Rajasthan
Introduction

Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of India, has been a land of
valorous people with an aesthetic sense and luxurious touch in their
lifestyle. The state remains strewn with numerous imposing forts and
exquisite palaces. The maharajas of yore ruled Rajasthan with bespangled
fists. The expansive Thar Desert and ancient mountain ranges of the Aravalis
render the state desirable to all. Besides, tourists find it simply
irresistible to soak up the rural charm that its remote villages showcase.
And above all, the marketplaces, teeming with handicrafts and souvenirs,
will surely leave you with your bags loaded.
Climate
The climatic conditions of Rajasthan varies throughout the state. The area
around the Thar Desert is relatively dry whereas the southwestern part is
wetter. Average temperature during the winter season ranges between 8
degrees and 28 degrees centigrade. During summer, the maximum temperature in
the state records 46 degrees centigrade. Average rainfall measures 100 mm
annually in the western desert and 650 mm in the southeastern part. July to
September is the time of the monsoons. The ideal time to make a trip to
Rajasthan is during the winter months from November to February.
Important Cities & Towns
Each city of Rajasthan has its own distinction. The desert cities of
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner are mostly popular among vacationers. Jaipur,
the capital city of Rajasthan, is known worldwide as the 'Pink City'. It is
known for its forts, palaces and local markets. Other important places to
visit in the state include Udaipur, Bharatpur, Chittaurgarh, Dungarpur,
Ajmer, Alwar etc.
People & Culture
The age-old traditions and customs still breathe in the legendary state.
The majority of the population is formed by Rajputs who ruled most of the
former princely states of Rajasthan. The other castes found in Rajasthan
include Brahmins and Vaishya. The Hindu community can be seen dressed in
traditional attires like Dhoti, Potia, Angrakhi, Pachewara, Banda, Dhabla
etc. Muslim women can be seen in saress, salwar and skirts while men wear
bushirts and pants. However, colourful turbans are the essential headgear
for everyone.
Famous Travel Attractions

Rajasthan
is a storehouse of treasures of the past. You'll find countless forts,
palaces and havelis, perhaps in the every corner of the state. The capital
city of Jaipur has attractions like the Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal,
Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Sawai Man Singh Museum. Udaipur, with
chimerical Lake Palace, represents the romantic elements of Rajasthan. A
camel safari through the Thar Desert seems just the perfect option to feel
the footsteps of the spice traders who passed from year centuries ago.
Pushkar and Ajmer happen to the chief religious centre of Hindus and Muslims
respectively. And to have cool fresh air, you can head to Mount Abu, the
only hill station in Rajasthan.
Air/ Rail/ Road Links
Rajasthan has three domestic airports Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Indian Airlines has regular flights from these airports to cities like New
Delhi and Mumbai. Poviding air-links to Jaisalmer and Kota is also in the
offing. Railheads like Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur and Jodhpur are linked to the
key destinations of the state and the country. The national highways that
give a good road network to the state include National Highway 8
(Delhi-Ahmedabad), National Highway 11 (Agra-Bikaner), National Highway 15
(Bhatinda-Kandla) and National Highway 12 (Jaipur Bhopal).