Rajasthan's most offbeat trips for the New Year's eve

Rajasthan, a name associated with all things royal, has a charm of its own, luring travellers from across the world. But, there's more to it, a lot more if you are set for some interesting exploratory trips to Rajasthan's more offbeat side. Here, TimesTravel picks for some of the most interesting, offbeat places to visit in Rajasthan for the New Year's eve.

Kumbhalgarh is an offbeat choice that is just 84 km from the tourist magnet that Rajasthan's Udaipur is. It lies in Rajsamand district and is famed for the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort, a World Heritage Site. While Kumbhalgarh is a small town, it has a lot of surprises for travellers, ranging from grand monuments, beautiful temples, chhattris and more. It is also home to the second largest wall in the world, right after the Great Wall of China.

Bikaner is surrounded by the golden dunes of the Thar Desert, and is also home to the 16th century Junagadh Forest. The famous Karni Mata Temple is also close to Bikaner and attracts followers as well as curious souls for it is also home to thousands of rats! You can also shop for leather goods, handicrafts, beautiful jharokhas, and the famous Bikaneri Bhujia.
A must-visit.

Ranthambore National Park is a beautiful wildlife reserve in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur. It's a great choice to celebrate the New Year's eve in Rajasthan if you love all things wild. While tigers are the highlight here, there is a lot more to see and learn, right from swamp crocodiles to deers to leopards and more. Do pack your camera along for you never know what you might see!

Pali is one of the most offbeat places you can visit in Rajasthan for the New Year's eve. It is close to Jodhpur and one can simply drive for around 70 km from the Blue City to reach Pali. Among its many attractions that include freely-roaming leopards, Pali's Raipur is also home to the beautiful Brij Lakshman Sagar that calls for a staycation.

This sprawling tiger reserve is in Rajasthan's Alwar district and is a rather offbeat choice for the New Year's eve but definitely worth it. Again a place that will take you close to Rajasthan's famed wildlife, especially the big cats. Interesting stays here range from camps to resorts to private stays and plush hotels. Do not miss.

Shekhawati is another wonderland in Rajasthan that is off the tourist radar but a beautiful place to be at, especially for the New Year's eve. It is a photographers' delight and is loved across the world for the beautiful wall paintings that adorn its havelis. The desserts and local cuisine here is a foodie's delight.

Read more: A guide to Shekhawati attractions that you cannot miss