Travelling in India » Attraction
of Rajasthan
Rajasthan - an overview
Still with very much a traditional, feudal society, the country's
second-largest state, Rajasthan is the very essence of India. The princely
state of Rajasthan is covered by the ever-encroaching Thar Desert. Today the
principal attraction of Rajasthan -- is the large variety of forts and
palaces its aristocrats built throughout the centuries, making it the most
visited destination in India after the Taj. But Rajasthan offers so much
more than desert castles and culture -- from tracking tigers in the
Ranthambhore jungle to most intricately carved marble temples and many more.
The land of princes is rich with possibilities, difficult to find elsewhere.
Tourist Attractions
One can spend one's entire trip to India in Rajasthan, which is within easy
striking distance of Delhi and Agra (the land of Taj) by train, plane, or
road. The the City Palace of Udaipur and the desert fort of Jaisalmer -- are
top highlights. The "blue city" of Jodhpur, which has the state's
most impressive and best-preserved fort as well as the largest palace in
India; the Hawa Mahal and the City Palace of Jaipur, the crawling shops and
bazaars in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan are some of the major attraction
of Rajasthan. And yes, one can step aboard the Palace on Wheels to
re-capture the pomp and pageantry of a royal past in royal style.
Shopping
Shopping is in-fact another of the state's chief attractions. Skilled
artisans from all over the East settled here to adorn the aristocrats and
their palaces. Today these same skills are on sale to the world's designers
and travelers, and no one leaves Rajasthan empty-handed. The question is
simply how to choose from an unbelievable array of textiles, jewelry,
paintings, handbags, leatherwears, rugs, pottery, diaries -- even kitchen
utensils -- and then how to fit them into your bulging suitcase.
Unusual Hotels
Its great to experience the unusual hotels of Rajasthan. The state has
almost 80 heritage properties -- castles, palaces, forts, and ornate havelis
-- many of which are still home to India's oldest monarchies. This must be
the only place in the world, where you can find yourself sleeping in a
king's bed, having earlier dined with the aristocrat. It is almost possible
to believe, that Rajasthanis are superb hosts.
Fairs & Festivals
Festivals hold an unusual lure for the Rajasthanis and they have numerous
reasons to celebrate. Pageantry is in the form of weddings or rituals, or to
promote trade. Each region of Rajasthan has their own form of entertainment,
traditions, dialect adding to the Indian diversity. Pushkar Fair, Desert
festival, Elephant Festival and Camel festival are internationally famous
and are not to be missed.
Palace
on Wheels
