Presenting
Rajasthan
Rajasthan - the land of Rajputs, lies towards the north west of India,
bordered by the the states Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana,
Punjab and India's neighbouring country Pakistan. The state, one of the
largest in India (by area), features a distinct topography, a distinct
population, culture and a very distinct ecology. The land is different,
whatever is built on it is different, people are different; culture,
traditions, climate, everything is unique and - inviting. Heroism and
romanticism are two of its ubiquitous attributes. From sixth century onwards
Rajasthan has been a stage for a Royal Show-off. Luxuries of the past have
left indelible marks, seldom ravaged by time. A thought about the place
invokes a picture with images like sand dunes in the background, the hot
blowing winds that gives a wavy appearance to the ground, a grand palace,
people wearing turbans all around, slow country music filing the air and
colorful buildings.
Brief History
The earliest civilization that flourished in Rajasthan is believed as
belonging to the Vedic Era. One of the earliest references has been made in
the ancient Hindu scriptures and epics. Pushkar, a popular pilgrimage place
has been referred in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The stupas
and ancient Buddhist pilgrimage places provide substantial proof of the
existence of Maurya's here, somewhere near 341 to 261 B.C. However, the
Maurya's did not make any serious impact in the state.
Till fifth century, not much was done or
observed in the state. Rajasthan entered into its glorious period with the
coming of the Rajputs. The Rajputs, believed to be an off shoot of the
Kshatriya (warrior) class of Vedic civilization, established their
stronghold over the place and throughout the entire medieval and early
modern period. Rajput clans further, gave rise to several dynasties like
Chauhan, Kachhwaha, Sisodia and Rathore. Cities and towns prospered as the
rulers managed to stay away from the invasions of other dynasties and also
by cordial relations between them and powerful dynasties like Mughals. The
monuments, forts, palaces and many other historical landmarks as such belong
to the period between 6th to 18th century A.D.
During British rule in India, the region was a collection of many
independently existing princely states. After independence the states were
agglomerated and found the state of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Tourism
If there is any place as 'Diverse' in India it is Rajasthan. It is one of
the most colorful and vibrant places in the sub continent. Encompassing
magnificent forts, palaces, rich flora and fauna, unique culture and the
legacy left behind by the erstwhile Maharajas, it is a must to visit place.
All this and more contributes to make it a major tourist hub in the country.
Tourism industry is quite developed and serves good here. A travel to the
state is one way to know the past and the prospectus of the place.
Tourist Destinations
The whole of the Rajasthan state is one great tourist attraction. At
Rajasthan you have at your disposal the panorama of a place, the treasures
of the past, unique culture and traditions and the most chivalrous and
courteous people around. Some developed cities and towns have the
distinction of bearing it all. It is these places that constitute the
tourist destinations of Rajasthan. The popular ones include
Jaipur,
Udaipur,
Jodhpur,
Jaisalmer,
Alwar,
Bharatpur,
Bikaner,
Bundi,
Mt
Abu,
Ranakpur,
Shekhawati.
Rajasthan
Forts
Much of the popularity of Rajasthan is attributed to its magnificent forts
and palaces. These forts, built by the famous Rajput kings, feature
architectural brilliance, legends of the past, historical events and offer
glimpses of the bygone days. The forts make up the key tourist attractions
in the state. Many of them are located on hill tops overlooking the towns
below. The forts exist as store houses to a number of other attractions. The
most noted amongst them include
Amber
Fort,
Chittaurgarh
Fort,
Jaisalmer Fort,
Mehrangarh Fort,
Taragarh Fort,
Jaigarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh
Fort.
Rajasthan Palaces
The popularity of the palaces and forts of Rajasthan is far reaching and
far more inviting. These palaces exhibit the extravaganza, the royal class
and taste of the prosperous monarchs that ruled the popular cities. Much of
the beauty and attraction of these kingly mansions has been preserved. These
places have everything to catch an eye and keep imagination going. Spacious
halls, exquisite works, murals, art galleries, paintings make them very
precious. Popular palaces of Rajasthan include
City Palace - Jaipur,
City Palace - Udaipur,
Lake Palace,
Umaid Bhawan Palace and
Hawa Mahal.
Palace Hotels
Palace Hotels are essentially the palaces of the erstwhile rulers that were
converted into hotels by the descendents of the Maharajas. Palace Hotels are
the most luxurious accommodations available in Rajasthan. These hotels
feature five star facilities with the heritage building being slightly
modified and that too only the interiors. However, some parts of popular
palaces are still kept as private residential property. These palace hotels
are esatablished amidst beautiful surroundings and constitute one of many
tourist attractions in the state.
Rajasthan Havelis
Like palaces, havelis in Rajasthan are known for their excellent beauty and
richness. Where as palaces were built by royal families, the havelis were
built as residential places by the wealthy tradesmen in many cities and
towns of Rajasthan. Worth visiting are the havelis in Shekhawati and Bundi.
These havelis exist as grand mansions and feature royal luxuries. Noted
Havelies of Rajasthan are
Jaisalmer Havelis
and
Shekhawati Havelis
Rajasthan Adventure
Of course, Rajasthan is known more for its magnificent forts, palaces and
several other picturesque monuments, but the state offers excellent
opportunities for a number of adventure sports too. On the vast stretch of
Great Indian Thar Desert you can enjoy thrilling safaris like Camel Safari,
Jeep Safari and Horse Safari. In addition to safaris, you can also indulge
yourself in other advenutre options such as Paragliding, Ballooning,
Boating, Angling, Trekking, Camping, Wildlife Safari etc.
Wildlife
Despite arid and un productive belts of land the state is still bestowed
with a good population of flora and fauna. Located in the state are some
premier wildlife sanctuaries of India. These sanctuaries support a lot many
species of wild animals, birds and reptiles. Rajasthan supports one of the
best bird sanctuaries of the world. Tourists, bird lovers, environmentalists
- all sorts of people often flock at these places. Most important wildlife
sanctuaries of Rajasthan include
Ranthambhore
National Park,
Keoladeo
Ghana National Park,
Sariska
National Park and
Kumbhalgarh
Wildlife Sanctuary
Fairs
and Festivals of Rajasthan
Rajasthan celebrates many fairs and festivals and with much enthusiasm and
fanfare. Traditions form an essential part of the society and people cherish
them to their hearts full. Some local festivals are more or less like
carnivals and feature several activities and practices. The popular state
festivals gives a good insight of the cultural values and social
interactions of the local populace. It is one great experience to witness
one such event. Famous fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are
Pushkar Fair,
Camel Festival,
Elephant Festival,
Desert Festival,
Teej Festival,
Gangaur Festival,
Nagaur Festival,
Mewar Festival,
Kite Festival and
Shekhawati Fair
Rajasthan Cuisine
Rajasthan enjoys some of the delectable food served in North India. Popular
dishes, again originating from the royal kitchens, have found their way into
the hotels and restaurants that stand established in the region. Non
vegetarian food, especially the game cooking is one good contribution to the
North Indian cuisine.
Shopping at Rajasthan
If there is any place to buy some fascinating stuff of arts and crafts, the
place is Rajasthan. Antiquities have always been a popular commodity to be
sold in the markets here. Besides that, there are textiles, jewellery,
embroidery works, marble works, curios and many other items on the trade
list. Shopping as such is a great experience and one can have a plenty of
fanciful articles.
Culture of Rajasthan
The culture of Rajasthan is as distinctive as its land forms. The
traditional life style is in itself an identity of the place. Much of the
practices and cultural values that people cherish bear elements of the
powerful monarchs that ruled the state in the medieval period. The rituals,
regional dress, music and dance and etiquetes have undergone few changes
over last so many centuries. At Rajasthan you are surrounded by people
wearing turbans, high pitched countryside music, a royal courtesy and more.
Famous Train Travel in Rajasthan
Some great trains provide the means of reaching various cultural cities of
Rajasthan. These luxury trains offer wonderful travel packages for a round
tour in the state. The squad includes one of the oldest running locomotives,
Fairy Queen.
Palace On Wheels is one of the world's
best luxury trains. And to add to more there is
Heritage On Wheels.
