Jaipur: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with their family members, arrived in Ranthambore on Tuesday as Rajasthan witnessed a record surge in tourist arrivals across major destinations ahead of the New Year, reflecting a strong revival in domestic and international travel.

Ranthambore, located in Sawai Madhopur district, is globally renowned for its tiger reserve, rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. The destination continues to remain one of the most sought-after wildlife tourism spots in the country, especially during the winter holiday season.

The visit by the Gandhi family coincided with an unprecedented tourism rush across Rajasthan, with popular cities, heritage sites and religious centres reporting heavy crowds, full hotel occupancy and significantly increased tariffs.

Ranthambore remains a major draw

Ranthambore National Park has long been a favourite among tourists due to its thriving tiger population and accessible safari experience. Officials said safari bookings in the region have been running at near full capacity, particularly during the last week of December.

Tourism stakeholders noted that celebrity and political leader visits often bring additional attention to destinations like Ranthambore, further boosting interest among visitors during peak travel periods.

Tourist hotspots across Rajasthan see heavy footfall

According to tourism department officials, the New Year rush has been reported across major destinations including Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur and several prominent religious centres.

In Jaisalmer, often referred to as the Golden City, the iconic Sonar Fort has been packed with tourists throughout the day. The Sam Sand Dunes, a major attraction on the outskirts of the city, have seen large gatherings of domestic and foreign tourists enjoying desert camps, camel safaris, cultural performances and specially curated New Year events.

A Jaisalmer tourism officer said the city is witnessing one of its busiest holiday seasons in recent years, with demand exceeding expectations.

Udaipur hotels fully booked, rates surge

Udaipur, the lake city, has also reported exceptionally high tourist numbers. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, a tourist guide from Udaipur, said hotels and resorts in the city have been fully booked since Christmas.

“Room tariffs have surged three to four times compared to regular rates. Tourist attractions such as Pichola Lake boating, Karni Mata ropeway, City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari and Sajjangarh Fort are seeing long queues throughout the day,” he said.

Traffic congestion has become a challenge in old city areas due to the influx of visitors, with authorities deploying additional personnel to manage movement.

Jaipur records massive turnout at heritage sites

The state capital, Jaipur, has witnessed massive footfall at its heritage monuments. Data from the department of archaeology showed that on Monday alone, Hawa Mahal attracted 16,807 visitors, Amer Palace saw 18,203 tourists, Jantar Mantar recorded 14,865 entries, Nahargarh Fort welcomed 9,320 visitors and the Albert Hall Museum had 7,941 visitors.

“All tourist destinations in the Pink City have been overcrowded since Saturday,” said Pooja Rathore, a tour guide in Jaipur. She added that the festive atmosphere and pleasant winter weather have made Jaipur a top choice for year-end travel.

Jodhpur, Sariska and religious sites also crowded

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur has seen its daily visitor count nearly double to 6,000–7,000 from the usual 2,500–3,000, according to tour operator Sanjay Koushik. He also said the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar has all safaris booked until January 5.

Religious centres across the state have reported several times higher footfall. These include Khatushyamji in Sikar, Salasar Balaji in Churu, Mehandipur Balaji in Dausa and Sanwalia Seth in Chittorgarh. Special arrangements have been made at Jaipur’s Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple and Govind Devji Temple for the January 1 morning rush.

Rising costs and New Year events

Hotels, resorts and heritage properties across Rajasthan are operating at full capacity, with tariffs increased multifold. A tourist, Pramod Chaudhary, who travelled to Jaisalmer from Jaipur with his family, said he struggled to find accommodation.

“Somehow, I managed to get a normal room for Rs 10,000 per day, which is nearly six to seven times higher than the usual rate,” he said.

Tour operators noted that New Year rates in the luxury segment have increased by 20 to 25 per cent. Many properties have planned special celebrations, including DJ parties, cultural shows and themed nights to attract holidaymakers.

Safety and traffic measures in place

To manage the surge, authorities have enforced traffic diversions in Jaipur and other cities. As part of a road safety initiative, Jaipur Police have directed hotels, restaurants and bars to issue pink slips with bills carrying the message “Do not drive after drinking.” Establishments have also been asked to display awareness posters and appoint nodal officers for coordination with police.

Conclusion

With political leaders, tourists and devotees converging on Rajasthan’s iconic destinations, the state is witnessing one of its busiest New Year tourism seasons in recent years. The surge underscores Rajasthan’s enduring appeal as a hub of heritage, wildlife, culture and spirituality, while also highlighting the need for robust crowd management and safety measures during peak travel periods.