| Rajasthan - The land of Kings, palaces, valor and sacrifices |
History : Rajasthanis situated in the north-western part of India. It covers 342,239 square kilometres (132,139 square miles).  Rajasthan lies between latitudes 23 degree 3'and 30 degree 12', north and longitudes 69 degree 30' and 78 degree 17', east. Compared to many countries that are located in a similar latitudinal belt, such as in northern Arabia, Rajasthan has a less harsh climate. The State's scorching and dry summers and its parched landscape is undergoing significant changes because of the developmental effort that have led to the spread of the Indira Gandhi Nahar. The southern part of Rajasthan is about 225 km from the Gulf of Kutch and about 400 km from the Arabian Sea. Rajasthan is bounded by Pakistan in the west and north-west; by the State of Punjab in the north; by Haryana in the north-east; by Uttar Pradesh in the east, by Madhya Pradesh in the south-east and Gujarat in the south-west.
Capital :Jaipur , also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan state . Jaipur is also the capital of Jaipur District. Jaipur is the former capital of a princely state of the same name. The city was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber.
Language : Hindi is the official language of the state. But the principal language is "Rajasthani", and the four major dialects are Marwari in the west, Jaipuri in the east, Malwi in the southeast and Mewati in the northeast. But most people understand and speak Hindi. In cities educated people also understand and speak English.
Culture : Its culture and civilization is formed by the interaction of various communities. The history of heroic and glorious deeds began with the attacks of the Muslim rulers. The stories of valor and sacrifices of Rajasthani people are written in the folk songs of Rajasthan. Most of the festivals are based on these historic stories. The important communities in Rajasthan include Rajput, Brahmins, Jats, Gurjars and Patels. Each of these communities has its own dresses, customs and habits. Males wear dhoti, kurta -pajama and turban and the ladies wear ghaghra, choli and sari.
Climate :  The climate of Rajasthan varies from semi arid to arid. The mercury touches 49 degrees centigrade at some places during summer and drops below freezing point during winter.
Though the average annual rainfall ranges between 200-400 mm, it is as low as 150 mm in extreme arid zones and as high as 1000 mm in the south eastern part of the State. Most of the rainfall (60-80%) is received with the South west monsoon in the period from July to September. The average number of rainy days vary from 6 to 42 depending on the aridity of the area.
Festivals :
The people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt and nobody can really match the gay abandon with which the Rajasthani surrenders himself to the numerous fairs and festivals that are celebrated here.
There are animal fairs, to mark the chanting seasons. In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year and provide the visitor with a splendid opportunity to gain an insight in to the life of the Rajasthani. There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and other community activities that can enthrall the visitor.
Some of the more important fairs and festivals are the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer (held in January- February), Pushkar Fair, held in Pushkar, near Ajmer (November), Gangaur Festival, Jaipur (Murch- April ), Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March- April ), Marwar Festival, Jodpur (October), Camel Festival, Bikaner (January), Mewar Festival, Udaipur.Teej- All over Rajasthan but mainly in Jaipur Time - August
Other Fairs and Festivals There is an endless process of Rajasthan's fairs and festivals on the Indian calendar; the Chandrabhaga Fair in Jhalawar, Summer Festival at Mount Abu, Kapil Muni Fair along the Kolayat lake, Sri Mahavirji Fair of the Jains, Shitala Ashtami held at Chaksu near Jaipur, Ramdeoji Fair near Pokhran in Jaisalmer; al these in addition to the major Hindu festivals of Holi, Dussehra, Diwali and Raksha Bandhan.
How to Reach Rajasthan: Rajasthan - the Desert Jewel of India. This is a royal land bejeweled with invincible forts, magnificent palaces, rich culture and heritage, beauty and natural resources. This abode of kings spread across the great Thar Desert is India's ambassador to the world of travel and tourism.
Rajasthan being a major tourist destination in India, the state is well connected with other parts of the country and is well accessible by air, rail and road.
By Air : Jaipur is the main airport to enter Rajasthan. Serviced by all the domestic airlines of India, Jaipur has connections to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Jodhpur and few more cities in India. Other major airports are in Udaipur and Jodhpur.
By Rail : Rajasthan holidays, like many other facets of the state is another unforgettable experience, more if you consider traveling by train. Palace on Wheels, one of the most luxurious trains in the world, is the highpoint of any travel to Rajasthan. Seven days of unmatched hospitality, living life like a king, in the moving kingdom of Palace on Wheels is just out of this world.
By Road : Road transport in Rajasthan, on the other hand, is much better than in the other parts of India. But, most enduring of the memories in Rajasthan is undoubtedly Camel Safari and Horse Safari across the Thar Desert.
|
|
Rajasthan Tours
