About Rajasthan

Introduction

Think of the ultimate destination-every third foreign tourist to India visits this not-to-be-missed location. Yes, we are talking of Rajasthan, the desert jewel. Indeed, the State has so much going for it that it's difficult to decide where to start. The very images that it conjures up are steeped in romance and beauty. A line of supercilious camels silhouetted against a magnificent desert sunset. A blur of swirling color as a Rajasthani belle dances to hypnotic music. The handsome, hawk-like face of a Rajput man, fiercely mustachioed, regally turbaned, reflecting an arrogance and power that can be traced several centuries back. The unyielding façade of a splendid fort, or the delicate kiosks and balconies embellishing a palace wall. The bold, colorful sweep of a phat painting, depicting sword-bearing chieftains going off to battle. Rainbow-hued dupattas, ghagras, and cholis, twinkling with the light of a hundred tiny glinting mirrors.

For the uninitiated-if there are any such people left-there is much more to Rajasthan than just Jaipur and Udaipur, though these two uniquely lovely cities have their own substantial, well-documented charm. There is Jodhpur - the citadel city, Pushkar - renowned for its camel fair, Jaisalmer - the desert capital of Rajasthan, and Mount Abu - only hill station of Rajasthan and a famous Jain pilgrimage.

If men has created and destructed many kingdoms in Rajasthan so have the wild residents of the state. World famous bird sanctuaries of Bharatpur and Sambhar Lake, Tiger Reserve of Ranthambore and Sariska, and dozen more wildlife sanctuaries are all there for the wildlife buffs. Savor the images, experience the culture, and feel the excitement that is Rajasthan for you. Bare and open, welcoming all of you with open hearts.