Rajasthan - Rajputana of old, wave a magical band on the Great Indian Desert, the Thar Desert and there arises a magical land set amidst the desolate desert beauty. A land drenched in hues and history. A magical soujourn reverberating with age - old culture and tradition, thats Rajasthan - the land of the kings. Always teeming with colour, joy and freindliness that is unique to India. This is the land of people who are brave and chivalrous, people with a warlike lifestyle among whom grew the most amazing legends of romance and heroism. The state enfolds in its lap a diverse kaleidoscope of nature ranging from the shimmering sands to rugged ranges of Aravallis and Vindhyas to lovely landscapes. It is this mystique of nature that enchanted the royal dynasties of the bygone era that added a resplendent touch to the state by building some of the most opulent palaces, formidable forts, ornamental gardens, exquisite temples and colourful havelis. Each of them is a relic of the golden past and each an architectural masterpiece having a legend of its own. From here emerged some great tales of heroism and romance still echoing in the golden landmarks that dot the entire state. The state is diagonally divided into the hilly and rugged southeastern region and the barren northwestern Thar Desert, which extends across the border into Pakistan.There are plenty of historic cities, incredible fortresses awash with legends and rare gems of impressionatic beauty, such as Udaipur. There are also a number of centres that attract travellers from far and wide, such as Pushkar with its holy lake and the desrt of Jaisalmer, which resembles a fantasy from The Thousand and one night.
Rajasthan has long been regarded as the real home of traditional Maharajas. Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer have become some of India's most popular tourist destinations. From the richly painted havelis of Shekhavati in north to the magnificent Jain temples of Mount Abu or Ranakpur in the south, the state's wealth of history and art provides a unique opportunity to see something of a disappearing world. This is where all the country's similes and metaphors appaear to have come together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces, rugged forts, men and women in colourful turbans and skirts, bustling towns, quite villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze are all there in abundance. But they form only part of an inticate tapestry. Beneath the surface, expect to find many contradictions. Everything here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating - a land of superlatives, a land of surprises.The mood and rythm is so overpowering and changing from one region to another and from season to season, it impresses even the most seasoned traveller. There is certian magic about travelling through Rajasthan that is unequalled by any other place in the world.It has rightly been called - A huge Open Air Museum where the relics of a golden past have been carefully preserved for the benefit of the tourist. It has something for almost any kind of traveller. For those looking for an active action packed holiday there are several places which allow one to enjoy the great outdoors, there is trekking, there are horse and camel safaristhrough desert sands or along the Aravallis - the oldest mountian range in India or take a royal tour and live like a Maharaja, or spend a peaceful and a quite holiday in one of the several off beat destinations in historic towns. Wildlife lovers can spot tigers and other rare speices in various wildlife sancturies.
The land comes alive with exuberant folk dances and music, ballads and spectacular festivites that are inseparable part of Rajasthan culture. Especially enchanting are the evenings here, with local dancers swaying to the melodious folk tunes echoing through the solitude of shimmering sands in the moonlight. Rajasthan is also renowned for the exquisite miniature paintings and frescoes, not forgetting the incredibly fabulous Rajasthani fabrics and jewellery along with a wide range of beautiful handicrafts. The state is a treasure house of the best Indian handicrafts that attracts tourists from all over the world. The cities of Rajasthasn retain the medieval flavour keeping alive timeless traditions in thier rich art and crafts, colourful bazaars and vibrant people wearing multi-hued costumes and a bright smile. Common modes of transport - buses and cars besides camels, oxen and elephants relfect a true blend of modernity and tradition. The annals of Rajasthan present golden examples of countless deeds of valour and selfless sacrifice. A visit to this wonderland will leave a lasting spell on everybody's mind. Each itinerary is exciting with some surprises to offer. So get ready to unravel the land of superlatives and you will return enriched with Rajasthani colour, crafts and lots of unforgettable memories!
Also read:
Facts & Figures Of Rajasthan
