Rajasthan, which means 'Land of the Kings', is awash
with beautiful palaces and majestic hilltop forts silhouetted
against rich and varied topography. It is one of the most popular
Indian states with a well-developed infrastructure and tourist
facilities that all enjoy the colours of tradition and culture
along with modern outfit. Rajasthan simply pulsates with life.
Everywhere people are walking, riding, running, sitting, talking,
buying, selling, haggling or just 'being', and Rajasthan’s
sheer wealth of culture, tradition, dazzling colour and ancient
sites have attracted and captivated generations of visitors.
Lifestyle:
There's a lot to see and do in Rajasthan
and the tourist trail can sometimes feel relentless, especially
the early starts to beat the crowds and heat. It is best to
build in time to see places properly and enjoy the experience!
During the peak months of October – March many other
tourists are visiting the sights and travelling around so
most of the internal flights and smaller hotels are often
booked up months in advance. We advise booking early to avoid
disappointment and overbooking. Conversely it is extremely
hot from May through August and sightseeing is really only
possible early mornings and evenings, although there are few
other tourists around.
Sightseeing:
Rajasthan is one of India's prime tourist destinations
with plenty of historic cities and incredible fortresses
to wander around. From the pink capital city of Jaipur with
its Palace complex including the Jantar Mantar Observatory;
the romantic temples and grand palaces surrounding the gorgeous
Lake Palace of Udaipur; the beautiful temple town and holy
lake of Pushkar; dining at Meherangarh Fort in the blue
city of Jodhpur; to the stunning medieval fort of the golden
Jaisalmer which rises from a stark desert landscape, you
are spoiled for choice. Horse-riding and can be arranged
from some of our properties as well as camel safaris around
Jaisalmer.
Shopping:
The place to shop until you drop. Specialities of the state
include precious and semi-precious gemstones, embroidered
and block-printed fabrics, miniature Mughal-style painting,
famous blue pottery, exquisitely carved furniture, costume
jewellery, tribal artefacts, and don't forget to get some
clothes tailor-made! Be prepared for hard bargaining and look
out for the government emporiums which sell goods from around
the state in most major cities.
This concept originated in Rajasthan where owners of ancestral
homes, whether forts, palaces or havelis (old merchant houses
with central courtyards), who can no longer afford them as
their own exclusive homes, converted them into atmospheric
hotels. This both preserves a part of the country’s
heritage, as the ‘fort/palace’ plays an essential
part in village life, and provides the modern traveller with
a unique characterful experience of India, often meeting the
people who once lived (and some still do) live there –
a rare and wonderful experience.
Wildlife:
Hire bicycles to explore the beautiful World Heritage listed
bird sanctuary at Keoladeo Ghana National Park with its 354
bird species including the Siberian crane; search for tigers
in the wilderness regions of Ranthambhore and Sariska. Take
binoculars with you - invaluable not only for birdwatching
but also for getting closer looks at the many forts and palaces
you will pass by.
Architecture:
Explore the many buildings dating from the 10th-15th centuries
including the Jain temples at Ranakpur and the Dilwara Temples
at Mt Abu. Most of the great forts date from the Mughal period
- sprawling spectacular Chittorgarh and stunningly situated
Amber Fort are well worth visiting. The palaces feature exquisite
craftsmanship and ornate inlay stonework.
People Watching:
The sometimes stark landscape is transformed into a mosaic
of vivid colours by Rajasthanis adorning themselves in wildly
colourful garments. There is always something to gaze at -
elephants in the main road, children on their way to school,
village life, exuberant wedding processions, women in fabulous
saris, artisans hard at work.
Photography in Festivals
With its colours, light, hustle and bustle, sumptuous palaces,
forts and temples, peoples and heritage, Rajasthan is the
perfect subject. Get caught up in the excitement of flamboyant
religious festivals celebrated with a special local fervour.
