When it comes to traveling in Rajasthan, the images that usually come to mind for most people are the majestic palaces in Jaipur, the picturesque lakes in Udaipur, the forts in Jodhpur, and the golden deserts in Jaisalmer. However, another district in Rajasthan is currently gaining popularity among tourists—this is Sikar.
Sikar has surpassed Jaipur in terms of domestic tourists. Between January and June 2026, about 1.5 million domestic tourists visited Sikar, whereas approximately 8.1 million visitors were registered in Jaipur during the same period.
The large number of visitors to Sikar is related to the presence of famous religious sites here. The Khatushyamji temple has gained particular popularity among pilgrims. Additionally, the temples of Jin Mata and Shakambari Mata, as well as Harsh Hill, attract people.
If you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, it is worth including Sikar in your list of destinations. Here you can see Shekhawati culture, ancient temples, hilly areas, and historical heritage, combining this with spiritual experiences.
The preferences of domestic tourists in Rajasthan are rapidly changing. According to data from January-June 2026, Sikar has taken the leading position. It is followed by Chittorgarh with approximately 1.3 million, Jaisalmer with 1.1 million, and Ajmer with about 9.9 million domestic tourists.
Thus, if you are planning a trip to Rajasthan to a place where you can combine spiritual practices with something unusual, Sikar is the best choice.
Sikar's identity is no longer limited to Shekhawati mansions. The Khatushyamji temple has become the main religious site in the district, attracting pilgrims from all corners of the country.
Furthermore, the temples of Jin Mata and Shakambari Mata contribute to the development of religious tourism. Pilgrims heading to Salasar Balaji in Churu also pass through Sikar, which increases the flow of tourists to this region.
A trip to Sikar is not just about visiting temples. Harsh Hill is also an interesting place for walks. This ancient Shiva temple, located in a mountainous area, attracts visitors. The administration is working on plans to develop Harsh as ecotourism. If this plan is implemented, Sikar will be able to develop not only religious but also environmental and adventure tourism.
The trend of including Sikar in travel itineraries is growing among tourists visiting Jaipur. Many people head to Sikar after visiting Jaipur to see Khatushyamji and nearby religious sites.
Nevertheless, currently, most tourists stay in Sikar for only one day. Local tourism business representatives believe that if the infrastructure, including hotels, electricity supply, and roads, is improved, tourists can be retained for a longer period.
Sikar's popularity is expanding beyond religious trips. There is a trend of holding weddings in Sikar as a destination. Many families prefer to hold the ceremony in a religious atmosphere.
This could lead to an increased demand for hotels, resorts, banquet halls, and other types of tourism businesses in Sikar and the surrounding areas of Khatushyamji in the future.
The continuous growth in the number of tourists in Sikar is due to the increasing popularity of religious sites, people's deep faith in Khatushyamji, good road connectivity, and the presence of neighboring attractions. If places like the Shekhawati mansions and Harsh Hill are considered in the context of religious tourism, Sikar has the potential to become a major domestic tourist center of Rajasthan in the coming future.
