Location : North India
Major Attractions : Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer
Best time to Visit : October to March


About Rajasthan
The palatial state of Rajasthan is situated in the north western part of India, bounded by the states of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. One of the largest states in the country in terms of area covered, Rajasthan is a culturally and historically productive place with a diverse topography and ecology. The land of Rajputs has a history replete with bravery and chivalry. Here you will find mammoth forts, beautiful palaces, rolling sand dunes and some of the most exotic variety of flora and fauna.

Rajasthan in History
The earliest references of Rajasthan can be found in the ancient Hindu epics, penned down thousands of years ago. Powerful kingdoms like those of the Maurya's flourished in the state as also the Buddhist, the evidence of which can be found in the ancient stupas and pilgrimages that date back to around 340 B.C.

Rajasthan came under the Rajput influence sometime during the fifth century, after which there was a sudden spurt of growth in the state. The Rajput clan controlled the state throughout the medieval and early modern era, giving rise to several other sub clans such as the Chauhan's, Sisodia's, Kachhwaha's and Rathore's. Some of the most impressive monuments constructed in the state were built during this period starting from the 6th century A.D.

During the British raj in India, the state was divided into a number of separate small kingdoms ruled by different rulers. However, after India gained independence, these kingdoms were all dissolved and amalgamated into what was called the state of Rajasthan.

Tourist Destinations in Rajasthan
Every city of Rajasthan has something unique to offer its guests. A visit to these varied tourist destinations of Rajasthan will acquaint you with the kaleidoscopic culture, impregnable monuments, exotic traditions and friendly people of the state. While Rajasthan has some of the cities frozen in time, it has other places which have evolved with time and considered to be amongst the most modernised cities in the country. The top tourist destinations of Rajasthan include Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Bikaner, Mt. Abu, Shekhawati, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bharatpur, Bundi and Ranakpur.

Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan
One of the best tourist magnets of Rajasthan are its numerous forts and palaces which can be found in every city of the state. These magnificent structures stand like mock narrators, describing the fascinating tales of bravery that these have witnessed over time. The mammoth walls of the forts house a number of other attractions inside which make them a complete dose of history. Some of the prominent forts of Rajasthan are Amber Fort (Jaipur), Chittaurgarh Fort (Chittaurgarh), Jaisalmer Fort (Jaisalmer), Taragarh Fort (Bundi), Kumbhalgarh Fort (Udaipur), Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur) and Jaigarh Fort (Jaipur). Other important palaces in the state are the City Palace (Jaipur), City Palace (Udaipur), Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur), Lake Palace (Udaipur) and Hawa Mahal (Jaipur).

Adventure in Rajasthan
A lesser known yet equally fascinating aspect of the state is the adventure sports opportunities on offer. The miles of golden sands of the Thar desert offer exciting options of camel safari and jeep safari while some other regions of the state are known for activities like paragliding, boating, trekking, wildlife safari, ballooning, angling and camping.