Rajasthan is the most colorful region in India exhibiting splendor and royalty in every walk of life. It is truly said "a land of valiance and chivalry,' which is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces, waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. The state represents an unusual diversity in all of its forms- its people, culture, customs, costumes, cuisine, dialects and rustic music. Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of the subcontinent. It is bounded on the west and northwest by Pakistan, on the north and northeast by the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, on the east and southeast by the states of Uttar Prad esh and Madhya Pradesh, and on the southwest by the state of Gujarat. No other region in the country assembles as many paradoxes of India as does the desert land of Rajasthan. Unexpected forest glens, lakes and temples appear like mirages in the deserts. On the crag are seen rugged forts, testimony to a turbulent history. Innumerable temples dating back to the 7th century still survive amidst scattered ruins. You can also observe medieval cities existing around turreted marble palaces and spacious gardens. Rajasthan, a land of Maharajas (kings), palaces and preening peacocks is renowned for its monuments, art and culture that go back to several centuries.There is romance in Rajasthan's forts and palaces and arts of gallantry retold in ballads and legends. Then there are sanctuaries sheltering rich and varied species of flora and fauna. And the shimmering Thar desert belt charms with a rare and amazing sight. Rajasthanis are a handsome people with colorful costumes. They express themselves in color and sound not easily seen or heard anywhere else in the country. Rajasthan overwhelms with color found in bustling bazaars; in wide ranging costumes of its people; in streets where elephants and camels vie with buses and cars. The irresistible gamut of art and handicraft souvenirs will bewitch you. An exciting variety of Rajasthani delicacies will pamper your palate with a never-before gastronomic delight. Staying is no less enjoying and exhilarating. Choose from a wide range of accommodation - inexpensive to five star deluxe - to suit every budget. Or for a change, go in for the heritage hotels, a recent concept, where you get an opportunity to witness the royal environs of a bygone era. Rajasthan with a treasure of history, picturesque architecture and bewitching landscape is an unparalleled destination. A destination that defies definition! Nobody leaves the land without priceless memories, a bundle of souvenirs & an address book full of friends. Rajasthan has a total area of 343000 sq. km, which is divided by Aravalli range, which runs from north -east to southwest for about 688 km. It is the backbone of the state and divides it into two regions with totally different geographical features. Water levels here are very low and have been so for many centuries. Yet this land with it's relentless carpet of sand and arid desert, the dryness and the heat of this region has driven the people to fill their lives with different colours. Geologically many areas in Rajasthan are older than the Himalayas therefore it is obvious that the civilization came to Rajasthan much before it came to India. It was in the mid of the sixth century that the brave Rajputs, warrior par excellence, came to dominate the region and wrote the most glorious chapters in the history of Rajasthan with their blood and blade. It this period in the history of Rajasthan that continues to live on in the proud inhabitants of this region and gives it a special charm of its own, unmatched by any other place, any where in the world. |
