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| RAJASTHAN |
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An astonishing treasure trove of history and art - Rajasthan is the repository of centuries of breathtaking heritage. Steeped in local legend and political gumption this amazing "abode of the kings" fires the imagination of the traveler throughout this many splendoured desert enclave. Sharing borders with Pakistan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, Rajasthan's expanse of 343,000 sq km is a study in contrasts .Comprising a total area of 343,000sq.km the state is split into two by the stunning Aravalli range running from northeast to northwest. The harsh land and extreme climate has produced a people both hardy and brave - but constantly in a state of war with each other in the fight for survival and domination. This also played a pivotal role in making nomads and clannish warriors of the race. As a contrast to its desert enclaves the other side of the hilly was rich in mineral deposits of silver, zinc and lead, and the verdant valleys watered by life-giving rivers such as the Chambal.
Captivating visitors with its tales of chivalry and bravery -the twin engines that have propelled its fortunes down the centuries, it is a land burnished of sands and hilly enclaves, medieval fortresses and fairytale palaces, tribal environmentalists (the Bishnois) and nomads (the Rabaris) and legendary kings claiming to be descendents of the sun and the moon ) -of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna ---the very gods themselves. Historically speaking the Rajputs are descendents of the invaders from Central Asia-though excavation reveal other evidence of highly evolved societies in this region dating to pre-Harappan times . The Rajputs carved out independent principalities and kingdoms along an ancient trade route from Europe. From this diversity rose 36 races and 26 kingdoms, descendents of these great warrior clans. First amongst equals were the ruling dynasties of the Sisodias of Mewar, the Kacchwahas of Amer (Jaipur) , the Rathors of Marwar (Jodhpur) and Bikaner, the Haras of Kota and Bundi, the Bhattis of Jaisalmer and the Chauhans of Ajmer. The population of Rajasthan also comprises of Gujjars and the tribal communities of the Bhils and Minas. In the battle for survival against the Muslim invaders the Rajput warriors such as legendary hero Prithvi Raj Chauhan would die defending their land and their religion-but their women were not far behind in bravery-rather than be taken as war booty they committed jauhar- death by fire.- and became legends in their own right such as the likes of Rani Padmini of Chittor.
Yet because of their acrimonious relationships with each other they were unable to fight a common enemy as one. In the 16th century the Mughals started a long war against them. Akbar, Emperor Babur's son tried to woo them through a number of marriage alliances between them and the Muslims which saw the betterment of the Rajput's lot in terms of political clout and economic gain. With peace came the increase in patronage of arts and crafts .Fuelled by Mughal enterprise and largesse the splendid cross-cultural synergy found expression in architecture and embellishment in the vast array of Rajasthan's palaces and mansions, temples and forts, pavilions and pleasure gardens. With the arrival of the British rule the Rajput and the Englishman found much in common-not the least of which was the code of honor and gallantry, their love of sports and horses which helped to cement the social rapport between them. India's Independence and abolishment of their privy purses saw many of the erstwhile Rajput princes turning to tourism to maintain their lavish palaces and delightful hunting lodgesconverted into heritage hotels and pleasure resorts. Today Rajasthan is one of the world's popular holiday destinations.
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| ACCESS |
Getting There And Around
Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur are the airlinks into Rajasthan served by flights from Delhi and Mumbai
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The state has excellent rail links with the major metros. Taxis, state and private buses/coaches offer connections within and outside the state.
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| GRAND TOUR |
Jaipur
Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh, the Pink City steeped in medieval nuances is adjusting quite easily to the permutations of the 21st century. One of Rajathan's most visited holiday destinations and state capital offers a wonderful blend of the old and newfrom its antique bazaars to its glitzy shopping malls and coffee bars. Browse amongst the royal artifacts and mementoes of yesteryears at the museum at the City Palace complex, savour the elegance of the Hawa Mahal then lose yourself in the bazaars in the old town for traditional souvenirs and shopping delights - gem stones, textiles, handicrafts and jootis . Then head out for nearby fortress of Amer with its fabulous Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors). At the Jaigarh Fort discover the world's largest cannon on wheels..
Shekhawati
Savour the stunning creativity amongst the havelis and palaces in the painted towns of the Shekhavati region from where hailed many of India's leading Marwari industrialist families.
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Bikaner
The splendid Junagarh palace is still a magic place and the Bikaner Camel Festival an exotic and stimulating spectacle. The Camel Breeding farm is quite fascinating. At Deshnoke, 32km from Bikaner lies the Karni Mata Temple, or the Rat temple is dedicated to Durga Charan, a local mystic and tuteleary deity of the Bikaner rulers.The thousands of rats that throng the temple site are considered sacred.
Jaisalmer
It is here that you can see some of the most beautiful elements of residential architecture. The havelis here are legendary for their beauty and craftsmanship. Jaislamer is also the great base for safaris into the Thar desert, where you can enjoy nights under the stars at the campsites of Sam and Khuri sand dunes. The Desert Festival held in Jan/Feb showcases the stunning beauty of the Thar Desert.
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