This offbeat side of Rajasthan is where the heart of the state truly beats. If you're yearning for a more intimate, immersive, and slow-paced adventure, a countryside tour of Rajasthan will be your most rewarding journey.
Top Offbeat Countryside Experiences in Rajasthan
1. Bundi – The Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan
Nestled in the Hadoti region, Bundi is a charming town overlooked by many. Its blue-washed houses, winding lanes, and the magnificent Taragarh Fort give it an old-world mystique.
Highlights:
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Explore Bundi Palace, with its incredible murals and untouched royal grandeur
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Walk along the stepwells (baoris) – especially the spectacular Rani Ji ki Baori
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Visit nearby villages to see traditional miniature painting being practiced
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Interact with farmers and learn about rain-fed agriculture
Bundi’s slow pace makes it ideal for travelers wanting a peaceful immersion into Rajasthani town life.
2. Jawai – Land of Leopards and Shepherds
A true hidden gem, Jawai in the Pali district is famed not just for its wildlife, but also for its harmonious co-existence between leopards and the Rabari shepherds.
Highlights:
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Stay in eco-luxury lodges or local homestays
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Go on leopard safaris – a unique opportunity to see wild leopards in granite hillscapes
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Walk with Rabari tribes, learn about their nomadic traditions and rituals
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Visit local temples built into the rocks
Jawai is where nature, culture, and wildlife blend seamlessly — a paradise for photographers, wildlife lovers, and offbeat adventurers.
3. Shekhawati – The Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan
The Shekhawati region (including towns like Mandawa, Nawalgarh, and Fatehpur) is known for its elaborate frescoed havelis, many of which are crumbling but still stunning.
Highlights:
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Explore old merchant mansions decorated with hand-painted mythological scenes
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Stay in restored heritage homes and interact with the host families
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Attend folk music nights or puppet shows
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Take cycling tours through mustard fields and semi-arid countryside
Shekhawati is ideal for travelers interested in architecture, art, and rural history, far from the typical tourism circuits.
4. Ranakpur and the Aravalli Foothills
Most tourists visit Ranakpur for its famous Jain temple, but the surrounding countryside is equally captivating. Rolling hills, forest trails, tribal villages, and farming fields dominate the landscape.
Highlights:
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Hike or bike through the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
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Stay in eco-lodges or village homes near Sadri or Ghanerao
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Participate in local pottery, weaving, or cooking sessions
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Enjoy night safaris to spot jackals, hyenas, and owls
This area offers raw natural beauty and a glimpse into traditional tribal life (Garasiyas, Bhils), far removed from touristy gloss.
5. Khimsar and the Thar’s Edge
On the edge of the Thar Desert lies Khimsar, a small village centered around a restored 15th-century fort. A short distance from here is the village of Khinvsar, where one can see sand dunes begin to rise and camel caravans pass by.
Highlights:
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Stay in the Khimsar Fort or desert camps
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Visit local villages for mud-house tours and artisan visits
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Take camel rides or jeep safaris into nearby desert scrublands
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Interact with rural artisans working in pottery and weaving
The Khimsar experience is ideal for those wanting a desert encounter minus the touristy hustle of Jaisalmer.
6. Garadia Mahadev and the Chambal Valley
Located near Kota, the Garadia Mahadev temple sits perched over the breathtaking Chambal River gorge. While most visitors just stop for the view, the surrounding region offers fantastic countryside exploration.
Highlights:
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Stay in nearby villages or farmstays
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Explore tribal settlements and learn about local crafts
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Take a boat ride on the Chambal River, a hotspot for crocodiles and migratory birds
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Visit local temples, waterfalls, and picnic spots
This is Rajasthan like you've never imagined—lush, green, and full of life.
7. Bishnoi Villages near Jodhpur
The Bishnoi community, known for their deep reverence for nature, offer a unique insight into sustainable desert living.
Highlights:
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Take a village safari with a local guide from the community
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Witness opium ceremonies (a traditional welcome)
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Observe weaving, pottery, and block printing up close
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See antelope (blackbuck), migratory birds, and desert wildlife co-existing peacefully
The Bishnoi experience is a spiritual and ecological journey, not just a tour.
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