About Rajasthan Tourism
Rajasthan is a state of vibrant folk dance and music, gigantic forts and palaces, spicy food, colourful and large turbans, extensive golden sand desert, camels and rich handicraft. It is therefore, an incredible place to visit in India for enjoying unforgettable holidays. Sprawling in an area of 342239 sq km, Rajasthan is perfect for history buffs, culture aficionados, adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, family vacations, honeymoon, and more. Architectural Splendour: Forts, Palaces & Havelis! The major tourist attraction of Rajasthan are its havelis, palaces and forts that add to the experience of exploring one of the historically wealthy states in India. Some of the most famous and most visited forts in Rajasthan are Chittorgarh, Mehrangarh, Jaisalmer, Jaigarh and Junagadh Forts. Of these, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is spread over 5 kilometers and stands on a hill almost 125 kilometers high. Chittorgarh Fort is also a must visited tourist attraction, as it’s the largest fort in Asia. It is spread over an area of 700 acres, extending to 3 km in length and 13 km in peripheral length. The exquisite architecture isn’t only confined to the palaces and forts as Rajasthan also boasts impressive Hindu & Jain temples like Dilwara Jain Temples and Eklingji Temple. A Rich Melange of Dances, Songs, Rides & Colors! For culture aficionados, there are a number of fairs and festivals in Rajasthan to witness. The flamboyant manner in which even the cattle fairs take place in Pushkar and Nagaur is truly something to behold. Some of the most famous tourism festivals that showcase the rich traditions, customs, folk dance and music of the state are the Desert Festival, Bikaner Camel Festival, Nagaur Fair, Pushkar Fair, Elephant Festival, Mewar Festival, Mount Abu Winter Festival, Gangaur Festival and Teej. Rajasthan Also Boasts a Rich Wildlife! Rajasthan, even though the hot and arid place, is rich in wildlife tourism. It offers several opportunities for tiger sighting and birdwatching. Some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of the state are Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park, Keoladeo and Mukundra Hills National Park. It is blessed with a rich variety of vegetation and animal & birds species. To spot the Royal Bengal Tigers, Ranthambore National Park and Sariska National Park are the most famous wildlife destinations in Rajasthan. Those who love birdwatching should visit Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is home to at least 230 species of birds. Home to indigenous water birds and migratory water birds, specifically the Siberian Crane, the Bharatpur Sanctuary also boasts many species of mammals like Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar. It is the major tourist spot for most of the ornithologists today during hibernal season. Apart from these, Rajasthan is home to a large number of leopards, blackbuck, great Indian spotted eagle, and marsh crocodiles.
Go Shopping : From Jewellery to Paintings!
An indispensable part of the culture of Rajasthan is the handicraft skills, shopping for which is an experience to have. The state is famous for its jewellery pieces, and is one of the largest centers for hand cut gems in the world. Gold and silver jewellery is extremely famous, along with Kundan and Meenakari styles of ornaments. The gold work on glass, called Thewa is also quite a popular thing to buy in Rajasthan.
Another shopping worthy article in Rajasthan are its miniature paintings that have a Mughal influence to it. These paintings have intricate detailing and come in different styles like Mewar, Bundi, Kota, Marwar, Bikaner, Jaipur and Kishangarh. An ancient art of scroll painting called Phad also makes for one of the best things to take back home from Rajasthan. Pichwais are another form of paintings, a little different from Phad; but equally attractive.
Apart from the home decor in the form of paintings, Rajasthan offers an opportunity to buy some authentic and exquisite leather items, amongst which Mojari/Jutti/Shoes are the most popular things to buy. One can get the best Mojari from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jaisalmer along with musical instruments made out of leather. From Bikaner one can purchase lamp shades, shields, vases made out of camel hide.
Daal Baati Churma to Laal Maas : Savour the Rich Cuisine of Rajasthan!
Influenced with the parched region of Rajasthan, extreme climatic condition and limited availability of water and vegetation, the Rajasthani Cuisine has evolved out of the unique cooking style and pugnacious lifestyle of its natives. From the signature dish of the state; Dal Bati Churma to the popular street snack; mirchi ke pakore, from the generous use of spice and ghee to the prominent use of the variety of lentils and legumes, Rajasthani food is a fine treat for which the tourists travel even thousand miles.
Starting from different kinds of breads like Batis, Missi roti, and Jowar, Bajra and Makke ki roti, to go with exceptionally tasty curries like Gatte ki Sabzi, Papad ki Sabzi and Kadhi Pakora. The pungent tidbits and accompaniments like Moong Dal and Pyaaz ki Kachori, Bikaneri Bhujia, Bajre ka khichda, Kher Sangri, and Lehsun ki Chutney, and the wind-up digestive Butter Milk elaborates the menu even more. And not to forget the sweet wonders like Churma, Lapsi, Malpua, Ghewar, Alwar ka Mawa and the long lasting Gond ke Laddoo. Though the region is predominantly vegetarian, the influence of Rajputs non-vegetarian food habit can be seen in the cuisine with the presence of delicacies such as Laal Maas, Jungle Maas, Khad Khargosh and Safed Maas, that in a way completes the menu.
