General Information
Area : 342,239 sq km
Population : 49.7 million
Capital : Jaipur
Climate : Summer (March to June) - Warm Monsoon (July to August) - Warm Winter
(November to February)- Cool and Pleasant
Languages spoken : Hindi, Rajasthani
Best Time to visit : Mid-October to mid-March
Introduction
Amazing legends of heroism and romance still resound from its equally amazing architecture, that still stands to narrate its tale of a bygone era. The magic of Rajasthan is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan is often expressed as huge open-air museum with relic so well preserved for the travelers and the curious of the day.
It is action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range in the backdrop, or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes, or trail a tiger or just watch birds on wetland. Or you can choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone, just choose your activity
The History
The history of India dates back almost five thousand years, and Rajasthan plays a crucial and unique role, especially with regard to the development of Indian culture. Its impressive story reaches through a heroic past. Its extravagant splashes of bright hues against the desert landscape and the purity of its dry and sandy reaches, the miniature elegance of its small villages and impeccably maintained forts brings alive the story of the yore. The appearance of its grand forts perched on rocky hills still tell the story of the bravery of its men and the stoic sacrifice of its women, and the chivalrous old world manners of all.
The Land and Topography
The State has an area of 343,000 sq km. The capital city is Jaipur.
The Aravali Range runs across the state from southwest Guru Peak (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height to Khetri in the northeast. This divides the state into 60% in the north west of the lines and 40% in the southeast. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east. The area includes the Great Indian (Thar) Desert.
The south-eastern area, higher in elevation (100 to 350 m above sea level) and more fertile, has a very diversified topography. In the south lies the hilly tract of Mewar. In the southeast a large area of the districts of Kota and Bundi forms a tableland, and to the northeast of these districts is a rugged region (badlands) following the line of the Chambal River. Further north the country levels out; the flat plains of the northeastern Bharatpur district are part of the alluvial basin of the Yamuna River.
Places to visit
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur
This 29 sq km bird sanctuary has the largest concentration and variety of water birdlife in Asia, including nesting indigenous water birds as well as migratory water birds and water side birds. From October till December the indigenous water birds nest in the acacia trees around the lake. However, the sanctuary has gained worldwide attention as being the winter home of several migratory species including the endangered Siberian crane.
Ranthambore National Park
Rajasthan's first Project Tiger reserve is named after a 1000 year old fort which stands in the park. Its' habitat is home to the stately sambar, the largest of all Asiatic deer. Tigers, cital, and wild boar are also found here. Woodland, ground and water-birds, including the uncommon red jungle fowl and varieties of eagles, abound.
Sariska National Park
The second tiger reserve of Rajasthan is a royal hunting lodge that has been converted into a hotel. The 27,300 hectares of dense dry deciduous forests, make it an ideal habitat for the tiger, leopard, panther, deer, porcupine, chowsingha, rhesus and langur.
Gajner
Gajner Lake is surrounded by palaces. Drive through the famous Gajner Wild Life Game Sanctuary where you can see and photograph black buck, chinkara, wild boar, blue bulls and other animals in large herds. It is a unique place for watching and photographing the famous Siberian Imperial Sand Grouse in the mornings, in the winter months, when they come to the lake for drinking water.
Bundi
This city rises from a narrow gorge in rows of terraced gardens and arched Rajput houses. Visit the palace with its intricate spy- holes, secret trap doors and under ground passages. Check out the ingenious water supply system.
Chittoragarh
113 kms. from Udaipur, the Fort of Chittor was originally built by mighty Bhim, one of the Pandava heroes of Mahabharata. The Vijay Stambh, 37 metres high and having nine storeys, was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440. Kirti Stambh, the Tower of Fame, 22 meters high is covered with figures from the Jain Pantheon.
Deeg
32 kms from Bharatpur, Deeg is an 18th century stronghold, whose massive fortifications are surrounded by luxuriant gardens, woods and pools. It is known for its palaces which have richly carved columns, cornices and eaves..
Mandore
Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar (8 kms from Jodhpur), was abandoned for strategic reasons. At the foot of the hills, amidst gardens, commemorative cenotaphs line the silent city. A shrine reputedly of 300 million Gods, contains life size statues of local deities and heroes.
Osian
This former temple city has an 8th century Surya (Sun) temple with carved pillars which support a conical roof. The temple also has an image of Goddess Durga. The 12th century Sachiya Mata temple has a large assembly hall with an elaborately carved ceiling and exquisitely sculptured figures of several Gods. The Mahavir Jain temple stands on a wide terrace with a three-tiered roof and a `torana' gateway.
Mandawa
Mandawa was founded in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh and is still home to his descendants. It houses a collection of armories, costumes, canons, ancient coins, and many other interesting items. Mandawa fort, one of the finest in Rajasthan, is now a charming hotel. Mandawa also has beautiful frescoes, havelis and mansions.
Ramgarh
32 kms to the north-east of Jaipur, Ramgarh is a favorite picnic spot for the locals during the monsoons, when the huge artificial lake fills up. The ruins of the old fort and the temple of Jambwa Mata bear testimony to the first settlement of the Kachhawahas before they moved to Amer.
Ranakpur
98 kms from Udaipur are 15th-century Jain Temples situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculptures. There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar. The Surya Temple is another attraction.
Samode
40 kms north-west of Jaipur, the old palace of Samode is now a luxurious hotel surrounded by hills. It has a most exotic hall embellished with paintings and mirror work.
Pushkar
This sleepy temple town (it has one of the very few temples dedicated to Brahma the Creator), with its placid lake, is catapulted into prominence for 10 days every November, when it becomes home to India's most splendid camel fair.
Shekhawati
In the north of Rajasthan, Shekhavati is approachable by road from Jaipur. The greatest attraction here are the havelis (deserted mansions) of local merchants decorated with a profusion of wall paintings. The subjects and styles vary greatly, and are not encountered elsewhere in India.
Barmer
Journey through the sun-drenched sands of rural Rajasthan. Stop and see the mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs. Barmer, once on ancient camel trade routes, is today a centre of wood carving, carpets, embroidery and block printed fabrics.
How To Get There
Air: The State has 3 major airports in it, namely: Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. Most major public and private airlines operate regular flights to these places connecting them to major cities like Delhi , Mumbai . If you plan to enter Rajasthan from Delhi , Jaipur is the most convenient entry point, while Udaipur is the best choice from Mumbai .
Road: One can reach Rajasthan by Road very easily since an network of National Highways and State Highways roads covers the state extensively. From Delhi , Jaipur is only 5 hours drive along the panoramic roadways. So most of the tourists prefer travel to Rajasthan by road.
Rail: Rajasthan has a good Railway network also. Major Railway Stations are in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Udaipur, which are in turn linked to important Indian cities. But the best way to reach and experience Rajasthan is to take "Palace on Wheels". This is a luxury tourist train, which offers fabulous royal splendor of the land on board. The state has also recently launched another tourist train "Heritage on Wheels". It also covers a large circuit offering enchanting glimpses of royal heritage.
