Rajasthan is a vibrant, exotic state where tradition and royal glory meet in a riot of colors against the vast backdrop of sand and desert. It has an unusual diversity in its entire forms- people, customs, culture, costumes, music, manners, dialects, cuisine and physiography. The land is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palace havelis, rich culture and heritage, beauty and natural resources. It is a land rich in music, Dance, Art & Craft and Adventure, a land that never ceases to intrigue & enchant.There is a haunting air of romance, about the state, which is palpable in its every nook and corner. This abode of kings is one of the most exotic locales for tourist world over. The state has not only survived in all its ethnicity but owes its charisma and color to its enduring traditional way of life.

This desert 'camel country' town in the north of the state was funded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji,a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called "Jangladesh" and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder" name. It is well known as the land of the finest riding camels, in the world and thereps a superb large fort, a government camel-breeding farm just outside the town.

Prime Attractions

• Bhandeshwar Jain Temples

• Camel Breeding Farms

• Devi Kund

• Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary

• Junagarh Fort

• Kalibangan

• Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke

• Kolayatji

• Lalgadh Palace

• Shiv Bari Temple

• The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum

Udaipur- the famous "white" city of Rajasthan or The city of Lakes stands on the banks of the lake Pichola in Rajasthan. Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur meaning the 'city of Sunrise' in 1599 AD and today it is a one of the better-known tourist destinations of India. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert.

Prime Attractions

• Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum

• City Palace

• Eklingji

• Haldighati

• Jag Mandir

• Jagat

• Jagdish Temple

• Jaisamand Lake

• Kumbhalgarh

• Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary

• Lake Palace

• Nagda

• Shiv Niwas Palace

Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing example of majestic medieval age and modern industrialization. Its wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples of past centuries retain their former glory. Its present-day edifices and heavy industries have made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.The history of the city dates back to the 12th century AD, when chieftain Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later in the early I 7th century AD, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi - Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then, Kota became a hallmark of Rajput gallantry and culture.

Prime Attractions

• Chambal Garden

• Maharao Madho Singh Museum

• The Government Museum

• Jag Mandir

• Haveli of Devtaji

• Kota Barrage

• Shekhawati

The semi desert region of Shekhawati holds a fascination all of its own. 'The open-air art gallery', as it is popularly called, is famous for the plethora of plain red havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. 'Shekhawati ', meaning "the land of Shekha 's dan " derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD-1488 AD) a scion of the Kachhwah family of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. Havelis at Shekhawati built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. The havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls. The earlier wall paintings (1830 AD -1900 AD) were largely based on the mythological themes, depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday life. The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the Raj's influence upon the Indian culture. Now, cars replaced elephants and traditional Indian miniatures mingled with naturalism of western paintings to produce interesting hybrid results. The mythological themes depicting gods, heroes, epics and legends were substituted by European oleographs, lithographs and photographs. Trains, cars, balloons, telephones, gramophones, English men in hunting attires and portraits of the haveli owners primely dressed, were painted all over the walls - thus making the havelis interesting for both Indian and foreign travellers.

The town of Jhunjhunu was founded by Kaimkhani Nawabs in the middle of the 15th century, and remained under their control until it was taken by the Rajput ruler Sardul Singh in 1730 AD, which lasted till the Indian independence. It was in Jhunjhunu that the British based their Shekhawati brigade, a troop raised locally in the 1830s to try to halt the activities of the dacoits (bandits). They were largely local petty rulers who had decided it was easier to become wealthy by pinching other people's money than by earning their own. Jhunjhunu is one of the largest towns of Shekhawati and is the current district headquarters. It has some of the region's most beautiful buildings and should not be missed. The artistically painted havelis of Muragh Das Modi, and the Khaitans are spellbinding

Prime Attractions

• Bihari Ji Temple

• Shri Ranisatiji Mandir

• The Khetri Mahal

• The Modi and Tiberwala Havelis

• The Sati Chowk

Other Places of Interest

• Nawalgarh

• Fatehpur

36-km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi, which is one of the unexplored cities, with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada Chauhans - an off shoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. In 1193 AD, when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles sought shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal Valley and over powered the Meena and Bhil tribals - thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and 'chattris' with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Prime Attractions

• Taragarh Or The Star Fort

• The Palace

• Chhattar Mahal Or Palace Of Towers

• Ratan Daulat

• Chitrashala

• Ranlji-Ki-Baori

• Sukh Mahal

• Phool Sagar

• Shikar Buri

• Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph

• Kshar Bagh

• Nawal Sagar lake

• Jait Sagar Lake

• Rameshwaram Temple

• Keshavraipatan Temple

• Ramgarh wild life Sanctuary

• Bijolia Fort

• Talwas Fort

• Indragarh Fort

• Menal River

Other Places of Interest

• Dugar

A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape thats Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mount Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back 11th- 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre. 'Abu' according to a legend.stands for the son of Himalayan, deriving its name from Arbuada,the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm.Mount Abu has been home to many sages and saints. Most famous of them was Sage Vashishtha who is believed to have created four agnikula Rajput clans from a fire-pit by performing a 'yagna' or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons. The Yagna was performed besides a natural spring situated below Abu, emerging from a rock shaped like a cow's head and hence the site was called Gaumukh.

Prime Attractions

• Gaumukh Temple

• Delwara Jain Temple

• Adhar Devi Temple

• Sunset Point

• Honeymoon Point

• Shri Raghunathji Temple

• Gardens and Parks

• Museum and Art Gallery

Other Places of Interest

• Trevor's Tank

• Achalgarh

• Guru Shikhar

The pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was 'Jauhar' - when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death. Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 AD, overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and committed 'Jauhar'. In 1533 AD during the rule of Sikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again, Jauhar was led by Rani Karnvati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour so, in 1567AD when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur; Udai Singh fled to establish a new capital, Udaipur - a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes. Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after 'Jauhar' was peformed. Immediately thereafter, Akbar razed the Fort to a rubble Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.

Prime Attractions

• The Fort

• Vijay Stambh

• Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame)

• Rana Kumbha's Palace

• Jaimal and Patta Palaces

• Padmini's Palace

• Kumbha Shyam Temple

• Kalika Mata Temple

• Meera Bai Temple

• Government Museum

• Fateh Prakash Museum

• Gardens and Parks
  

A Dream in marble. The tranquil pilgrimage town of the Jains renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. 60-km from Udaipur; these temples were built in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. The central 'Chaumukha' or four-faced temple is dedicated to the venerated Tirthankara Rishabhji. Open on all four sides, it enshrines the four-faced image of Adinath. The temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars - all distinctly carved. Images of 24 tirthankaras are carved on the 'mandaps' or porticos in a corridor around the shrine with each 'mandap' having a spire adorned with little bells on the top. The gentle breeze wafting through the corridors move the bells creating celestial music all around the complex. Rising in three storeys, the temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns. Two temples, dedicated to the Jain saints - Parsvanath and Neminath, face the main temple. The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. Another temple worth visiting The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. Another temple worth visiting the nearby Sun Temple, an 8th century AD temple dedicated to the Sun god. The temple has polygonal walls, richly embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots.

Prime Attractions

• Sadra

• Desuri

• Ghanerao

• Narlai

• Muchhal Mahaveer

• Falna

• Kumbhalgarh Fort

• Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

A small village near the township of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore gets its name from the two hills, Ran and Thambor, which are in close proximity. The Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open valleys with lakes and pools. Ranthambhore is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao, painted white with water lilies. It has a chequered history and was the stronghold of the Yadavas in the 8th century. It came under Chauhans, and was ruled by them 10th century onwards. The Mughal emperors Akbar and Aurangzeb also occupied the magnificent fort. The park is famous for tigers and due to conservation efforts, the tiger population has stabilized if not increased here. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, at their normal pursuits-- hunting and taking care of their young ones. Ranthambhor is one of the best places to see these majestic predators. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered with the battlements and spillovers of the Ranthambhore fort - tigers are said to frequent these ruins, too.

Prime Attractions

• Ranthambore National Park

• The Fort

• The Jogi Mahal

• The Badal Mahal

Bharatpur is considered as the eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is popular for its bird sanctuary near the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which is the finest in Asia with a rich avian variety. Every year, the rare Siberian cranes come to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur. Of the remnants of the royal past remain the marvellous Bharatpur Palace housing a rich repository of a large number of ancient exhibits that date back to the early 15th century.

Prime Attractions

• Lohagarh Fort

• Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj

• The Palace

• Government Museum

• Keoladeo National Park

• Deeg
  

In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis. The structures of this place reminds one of the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in the bygone era. The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled and fortified in 18th century by the dominant merchant families of the region. The wealthy businessmen of the village constructed many havelis and baolis with colored painting adorning their walls. Later on, with the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Despite the time lapse and ignorance about these visual and architectural extravaganzas, their attraction did not fade and today they are some of the major attractions for the tourists visiting Rajasthan.

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