It might sound silly, but India is vast and unlike most countries that match or exceed it in land mass, there’s a lot to see. Most travellers stick to the golden triangle of Rajasthan, however, there’s so much more to this area of India than the Taj Mahal, the Pink City and James Bond Island.
Pushkar
This oasis in the West of India near Udaipur, hosts the world’s largest camel festival in October. However, if nomads and farmers from across Asia and Africa or the street parties and fairs aren’t your thing, there’s a ghat where Brahma was reportedly born. The village is spiritual and because of that it’s dry and vegetarian.
Bundi
A forgotten Royal city near Jaipur is a beautiful and derelict testament to India’s own imperial past. The palace is in major need of maintenance but its majesty is still intact. The sleepy blue town has plenty of converted havelis, and even the old royal elephant stables, to stay in.
Jaisalmer
Visiting a palace in the desert is a must. This city is a breath-taking example of Hindu art and culture. It’s not a bustling as Rajasthan’s main cities, but that makes it the perfect escape from the intensity of Indian travel and lifestyle.
Ajmer
The fifth largest city in Rajasthan tends to be part of the tour, but not really on anyone’s to-do list. It marries India’s terrain with the Aravalli Mountains enveloping a city with years of colonialism from the Turkic’s to the British and its architecture is a perfect blend of these influences.
Dharamshala
Just an overnight bus ride from Delhi takes you to the foothills of the Himalayas. There sits an old hill station that has become home to many exiled Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama. Here you can visit his residence and explore the artisan monasteries of McLeodGanj to see how Buddhist art is made.
