Rajasthan, the largest state in India, is blessed with natural beauty and a great history. With the majestic palaces, historical forts, desert and lakes, tourism is a booming industry in Rajasthan. Jaipur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur are the most preferred destinations for the tourist. Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state`s domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels. Unlike what its barren scenery suggests, one will find that Rajasthan is the most colourful and fascinating place inhabited by humans. The desert safari of Rajasthan is an exhilarating experience of a lifetime. An exotic land, a trance come true for the Western world, Rajasthan is home to the Rajputs, the military races of India known likewise for their love of arts and architecture as well as courage and chivalry. Even at the present day Rajasthan, which is inhabited by the Rajasthani people, is culturally and artistically rich in its own way.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Rajasthan
Temple building in Rajasthan received royal patronage under the reign of the religious-minded Rajputs. The most notable temples in Rajasthan are Eklingji temple, Someshvara Temple, Ramavaikunth temple and Kalki Mata Temple. These temples attract thousands of pilgrims every year. The renowned Brahma temple at Pushkar is the only temple in the entire Indian sub-continent which is visited by devotees all the year round.
Pilgrimage to Rajasthan remains incomplete without visiting the Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is a must visit location for devotees and tourist alike. As rulers, the Rajputs followed a policy of religious tolerance. Hence, besides the Hindu temples there are Jain temples and mosques in Rajasthan. The Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan is a holy place where Muslim saint Khajwa Moinudin Chishti was buried. This draws pilgrims and disciples from all places of the Islamic world. But at present people from all religions come here to pay their homage as the Dargah Sharif is a holy place where wishes are fulfilled. The Dilwara temple in Mount Abu in Rajasthan is an important religious centre for the Jain pilgrims. It dates back to the ancient times and is also noted for its architectural brilliance. The Jain temples at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan are also a frequent haunt for Jain pilgrims. Based on the pattern of the Dilwara temple this temple is dedicated to first and third Jain Tirthankaras Rikhabdev and Sambhavnath. The various religious places in Rajasthan give the tourist an insight of the rich traditions and legacy of India.
Nature Tourism in Rajasthan
The state of Rajasthan is blessed with spectacular gardens and amazing wildlife. Jaipur in Rajasthan is also known as the city of gardens. The flora and greenery amidst the desert is indeed a tourist`s delight. The beautiful landscape gardens are bound to mesmerise the nature lovers. The well-known gardens in Rajasthan are Vidyadhar Garden and Kanak Vrindavan Valley, both located in Jaipur. The Garden of Babur is also a must see for the tourist. The Sisodia Rani ka Bagh is an attractive garden. It is landscaped in the Mughal style of architecture and depicts the legends of Radha and Lord Krishna. The fountains, watercourses and beds of flowers enhance the splendour of the garden. The Ram Niwas garden is another place of tourist attraction. Nature tourism is, thus, an important tourist attraction in Rajasthan. Desert safari of Rajasthan is something which a tourist cannot afford to miss. Both camel safari and Jeep safari are available according to the preference of the tourists. This Indian state is often referred to as the `land of the tigers`. Most of the wildlife sanctuaries, such as, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Sariska Tiger Reserve provide a haven for the big cats. They are conserved here. Most of these sanctuaries were erstwhile hunting grounds for the Maharajas. Today they have been converted to national parks to protect the beasts. Apart from tigers, nilgai, chinkara, wild dog, slot bear, leopard and other animals are to be found in national parks, such as, Desert National Park, Darrah Sanctuary, Kumbalgarh National Park, Jaisamand Sanctuary and others. For bird lovers there is the Keoladeo National Park.
Leisure Tourism in Rajasthan
Laced with the magic of the sepia luster of Thar Desert and with the promises of colour and valour, Rajasthan is the best place to rediscover the pulse of India so very eloquently. For a leisure trip, therefore, Rajasthan is indeed the place to be. Rajasthan is dotted with forts, palaces and historical monuments. Built on high hilltops, in the heart of massive deserts, and on islands in lakes, the palaces and forts in Rajasthan display the architectural tradition of the state. The Amber Fort in Jaipur is a popular tourist spot of Rajasthan and is noted for its exceptionally distinct architecture which is blend of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture. The Chittorgarh fort built on top of a hill has many palaces within its complex. It is a popular tourist destination. The Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur is another admired monument of Rajasthan. The various palaces and buildings inside the fort now serve as Mehrangarh museum. The palaces in Rajasthan are the most spectacular part of the state. The amber palace inside the amber fort is an important tourist attraction. The city palace of Udaipur n Rajasthan is a magnificent spectacle to behold. It is built overlooking the serene waters of Lake Pichola. The palace houses many majestic buildings and temples. The Deeg palace and the city palace of Jaipur are among the other exquisite palaces of Rajasthan. The enormous arrangement of Museums in Rajasthan form the most popular archaeological sites, and the newly opened museums and art galleries in the palaces of former rulers of old states facilitate to safeguard this grand legacy of the state of Rajasthan. The Ajmer government museum of Rajasthan is one of the known museums in Rajasthan. It has an art gallery and is divided into three sections. The Fateh Prakash Palace museum of Chittorgarh has a great assortment of sculptures. Inside this museum in Rajasthan many artillery, daggers, and arsenal are displayed. The Fort museum and the Junagarh museum are among the other popular museums of Rajasthan.
Visiting Information on Rajasthan
How to Reach
By Air: The international airport of Rajasthan is located in Jaipur. Domestic airlines are also available here. Prepaid taxis are obtainable to reach the city center and other parts of Rajasthan from the airport. Other important airports are located in Udaipur and Jodhpur.
By Rail: The services of Indian Railways links Rajasthan with the rest of the subcontinent. Another luxurious way of traveling within the state is by availing the Palace of Wheels. There are other trains, too, that connect the interesting cities lying within the state.
By Road: Road transport in Rajasthan is quite impressive. State and private buses are available in abundance to travel within the state. Rajasthan is largely dependent on tourism. Hence the state looks after the trifle details to make travel easier for the tourists.
Rajasthan is referred to as the shopper`s paradise. Jewellery, clothes, semi precious stones are quite eye catching and inviting to the visitors. Paintings, such as, Miniature Art, Phads and Pichwais, Folk Painting, Leatherwear, Stone Carving, Metal Craft, Textile, Blue pottery of Jaipur, Terracotta, Dhurries and Carpets and Wooden Artefacts are also the popular buys in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is a tourist friendly state. Hence the travelers will hardly face any problems while touring the state. The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The tourists will find abundant accommodation units that will suit their pockets. Local transportations are widely available for touring the places of interest.
