Rajasthan

When you meet its teeming friendly people, so full of joy, colour and bonhomie you wonder, is this where bloody battles raged? The land of heroism and chivalry, where ‘jauhar’ was committed for the sake of pride, it is.

In Rajasthan, cities sprang up around citadels. They still retain their medieval flavour with forts and palaces, with Havelis for people to stay, with temples and mosques for people to pray. Vibrant Bazaars, selling fabrics and jewellery, art and crafts that are millennia old. Yet here tradition goes hand in hand with the contemporary. There’s industry, commerce running hand bargain.

If you come to Rajasthan during the festive season, and we hope you do, you will be mesmerized by its folk dances that have a rhythm of their own. Ballads sung and the strains of melancholy melodies rent the air. Temple bells chime to declare the faith of the believers. Pilgrims throng to dedicate their beliefs to the one above.

Pamper your taste buds. Sample the mouth-watering cuisine of the region. Every district has its own speciality ranging from desert dishes to royal delicacies.

On your visit to Rajasthan, stay where the Maharajas lived. A wide range of accommodation is available all over the state to suit all budgets. Opulent palaces and Havelis transformed into heritage hotels with impeccable services fit for royalty. If looking for economy, check into mid-range accommodation here, comfort is the key to your room.

Its impressive story reaches through a heroic past. Its extravagant splashes of bright hues against the desert landscape and the purity of its dry and sandy reaches, the miniature elegance of its small villages and impeccably maintained forts brings alive the story of the yore.

The appearance of its grand forts perched on rocky hills still tell the story of the bravery of its men and the stoic sacrifice of its women, and the chivalrous old world manners of all.

The four main dialects are Marwari (in western Rajasthan), Jaipuri or Dhundhari (in the east and southeast), Malvi (Malwi; in the southeast), and, in Alwar, Mewati is spoken, which shades off into BrajBhasa in Bharatpur district.

The main language written and spoken is Hindi. English is also commonly understood, except at the grass root levels. However, tourist guides and translators are also available in French, Spanish, German and Japanese etc.

is the hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 32 degree C to 45 degree C. In western Rajasthan the temp may rise to 48 degree C, particularly in May and June. At this time, Rajasthan’s only hill station, Mt Abu registers the lowest temperatures. In the desert regions, the temperature drops at night. Prevailing winds are from the west and sometimes carry dust storms (we call them aandhi).

The second season Monsoon extends from July to September, temp drops, but humidity increases, even when there is slight drop in the temp (35 degree C to 40 degree C). 90% of rains occur during this period.The Post-monsoon period is from October to November. The average maximum temperature is 33 degree C to 38 degree C, and the minimum is between 18 degree C and 20 degree C.

The fourth season is Winter or the cold season, from December to March. There is a marked variation in maximum and minimum temperatures and regional variations across the state. January is the coolest month of the year. And temp may drop to 0 degree C in some cities of Rajasthan, like Churu. There is slight precipitation in the north and northeastern region of the state, and light winds, predominantly from the north and northeast. At this time, relative humidity ranges from 50% to 60% in the morning, and 25% to 35% in the afternoon.

October to March is by far the most salubrious and thus the best time to visit Rajasthan India.

People from across the globe are desirous of paying a visit to this state, known for its rich culture and heritage. Rajasthan is a destination which can be accessed without much difficulty. One can reach Rajasthan by means of air, rail, and road. Almost all the cities of Rajasthan are well connected by rail and road while several cities have domestic airports as well. To make travel for visitors more convenient, we have mentioned how they can reach the princely land of Rajasthan conveniently and comfortably.

By AirRajasthan is easily accessible by air. Jaipur, the capital of the state, has the only international airport of the state. The other nearest international airport from Rajasthan is Delhi, at a distance of 260 km. There are a number of domestic airports in Rajasthan at Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. However, Rajasthan has only three International flights landing at Jaipur from Dubai, Muscat, and Sharjah. But, the connectivity within the state through flights is well established.

By RailIndia has a well-established rail network running through the country, making the remote parts of the various states accessible and Rajasthan is no exception to this, with well- connected networks of rail. In addition, it happens to be one of the cheapest means to reach Rajasthan. Most of the cities of Rajasthan, say Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Udaipur, and Jodhpur being the principal stations of the state, are connected by daily services from major states and cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore etc. An individual has sufficient options to choose and travel through economy class, AC chair car, 1st or 2nd class sleeper etc.

By RoadThe state of Rajasthan can boast of a well -connected road network considering the connectivity of the state through several state highways and national highways. About 1,50,876 km of road network runs across the state of Rajasthan. The national highways link Rajasthan with the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Thus, one can easily hit the road to Rajasthan and enjoy traveling in a taxi, private car, or via frequently available and cheapest, interstate bus services.

of a mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are highlight of this event.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.): One of the most popular among the festivals of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Desert festival is a journey into the heart of the Rajasthan desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer. A true show on the sands which attracts even the much traveled visitor. Folk performers like musicians, ballad singers, snake charmers, and puppeteers all exhibit their traditional skills. There are exciting camel dances, camel acrobatics, camel races, and camel polo, competitions for the best decorated camel, tug-of-war between musclemen, a turban tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest. The culmination is a sound and light spectacle on a moonlit night amidst sand dunes.

Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March-April): A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and also play this festival of colours. A show is organised with the elephants turning out in their best finery.

Gangaur Festival (March-April): A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress up in their finery and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray for the well-being of their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his bride home.

Marwar Festival, Jodhpur (October): A festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state. Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the Marwar Festival was originally known as the Maand Festival. Maand is a classical style of folk music centered on the romantic life style of Rajasthan's rulers, and MaandRaag recreates the old world charm and graceful dances of the desert. A must for those interested in folk music during their holidays in Rajasthan.

Camel Festival, Bikaner (January): An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance during the famed Camel Festival of Bikaner. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances, camel, race camel dance etc.

Teej Festival, Jaipur (July-August): A festival to mark the advent of monsoon. Processions, women dressed in bright colours and a lot of merriment prevails during Teej. Essentially a women's festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups and at various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery.

Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.): Essentially an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports. Situated half way between Bikaner and Jodhpur, Nagaur awakens with the thronging of cattle, horses and camels accompanied by their colorfully turbaned owners. There is earnest bargaining between owners and buyers, and plenty of fun and festivity. Games, tug-of-war contests, camel races and strains of ballads create a joyful atmosphere with the setting sun in the background.

Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar (Jan-Feb.): A religious festival with simple and traditional rituals. This fair is the centre of attraction of a large number of tribals from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to Lord Shiva.

Mewar Festival, Udaipur (March-April): A festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance, processions, devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates. Not to be missed during your Rajasthan tour and travel.

Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar): Held in the memory of the revered Sufi Saint KhawajaMoinuddinChisti, it is an occasion for thousands of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programmes are organised to mark the festival.

Summer Festival, Mount Abu (June): Organised in the only hill station of Rajasthan, this is the coldest place at this time of the year. Folk dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety prevail in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample time to relax and enjoy himself.