India > Rajasthan

A land where medieval walled cities rise like shimmering mirages from sand dunes and amid the contrasting deserts, camels, rock forts, mountain-rimmed lakes lined with temples and glimmering white palaces, brilliant fabrics, gorgeous turbans and clothing, vibrant folk dance and music, with peacocks strutting through mud-hut villages.

Surrounded by Muslim states, Rajasthan has remained a bastion of Hinduism, but its monumental architecture, arts, crafts and cuisine are an intriguing blend of both cultures which are unequalled in the world.

This romantic and colourful heritage state has a population of 56 million and is one of India's most popular destinations. With a rich cultural heritage steeped in myths and legends of the Rajput rulers, Rajasthan today has something for everyone from the expansive western desert regions to the colourful cities adorned with historic forts, fascinating architecture, and Maharaja's palaces where today you can book your stay. (Pictured is Devi Garh Resort Udaipur)

Seemingly a poor land, Rajasthan has always been wealthy in adventurous traders and innovative entrepreneurs who have poured their riches into ornate temples and houses. Sculptors, painters, jewellers and musicians have thrived. Though this land of rajas (kings) never produced an imperial dynasty, it was the thorn in the side of every North Indian empire, and its vaunted warrior traditions are dramatically revealed in the massive fortresses that dominate parts of the landscape.

Rajasthan delights the traveller with its colour, visual drama, and the verve, joy and laughter of its people. Our tour will give us the experience of daily life in cities and villages. We will also enjoy quiet interludes at nature sanctuaries which thrive in such an arid landscape, where the lakes are nesting grounds for unimaginable numbers of migratory birds and other wildlife and the state has vast areas of forest and national parks where the wild life includes tigers, deer, colourful birds and you can explore on safari by elephant, camel or 4 wheel drive.

Major Cities

Jaipur
The third city of one of India's popular travel circuits and the first major city on route from Delhi (260 km) or Agra. Jaipur is known as the Pink City and  is a unique combination of a busy city and age-old charisma. Magnificent forts like Moti Dungri, Nahargarh, Amer and Jagarh are a visual treat and testimonial to the bygone romantic era while the narrow lanes of the old city are filled with colourful people and interesting markets.

Founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan Jaipur in the 7th century AD Jaipur today is a bustling capital city and business centre with all the trappings of a modern metropolis flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise and move the hearts of a travellers. The stunning backdrop of ancient forts Nahargarh, Amer, Jagarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic and not to be missed.

Recommended Accommodation
Rajputana Palace Sheraton Jaipur - Situated 14 kilometres from the airport and just a kilometre away from the city centre. Rajputana Palace has distinct architectural design reflecting the spirit of Rajasthan with 216 comfortable rooms including 17 suites that are equipped with a host of modern amenities such as satellite TV, telephone, radio, mini bar and en suite bathrooms. Rescervations


Ajmer-Pushkar
Ajmer located south-west of Jaipur is surrounded with lush green hills and is an oasis of religious sanctity popular with Hindu and Muslim pilgrims and it is also home to the Mayo College a school for the children of Indian nobility.

Attractions include the tomb of Dargah Sharif which is a focal point for the Muslims of South Asia next only to Mecca and Medina. Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra, a pillared mosque of red sandstone and originally a Sanskrit college, built within a temple, this masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture is located on the outskirts of the city and just beyond the Dargah, the Taragarh Fort and the government museum with it's rich collection of Mughal and Rajput armor and art makes for an enlightening visit. There is also an artificial lake built the 12th century.

Recommended Accommodation
The Mansingh Palace has outstanding service, modern amenities and 60 centrally air-conditioned rooms and suites. Reservations

Pushkar
Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (14 km away) said to be the abode of Lord Brahma. This picturesque town with it's cheeky monkeys everywhere and it's sacred lake where during month of Karmic (Oct/Nov), devotees throng here in large numbers to take a dip in the sacred lake and in November the Pushkar fair (begins on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi & runs for five days till Kartik Purnima - the night of the full moon). The fair attracts many thousands of visitors and is one of the worlds largest live stock fairs with thousands of sheep, goats, cattle & camels being traded. The town markets also bustle with merchants selling jewellery and fabrics.

Bikaner
In the north of Rajasthan and often called the ‘camel country’, the Bikaner region is arid and known for its fascinating camel rides and the world’s biggest camel research and breeding farm. ‘The ship of the desert’ is a vital part of day-to-day life, carrying out transportation and other duties as well.

Bikaner itself is a fortified city with the forts dating back to the 15th century with a wall measuring 7 km with 5 gates encircling the city. Busy lanes, colourful markets, and the warm local people make Bikaner a memorable experience. The annual camel festival (in January) is almost as popular as the Pushkar fair thousands of people. The colorful processions of bedecked camels, camel races and the cultural shows mark the festive occasion. Karni Mata Fair is celebrated during April/ May and October/ November when devotees flock tot worship Goddess Durga.

Recommended Accommodation
The Lallgargh Palace is situated on the outskirts of the Bikaner City and is spread over a vast area of land. The intricate dexterous carving on the red sand stone is a hallmark of great craftsmanship. The lush green sprawling lawns with dancing peacocks and beautiful bougainvilleas adorn the palace. Reservations

Jodhpur:
Some 200km west of Jaipur, Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, is home to the huge Meherangarh Fort located atop a rocky ridge. The old city is encircled with a 10-km-long wall. Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 and has been named after him. Jodhpur's legacy is the traditional sport of polo.

Jaisalmer:
located in the far west of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is a city of magic and brilliance of the desert and the warmth and colour of the people is simply overwhelming. The 12th century Jaisalmer Fort which has largely bee rebuilt to house the growing population is an architectural marvel which must be seen to be believed. The magnificent mansions built by wealthy businessmen are yet another attraction. The main market is located on the foothills of the fort.

The Gorbandh Palace Hotel provides spectacular views of the fort and provides thoughtful comforts in an authentic Rajasthani ambience, the hotel also features 67 spacious rooms with private balconies. The hotel also organises desert camps where you can listen to Rajasthan's celebrated folk music and dance around a campfire on starlit evenings. Make a reservation.

Mt Abu:
This beautiful hill station is an interesting mix of British-type houses, ancient holiday lodges, thick forests on hills and different tribal communities. One gets to see species like langur, sambar and wild boar as also rare trees in the sanctuary. Mt Abu is a must-watch.

Udaipur:
In the south of Rajasthan, Udaipur is known as the city of lakes. The Lake Palace on Pichola Lake and the grand City Palace are a visual, cultural and architectural delights.

Udaipur is famed as a performing arts and craft centre. A major attraction is the Shilp Gram festival, a rural market fair and festival come living museum depicting the life style, traditions, customs and folk arts of the rural and tribal people of the states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujrat, Goa and Daman. Held  annually from 23rd December to January 1st in the Aravali Mountains about 3km west of Udaipur, every year, tens of thousands of tourists visit this village, which is spread over an area of 55 acres and there are live performances by folk artists from different parts of India.

Getting About

There are many options from train, bus taxi or hire car. The Palace on Wheels is a luxury train reflecting a bygone era. It travels from Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and is a delightful way for the well heeled to see this part of India.

When to go
To avoid the climatic extremes in Rajasthan, the ideal time to visit is between October and March.

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