RAJASTHAN TRAVEL GUIDE

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Rajasthan - the largest state of Republic of India in terms of Area situated in north-west India. The state shares its borders with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat and an international border with Pakistan.

Rajasthan - one of the most popular and colourful tourist destinations in India. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India as does the desert land of Rajasthan. Unexpected forest glens, lakes and temples appear like mirages in the deserts. On the crag are seen rugged forts, testimony to a turbulent history. Innumerable temples dating back to the 7th century still survive amidst scattered ruins, medieval cities exist around turreted marble palaces and spacious gardens.

Rajasthanis are a handsome people with colourful costumes. They express themselves in colour and sound not easily seen or heard anywhere else in India.

Rajasthan - a treasure of history, picturesque architectural heritage, natural heritage (wild life), Fairs & festivals, village tourism, heritage hotels and palace hotels, religious centres and pilgrimages and also a shoppers paradise.
Travelling in Rajasthan, is a rewarding experience.
Area
Rajasthan covers 342,239 km (about the size of Germany)

Capital
Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan

TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF RAJASTHAN
» Ajmer » Alwar » Banswara » Barmer » Bharatpur » Bikaner » Bundi » Chittaurgarh » Deeg	» Dungarpur » Jaipur » Jaisalmer » Jhalawar » Jodhpur » Kota » Kumbalgarh » Mount-abu » Nagaur	» Pushkar » Ranakpur » Ranthambhor » Sariska » Shekhavati » Sawai Madhopur » Udaipur

Ajmer
Ajmer is a pilgrimage centre for Muslims, though people from all religious backgrounds come to pray at the Dargarh of Saleem Chisti. The British developed Ajmer as an educational centre, and Mayo College, once an exclusive school for boys from royal families, is now among the country's best private school.
Alwar
Once known as Mewat, the Rajput kingdom came under Muslim domination during 13th - 18th centuries with intermittent attempts to win it back which, Kachchawaha prince succeeded in doing in doing in 1771. Alwas has some beautiful lakeside palaces, but not all open for tourists.

Barmer
Barmer is in the heart of the desert and is known for its quality of its wood and stone carvings.

Banswara
Ribbed with streams and covered with dense forests, Banswara lies off the conventionals tourist circuit. Artificial lakes and dams, and the ruins of ancient temples make this an exciting place to discover.

Bharatpur
The only Jat kingdom in the state - Rajasthan, the rock hard mud fortifications of its fort proved invincible even under repeated siege. However, Bharatpur is better known as a bird sactuary (keoladeo Ghana National Park).

Bikaner
Founded by one of the scions of the house of Jodhpur, Bikaner's 15th century history combines adventure with enterprise. In later centuries, as an ally of the Mughals and the British, it was able to develop as a modern state, though its architectural attractions remain splendidly Rajput. One of the principal outposts of the desert, it is also a major centre for camel breeding.

Bundi
Nestled in a fold of the Aravalli Hills, Bundi bristles with medieval enchantment. Its fortifications house palaces and apartments, artificial lakes and water-side pavilions. Ruled by the Hada Rajputs, Bundi is renowned for its Rasleela frescos.

Chittaurgarh
The former capital of Sisodia Rulers of Udaipur, Chittaur perches stop the scraggy spine of the Aravalis. The few remaining palaces and towers are part of its stirring history.

Deeg
The summer resort of rulers of Bharatpur, it is know for its Jat architecture and for the coloured fountains and pleasure pavilions that are contained within a fortified environment.

Dungarpur
A Bhil stronghold in the foothills of the Aravallis, this fertile region was created into a state in the 13th century. Since the natural protection afforded it isolation, a highly decorative style of architecture developed in Dungarpur.

Jaipur
The capital of the modern state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a modern city built according to the specifications laid down in ancient architectural texts. Famous as the Pink City on account of the flush colour of its sandstone palaces, it is a major centre for handicrafts.

Jaisalmer
The western most citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has an ancient history linked with its development as a trading centre. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite stone-carved havelis or mansions of the merchants who held the reins of its destiny.

Jhalawar
A 19th century offshoot of Kota, its verdant landscape is unusual for a desert state. Its fort functions as a government office but the 9th century Gagron Fort close by is one of the most important citadels of Rajput history.

Jodhpur
The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's history is evident in the hilltop eyrie, Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written.

Kota
One of few perennial rivers in Rajasthan, the Chambal is flanked by verdure and fertile plains. Located on its banks, Kota is a modern, industrialized city , but its antecedents are as romantic as any other Rajput kingdom. This is evident in its many palaces, and the large fort with its fabulous paintings known for their hunting scenes.

Kumbhalgarh
Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh is Rajasthan's highest fort, and its most formidable.

Mount Abu
A summer retreat in the Aravallis with a large Nakki lake and several temples, it also doubles as a pilgrimage centre with its 11th - 13th century Dilwara Jain temples known for the quality of their sculpturing.

Nagaur
Located between Bikaner and Jodhpur, yet largely bypassed, Nagaur serves as an important link in the state's martial history, and its fort has frescos in the Mughal and Rajput styles.

Pushkar
A pilgrimage centre with the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma, the creator, Pushkar is the venue of an annual camel fair.

Ranakpur
A 15th century group of temples raised by Jain merchants, these are characterized by the fine quality of their carving.

Ranthambhor
The fort of Ranthambhor has been abandoned to nature for in this national park, the tiger has right of stay. One of the country's finest tiger reserves, its topography of low hills and large lakes provides a tranquil idyll.

Sariska
A tiver reserve, Sariska is densely wooded, making sightings difficult, though the picturesque park is also home to deer, langurs and avifauna.

Shekhawati
A region of small towns, Shekhawati is primarily known for its havelis or mansions richly ornamented with frescos that, over time, ranged from the sacred to the secular, and from thet sublime to the ridiculous.

Udaipur
A lake city, and the capital of the Ranas of Mewar, founded in the 16th century, Udaipur is know for its fairytale palaces that nestle along the banks of a lake, or completely cover islands in its midst.