India Guide
Rajasthan
The state of RAJASTHAN emerged after Partition from a mosaic of twenty-two feudal kingdoms, formerly known as Rajputana, "Land of Kings". Running northeast from Mount Abu, near the Gujarat border, to within a stone's throw of ancient Delhi, its backbone is formed by the bare brown hills of the Aravalli Range, dividing the fertile Dhundar basin from the shifting sands of the mighty Thar Desert.
Rajasthan's extravagant palaces, forts and temples are the most obvious legacy of its prosperous and militaristic history, while its strong adherence to tradition is compelling to visitors. Swaggering moustaches, heavy silver anklets, bulky red, yellow or orange turbans, pleated veils and mirror-inlaid saris are part of the complex language of caste, but to most outsiders they epitomize India at its most exotic.
Colour also distinguishes Rajasthan's most important tourist cities. Jaipur, the chaotic state capital, is known as the "Pink City" thanks to the reddish paint applied to its ornate facades and palaces. Jodhpur, the "Blue City", centres on a labyrinthine walled town, whose sky-blue mass of cubic houses is overlooked by India's most imposing hilltop fort. Further west, the magical desert city of Jaisalmer, built from local sandstone, is termed the "Golden City". In the far south, Udaipur could be called the "White City": coated in decaying limewash, its waterside palaces and havelis are framed by distant sawtooth hills.
The route stringing together these four cities is India's most heavily trodden tourist trail. But it's easy to escape into more remote areas. Northwest of Jaipur, the desert region of Shekhawati is littered with atmospheric market towns, while Bikaner also rewards a stopover with its fine fort, havelis and unique "rat temple". The same is true of Bundi, in the far south, with its magnificent, muralled fort; the superb fort at Chittaugarh nearby; and the engaging hill station of Mount Abu.
Rajasthan's wonderful wildlife sanctuaries include the famous tiger-sanctuary at Ranthambore, and the Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur, near Agra, with its incredible birds.
Highlights
1 Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur Flocks of rare birds – and bird-watchers – travel from across Asia and Europe each winter to visit this remarkable wetland sanctuary.
2 Ranthambore National Park India's most popular wildlife park and one of the easiest places in the world to see tigers in the wild, thanks to its large and exhibitionist population of big cats.
3 Savitri Temple, Pushkar For optimum views of the famous lake and whitewashed holy town, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple at sunset.
4 Meherangarh Fort, Jodhpur Rajasthan's showcase citadel, offering maximum-impact views of the blue city below and an unparalleled museum.
5 Camel trekking There's no better way to experience the Thar Desert than by riding a camel through it.
6 Jaisalmer Fort India's greatest inhabited fort, with more than two thousand people still occupying its golden sandstone homes.
7 Udaipur Rajasthan's – if not India's – most romantic city: a fairy-tale ensemble of lakes, floating palaces and sumptuous Rajput architecture ringed by dramatic green hills.