Rajasthan

Location: North-west India
Capital: Jaipur
Climate: Hot and Dry Summers (45oC Max and 32oC Min), Pleasant Winters (27oC Min and 10oC Max)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Major Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, Sindhi and English
Major Religions: Hindus, Muslims, Jains and Sikhs
Major Airports: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner and Kota
Major Cities: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Kota, Udaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Pushkar, Bharatpur, Mt Abu, Sariska and Ranthambore.

Rajasthan has been the house of royalty in India. Also called the Land Of Princes Rajasthan is a perfect destination to witness the magnificent lives the Maharajas of Rajputana must have led. The State of Rajasthan offers a plethora of destinations to visit. It is famous for having one of the oldest mountain ranges called the Aravallis and the sun kissed Thar Dessert. In terms of heritage Rajasthan is one of the leading States in India. There are large number of Forts, palaces and Havellis which are world renown for their architectural wonder, delicate carvings and colorful splendor. Territorially the largest State of India Rajasthan covers an area of about 343,000 sq km.

The history of Rajasthan is filled with numerous legends of heroic acts of the Rajput Kings who began to rule Rajasthan from 9th century AD. The chivalrous Kings of Rajputana Prithviraj Chauhan and Maharana Pratap of Mewar fought many wars to save the honor of their land, people and traditions. The State of Rajasthan was formed at the time of Independence of India when the Rajputana's 18 Princely States, two chieftain and one British administered province were merged. The main languages spoken in Rajasthan are Rajasthani and Hindi and chiefly four dialects Jaipuri, Mewati, Malwi and Braj Bhasa.

The cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Amber are all living examples of the royalty that once resided in Rajasthan. The Forts, Palaces and Havellis in these Cities are all testimony to this. The Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur, Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner, City Palace of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer Fort, Junagarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort keeps the traveler or tourist mesmerized by their beauty. Rajasthan's natural beauty and rich history and cultural heritage attract visitors from all over the world. The palaces and forts dotted all over Rajasthan have been visited by many national and international celebrities. American pop star Katy Perry and British comedian Russell Brand got married in Rajasthan. Pop star Madonna came on a holiday along with her family in Rajathan. Film actress Ravina Tandon got married in Udaipur in royal style.

The State of Rajasthan apart from its heritage status is famous for its Wildlife Reserves and Religious pilgrimages. Some of the rare species of animals like Chinkara, Blackbuck, Great Indian Bustard and several migratory birds are found exclusively in Rajasthan. Sariska, Bharatpur Sanctuary, Desert National Park, Tal Chappar Sanctuary are one of the few places in Rajasthan where the rich and diverse Flora and fauna of Rajasthan can be viewed. Rajasthan also is a favorite destination for pilgrims belonging to Hindu, Jain and Muslim Religion. The Dilwara Jain temples, Pushkar temple and Ajmer Sharriff are all examples of Religious and Cultural diversity in Rajasthan. Rajasthan today is a perfect blend of its rich heritage as well as a modern State surging ahead keeping with changing times of Modern banking, Industrial, Technological development in the World. Rajasthan is a visual treat for its vibrant and colorful lifestyle, something that will keep the traveler rapt with attention an experience he will cherish for the lifetime.