more varied range of experiences beyond its world-famous forts and palaces. The government is actively promoting emerging regions to position the state as a year-round destination and offer
a more balanced regional growth. This push involves developing new tourist circuits, improving infrastructure, and highlighting lesser-known areas with immense potential. The goal is to encourage travellers to explore the cultural and natural riches that lie off the beaten path, providing a quieter, more intimate glimpse into the soul of Rajasthan.
Bundi: The City of Stepwells
Often called the 'blue city of Eastern Rajasthan', Bundi offers a tranquil alternative to the bustling crowds of Jodhpur. This charming town is renowned for its incredible architecture, including over 50 ornate stepwells (baoris), magnificent palaces, and the formidable Taragarh Fort, which looms over the city. Unlike more commercialised hubs, Bundi has retained a peaceful, old-world atmosphere. Its narrow lanes, vibrant murals of the 'Bundi school' of art, and serene lakes like Nawal Sagar make it a paradise for photographers and history enthusiasts seeking a less-trodden path.
Shekhawati: The Open-Air Art Gallery
The Shekhawati region, encompassing towns like Mandawa, Nawalgarh, and Fatehpur, is a cultural treasure trove unlike any other. It is famous for its grand havelis (mansions) adorned with elaborate fresco paintings, earning it the nickname 'the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan'. These havelis, built by wealthy merchants centuries ago, feature stunning murals depicting everything from mythology to the advent of the British and modern technology like trains and cars. A trip through Shekhawati is a journey back in time, offering a unique insight into the artistic and commercial history of the Marwari community.
Banswara: The Lush 'City of a Hundred Islands'
Challenging the stereotype of Rajasthan as a desert state, Banswara in the south offers a surprisingly lush and green landscape. Often called the 'City of a Hundred Islands' due to the numerous islets formed by the Mahi River, Banswara transforms into a verdant paradise during the monsoon, earning it the nickname 'the Cherrapunji of Rajasthan'. The region is rich in natural beauty, with teak forests, cascading waterfalls, and the vast Mahi Dam. It also holds deep cultural significance with its ancient temples, like the Tripura Sundari Temple, and a strong tribal heritage, offering a refreshing and different kind of Rajasthani experience.
Jawai: Land of Leopards and Shepherds
For wildlife enthusiasts looking for an experience beyond the tiger reserves, Jawai presents a unique adventure. This area in the Pali district is known for its dramatic granite hills and a remarkable population of leopards that coexist peacefully with the local Rabari shepherd communities. Unlike traditional national parks, safaris in Jawai take place in an open landscape where leopards roam freely among rocky outcrops and village outskirts. This destination offers a rare blend of wildlife sightings, stunning scenery, and a glimpse into a unique story of human-animal harmony, making it a compelling alternative to more conventional wildlife parks.
