Situated in the north-western part of India, Rajasthan symbolizes the old regal India in its full grandeur. The Great Indian Desert (Thar) spans it lending it a sandy touch. The still strong, palaces aging centuries stand proud and tall bearing the dust storms, heat and cold with honour and courage. The desert land has seen many fights and rendered in blood myriad number of times, but this has not marred the warmth and hospitality in its heart. Yes, Rajasthan and its people receive guests with open arms and this is one of the reasons for it being a major tourist spot. Others are obviously its spectacular monuments, forts and fortresses, victory sculptures, temples and the fascinating culture.
There are so many places to visit here and skipping even one of them is like being depraved of something worthwhile. Jaipur, the Pink City of India and the capital city of Rajasthan is remarkable. It has adopted all the modern ways of life still retaining the royal rustic essence of Rajasthan. Amber fort, birla temple, Jantar-Mantar, chokhi dani are must visits here.
Then there are the Jain Dilwara temples situated in Mt.Abu and famous for their spectacular architecture and ornamental ceilings, Pushkar temple (the only temple dedicated to lord Brahma in the world), Ajmer Sharif(the mosque where a hair of Prophet Mohammed is preserved), Udaipur, the lake city, Jodhpur, the regal pride, Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve, Sariska National Park…the list is endless. So no wonder tourism is one of the major industries here. The government, both state and the central have taken efforts to develop it with private companies and firms also venturing to invest in. Palace on wheels, the luxury train that takes you on a mesmerizing Rajasthan tour, has been started by the Indian Railways. Other industries that thrive here are marble, handicrafts, textile etc. and there is so much to shop, seriously. You’ll love the gorgeous fabrics, the traditional attire, the footwear, marble sculptures, lac and shell bangles and many more stuff.
Reaching Rajasthan is easy. Many travel agencies can help you come up with the best travel package for you. Or else you can go about charting it yourself. The IGI airport New Delhi is connected to all the major international airlines. Once here, you can board a train to Rajasthan or travel by road. Lodging here isn’t a problem either but you need to make advance bookings during peak tourist seasons like the x’mas-new year week, and holiday periods. Rajasthan cuisine is exotic and capable of exciting your taste buds. Hot, spicy and delicious, it leaves a lingering taste in your mouth. Though the restaurants here cater all kinds of cuisines, thanks to it being the hot tourist destination it is.
The climate here is hot during summer and extremely cold during the winters i.e. November- January, it being a desert region. Keep warm clothes when you plan to visit during winter season or you’ll freeze!
So please visit this land of kings and warriors and don’t forget to take an elephant and a camel ride.