Rajasthan Tourism Information Guide

¤ An Over All View

The exotic and vividly colorful state of Rajasthan India is synonymous with majestic forts, stately palaces, lakes, sand dunes, camels and people dressed in brightly-colored costumes. The state remains a key destination in the itinerary of most tourists. Rajasthan - erstwhile Rajputana - was under the sway of the indomitable Rajputs for over a 1000 years. Rajasthan India tourism highlights the kaleidoscope images of the princily state which conjures up - from the imposing forts and delicate palaces in Jaipur and Jodhpur, the lake cities of Udaipur and Pushkar, the painted towns of Shekhawati, the sand dunes of Jaisalmer to the national parks of Ranthambore, Bharatpur and Sariska - dazzle tourists from the world over. A fascinating array of handicrafts is available here as well. Dance, music and theatre are intertwined with the daily lives of the people. Last but not the least, Rajasthan's delicious, spicy cuisine is not to be missed. After such an appetizer, who can resist the temptation of discovering more about the breathtakingly beautiful state of Rajasthan India.


¤ Rajasthan A Princely State

Rajasthan's India architectural grandeur and elegance entices travelers from all over the world. Echoing through these stately edifices are the most amazing legends of romance and valor that can easily be exhibited through the sprawling Amer Fort perched atop a hill, or the magnificent Lake Palace at Udaipur. Under the supervision of Rajasthan tourism department, the glorious forts, palaces and temples at Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Barmer weave a magical spell that lingers on in the hearts and minds of every visitor

While the rugged Aravallis form the backbone of Rajasthan India, the great Thar Desert is replete with arid plains and shifting sand dunes. But the Desert State isn't just about drifting sand, never-ending dunes and barren scrub lands. The greenery in certain parts of the state comes as a welcome surprise to weary travelers. The desert land with its shifting dunes and camels adds romance in the air. Its sparse population adds a riot of colors to the stark and barren landscape.

¤ People of Rajasthan

You can write a book on People of Rajasthan. The grace they have is to actually endure. Rural Rajasthan, in particular, is amongst the best to view and imbibe the colorful spectrum of Rajasthan. As for Rajasthani females are concern, they are rooted to their culture and mostly draped in vibrant colours. They smile with a winsome charm as they sway past with several terracotta pots casually poised on their heads usually carrying them on heads and you can locate them on amy snady arid region. The Rajasthani women wore colours like Red, Orange and Yellow and sport backless blouses and myriad colours dupattas or odhnis.
As far men, they are usually in white or lighter shades garment with in tinge of colours on their head which they wear in the form of turban. Travel Rajasthan India inorder to understand the people of this state better.


¤ The Culinary Delight

Since Rajasthan is an arid region, the climate doesnot allow many crops to grow. Most of the food in Rajasthan is carried forward from generation to another. Dal Bati Churma, Gatta Ki Sabzi, Mangodi, Bajra Ki Roti, Mirch Pakodi And Varoius Chutneys And Papads are few to name. Some of the dishes are city specific like Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur, Malpuas from Pushkar, Rasogullas from Bikaner, Ghevar from Jaipur. The food here is quite spicy and served with lot of masalas.


¤ The Graceful Movements

Being a vibrant state, Rajasthan often rejoices with fun and gaiety. Women dancers pirouette gracefully and their Ghaghras (skirt) flare out in a blaze of color and movement. Ghoomar, Bhavai, Kachhi Ghodi, Chari, Kalbeliya, Gair, Kathputli and Terahtaali are some of the known Rajasthan Dances.


¤ Arts and Crafts

One of the richest states in terms of handicrafts - the skilled hands of the craftsmen of Rajasthan creates some beautiful treasures. Stone, clay, leather, wood, ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles are transformed into works of art. From the colorful bandhani prints to the ornate meenakari and kundan jewelry - Rajasthan is a study in colors.
Shekhawati is Rajasthan's very own Open Air Art Gallery. The three districts of Churu, Jhunjhunu and Sikar form the mural-rich area of Shekhawati. The walls of the mansions owned by Marwari traders are adorned with some of the most exquisite frescoes, depicting a cavalcade of elephants, horses and camels.Get galvanized to explore the exquisite cities of Rahasthan, this is the charm and power that city of Rajasthan hold.


¤ The Cultural Fiesta

Without dance, music and fairs and festivals, Rajasthan will be as dry as the sands. The fair and festivals adds the shades of dynamic colour at the backdrop of silvery sands. Most of the cities in Rajasthan have their own fairs and festivals. We have mentioned some of the major festivals.

	Fair Nagaur Fair Desert Festival Baneshwar Fair Gangaur Festival Mewar Festival Elephant Festival Urs Ajmer Sharif Summer Festival Teej Marwar Festival Pushkar Fair Camel Festival City Nagpur Jaisalmer Baneshwar Jaipur Udaipur Jaipur Ajmer Mount Abu Jaipur Jodhpur Ajmer Bikaner Month January - February January - February January - February March - April March - April March - April Accor to Lunar Calendar June July -August October November January

¤ Rajasthan Wildlife

A wide variety of wildlife is found in Rajasthan India. The state boasts of many national parks and sanctuaries, the most famous of which are the ones at Ranthambhore, Bharatpur and Sariska. While Ranthambhore and Sariska are Rajasthan's most well-known tiger reserves, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur is a haven for a wide variety of birds.

Assortments of slow-growing thorny trees, shrubs and grasses have adapted themselves to the harsh climatic conditions. However, despite its unfriendly terrain, Rajasthan India is home to a variety of animals like the tiger, the blackbuck, the chinkara, the desert fox, the caracal and so on.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Area : 29 kms
Major Attractions : Siberian Cranes
It is one of the best known wildlife sanctuaries in India and was made by a Maharajah. It is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world and is also known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. In this national park, you can see large animals such as Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.


Ranthambore National Park
Area : 392 sq kms
Major Attractions : Tiger
Spanning over 392 sq kms of area, Ranthambore is located on the outer fringes of Rajasthan. This wildlife sanctuary is surrounded by the Vindhya and Arravalis ranges. If you are in Rajasthan, you just cannot miss this national park. Coming under Project Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park is just the best place to watch the mighty tigers.


Sariska National Park
Area : 765 sq kms
Major Attractions : Tiger
The tiger reserve sprawls over an area of 800 sq kms. Established in 1979 as Tiger reserve and in 1982 as national park, Sariska National Park is home to India's largest population of peafowl, and harbours quail, sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles, among other species

¤ Rajasthan Forts & Palaces

Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan are world renowned. They have been created by the august rulers and Kings of the ancient past. Constructed on high hill tops, Rajasthan forts and palaces showcases architectural heritage of the bygone era. Each city of fascinating Rajasthan has number of spectacular forts and palaces constructed by rulers and architects.

¤ Rajasthan Cities

Plan your travel to Rajasthan and explore the magnificent cities which abounds number of heritage pieces of yore days. Be it wildlife or pilgrimage or adventure, these cities are just perfect and are ideal for you. From Safaris to heritage hotels, Rajasthan cities become most sought destinations in India.


¤ A Stay to Remember

Accommodation will not be a problem in your Rajasthan India tour travel. The state endorse number of hotels which range from budget to heritage. If you can expand your budget a bit, heritage hotels in Rajasthan India offers best of services and hospiltality. In fact it gives you a chance to enliven the life of Rajaput kings of yore days and feel the pleasure of being in Rajasthan India. Some of the heritage hotel in Rajasthan are

Umaid Bhawan Palace- Jodhpur
Laxmi Vilas Palace- Bikaner
Pushkar Palace- Pushkar
Sariska Palace- Sariska
Samode Haveli- Jaipur
Samode Palace- Jaipur

¤ Getting There

Fly Away: Rajasthan do not have a major International airport but is well connected to all the domestic airport. Rajasthan is close to IGI and domestic Delhi airport. Sangner airport at Jaipur is connected to the Dubai flights and some other foreign flights. The main airport at Rajasthan is Udaipur and Jaipur.

On Tracks: Rajasthan is well linked with railways. Pink City Express takes around 5 hrs to reach Jaipur from Delhi railway station. Other places are also linked by passenger and express trains. Since rail journeys are usually long because of the distances involved, it is advisable to carry light snacks and water bottles as most stations on route do not serve much.

On Wheels: Rajasthan is well linked with railways. Pink City Express takes around 5 hrs to reach Jaipur from Delhi railway station. Other places are also linked by passenger and express trains. Since rail journeys are usually long because of the distances involved, it is advisable to carry light snacks and water bottles as most stations on route do not serve much.