Canadian’s Guide to Visiting Rajasthan for the Perfect Trip

The country of India has always attracted tourists from around the world, due to its rich culture and timeless history. Every year, thousands of people, including Canadians, get an Indian tourist visa and travel to this country. 

This is why the Indian Travel and Tourism industry is set to reach USD 59 Billion by 2028. The top visited cities of this country include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and most importantly the different cities of Rajasthan. 

This is the desert state of India, which is filled with royal palaces and vibrant landmarks that attract many tourists every year. Continue reading to discover how you can have a great time below. 

Planning Your Trip to Rajasthan  

There’s one thing common across all successful trips, and that is a good plan. Well, planning a trip involves considering a few different things. Some of these include: 

Best Time to Visit  

Being a desert state, Rajasthan’s temperature involves a lot of heat throughout the year. However, the severity of it varies across different months. March to June, which is the summer season, is never a good pick for traveling to the place as it is sweltering during the day, with the temperatures rising to 45°C or 113°F, however, the evening gets a little cooler. 

July to September is winter, and the temperature is comparatively cooler, but the humidity still stays high, which makes your exploration less enjoyable. Lastly, the winter season lasts from October to March and offers a cooler and comfortable time for people to explore. The daytime temperature ranges between 20-30°C (68-86°F), and it drops to 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the nighttime. We recommend traveling around this time for an optimal experience.  

Travel Requirements for Canadians  

Right after you have picked your traveling time, the next thing that you will have to do is figure out the travel requirements for your trip. You will require a few things to visit Rajasthan, or rather India as a Canadian. Some of these requirements are: 

Have a Passport: 

International travel is incomplete without a passport.  So you should check whether your passport is eligible as per the parameters of the general validity criteria. For instance, it should have a minimum of two blank pages in it. 

Plus, it should also have at least 6 months validity starting from the day your trip ends. Other than this, your passport should also be in machine-readable condition, and all your details should be visible. That is, it should not be dog-eared or have smudged or illegible words. 

Apply for a Visa: 

A visa is just like a travel permit that proves you are eligible to enter the country. That’s why you should apply for your Indian visa for Canadian citizens before the trip. This visa comes with three types of validity. A 30-day visa offers single entry and stays valid for a month. 

A 1-year visa allows multiple entries and stays valid for a year, however, it comes with a maximum stay limit of 180 days in total. The 5-year visa also allows multiple entries and stays valid for 5 years, but it also has a maximum stay limit of 180 days for each year. 

The process for applying for this visa is quite simple: 

• Visit the online portal and check your nationality’s eligibility to get the visa.
• Find the application form and start filling it with accurate details related to yourself and the trip.  
• Add scanned copies of the necessary documents like a valid passport, recent passport-sized photograph, travel itinerary, bank statements, flight tickets, and other things required by the government. 
• Pay the fee with the help of a valid payment method

Note:

After this, you will be required to wait for a few days (3 to 5) for the application to be processed. After that, you will receive a digital approval letter in your email. After that, you will just have to get a few printed copies of the letter and bring them with you to the airport. Contact the Helpdesk if you encounter any delays or difficulties. 

Top Places to Visit in Rajasthan  

Rajasthan is filled with many locations that offer you the best tourist experience. However, there are some cities that are a must-visit. Some of these cities are:

Jaipur

This city is famous for its landmarks like the City Palace, Amber Fort, and Hawa Mahal. Moreover, many people also visit this place for cultural experiences like elephant rides and Rajasthani folk performances. If you are visiting this city after getting your Indian tourist visa then you must shop at the famous local markets like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar. 

Udaipur

This is the City of Lakes and comes with the chance to explore stunning places like Lake Pichola and City Palace. The rooftop restaurants of Udaipur come with amazing views. You can also opt for boat rides with your partner for a memorable time. When it comes to accommodation, you can try living in the famous heritage hotels.  

Jaisalmer 

This is known as the Golden City and gives you the chance to explore unique Havelis and Jain temples. The city comes with the magic of the Thar Desert which is best experienced through camel safaris and dune camping. Other than that, you must also visit the famous Jaisalmer Fort as it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.   

Jodhpur 

Filled with blue houses, this one is known as the Blue City. The streets are filled with vibrant blue colors, which have made it a top movie location and even made it famous among foreign travelers. This city is also known for the Mehrangarh Fort.  Other than that, you should also stop at some restaurants in the area to have a taste of traditional Rajasthani cuisine.  

Pushkar

This city is known as the Holy Town of the country and many people visit the place simply for spiritual reasons. The Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple hold a lot of significance which makes them a must-visit for anyone coming to the country with an Indian visa for Canadian citizens. You can also head to the famous Pushkar Camel Fair in November for an alternative experience. 

Ranthambore 

If you are someone looking for a wildlife escape, then you must visit this city. This will give you a chance to spot the famous Bengal tiger, alongside many other animals. Try to book your safari during October or November as the temperature is comparatively cooler and favorable for exploring for long hours. Remember to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and book your safari ahead of the trip.

Cultural Experiences Not to Miss  

We would recommend not missing out on the following experiences: 

• Sampling traditional Rajasthani dishes like Dal Baati Churma, Red Meat or Laal Maas, and Ghewar. These are all staple dishes in a Rajasthani diet.   
• Try visiting during festivals like Diwali, Holi, or Desert Festival. This will give you a chance to immerse yourself in the culture and experience unique folk music and dance performances. 
• Remember to shop for Rajasthani handicrafts like jewelry, textiles, pottery and leather goods. We would recommend the markets of Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur. 

Travel Tips for Canadians  

Planning the perfect trip after getting an Indian tourist visa requires you to consider a few tips. Some of these include:

• Create a proper budget for the trip and choose accommodation depending on that. 
• Exchange your Canadian dollars for Indian rupees at the airport or at an authorized bank. 
• Take proper health precautions like carrying necessary medicines, drinking packaged water, and avoiding street food. 
• Maintain safety at all times and keep the emergency number of India (112) saved in your phone.
• Choose a travel option that feels suitable for you. Opt for trains or flights to travel between cities and buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws for exploring within a city. 

Feeling Confident to Explore Rajasthan with an Indian Tourist Visa?

Taking a trip to Rajasthan with an Indian visa for Canadian citizens will help you get a closer understanding of the culture and heritage of the country. From ancient palaces to the local markets, everything will offer you an experience that will last forever. And the best thing is that you can do it all simply by following a proper travel plan and getting your visa weeks in advance. 

However, if you still end up facing any issues while getting your visa then you can just contact the Helpdesk.