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Rajasthan is the Indian state which borders Pakistan on the western
side of the country. The name means "Land of the Kings" and the Rajputs
who lived here for over a thousand years are known for their code of
chivalry and honor. The people of Rajasthan are perhaps the most colorful
in a land of color -- their history, religion, music and dance, arts and
crafts remain vibrantly alive and active -- and are presented here in all
their variety and ways. Perhaps the most lasting impression that visitors
take away with them after travelling through this state is that of color.
Geographically Rajasthan is divided by the Aravali range running southwest
to northeast. Art & Architecture :
Rajasthan has various schools of miniature painting, largely derived
from the mughal style but with some clear differences - in particular, the
palace and haunting scenes are complemented by religious themes,
particularly relating to the Krishna legends. There are many buildings
dating from the 10th to 15th centuries, including the superb Jain temples
at Ranakpur and Mount Abu. Money :
Most major towns change money, but it's a good idea to carry adequate
rupees with you to smaller places, such as to the villages of Shekhawati.
Banks are open Monday to Friday 10 am to 2 pm, and 10 am to noon on
Saturday. Special Events :
Rajasthan has all the usual Hindu and Muslim festivals, some celebrated
with special local fervour, as well as a number of festivals of its own.
Rajasthan is perhaps best known for the flamboyant Pushkar Camel fair,
held annually in October/November.Exclusive to Rajasthan is the Ganguar
fair, which celebrates the love between Shiva and Parvati.Jaipur, Bikaner,
Jodhpur, Nathwara and Jaisalmer all celebrate colourful fairs of Gangaur. Main cities to visit :
| Jaipur -
Capital
of Rajasthan, known as Pink City and famous for historical
monuments. |
| Jaisalmer -
Stunning medieval fort rising from a stark desert
landscape. |
| Pushkar -
Beautiful
temple town around a lake, home to the Camel fair. |
| Udaipur -
Whitewashed temples and grand palaces surround a lake
and the gorgeous Lake palace. |
| Shekhawati -
Rajasthan's 'open-air gallery' with scores of ornately
painted havelis, or mansions. |
| Mount Abu -
Holy
spot of Hindu and Jain, mainly famous for Dilwara
temple. |
| Bharatpur -
Renowned for its World Heritage-Listed bird
sanctuary. |
| Alwar -
Located
almost midway between Rajasthan and Delhi, mainly famous for Sariska
wildlife and govt. museum. |
| Ajmer -
It is just
over 130 kms. south-west of Jaipur and a major centre for Muslim
pilgrims. |
| Bundi -
Known for
its excellent paintings and has a lot of interesting historic
sites. |
| Ranakpur -
It is
one of the largest and most important Jain temples in
India. |
| Jodhpur -
The edge
of the Thar desert and the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. |
| Bikaner -
Has a
superb fort, camel safaris, and 30 km to the south is the
extraordinary Karni Mata temple where thousands of holy rats are
worshipped. |
| Kota -
It was a
separate state until independence when it was integrated in
Rajasthan. |
| Chittorgarh -
The
romantic city was a doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry.
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| Area
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342,239 sq.
km. |
| Population :
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49.7
Million |
| Capital :
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Jaipur |
| Main Languages
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Rajasthani,
Hindi |
| Best time to visit
: |
October to
March |
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