Rajasthan Travel Guide

Rajasthan - Rajputana of old. Land of people who are brave and chivalrous, people with a warlike lifestyle around whom grew the most amazing legends of romance and heroism. There is a certain magic about traveling through Rajasthan which is unequalled by any other place in the world. It is a land of superlatives .... everything here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating.

Rajasthan, the land of kings - is the largest state of India. With record arrival of foreign tourists as well as domestic tourists it is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. It is a globally famous tourism destination of India and grabs the attentions of tourists from each corner of the world. Tourists from France, USA, Germany, Britain, Italy, Canada, Japan, Australia, Switzerland and Bangladesh visit this royal state of India in quite good number.

Rajasthan is one of the most visited states of India. It deserves the attentions of tourists from all over the world. Colorful cultural heritage, ancient monuments, invincible forts, palatial palaces, exotic wildlife with rich flora & fauna, vast desert landscapes, vibrant & historical cities, traditional villages, mouthwatering cuisine, colorful fairs & festivals, religious places, heritage & palace hotels, etc are few names of Rajasthan tourism attractions which make the state one of the most visited tourism and holiday destinations around the world.

The historical cities of the state are also worth visiting attractions of Rajasthan tourism. Jaipur - the City of Victory world wide popular as the Pink City of India - is the capital city of the state. It is a must visit destination of the state having several attractions like City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort Palace, Samode Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Garden, Museum, etc. The city of lakes, Udaipur is also a worth visiting city of the state. It is one of the most beautiful cities of India. It is considered as one of the most romantic cities in the world with its beautiful ambiance, beautiful landscapes, beautiful palaces, beautiful lakes, and those things which are beautiful. Truly, a romantic city Udaipur is. Jodhpur - the Blue City of India, Jaisalmer - the Golden City of India, Bikaner - the Camel City of India, Mandawa - the City of Mansions, Pushkar -the Sacred City of India, ets are few names to worth visiting cities to Rajasthan India.

Rajasthan is situated in the north-western part of India. It covers 342,239 square kilometres (132,139 square miles). Rajasthan lies between latitudes 23 degree 3'and 30 degree 12', north and longitudes 69 degree 30' and 78 degree 17', east. It is bounded on the west and northwest by Pakistan, on the north and northeast by the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, on the east and southeast by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and on the southwest by the state of Gujarat. The Tropic of Cancer passes through its southern tip in the Banswara district. The capital city is Jaipur.

Travel Attractions

Jaipur - The Pink City
Jaipur is color washed pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England who visited India in 1883 A.D. The city was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first planned city designed in accordance with 'Shilpa Shastra'- epochal treatise of Hindu architecture.

Ajmer & Pushker
'Dargah Khwaja Sahib' is one of the holiest Muslim shrines in the country. The city has some splendid masterpieces of Indo-Islamic architecture.
'Pushkar', 11kms west of Ajmer, along the picturesque Pushkar Lake lies the tranquil town with deep religious significance. The biggest attraction is being the temple of Lord Brahma. Pushkar fair is one of the largest and colorful cattle fair in the world.

Udaipur
Founded in 1568 A.D by Maharana Udai Singh, the city is a harmonious Indian blend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces, lakeside gardens, temples and Havelis. According to the legend, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city. The marvelous architecture of the palaces is spell bounding.

Ranthambhor National Park (Sawai Madhopur)
The town is experience of royal past and encounter with majestic tiger. The area became a hunting preserve of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in A.D. Sprawling over a undulating terrain of Aravali and Vindhyan ranges is wilderness of Ranthambhor National Park. The park is one of the finest Tiger Reserve of India. A system of three artificial lakes enhances beauty of the park.

Jodhpur
The home of Rathores - The awesome princely city of Rajasthan. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, today Jodhpur is one of the largest city of Rajasthan. Once the capital city of the Marwar State, crowning it is the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. The old city is situated at foothill of a hillock. The city built in a high wall 10kms, long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Umaid Bhawan Palace could be defined as Taj Mahal of North India. The city carries rich heritage and culture and flourishing industry of wood, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural crops.

Bikaner
This is 500-year-old town standing still in time. The rulers here built beautiful forts that echo of opulence and images of monsoon clouds in this dry land. The wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples- magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living. Here is a temple where rats are held sacred. Today the city is known for flourishing industries of food, wool and camel breeding.

Jaisalmer
This golden city rising from the heart of 'Thar' desert was founded in 1155 Ad.The sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black. A breathtaking sight indeed! Every house, here, is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These houses date back to 12th - 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer is called 'the Museum city'.

Mount Abu
The only hill resort of Rajasthan, crowning at the highest peak of the Aravali hills at altitude of 1220 meters. It is not the only one of the prettiest hill stations in the country, but also a major Rajput centre. Mt. Abu was dedicated to Lord Shiva before it became Jain pilgrimage center. The biggest draws for Mt. Abu are Dilwara Temples. The hill boasts of a rich vegetation and thick forest. It stands out like an oasis in arid environs.