A view of the sand dunes near Jaisalmer.

A typical "haveli"-residence- in Rajasthan

The City Palace at Jaipur

A young Rajasthani girl in traditional attire

The Lake Palace at Udaipur

A tigress at the Ranthambore Tiger National Park

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In olden times the state was divided into several flourishing knigdoms and collectively these states came to be known as 'Rajputana'- the Land of the Kings. These kings constantly fought each other and each one developed a warlike ethos and a defensive style of architecture.

Formerly known as Rajputana today is better known as the modern Indian state of rajasthan. The Rajput Kings ruled this part of India for about 1000 years, according to a code of chivilary and honour which was marked by pride and independence. The charismatic Rajput warriors were known for their bravery.

Although the glorious fortunes of its former rulers may have vanished, the culture of Rajasthan,
with its numerous forts, palaces, its riotous colours and its romantic sense of valour, honour and
courage is still very much alive. The inherent buoyancy and charisma of the land is evident in
every aspect of the lifestyle of the people, and also, in the colourful turbans and soup-strainer
moustaches sported by the men, and bright mirrored skirts and silver jewellery worn by the Rajasthani women. Tourism has obviously made inroads here, but the traditional sense of honesty and the essential vitality of the Rajasthanis has not been affected.

Rajasthan is recommended as a tourist destination even on a short trip to India. Tourist centres in Rajasthan include Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Mount Abu, Ranthambore Tiger National Park
Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh and Bharatpur. 

Jaipur, the stronghold of a clan of rulers in the past and now the capital of Rajasthan, has three hill
forts and a series of palaces as its major attraction. Western Rajasthan itself forms a convenient
tourism circuit, in the heart of the Thar desert. The three cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner
create a perfect portrait of this beautiful desert land. Jodhpur, on the edge of the desert was once
the capital of the state of Marwar. Dominating the city is the hilltop fort of Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's great hilltop forts. From the fort, one gets a magnificent view of the Umaid Bhawan
palace, built of golden sandstone in the early part of this century. Jaisalmer lies deep in the heart of the desert. The Jaisalmer fort rises out of a sea of sand, its rounded battlements of golden
stone echoing the colour of the desert sand. The other chief attractions of this city are a lacy filigree of pierced stonework facades of private houses, and a series of ornately carved Jain
temples. Bikaner also stands as an mpressive testimony to the past, with its amazing sandstone palace, temples and cenotaphs.

In the north of Rajasthan, is the Shekhavati region easily approachable from Jaipur. The
greatest attractions here, are the deserted mansions of local merchants, decorated with a profusion of wall paintings. The subjects and styles vary greatly and are not encountered
elsewhere in India. Nearby are Dundlod and Mandawa, the rugged forts which are now converted into hotels, surrounded in an aura of rare medieval charm.

Udaipur, the erstwhile royal house of Mewar has a profusion of palaces, lakes, temples and cenotaphs. The places to visit in and around Udaipur are the City Palace, Pichola Lake, Jag
Niwas, Jagdish Temple, Eklingji Temple, Nathdwara, Rajsamand and Jaisamand. Chittor,
Kumbalgarh and Mandalgarh also lie near Udaipur, and are famous for their almost impregnable
forts.

Situated on an isolated plateau, about 1200 meters above sea level, Mount Abu, famous for its exquisitely carved Jain temples is a delightful summer and winter resort. The main attractions here
are the Dilwara Jain temples, of which two, the Adinath and Neminath, display an incredible wealth of carving in white marble.