Rajasthan is a vibrant, exotic state where a blend of culture, tradition and glory is seen in a riot of colors against a backdrop of sand and desert. It consists of an unusual diversity in its forms such as in its people, customs, culture, music, manners and cuisine.
Earlier it was called Rajputana, named after the ruling class of Rajputs which meant the ‘Son of Rulers’. They rose to power in the 6th century establishing their kingdom across the province and India.
The land is rich in forts, palaces, heritage and natural resources. It is a land that never ceases to attract visitors with its music, dance, art and craft. One finds whiffs of romance and mystery about the land, which was an abode of kings and rulers in the past. Rajasthan formerly comprised of 19 princely states and a British administered territory of Ajmer-Merawa. The present state of Rajasthan was formed after a long process of integration that began in 1948 and now it consists of 32 districts and several small villages as well as tehsils and sub-divisions. Rajasthan is however, with all its glory and historical splendor, in stages of development towards modernity.
Neighborhood:
Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of the subcontinent. It is the largest state of India in terms of the area. It borders Pakistan to the west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast and Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north. Rajasthan covers an area of 342,239 km square. The three largest and developed cities of Rajasthan with airports are Jaipur, also called the ‘Pink City’, Jodhpur, and also called the ‘Blue City’ and Udaipur, the ‘White City’. To visit the province, Jaipur should be used as an entrance, which is near the eastern border. Only a few hours from the city are the Ranthambhore National Park and Bharatpur’s Keoladeo National Park.
Jaipur is also nearer to Bundi, a rural town that is easily accessible by car or train and Ajmer, gateway to the sacred lake of Pushkar. Geographically the land is more varied than any other province, made up of rocks, sand dunes, burning heat and freezing cold. Cliffs form the backdrop of Jodhpur, and they disappear into the endless plain from which the Fort of Naguar rises. Beyond this is the Thar Desert. Jaipur is the capital surrounded by an ancient 20 feet high wall and eight gates. Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan, situated on the fringe of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is the ancient city located in the heart of the Thar Desert.
Getting around:
Palace on Wheels (POW) travels through Rajasthan via Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Chitorgarh, Ranthambore, Agra and Delhi.
Getting to Rajasthan can be a luxury if one chooses to travel in a palace-on-wheels train. It’s a train that provides all the facilities of a hotel while traveling. With rooms having beds and dining cars, it makes the journey a pleasant one. With other facilities such as TV and attached bath, palace-on-wheels is a luxurious mode of getting around in Rajasthan which can be booked from any city.
When to visit:
Rajasthan can be visited throughout the year, however, for people coming to Rajasthan for the first time, hot climate should be avoided that ranges from April to June as these are the hottest months. The monsoon season extends from July to September, the winter season lasts from January to march, and the temperature may drop to 0 degree in some cities such as Churu.
