Festivals of Rajasthan & Hill Stations: A Complete 2025 Travel...

Festivals of Rajasthan & Hill Stations: A Complete 2025 Travel Guide

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When most people think of Rajasthan, their mind paints a picture of golden deserts, massive forts, and royal palaces. While all of this is true, the state is far more vibrant than what meets the eye. It’s a land where every season brings a new reason to celebrate, and every corner echoes with music, dance, and color. If you’re planning a trip to Rajasthan, the best way to experience its cultural soul is by being part of the Festivals of Rajasthan.

And Rajasthan isn’t only about deserts — it surprises you with cool getaways too. While Mount Abu is the state’s only official hill station, there are places that give you a refreshing mountain-like vibe. Exploring the hill stations in Rajasthan is the perfect way to balance culture with relaxation.

Let’s take a deep dive into both worlds: the festivals that showcase Rajasthan’s rich heritage and the hill getaways that bring peace amid the royal chaos.

🎭 11 Most Beautiful Festivals of Rajasthan You Must Visit

Each festival in Rajasthan isn’t just an event; it’s a living tradition carried forward for centuries. Here are the ones you can’t miss:

1. Pushkar Camel Fair

One of the world’s largest cattle fairs, where traders, tourists, and locals come together. Beyond camels, there are folk performances, hot air balloon rides, and colorful markets.

2. Desert Festival (Jaisalmer)

Held in February, the desert comes alive with camel races, turban-tying contests, and Kalbeliya dance under starry skies.

3. Gangaur Festival (Jaipur, Udaipur)

Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, this festival is celebrated with processions, decorated idols, and traditional songs.

4. Teej Festival

Celebrated by women, Teej marks the monsoon season. Streets of Jaipur turn green with swings, fairs, and sweet ghevar.

5. Mewar Festival (Udaipur)

Coinciding with Gangaur, it celebrates spring with boat processions on Lake Pichola.

6. Marwar Festival (Jodhpur)

A cultural showcase of Rajasthan’s music and dance, held in honor of Rajput heroes.

7. Kite Festival (Makar Sankranti, Jaipur & Jodhpur)

Skies turn into a canvas of colors as locals compete in kite flying.

8. Nagaur Fair

Second only to Pushkar, this cattle fair has games, bullock races, and traditional music.

9. Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF, Jodhpur)

Set against Mehrangarh Fort, RIFF brings folk artists and international musicians together.

10. Camel Festival (Bikaner)

A tribute to the ship of the desert with parades, races, and camel dances.

11. Jaipur Literature Festival

Known globally, it attracts thinkers, authors, and artists, making it Rajasthan’s modern intellectual celebration.

🏮 Why You Should Attend These Festivals

Cultural Immersion – They showcase authentic Rajasthani life.
Visual Grandeur – Think decorated camels, colorful turbans, and illuminated palaces.
Community Spirit – Experience the warmth of Rajasthani hospitality.
Perfect for Photography – Every moment is Instagram-worthy.

🧳 Planning a Trip Around Festivals

When booking your trip to Rajasthan, check festival calendars. Hotels fill up quickly during major events like Pushkar Fair and JLF, so early reservations are a must. Carry light cottons for daytime and shawls/jackets for evenings, especially in winter months.

🏞️ Exploring Hill Stations in Rajasthan

After days of music, fairs, and festivities, nothing feels better than a peaceful mountain escape. Although Rajasthan is famous for deserts, the hill stations in Rajasthan offer a refreshing twist.

1. Mount Abu

The only official hill station.
Surrounded by Aravalli hills, it has Nakki Lake, Dilwara Jain Temples, and Sunset Point.
Pleasant weather makes it a year-round escape.

2. Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace, Udaipur)

Though not a hill station in the strictest sense, its elevated location offers panoramic views of Udaipur and Fateh Sagar Lake. Best visited during monsoons.

3. Achalgarh (Near Mount Abu)

A small fort town in the Aravallis. The cool air and ancient Achaleshwar temple make it feel like a hill retreat.

4. Guru Shikhar

The highest peak in the Aravalli range. Located near Mount Abu, it offers a 360-degree view and is popular among trekkers.

5. Kumbhalgarh

Home to the second-longest wall in the world, its elevated setting and surrounding greenery make it feel like a hill fortress town.

🌿 Why Add Hill Stations to Your Rajasthan Itinerary

Escape the Heat – A break from desert temperatures.
Blend of History & Nature – Ancient temples, forts, and lush landscapes.
Adventure Options – Trekking, boating, and photography spots.

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary (Festivals + Hills)

Day 1–3 (Jaipur): Attend Teej or Kite Festival → Explore Amber Fort → Evening at Nahargarh Hills.
Day 4–5 (Jodhpur): Desert Festival or RIFF → Mehrangarh Fort → Local shopping.
Day 6–7 (Udaipur): Mewar Festival → Sajjangarh Palace → Boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Day 8–9 (Mount Abu): Relax at Nakki Lake, trek to Guru Shikhar, explore Dilwara Temples.

📝 Tips for Travelers

Always check festival dates before planning.
Carry both traditional attire (for festival fun) and casuals (for hill station comfort).
Hire local guides for authentic experiences.
Be respectful while photographing people at festivals.
Stay hydrated; even hill towns can get warm during the day.

✅ Summary

Rajasthan is a land that knows how to celebrate life. The Festivals of Rajasthan showcase its vibrant spirit, from the Pushkar Camel Fair to the Jaipur Literature Festival. Pairing these cultural highlights with a visit to the serene hill stations in Rajasthan — like Mount Abu, Sajjangarh, and Guru Shikhar — creates the perfect balance of festivity and relaxation.

If you’re planning a trip to Rajasthan in 2025, make sure to sync your journey with both cultural festivals and mountain escapes. This way, you’ll experience the state’s grandeur, colors, and calm — all in one unforgettable adventure.