Introduction

   Sprawled over an area of 342,239 sq.miles, Rajasthan is the largest state in the northern region of the country. Homeland of the Rajputs, the place is famed for its rich cultural and legendary heritage that attracts a large number of people to come and visit this wondrous state. In battle, the Rajputs preferred death to dishonor, while in friendship they were generous to a fault, a trait that the people of Rajasthan still boast about.Known as Rajputana in ancient times, the present state of Rajasthan has been formed by the union of twenty-two former princely states such as Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Shekhawati and more. Rocky lands, sandy deserts, shimmering Lake Palaces, beautiful temples and imposing Forts all combined with the rich art and culture of the place makes Rajasthan a hot tourist destination.

People    The people include the Minas, the Meos, the Banjara, who are travelling tradesmen and artisans; the Bhils, one of the oldest peoples in India, and the Rabans of Marwar who are cattle breeders. The Rajputs, famed in legend, represent only a small percentage of the population. Rajasthan is the region of the proud Rajputs, their valour and chivalry now a part of legend. They are of Scythian descent- a stock which moved out from the Caucasus in Central Asia towards the Indus Valley on the one side and the Germanic parts of Europe on the other.

Climate

   The climate of Rajasthan varies from semi-arid to arid. The mercury touches 49 degrees centigrade at some places during summer and drops below freezing point during winter. Though the average annual rainfall ranges between 200-400 mm, it is as low as 150 mm in extreme arid zones and as high as 1,000 mm in the south-eastern part of the State. Most of the rainfall (60-80%) is received with the south-west monsoon in the period from July to September. The average number of rainy days vary from 6 to 42, depending on the aridity of the area.

Economy    Rajasthan is one of the least densely populated states in india. It is also one of the poorest state with low per capita income and low level of literacy, specially in women. The economy of rajasthan is agricultural or pastoral economy. Besides this, there are good mineral resources, industries, industrial areas and an expanding tourism industry in rajasthan. The total sown area of rajasthan is about 20 million hectares, out of which only 20% of the land is irrigated. The main items of export are gems and ornaments, woollen carpets, handprint clothes, tie and dye clothes, handicrafts, marbles and marble idols, engineering goods, etc. Barley, millet, maize, gram, wheat, oilseeds, pulses, cotton and tobacco, orange, chillies, mustard, cumin seeds, methi and soyabean.

Culture

    Rajasthan has a well-known folk dance called “ghoomar”,that is performed by women on festive occasions. The folk dance called "geer" is performed by men and women,the "panihari" is a graceful dance for women,and the popular "kacchi ghori" dance involves male dancers riding dummy horses. The hard life of the desert dwellers made them seek means of making life more pleasant, this gave rise to a vibrant culture that still lives on. Fairs and festivals, dance and music, colours, costumes and wandering balladeers truly make it a setting difficult not to fall in love with. The royalty also aided and abeted creative arts and exquisite miniature paintings, precious manuscripts and craftily designed wares can be seen in their palaces and museums.

History          Rajasthan is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are all there in abundance. But they form only part of an intricate tapestry. Beneath the surface, expect to find many contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly when you escape from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the unexpected, whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view. The mood and the rhythm of the country side changes from one region to another, and from season to season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing natural beauty that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller.The history of Rajasthan goes back 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich as its landscape, from the grand palaces and rugged forts to its tranquil and camel safaris to trekking. Those looking for taste of royal lifestyle just need to check into one of the several palace hotels or heritage hotels that will make it possible for them to be treated like royal guests.