The meaning of the name of the largest state of India, Rajasthan is “land of the kings”. It is also the land of sun, sand, songs and dance. The history, culture, art, landscapes and cuisine are rich and diverse and a journey through the state will sure leave you spellbound.
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. Rajasthan shares its borders with Pakistan to the west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north.
Rajasthan was ruled by the Rajputs, Jats and the Moghuls. The various forts, palaces and bungalows stand testimony of the by gone era.
Marble from Rajasthan is popular world over. Makrana is a place in Rajasthan where fine quality marble is quarried and exported. Taj Mahal of Agra was built using this marble.
The state flower is Roheda, state tree is Kejri, state bird is the Great Indian Bustard and state animal is the Chinkara / Indian Gazelle.
For explorers and tourists there is the Thar Desert that lies along the north-western region of Rajasthan and one of world’s oldest mountain range, the Aravali hills rises from southwest to northeast. To the east are the forests declared as national tiger and bird reserves. The beautifully carved Jain temples are a sight to behold along with some ancient Hindu temples. The famous darga / mosque dedicated to Hazrat Shaikh Khwaja Syed Muhammad Mu’īnuddīn Chishtī is situated in Ajmer.
Eating out and shopping in Rajasthan is a traveler’s delight. Types of transport in Rajasthan is also unique and interesting in this region.
The Hindus of Rajasthan celebrate festivals like Deepavali, Holi, Gangaur, Teej, Gogaji, Makara Sankranti and Janmashtami. The Desert, Camel, Pushkar mela / fair and Kite festivals are other festivals, which are celebrated with enthusiasm.
Rajasthani is the state language but Hindi and English are spoken in most of the tourist places.
Places of Interest in Rajasthan –
