Travel In Rajasthan

Amazing legends of heroism and romance still resound from its equally amazing architecture, that still stands to narrate its tale of a bygone era. The magic of Rajasthan is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan is often expressed as huge open-air museum with relic so well preserved for the travellers and the curious of the day. It is action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range in the backdrop, or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes, or trail a tiger or just watch birds on wetland. Or you can choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone, just choose your activity

History of Rajasthan

The history of Rajasthan India dates back to 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich as its landscape. There is something for everyone in this land - those looking for an action packed holiday will find endless opportunities, right from jungle and desert safaris, adventure tours or just a laid-back cushy royal experience in one of the several palace hotels or heritage hotels found in each and every part of Rajasthan.

The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries, and were a major force to reckon with medieval India. Passionately attached to their land, family and honour, the Rajputs treated war as a sport, and followed a strong chivalric code of conduct. Myths and legends of their valour, gallantry, sacrifice and courage are legion. There are many heroes among the Rajputs, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, who fought successfully against the invader Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Tarain (1191), although he died on the same battlefield in the following year. Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly withstood the might of the Mughal, and continued to raid on them even after his defeat. He died in 1597, and his son, Ambar Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to Mughal rule. Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most of the leading Rajput clans finally married into Mughal royalty and nobility, and went into direct State service of the Mughal Empire. This was chiefly at the behest of the wise and farsighted Mughal emperor, Akbar, who was able to consolidate and expand his empire because of his close ties with the proud Rajputs, the men who made formidable enemies and also steadfast and loyal friends.

Music & Dance
Dance is often part of the musical tradition and the Theories or Nayaks who are Pabu Bhopas, have a female accompanist; together they recite the phad ( a painted ballad). The phad itself is an elaborately painted work of art and deeply venerated. The Chipas or Joshis are famous phad painters.


Fairs Festivals of Rajasthan
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

The Land and Topography
The State has an area of 343,000 sq km. The capital city is Jaipur. The Aravali Range runs across the state from southwest Guru Peak (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height to Khetri in the northeast. This divides the state into 60% in the north west of the lines and 40% in the southeast. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east. The area includes the Great Indian (Thar) Desert.

Language
As the state of Rajasthan was found by merging the princely states, it has many dialects.

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 Braj Bhasa 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.