Wednesday 16 June 2010

Rajasthan: A Royal Abode of Erstwhile Maharajas

Rajasthan literally meaning land of the kings evokes the rich history, the countless tales of valor, chivalry and romance and the grandeur and opulence of the erstwhile Maharajas of the Rajputana. Formed in 1949 when the erstwhile princely state of Rajputana merged, Rajasthan is the largest state of India. Rajasthan tour is endowed with natural beauty and rich heritage making it one of the most popular tourist destinations of India among both the domestic and international tourists.
There are a number of regions which tugs the tourists from world over to come to Rajasthan to rum shoulder with its culture and history. Each princely state reverberates with its distinct history and associations. Each fortress and each castle and the ruins of erstwhile grandeur resound with the unique story of its place in the culture, lifestyle and a social milieu.
Rajasthan travel came into prominence with stories of valor and resistance to the Islamic rule in India. Various Maharajas and Maharanas were immortalized in the folklores due to their act of extreme courage, honor, and resilience. Be it Maharana Pratap who became a legend due to his exemplary courage and honor at the Battle of Haldighati against forces of Akbar or Rana Sanga who defeated Babur at Battle of Khanua or Hemu who won 22 continuous battles defeating Akbar twice, the unparalleled courage and values of the Rajput princes remain etched in the collective consciousness of Indians to this date.
As a tourist destination, Rajasthan offers a vista to its rich heritage and various landmarks spread across the erstwhile princely states of Rajputana. Apart from the forts and ruins of bygone grandeur, there are several destinations with religious importance which see the tourists and pilgrims flock to Rajasthan each year.
Intricately carved Jain temples at Ranakpur and Dilwara temple of Mount Abu, the important pilgrimage of Pushkar Lake and Bramha Temple at Puskar and the Dargah Sharif of Khwāja Mu'īnuddīn Chishtī at Ajmer are some of the most popular and famous destination of religious and cultural importance in Rajasthan.
A tour to Rajasthan is incomplete without a camel safari in the undulating sand dunes of the Thar Desert which evoke the popular image of this desert country. On the other extreme is the Mount Abu, the only hil station in Rajasthan situated among the highest peaks of Aravali Range. There is a National Park situated in Sawai Madhopur named after the ruins of the fort located inside it, the Ranthambore National Park, which attracts tourists and wildlife lovers alike.
Apart from historical and cultural landmarks Rajasthan is well known for its traditional cuisines and its folk dance and music which is an integral part of Rajasthan’s culture. Rajasthan is also a shopper’s delight famous for its handicraft, jewelry and gems as well as stones and marbles.