Beyond Jaipur & Udaipur: Rajasthan’s Best-Kept Secrets for a Royal Destination Wedding

Rajasthan, India's most stunning royal state, has an incredibly rich culture and an unrivalled history. A visit to Rajasthan seems like stepping into a fairytale, but it becomes even more special when it's a fairytale love story, and that love story is yours. Think a wedding surrounded by palaces over a thousand years old and a rich past. 

Now, when we think about destination weddings in Rajasthan, the first few spots that make their way to our minds are Jaipur and Udaipur, but what if there were more than just these? The ones that are hidden in plain sight, but just never click as places that you can host a wedding at.

Rajasthan, with its glorious architecture, gorgeous wilderness camps, tucked-away royal palaces and historic cities, has some other gems that are yet to be explored. These hidden and treasured places represent the heart of Rajasthan and make a good case for the royal Rajasthani weddings.  

Manvar

 Manvar Resort, located in the middle of the Thar Desert between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, is a hidden gem for those who wish to truly experience the beauty of the desert yet in crowd-free comfort and luxury. 

Temple tours, camel rides, crane spotting, village walks, desert safaris, vehicle trips to neighbouring villages, shopping, and garden tours are among the leisure activities available in Manvar. Manvar Resort is a perfect site to experience the beauties of Jodhpur while being outside of the city, as Jodhpur is only 100 kilometres away. 

Kapra Bazaar is the place to go for traditional Rajasthani attire and clothing embellished with Rajasthani embroidery. Mehrangarh Fort, Umed Garden, Umaid Bhavan Palace, Udai Mandir, Sarafa Bazaar, Maha Mandir, Mochi Bazaar, Mandore Garden, Jaswant 

Mihir Garh Fort, Khandi 

Mihir Fort, located 6 kilometres from Jodhpur, is a fort that does not receive the attention it deserves. A mediaeval castle entrenched amid arid landscape makes for a fantastic scenic location. If you plan to host your destination wedding here, you should know your wedding will be all about the beautiful sunset, while the orange colours of the sky would make a memorable evening for you and your guests. 

Dungarpur 

Dungarpur, the city of the Dungars, or hills, is home to several historic tribal civilisations, some of which are thought to be extinct. Located in Rajasthan's southernmost region, you and your guests can enjoy excursions to NagPhani Parshwanath, Baneshwar, Deo Somnath, Galiyakot (Syedi Fakhrudd in Shaheed Dargah, Dawoodi Bohra Community), Punali, Bankora, Shree Raghunathji Mandir (Bhiluda), Kalaji Temple (Varda), and Virat Andheri Mata to have interesting experiences.

 Besides that, Haveli Juna Mahal, Udai Bilas Palace, Juna Mahal (or the Old Palace), Government Archaeological Museum, and District Library are more palaces and venues to learn more about Rajasthan's history. Camel rides, sightseeing, shopping, trekking, birding excursions, folk music and folk dances are among the leisure activities available in Dungarpur.  

Barmer 

The village of Barmer, located deep in the Thar Desert, is notable for its mud buildings and harsh environment. Due to its location (185 kilometres from Jaisalmer), Barmer attracts many adventure tourists on motorcycles and other vehicles. 

Barmer, like many other truly hidden jewels of Rajasthan, boasts stunning forts and temples that awe visitors.

Rawla Narlai 

Rawla Narlai, located in southern Rajasthan, is a 17th-century castle hidden behind a gigantic 350-foot-high rock. The fort is now a historic hotel that resembles a 17th-century "villa." If you're driving between Udaipur and Jodhpur, Narlai is an excellent place to rest for a night or two. 

Adinath Jain Temple, Munisurvat Swami Jain Temple, Suparshvanath Jain Temple, and Shantinath Temple are also prominent tourist sites in Narlai. The hillocks and temples surrounding the fort, together with the natural beauty, make your big day even more unforgettable. Rawla Narlai's recreational activities include jeep safaris, visits to surrounding villages, shopping, camel rides, and trekking. 

Mandawa 

Mandawa is a town in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district, 190 kilometres north of Jaipur, and is part of the Shekhawati area. This city is very important to the Shekhavati Rajputs.

Mandawa's most notable tourist attraction is the Mandawa Fort, which was built in the 18th century by Thakur Nawal Singh. This fort is now a history hotel, and the hospitality here gives you a sense of Mandava's regal tradition. Havelis (manors) with historic and distinctive architecture, art, and decorations are other popular tourist attractions in Mandawa.

Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, and Aakharam ka Haveli are other examples.

 Mandawa's recreational activities include history tours, shopping, camel rides, and sightseeing. Although Mandawa Fort is the ideal venue to experience the lives of Rajasthan's royal families, other fantastic hotels in the Mandawa region include Desert Resort, Hotel Heritage Mandawa, and Sara Villas.