Rajasthan - The Land of Kings

Rajasthan, literally meaning ‘Land of King’ is biggest state of India area wise. About Rajasthan it is said that it is the place where all the country’s similes and metaphors appear to come together to created a visual extravaganza. Bestowed with magnificent palaces and rugged forts, wooded hills and tranquil lakes, bustling towns and quiet villages, amazing variety of flora and fauna, the colorful and vibrant people, the desert land of Rajasthan offers both unmatched and unforgettable experience.

Whenever you travel across Rajasthan, particularly from the popular tourist destinations, you will come across the unexpected, whether it is a local village or a bustling city market or superb mind-blowing architectural wonders. In fact, the mood and the rhythm of landscape of Rajasthan changes from one region to another, and from season to season. On the whole, Rajasthan is a land of magical fantasies that remain in lifetime memory of the visitors. So, come and discover the magical land on your own.

Jaipur : Also known as Pink city, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is the place where you experience the Rajput hospitality at its best. Established on the lines of Shilpa Shastra town planning, Jaipur is tempered with influences of Mughal and Jain architures of that era. Jaipur was painted in all pink in honour of Prince Albert who visited the city in 1853 and even today the city houses are painted in pink colour. Highlights of Jaipur include Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Museum, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort. Jaipur is a paradise for shoppers, the city markets deal in the best tie and dye bandhnis, blankets, shoes and jewellery.

Jaisalmer : Jaisalmer is an oasis in the desert breast of Rajasthan. Situated in the westernmost remote corner of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer with its golden sandstone town walls provides the visitors medieval and an incredible feel. Places to be visited in Jaisalmer are Jaisalmer Fort, the havelis (mansions) most popular one being the Patwon ki Haveli and the Gadisagar Lake.

Udaipur : Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is considered one of the most romantic cities of India. With its fairytale collection of exotic gardens, beautiful lakes and fantasy island palaces, Udaipur provides never before experience to visitors. Must visit places in Udaipur are City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon ki bari and Bhartiya Lok Kala museum.

Jodhpur : Jodhpur the second largest city of Rajasthan, lies on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert. Mehrangarh Fort is the main highlight of Jodhpur which stands on a low range of sandstone hill with a 10 km long stone wall and eight massive entrances. Other places worth a visit in Jodhpur are Jaswanth Thadam a white marble cenotaph to Maharaja Jaswanth Singh II. Sardar Market and Bishnoi village are other places of interest in Jodhpur.

Bikaner : Despite being one of the famous towns of Rajasthan, Bikaner is not much crowded. Junagarh fort is the major attraction of Bikaner. Besides the fort, other attractions of Bikaner include the Camel Breeding Farm and Rat Temple. Bikaner is also famous for the Bikaneri namkeens and bhujias.

Ajmer : Situated about 131 kms from Jaipur, Ajmer is known for the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order. People of all religions visit the Dargah for fulfillment of their wishes. Just 15 kms from Ajmer lies the Pushkar town known for its temples, especially India’s only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Pushakar Lake and annual Cattle Fair are other attractions of Pushkar.



Wildlife in Rajasthan : Despite unending expanses of desert, Rajasthan is bestowed with a vast population of flora and fauna. Rajasthan is home to some of the important wildlife sanctuaries of India that include Ranthambhore National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Sariska National Park and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. You can spot a variety of wildanimals and avian species in state of Rajasthan.


People and Culture : People of Rajasthan are friendly in nature and they spend a colourful life. One can get a glimpse of typical Rajasthani culture in food, dresses, music, dance and fairs and festivals of Rajashtan. People of the state celebrate a number of festivals all round the year that include regional and religious festivals. Some of the famous fairs and festivals of Rajasthan include Pushkar Fair, Camel Festival, Elephant Festival, Desert Festival, Teej Festival, Gangaur Festival, Nagaur Festival, Mewar Festival, Kite Festival and Shekhawati Fair. Rajasthan savour some of delicious food served in North India especially the non-vegetarian food.

Adventrue in Rajasthan : Desert land of Rajasthan offers excellent opportunities for adventure seekers. One can enjoy adventure sports like paragliding, ballooning, boating, trekking, camping, camel safari, jeep safari and horse safari in Rajasthan.
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Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan

Perhaps Rajasthan is most known for its royal monuments like the Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Taragarh Fort, City Palace and Museum (Jaipur) etc. but the state is also famous for its vibrant events such as the Pushkar Camel Fair, Desert Festival and so on. Spreading across the year, the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan draw millions of visitors from across the world. Rajasthan’s fairs and festivals presents of a kaleidoscope of colours, a delightful mixture of sights and sounds, culture and craft. In fact, if you wish to experience the rich traditions of Rajasthan and running short of time, then weave your itinerary around the fairs and festivals, you will not be disappointed. By participating in the exhilarating you can experience the unmatched and unforgettable charm of Rajasthan.

Cattle Fair, Nagaur (January-February) : Considered as second biggest fair of the country, Cattle fair witnesses the trading of 70,000 cattle annually. Usually held around the months of Jan-Feb, the four-day festival fires a spirit of conviviality in visitors and locals as well. Cattle Fair is known for a variety of fun-filled activities such as camel races, cock fights and the thrilling tug of war. Cattle Fair is famous for Marwari horses with incurving ears that arch at the tips like a lyre, honey-coloured Nagauri bullocks and long-lashed camels. Apart from cattle, the people also add to the charm of the Cattle Fair.

It is interesting to see Rajashtan women stunning in their flowing skirts, gold earings and a seductive glint in their eyes. Whereas local men donning colourful turbans provide a distinct aura to the fair. Wooden and leather handicrafts and red chillies market are other attractions of this fair. At dusk, Nagaur is caught up in soothing music and invigorating dance.

Camel Festival (January) : Celebrated annually in Bikaner, Camel Festival is more or less like a carnival. As its name suggests, camels are the highlight of this festival. The festival is marked by numerous interesting performances by the trained camels. Besides, the rich dance and music in the background,make the whole scene more charming.

Desert Festival (February) : During winters the Thar desert promises warm, balmy days and invigorating nights, which is also the time for celebration at sam sand dunes. Welcome to the Desert Festival of Rajashtan, which is held in the month of February on the Sam Sand Dunes, just 42 kms away from Jaisalmer. Rajasthani fairs and festivals means plethora of thrilling activities, and the Desert Festival offers the same to quench your thirst for joy and enjoyment.

Desert Festival is a cultural platform for the rich music and dance tradition of the state. Here you will meet men with moustaches so long you could only imagine. These men stroke and twirl their hairy prized possessions and participate in the ‘Mr Desert’ contest. The Desert Festival is also renowned for the turban-tying competition in which participants try to turn the long colourful fabric into turbans. You can catch the puppet shows, ballads, dances and snake-charmers who enliven the festival. By the progress of evening, Sam sand dunes come alive to the balladeers’ soulful songs of the soldier kings and their consorts as the puppeteers dramatise the epics.

Rajasthan Diwas (21-30 March) : Every year in the month of March, Rajasthan celebrates its foundation day. Rajasthan Diwas is the day of the unification of erstwhile princely states and the state of Rajasthan. Organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, the festival features traditional and rural sports like kho-kho, camel cart races and elephant polo. ‘Run for Rajasthan’ is the highlight of the Rajashtan Diwas in which 32 torches are lit and brought to Jaipur by runners. As part of the festivities, local bazaars of Jaipur remain open late into the night and it offer interesting local textiles and handicrafts. You can also savour delectable local cuisine during the festival. Great entertainment including cultural shows and ghazal evening make the festival alive. Rajashtan Diwas commemorates with a spectacular fireworks display.

Pushkar Fair (November): One of the important pilgrimage spot for Hindus,Pushkar is known world over for its small and big temples, serene lakes and colourful ghats. Above all, Pushkar has earned the international fame due to annual camel fair which draws lakhs of people from all over the world. Pushkar fair is held for one week during which massive trading of cattle takes place. With its fun-filled activities the fair gives a much needed break to the visitors and locals who lead a harsh life in the arid deserts. In addition, devotees usually take a holy dip in the waters of Pushkar lake and worship in the temples.

Other Popular festivals of Rajasthan: Kite Festival (January), Shekhawati Fair (February),Elephant Festival (March), Mewar Festival (March), Gangaur Festival (March-April) and Teej Festival (July-August)