Rajasthan

Rajasthan is where all the country’s similes and metaphors appear to have come together to create a visual extravaganza. Majestic palaces and rugged forts, spectacular deserts, wooded hills and tranquil lakes, bustling towns and quiet villages, amazing flora and fauna and of course, the colorful and vibrant people of Rajasthan form an intricate tapestry of mysticism, grandeur and rusticity. Behind the breathtaking beautiful facade, expect to find contradictions to the ordinary and mundane aspects of vacationing. Wherever you travel, particularly when you escape from the popular tourist destinations, you will come across the unexpected, whether it is a local fair or a bustling bazaar or mind-blowing architectural wonders. The mood and the rhythm of the countryside changes from one region to another, and from season to season. It is  a land of magical fantasies that remain a lifetime memory. 

Come and discover it for yourself .....

PRINCIPAL DESTINATIONS
So rich is the history of the land that every roadside village has its own tales of valor and sacrifice for the telling. However, for most visitors, lengthy forays would be difficult, though camel safari’s sometimes offer them the opportunity to interact with people who may have never stepped out of their villages - or seen rainfall. A quick reference to the principal settlements is provided alphabetically below

AJMER
A 7th century Chauhan dynasty stronghold, Ajmer is now a pilgrimage center for Muslims, though people from all faiths and religion come to pray at its famous mosque. The British developed Ajmer as an educational center, and Mayo College, once an exclusive school for boys from royal families, is now among the country's best private schools.

ALWAR
Once known as Mewat, the Rajput kingdom came under Muslim domination from the 13th to 18th centuries with constant attempts to win it back which, the  Prince of Kachhwaha dynasty succeeded in doing in 1771. Alwar has some beautiful lakeside palaces, not all open to the public.

BARMERA
A 13th century forfeited town, Barmer is known for the quality of its wood and stone carvings. Earlier fortifications reveal the far limits where the Rajputs raised defense out-posts.

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

BIKANER
Founded by one of the scions of the house of Jodhpur, Bikaner's history combines adventure with enterprise. In later centuries, as an ally of the Mughals and the British, is 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 center for camel breeding.

BHARATPUR
The only Jat kingdom in the state, the rock-hard mud fortifications of its fort proved invincible even under repeated siege. The fort houses early remnants of artifacts and sculpture, while the modern palace outside is a sprawling structure. However, Bharatpur is better known for its Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park).

BUNDI
Nestled in a fold of the Aravalli hills, Bundi bristles with medieval enchantment_ its fortifications house palaces and apartments, artificial lakes and waterside pavilions. Ruled by the Hada Rajputs, Bundi is renowned for its Rasleela frescoes.

CHITTAURGARH
The former capital of the Sisodia rulers of Udaipur, Chittaurgarh perches atop the scraggy spine of the Aravallis. Ransacked by Allauddin Khilji in the 14th century, by the Sultans of Gujarat in the 16th century, and finally by the Mughal Emperor Akbar's forces, it was abandoned by its rulers who vowed never to return until they avenge their defeat. The few remaining palaces and towers are part of its stirring history.

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

JAIPUR
The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's history is evident in the hilltop fort, Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written. Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the innards of the fort. Once within, the architecture is less formidable, with delicate windows and painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view of the 20th century art decorum from the Umaid Bhawan Palace.

KOTA
One of few perennial rivers in Rajasthan, the Chambal is flanked by verdant, 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.

MOUNT ABU
A summer retreat in the Aravallis with a large lake and several temples, Mount Abu also doubles as a pilgrimage center with its 11th-13th century Delwara Jain temples known for the quality of their sculptures and artifacts.

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 Mughal and Rajput styles.

PUSHKAR
A pilgrimage center with the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Divine Creator, Pushkar is the  venue for the annual camel fair.

RANAKPUR
Ranakpur is well-known for its 15th century temples built by Jain merchants, these are characterized by the fine quality of their carving. 

RANTHAMBHOR
The fort of Ranthambhor has been abandoned to nature in the national park, where the Royal Bengal Tiger rules the jungle. One of the country’s finest tiger reserves, its topography of low hills and large lakes provides a tranquil idyll.  

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

UDAIPUR
A lake city, and the capital of the Rana of Mewar, founded in the 16th century, Udaipur is known for its fairytale palaces that nestle along the banks of a lake, or completely cover islands in its midst. The Sisodia rulers of Chittaurgarh who ruled here obviously had more leisure to exercise their taste than at Chittaur where much of their time was spent at war. 

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

KUMBHALGARH
Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh is Rajasthan's highest fort, and its most formidable. The air here is rife with medieval tales of intrigue and treachery. It is because its history is characterized by some of the pivotal points that characterized the Sisodia dynasty.

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