RAJASTHAN
Rajasthan travel promises a holiday filled with color and enjoyment. Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of India and is bounded by Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. With its rich cultural heritage, sand dunes, safaris and wildlife, the state has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. Rajasthan seems to be an open museum, where the tourists can get a glimpse of the socio-cultural pattern of the state. The state, covering an area of 342,239 square kilometers, is dotted with marvelous palaces and forts. Rajasthan had been a part of the republics of Saka Satraps, Hunas, Arjunyas, Malavas, Yaudhyas, Kushans and Guptas and was also a constituent of the Mauryan Empire. The forts and palaces sprawled across the territory bear the rich imprints of the past rulers. Rajasthan was inhabited by the Rajput clan in the 8th century. The waning of their power led to the emergence of Jats, Nath, Ahirs, Gujars, Bhils and Meenas, who established their dominance in the different districts of Rajasthan. It is noteworthy that these clans largely influenced the culture of Rajasthan. The 12th century heralded the rule of the Muslims, who were followed by the Mughals. The people, culture and architecture of Rajasthan largely owe to the Mughal Empire. The extreme climatic conditions of Rajasthan make the state experience scorching heat during the summers and chilling cold during the winters. Those who wishes to visit Rajasthan are advised to avoid the summer months, as the temperature during this time ranges between 32ºC and 45ºC. During the winter months, the temperature falls below 0ºC. Tourists prefer to come to Rajasthan between July and September. During this period, the weather condition of the state remains quite pleasant and suitable for tourism. The Rajasthan state has a lot to offer in terms of flora and fauna. The state possesses about 32549.64 square kilometers of forest area spread across northern, eastern, south-eastern and southern parts of the territory. Being a rich reserve of wildlife, Rajasthan is known for panther, blue bull, jackal, fox, hyena, sambhar, wild boar, jungle cat and many other species of animals. The state of Rajasthan is well connected with an excellent network of transportation to the different parts of the country. Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur are the three main airports in Rajasthan, which are regularly operated by domestic and international flights. Some of the major railway stations in Rajasthan are at Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaipur. Besides, the state is also known to possess a well-knit network of roads. The National Highways and State Highways connect the different towns and cities of Rajasthan within the different parts of the country. Tourists can get a glimpse of the Mughal architecture at different forts and palaces situated at various parts of Rajasthan. Rajasthan also possesses a number of other appeals that attract tourists from all corners of the world. Some of the noteworthy tourism sites of Rajasthan include:
Jodhpur - Which is popular for Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan, among others Ajmer - Which houses Pushkar Lake and Dargah Jaisalmer – Where one can find the Gadsiser Lake and Jaisalmer Fort Bundi – Where tourists can come to visit Taragarh and Sukhmahal Jaipur – Tourists can explore the elegance of Hawamahal and Jalmahal in this Pink City of Rajasthan Bikaner – Where tourists can come to visit Junagarh and Lalgarh Shekhawati – Which houses Mandawa and Nalwalgarh Mt Abu - Dilwara Temple and Gurusikher are the prime attractions of this place Udaipur – Where the famous Pichola Lake and City Palace are located Pushakr fair, Desert festival of Jaisalmer, Camel festival in Bikaner, Marwar festival in Jodhpur, Elephant festival in Jaipur and Gangaur festival in Jaipur are some well-known festivities of Rajasthan