When people plan a trip to India, they often look at large states. Big states usually offer more places, different landscapes, and longer travel routes. During this planning, a common question comes up: after Rajasthan which is India second largest state by area.
The answer is simple, Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state in India by land area. Rajasthan comes first, and Madhya Pradesh comes next. Both states are very large. Both take time to explore. They both offer very different travel experiences. Knowing their size helps travelers plan better trips and avoid rushing.
Rajasthan: The Largest State in India by Land Area
Rajasthan is the largest state in India when we talk about land area. It covers about 342,239 square kilometers. This is a very large area compared to other Indian states.
Rajasthan is located in the north-western part of India. It shares borders with many states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. It also shares an international border with Pakistan.
Because Rajasthan is so large, the travel experience changes from one region to another. Some parts are dry and sandy, while other areas have hills, lakes, and green fields.
After Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh Is India’s Second Largest State
After Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state in India by area.
Madhya Pradesh covers around 308,245 square kilometers. It is smaller than Rajasthan but still much larger than most other states.
Madhya Pradesh is located in the center of India. Because of this location, many people travel through it when moving between different parts of the country.
From a travel point of view, Madhya Pradesh feels very different from Rajasthan. It has more forests, rivers, and wildlife areas.
How Madhya Pradesh Feels Different From Rajasthan
Travelers often notice a clear change when they enter Madhya Pradesh after visiting Rajasthan.
Main differences include:
- More green landscapes
- Cooler temperatures in some regions
- Dense forests
- Many rivers and lakes
While Rajasthan feels dry and open, Madhya Pradesh feels closed and green in many areas.
Major Travel Cities in Rajasthan
Rajasthan has some of the best cities in India. These are historic cities with plenty of tourist landmarks. The best cities in Rajasthan are also world-famous tourist destinations. You can visit all these landmarks in the famous cities of Rajasthan. We have given below some of the best cities that you can visit in Rajasthan, the largest state by area.
- Jaipur – the Pink City of India
- Jodhpur – famous as the Blue City of Rajasthan
- Udaipur – The center of the Mewar Kingdom.
- Jaisalmer – right in the middle of the Thar Desert
- Bikaner – popular for its temples and forts
- Mount Abu – famous hill station in Rajasthan
- Ajmer – famous for its dargah and Sufi shrine
- Pushkar – the holy city of Rajasthan
- Bharatpur – for bird and animal lovers
- Kota – a famous city on the Chambal river
- Bundi – famous for its step wells
- Banswara – the greenest city in Rajasthan
- Alwar – the gateway to Rajasthan
- Mandawa – the town of painted havelis
Old Forts and Palaces to Visit in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is famous for its massive forts, royal palaces, mystical temples, desert adventure, and cultural attractions. Most national and international tourists visit Rajasthan to see magnificent landmarks like Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and Amer Fort. But there are many more monuments that you should visit on your trip to Rajasthan.
- Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
- Monsoon Palace, Udaipur
- Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
- Lake Palace, Udaipur
- Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur
- Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
- Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu
- Abhaneri Stepwell, Abhaneri
- City Palace, Jaipur
- Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur
- Ranakpur Jain Temple, Ranakpur
- Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
- Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ajmer
- Raniji Ki Baori, Bundi
- Gagron Fort, Gagron
- Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur
Things to do in Rajasthan
There are so many exciting things that you can do in Rajasthan. If you ask most tourists, they will tell you that they love the desert safari in Jaisalmer. But this is just one of the things that you can do in Rajasthan. You can do several other activities, relaxing and adventurous, in Rajasthan, the biggest state in India.
- Desert Camping in Thar Desert in Jaisalmer
- Sunset boating at Lake Pichola in Udaipur
- Tiger safari at Ranthambore National Park
- Ziplining at Neemrana Fort
- Camel Festival at Bikaner
- Elephant ride at Dera Amer, Jaipur
- Hot air balloon ride in Jaipur
- Desert dunes at Khimsar
- Brij Festival at Bharatpur
- Cable car gondola ride in Udaipur
- Motorboat ride in Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur
- Horse safari in Pushkar
- The architecture of Abhaneri Stepwell
- Kalbeliya tribal dance and music at Jaisalmer
- Shopping in Bapu Bazaar in Jaipur
- Bird watching at Keoladeo National Park
- Trekking at Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
- Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani Thali in Jaipur
Best time to visit Rajasthan
The climate in Rajasthan is generally hot during the summer season. You should avoid going to Rajasthan during this period. If you are going in the monsoon season, then you can see lush greenery in Rajasthan. There are chances of rainfall during this season. The winter season is the peak tourist season in Rajasthan. The climate is very good for doing many activities like sightseeing, shopping, and adventure activities. You should plan your Rajasthan visit from November to February.
Conclusion
This is a good time to plan your holidays in Rajasthan. You can plan your own Rajasthan tour itinerary or take any of the Rajasthan Tour Packages. If you want to visit the best tourist attractions in Rajasthan then you can plan and book hotels and safari tickets. You must visit the forts in Rajasthan and also taste the different varieties of Rajasthani street food. All these will make your Rajasthan tour memorable.
FAQ
Madhya Pradesh is India’s second largest state by land area after Rajasthan. Rajasthan ranks first with the largest land size, while Madhya Pradesh comes next. Both states are much larger than most other Indian states and take time to explore while traveling.
Rajasthan covers about 342,239 square kilometers, making it the largest state in India. Madhya Pradesh covers about 308,245 square kilometers and ranks second. The difference in size affects travel distance and planning in both states.
Rajasthan feels large because cities are far apart and many roads pass through desert areas. Travel between places often takes several hours. The dry climate and open landscapes also make distances feel longer during road trips.
A minimum of 7 to 10 days is enough to travel Rajasthan comfortably. This allows time for sightseeing, travel between cities, and rest. Shorter trips usually feel rushed due to long distances.
Yes, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh can be visited in one trip. Many travelers go to Madhya Pradesh after Rajasthan to enjoy forests, wildlife parks, and quieter places. Both states are well connected by road and train.
The best time to visit Rajasthan is from November to February. During these months, the weather is cooler and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer months are very hot and make travel difficult.
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