Imagine stunning forts, palatial mansions, vibrant cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer, linked with Rajasthan. With millions of travellers every year, these popular sites have made their place on the world tourism map. Beneath the golden veneer of well-trodden routes lies another Rajasthan, a world that is majorly unexplored by tourists. Beyond the crowds, these off-beat places offer a more intensive and authentic examination of the state’s interesting part, vibrant culture and scenically breathtaking landscapes.

Traveling to these undiscovered regions provides a unique perspective and allows travellers to experience Rajasthan’s beauty in its most untouched charm. There are some of the most unexplored Rajasthan tourist spots, each providing a varied experience from the normal tourist trail:

1. Bundi –

A small village in the Hadoti region is a step back in time. Bundi is often overshadowed by its bigger cousins. Like Jodhpur, its blue houses wind up a hillside until they come to the Bundi Palace and the renowned Taragarh Fort. The fort’s sweeping views of the town and the nearby Aravalli hills are truly scenic.

The incredible stepwells of Bundi are often considered to be some of Rajasthan’s finest examples of water architecture and truly what makes the location special. Raniji ki Baori is also known as the Queens Stepwell, a multi-story, ornate structure with intricate carvings, built in 1699.

2. Kumbhalgarh –

Kumbhalgarh remains less explored than Chittorgarh or Ranthambore, even though the fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kumbhalgarh Fort is an imposing structure with a wall of 36 km long, second only to the Great Wall of China. This wall surrounds a huge complex of gardens, palaces and temples. Rana Kumbha built the fort during the 15 century and due to its strategic design and impenetrable walls, the Mewar emperors were successful.

Outside the fort lies Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, a great place for nature and wildlife enthusiasts looking for an off-beat safari experience. It has a wide range of wildlife, including wolves, sloth bears and leopards.

3. Ranakpur –

One of the finest and most exquisitely carved Jain Temples in India, found at Ranakpur in a remote valley in the Aravalli hills. The Chaumukha Jain Temple was built during the 15^th century and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara. This temple, with intricately carved 1444 pillars, each one unique, is what truly makes it stand out. The carvings depict musicians, dancers, celestial bodies and intricate geometric patterns.

A serene and otherworldly atmosphere is established by the natural light filtering through the open courtyards. Ranakpur provides a serene architectural and spiritual retreat, which is nevertheless far from the bustling crowds of Rajasthan. The Surya Temple and several lesser Jain Temples are nearby, adding to the spiritual importance of the region.

4. Mandawa –

The Shekhawati region is especially famous for being the Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan. It comprises towns like Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Fatehpur and Dundlod. The owners commissioned artists to depict colorful frescoes that showed local mythology, daily life, and even European influence on these Havelis, used to reside and trading houses along the Silk Road.

Mandawa is perhaps the most explored town of Shekhawati for visiting stunning painted Havelis. Most of these have been converted into heritage hotels so that travellers can see their grandeur with their own eyes. The walls of these houses are painted with intricate murals that span from epic tales and traditional Rajasthani motifs.

5. Osian –

The ancient desert city of Osian is around 65 kms from Jodhpur, also known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan, due to its stunning temple architecture. A group of stunningly carved Hindu and Jain temples are masterpieces of Indian temple art, can be seen at Osian.

The most famous of these are the Sun Temple, which has intricate carvings and the Sachiya Mata Temple, dedicated to the mother goddess. Another architectural marvel is the Mahavira Temple, a major Jain monument. These temples have intricate sculptures of deities, mythological beasts and reflect a change in architectural styles.

Conclusion –

Rajasthan’s most popular tourist spots are indeed breathtaking, but to experience this royal state, one must venture beyond the beaten track. Far away from the throngs of tourists, these places provide an authentic experience of history, culture and nature, allowing travellers to form a deeper connection with the earth and its people.