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.
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.
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