Welcome to The Royal State of Rajasthan, earlier named as RAJPUTANA (The land of many Princely states) and also known as The Land of Maharajas, is a major state of Northern part in India. It is the largest Indian state by area and 7th largest state by population. The state shares its border with 5 other states of India including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. It also shares a 1070 km-long international border with Pakistan.
Rajasthan has all types of tourism destinations except Sear Beaches. By it’s name Rajasthan, people imagine of the state of Desert, but Rajasthan has more to offer it’s visitors. Rajasthan has one Hill station, four Tiger sanctuary, One Bird sanctuary, city of Lakes, and off course cities of Forts and Palaces.
The Capital City of Rajasthan, Jaipur also known as “The Pink City” is famous for Rajasthan’s traditional Jewellery, traditional fabrics (mainly vegetable dye block Prints) and handicrafts, and also for traditional Rajasthan’s cuisine.
The name Pink comes from the colour of its trademark buildings in the Walled city of OLD Jaipur and monuments such as Hawa Mahal etc. Jaipur is said to be the oldest city founded by King of Amer Maharaja Jai Singh 11 on 17th November 1927.
History of Rajasthan
Rich in Art and Culture, Rajasthan has deep historical roots with the sites of the Indus Valley Civilization at Kalimantan and the Vedic Civilization. Not only this but also famous for its historical sites and Palaces with diverse features. This being said Rajasthan is famous for its top 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which includes Amber Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Chittorgarh Fort and much more to add to the list.
Rajasthan is the home to the oldest mountain range in India- Aravalli Range and has only one hill station, Mount Abu. Bundi and Bhilwara districts of the state are sites where stone age tools dating from 5,000 to 2,00,000 years were found. Balathal is an archaeological site in the Udaipur district that shows a settlement contemporary with the Harappan civilisation dating back to 3000–1500 BCE.
During mediaeval times, Rajasthan reached its glory. It witnessed many pivotal wars and tales of valour and sacrifices from across the state. The heroism of Prithviraj Chauhan, Rana Hamir Singh, Rana Kumbha, Rana Sanga, and Maharana Pratap is well-known among people across the country and the world.
The modern state of Rajasthan includes most of Rajputana—the land of Rajputs. The region comprises nineteen princely states, two chiefships, and the British province of Ajmer-Merwara. Dhundhar (Jaipur), Mewar (Chittorgarh), Alwar, Marwar (Jodhpur), Bikaner, and Jaisalmer were some of the main Rajput princely states. Dholpur and Bharatpur were Jat princely states. Tonk is known to be a Pathan princely state and the only princely state of Rajasthan, with a Muslim ruling dynasty.
Tourism in Rajasthan
“Padharo Mhare Desh”
meaning " Welcome to my Land" and is a welcome message for the guests which reflects enthusiasm filled with hospitality spirit.
The vibrant Indian state of Rajasthan holds a specific significance in the world tourism map with one of India's architectural wonders
It is one of the most favourite tourist destinations in India. The state offers an incredible tourism experience with its rich art & culture, heritage, heroism, sage, and architecture. The warmth of its hospitality can be found in its famous cuisines.
Culturally rich state Rajasthan is famous for its Historical Forts, The Royal Palaces, Havelis, Architecture that is a perfect example of mixed art of Mughals and Hindus. These are the highlights of Rajasthan tourism. Folk arts, paintings, handicrafts, folk dances, and fairs & festivals show the masterpiece of Rajasthan art & architecture.
The elegant places of Jaipur, beautiful lakes of Udaipur, painted havelis & mansions in the Shekhawati region, the Dilwara Jain Temples in Mount Abu, the state’s only hill station, and the desert forts of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner are among the most popular tourist places in Rajasthan and attract tourists all over the world.
Not to forget to mention Rajasthan has the best adventure sports with many options, diversity and interests. The most popular among adventures include Desert and Camel Safari, Wildlife Safari Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur- home to Four national tiger reserves - Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar, and Ramgarh Tiger Reserve in Bundi and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota.
The Keoladeo Ghana National Park (formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is a World Heritage Site and is one of the best bird-watching sites in Asia.
Dance and Music of Rajasthan are deeply ingrained in the life of Rajasthan. The folk music of Rajasthan consists of the day-to-day activities give a pleasant relief after the hectic day to day life. Simple, spontaneous, dancing is seen in their fairs and festivals. Some Popular Dances of Rajasthan are _Ghoomar, Gair, Chari or Pot Dance, Kachhi Ghodi, Fire Dance, Bhavai, Kathputli Dance, Sapera Dance and many more.
Cuisines of Rajasthan: The Rajputs had political allies to the Mughals and cultural influences between both reflected in Rajput art and architecture (and vice-versa). However, culinary influences of the Mughlai cuisine on the food of the Rajputs was minimal. It is believed that was primarily due to the non-availability of ingredients of the Mughlai cuisine.
The quintessential dish of the Rajasthani cuisine is Aloo Mangodi, Jaipur Ki Gajak, Ghevar, Gatte Ki Sabji, Laal Maans (Red Meat), Kesar Murgh (Safron Chicken), Pakoda Kadhi and many more
Palaces in Rajasthan
One of the most colorful states of India , Rajasthan has stunning historical Forts and Prestigious Palaces. Hence considered to be the best tourism place to visit
Popular palaces in the state are as follows:
- City Palace – Udaipur
- Lake Palace – Udaipur
- Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur
- Meherangarh Fort – Jodhpur
- City Palace Complex – Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal – Jaipur
- Rambagh Palace – Jaipur
- Devi Garh Palace – Delwara
Historical Forts in Rajasthan
You cannot imagine Rajasthan without forts and castles. The forts located in this state are widely acclaimed for their robust structure and stunning architecture. The Hill Forts in Rajasthan are also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Hill Forts of Rajasthan include are as follows:
- Amer Fort – Jaipur
- Chittor Fort – Chittorgarh
- Kumbhalgarh Fort – Kumbhalgarh
- Gagron Fort – Jhalawar
- Ranthambore Fort – Sawai Madhopur
- Golden Fort – Jaisalmer
Other famous forts in the state are as follows:
- Mehrangarh Fort – Jodhpur
- Nahargarh Fort – Jaipur
- Alwar Fort – Alwar
- Junagarh Fort – Bikaner
- Lohagarh Fort – Bharatpur
- Jalore Fort – Jalore
- Nagaur Fort – Nagaur
- Jaigarh Fort – Jaipur
