If India was metaphorically a jeweled crown, the rare gem that is Rajasthan, would’ve undoubtedly rested atop the sparkling structure. The country’s most royally rich state, Rajasthan compensates for the absence of greenery in its topography with vibrantly painted settlements & outfits. This largest Indian state is the home to the regal Rajputs & the majestic fortresses they used to reside in. But the major allure is captured on the roads of Rajasthan where men turbaned in vivid colors march down the deserts with their decorated camels.

The People

Rajasthan is basically flocked by Rajputs who are believed to be the descendants of Kshatriyas who are mentioned as fearless warriors in the Vedic Literature. The clan further sprouts to sub-groups of Sisodiyas, Panwars, Rathods, etc. Several tribes like Lohars, Saharias & Garasias are part of the population too. Their Cuisine…Being primarily a dry state, their cuisine is generally dominated by various types of lentils & wheat that grow easily under dry conditions. They consume milk products in earnest & rabbit meat is considered to be a delicacy, cooked in a ground-dug oven with marinated vegetables. Famous rajasthani dishes involve gattey ki sabzee, rabdee, pakodis, etc.

Rajasthan is accessible by air as all the major airlines fly down the cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer & Jodhpur. Or travel by rail through its extensive rail network connecting the state to major cities of Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, etc. Twenty National Highways run through Rajasthan, making it easily accessible via road as well.

PLACES TO VISIT

The Pink City

Jaipur earned this named because of the numerous saffron-hued settlements it harbors. The Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Survey reserved a no.7 spot for Jaipur under the best places to visit in Asia. The capital city of Rajasthan holds numerous gardens & regal forts, museums & bustling market places for the tourists to tread into. Visiting the Hawa Mahal & City Palace is a must. A trip to Elefantastic will introduce you to 25 elephants specially arranged for the tourists to pet, bathe & ride.

Udaipur

Founded in 1553 by the Sisodiya Rajputs, this city is allegedly termed as ‘Venice of the East’ owing to its teeming collection of lakes. Colonel James Tod called it "the most romantic spot on the continent of India". During a boat ride in Lake Pichola overlooking the elderly Aravali, one can truly let the sheer credibility to that statement sink in. The Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary & Jagmandir Island along with the Museum of Vintage Cars are some of the highlights of this city.

Jaisalmer

Visit this city during the month of Magh (February) to tour through the renowned Annual Desert Fair of Rajasthan. Held three day prior to the full moon, it takes place amidst the vast unending stretches of Thar, completely transforming the barren topography into a melee of hue-tinted processions & gatherings where unique competitions are held for three consecutive days. Visiting the Gadisagar Lake is a must to peek a look at the exotic migratory birds that pay this man-made reservoir regular visits.

Alwar

Founded in 1770 by Pratap Singh, the city is rumored to be the most haunted location in India. Taking a tour through the phantasmal fort of Bhangarh & discover the truth behind the folklores. While you’re at it, drive towards the Sariska National Park to get a glimpse of the native wildlife of Rajasthan & get access to camel rides. The temple of Karni Mata in Deshnok infested with more than a thousand rats who live with the temple priests is worth a visit too.

Sawai Madhoopur

Founded in 1763, this region inhabits the Ranthambore National Park which is a hunting ground-turned park wedged between the the range of Aravali & the plateau of Vindhya. The National Park is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO owing to the presence of rich cultural heritage in the region that effectively reflects the times that date back to generations. It is a home to species like macaques, rufoustailed hare, Indian flying foxes, Indian false vampires, common palm civets chitals, leopards & of course the tigers.

Pushkar

If you want to get a glimpse of the rural India at its finest, visit Pushkar during October during the Annual Pushkar Camel Fair. It’s an amalgamation of trade & religion as traders and pilgrims flock together in an annual association held in the deserted grounds of Pushkar that is dotted with colorful camels, pilgrims & tourists every year. A temple dedicated to the famous Krishna bhakt, Meerabai, is also situated here.

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