Rajasthan

Rajasthan - the desert land bejeweling the landscape of India, is one of the most vibrant states, occupying the northwestern part of India. Rajasthan is the land with diverse topography, where you can find almost all geographical varieties - from desert to hill stations, wetlands and dense forests. Known as the abode of kings, spread across the great Thar Desert, Rajasthan is bejeweled with invincible forts, majestic palaces, rich culture & heritage, immense beauty and natural resources.

Tourists, who flock to Rajasthan from all over the world not only view its fabulous natural and man-made beauty, but also get an opportunity to peak into colourful lifestyle of its inhabitants. The assemblage of innumerable travel opportunities in the state has made Rajasthan, India's representative to the world of tourism.


Places of Interest in Rajasthan
Rajasthan Cities - Cities of Rajasthan exudes charm like no other. Every city here, though associated to some or the other King, has a unique story to tell. Rajasthan has many places, a visit to which is a must for its tourists. Apart from the capital city of Jaipur, other cities that enchant tourists with their beauty are Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. Founded by the Maharajas of the state, these cities still exude an old world charm. Forts, palaces and temples located in these cities have since long captivated the imagination of the tourists with their exquisite beauty.

Other than the historical forts and palaces, tourists are also attracted to these cities because they offer abundant opportunity to shop for traditional as well as modern items. These cities are practically a delight for shoppers. However, bright garments with beautiful embroidery on them, hand printed textiles, quilts and traditional Rajasthani mojri slippers are the most loved items by the tourists.

Rajasthan Forts and Palaces - Known as the land of Rajas & Maharajas, Rajasthan is dotted with majestic forts & palaces, each of which has their own aesthetic charm. Rajasthan was earlier known as ‘Rajputana’ because it was ruled by the Rajputs (the son of rulers). These rajput rulers built so many forts and palaces in the state, that it would not be wrong to say that Rajasthan is synonymous with forts and palaces. Prominent among these forts and palaces are - City palace and Hawa Mahal (Jaipur); Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhavan Palace (Jodhpur); Jaisalmer Fort (Jaisalmer); Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh palace (Bikaner) and the City palace and Lake palace (Udaipur).

These forts and palaces have an exquisite beauty and a unique charm of their own. They enhance the attractiveness of the cities in which they are located. Tourists from far off travel to Rajasthan to view the magnificient forts of the state, and experience a feeling of royality and grandeur on their trip.

Rajasthan Wildlife - For a tourist visiting Rajasthan, forts, palaces and temples are not the only source of attractions. Rajasthan also boasts of a rich wildlife. Numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks provide an opportunity to tourists, especially a wildlife enthusiast to explore the varied flora and fauna of the state. The Ranthambore National Park situated in the eastern Rajasthan is a well known tiger reserve of the country. Another wildlife life sanctuary that has a tiger reserve is the Sariska wildlife Sanctuary. Apart from tiger, this sanctuary is also famous for leopards and wild dogs.

As for those tourists who prefer watching birds instead of ferocious tigers, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary offers abundant scope. The sanctuary is home to about four hundred species of indigenous as well as migratory birds. A complete delight for the lovers of birds- that is Bharatpur bird sanctuary.


Things You can do Here
Camel Safari - A large part of Rajasthan is covered by vast stretches of sandy desert. Camel safari provides a unique opportunity to tourists to explore the near by and far flung areas of the desert. The ship of the desert carries tourists at its top and leads them through the wonderful villages where they can befriend local villagers and get acquainted with their traditions, culture and lifestyle. Though regarded as backbreaking adventurous activity, the Camel Safaris are really the charm of the desert triangle (Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner). The camel safaris in the Thar desert give an extensive idea of the desert lifestyle, along with an opportunity to visit those spectacular sites, which remained isolated for many centuries, just because of unavailability of proper transportation. A camel safari is an experience for lifetime and not to be missed by tourists at any cost.


Shopping - Rajasthan is a major attraction for tourists who love shopping. Rajasthan has so many items for its tourists, that it is often called shoppers’ paradise. Almost anywhere in Rajasthan, tourists can find colourful and exquisitely beautiful range of items- handicrafts, jewellery, textile, miniature paintings, leather footwear, wool carpets and blankets, light cotton quilts, brilliantly dyed cotton fabrics, embroidered fabrics, silver jewellery, trinkets.... the list is endless. Some of these items have become exceedingly popular like, the small checked-weave cotton sarees called Kota doriyas are the speciality of Kota, while painted lampshades, shields, vases are the speciality of Bikaner. Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer are known for Jooties, musical instruments and stringed instruments among other things.


Reaching Rajasthan
Air : Jaipur is the main airport to enter Rajasthan, also served by international flights. All the domestic airlines of India are also linked to Jaipur from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Jodhpur and few more cities in India. Other major airports are in Udaipur and Jodhpur (domestic airports).

Rail : All the major cities of Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner, Ajmer, etc.) are well-connected by railway network to all the major cities of India.

Road : Road transport in Rajasthan, is much better compared to the other parts of India. But the road transports are good only for the tourists from neighbouring states.

Other Modes : Camel Safari and Horse Safari across the Thar Desert.