Rajasthan

Introduction to Rajasthan

Rajasthan travel promises a holiday filled with color and enjoyment. Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of India and is bounded by Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. With its rich cultural heritage, sand dunes, safaris and wildlife, the state has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. Rajasthan seems to be an open museum, where the tourists can get a glimpse of the socio-cultural pattern of the state.

The state, covering an area of 342,239 square kilometers, is dotted with marvelous palaces and forts. Rajasthan had been a part of the republics of Saka Satraps, Hunas, Arjunyas, Malavas, Yaudhyas, Kushans and Guptas and was also a constituent of the Mauryan Empire. The forts and palaces sprawled across the territory bear the rich imprints of the past rulers.

Rajasthan was inhabited by the Rajput clan in the 8th century. The waning of their power led to the emergence of Jats, Nath, Ahirs, Gujars, Bhils and Meenas, who established their dominance in the different districts of Rajasthan. It is noteworthy that these clans largely influenced the culture of Rajasthan. The 12th century heralded the rule of the Muslims, who were followed by the Mughals. The people, culture and architecture of Rajasthan largely owe to the Mughal Empire.

The extreme climatic conditions of Rajasthan make the state experience scorching heat during the summers and chilling cold during the winters. Those who wishes to visit Rajasthan are advised to avoid the summer months, as the temperature during this time ranges between 32ºC and 45ºC. During the winter months, the temperature falls below 0ºC. Tourists prefer to come to Rajasthan between July and September. During this period, the weather condition of the state remains quite pleasant and suitable for tourism.

The Rajasthan state has a lot to offer in terms of flora and fauna. The state possesses about 32549.64 square kilometers of forest area spread across northern, eastern, south-eastern and southern parts of the territory. Being a rich reserve of wildlife, Rajasthan is known for panther, blue bull, jackal, fox, hyena, sambhar, wild boar, jungle cat and many other species of animals.

The state of Rajasthan is well connected with an excellent network of transportation to the different parts of the country. Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur are the three main airports in Rajasthan, which are regularly operated by domestic and international flights. Some of the major railway stations in Rajasthan are at Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaipur. Besides, the state is also known to possess a well-knit network of roads. The National Highways and State Highways connect the different towns and cities of Rajasthan within the different parts of the country.
 

Tourists can get a glimpse of the Mughal architecture at different forts and palaces situated at various parts of Rajasthan. Rajasthan also possesses a number of other appeals that attract tourists from all corners of the world. Some of the noteworthy tourism sites of Rajasthan include:

• Jodhpur - Which is popular for Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan, among others
• Ajmer - Which houses Pushkar Lake and Dargah
• Jaisalmer - Where one can find the Gadsiser Lake and Jaisalmer Fort
• Bundi - Where tourists can come to visit Taragarh and Sukhmahal
• Jaipur - Tourists can explore the elegance of Hawamahal and Jalmahal in this Pink City of Rajasthan
• Bikaner - Where tourists can come to visit Junagarh and Lalgarh
• Shekhawati - Which houses Mandawa and Nalwalgarh
• Mt Abu - Dilwara Temple and Gurusikher are the prime attractions of this place
• Udaipur - Where the famous Pichola Lake and City Palace are located

Pushkar fair, Desert festival of Jaisalmer, Camel festival in Bikaner, Marwar festival in Jodhpur, Elephant festival in Jaipur and Gangaur festival in Jaipur are some well-known festivities of Rajasthan.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN RAJASTHAN

Jaipur: The capital city of Rajasthan is home to a host of tourist attractions in Rajasthan. Architectural marvels like Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, the Observatory, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort bears testimony to the technological advancements in a bygone age and grandiose lifestyles of Indian Maharajas

Udaipur: The landscaped city is often dubbed as the "Venice of the East". The City Palace Museum, Sahelion ki Bari, Jag mandir, the temples of Nathwada and Eklingji would remind you the glories of a romantic past. An evening boat cruise in the Lake Pichola, around which picturesque forts, palaces and havelis stand, would amount to a fairytale experience. You can also take an excursion to Rankapur, Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh.

Jodhpur: On the edge of the Great Indian Desert, in this city, a chivalrous and sensuous past comes alive in the invincible Meharan Garh Fort, the sprawling Umaid Bhawan Palace, the graceful cenotaph of Jaswant Thada, the beautiful Madore Garden. Take an excursion to the nearby tribal Bishnoi village to visit the to exotic wild life & nature.

Jaisalmer: in the heart of the desert, this is the city of famous Golden Fort. The yellow sandstone that the fort is made of, takes a shimmering golden hue with the beams of the setting sun. Visit the intricately carved havelis. A camel safari would take you right into the desert, which is one of the prime tourist attractions in Rajasthan. Ride through the sandy track and pitch your tent in the evening amid the rolling sand dunes. Camp fire, mashaals, folk dances and music - it is a tale from the Arabian Nights.

Pushkar: Lying around the sacred Pushkar Lake, the idyllic township is the holy place. The place houses the only Brahma Temple in the world. During the Pushkar Festival in October-November, millions of people gather to take a dip in the holy lake. Close by, lie the holy place of Ajmer.

Ranthambore: Sprawling over the rugged terrain of Aravali and Vindhyan ranges, this is one of the finest Tiger Reserves in India. Once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, it is home to many other animals like: bear, wild boar, Leopard, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Jungle cat etc. Apart from the above, several other tourist attractions in Rajasthan literally dot over the map of the state. Following are also worth a visit: Barmer, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Sariska, Kota, Mandawa, Mount Abu, Shekhawati.

 

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