Rajasthan offers immense potential for monsoon tourism. According to Dalip Singh Rathore, Deputy Director of Tourism, the increase of 328.52 percent in the number of foreign tourists visiting Rajasthan in 2023 compared to 2022 is a significant indicator of Rajasthan’s tourism importance. Additionally, there was a 65.29 percent increase in domestic tourists. In 2023, Rajasthan greeted over 180.75 million tourists. Rathore attributes Rajasthan’s shift towards foreign tourists to its strong presence in international travel marts and trade fairs.
Tourism flourishes in Rajasthan throughout the year, offering visitors a chance to experience the state’s diverse attractions. Exploring Rajasthan during the monsoon season unveils its distinctive charm, reshaping its image beyond its desert landscape. Banswara, often dubbed the “Cherrapunji of Rajasthan,” holds great importance in the state, boasting a multitude of temples and earning the moniker “city of a hundred temples.” Travelers planning a visit to Rajasthan during the monsoon are encouraged to discover the beauty of Banswara, Bundi, Mount Abu, Udaipur, and Kumbhalgarh.
Banswara: Banswara’s journey can be undertaken at any time of the year, but the monsoon season is particularly beautiful. Banswara is renowned for its sacred Kalpvriksha trees, also known as the Kalpvriksha Banswara. These trees hold religious significance and are believed to fulfill people’s wishes. Banswara is considered a popular pilgrimage site and attracts devotees.
Anand Sagar Lake: An artificial lake also known as Bai Talab, Anand Sagar Lake, surrounded by sacred trees, known as “Kalpvriksha,” is famous for fulfilling the wishes of visitors.
Abdullah Pir Dargah: A popular dargah dedicated to a Bohra Muslim saint, Abdullah Pir Dargah, also known as Abdul Rasul, is located in the southern part of the city. The urs (annual festival) at this dargah is celebrated with great pomp and show by the Bohra community.
Mahi Dam: Located 18 kilometers from Banswara, Mahi Dam is the largest dam in the region. It has six gates and stretches 3.10 kilometers long. Built under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, it has become a popular tourist spot during the monsoon.
Tripura Sundari Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari, also known as Mata Taratai, Tripura Sundari Temple is a prominent temple located 19 kilometers from Banswara on the Banswara-Dungarpur road. It features a beautiful black stone idol with eighteen arms and is considered one of the Shakti Peeths.
Andeshwar Parshwanath Ji: Andeshwar Parshwanath Ji is a famous Jain temple located on a small hill in Kushalgarh tehsil. The temple boasts rare inscriptions from the 10th century.
Ramkund: Ramkund, located 3 kilometers from Talwada, is a sacred place believed to have been visited by Lord Rama during his exile.
Diyalab Lake: Diyalab Lake is a popular tourist destination in Banswara. Known for its natural beauty, it also houses the Hanuman Temple, which attracts devotees.
Paraheda: Paraheda is an ancient Shiva temple located approximately 22 kilometers from Banswara. Built-in the 12th century, this Shiva temple follows the distinctive Rajput architectural style.
Raniji Ki Baori: Raniji Ki Baori is one of the most popular stepwells in Banswara. This 300-year-old structure, with its 46-meter depth and intricately carved pillars, is among the best-preserved stepwells in India.
Moti Mahal: Moti Mahal is a beautifully historic site in Bundi, Rajasthan, which attracts tourists due to its beauty and historical significance. It was built by Maharaja Raja Bhao Singh in the year 1645.
Mount Abu: Considered as Rajasthan’s hill station, Mount Abu attracts tourists throughout the year, with a significant increase during summers and monsoons. Known for its rocky cliffs, serene lakes, pleasant climate, Mount Abu offers a mesmerizing experience to visitors.
Udaipur: The city of Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, is located 265 kilometers from Ahmedabad and 180 kilometers from Mount Abu. Famous for its lakes, Udaipur attracts both domestic and international tourists, with a significant number coming from Gujarat and Maharashtra. Founded by Rana Udai Singh II in 1559, Udaipur is renowned for its architectural marvels like the City Palace and Jagdish Temple.
Kumbhalgarh: Kumbhalgarh Fort, situated 82 kilometers northwest of Udaipur city in the Rajsamand district, is a prominent tourist destination in Rajasthan. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, Kumbhalgarh Fort stands at an elevation of around 1100 meters above sea level. With walls extending over 36 kilometers, it is one of the longest walls in the world, often referred to as the Great Wall of India.
