The state of Rajasthan is in the north-west of India and shares its borders with five other Indian states, as well as an international border with Pakistan. The topography of the state is dominated by a vast desert in the west and the picturesque Aravalli range of hills. The state capital is Jaipur, a city which is seeing phenomenal growth.
The best time of the year to come to Rajasthan is between October and March. From April to June temperatures are at their hottest, with the mercury reaching the mid 40s C. The monsoon rains break in July and last until early September. Travellers often avoid this time of the year; however it can be a wonderful time to travel – people rejoice in the rains, the landscape changes from a dry yellow to a verdant green and hotels offer the best value for money.
Rajasthan has a rich architectural heritage of stunning palaces, forts, temples, cenotaphs, step wells and havelis. Beautiful detailing includes marble carvings, frescos, pietra dura inlay work and intricate jaali screens.
Other art forms which flourished included breath-taking miniature painting. In Rajasthan several schools of Rajput miniature painting became particularly well known for their beautiful creations - Bikaner, Bundi, Jaipur, Marwar and Mewar.
The intangible heritage of Rajasthan is still alive today after a period of decline. Kalbeliya dancers dazzle with their colourful dresses and kachhi ghodi delight with their horse costumes. The music is vibrant and beguiling; from maand, a form of court music, to the rhythmic beating of the chaang drums in rural villages.
This is the land of festivals –the Jaipur Kite Festival in January sees the sky filled with colourful kites and a healthy competition between the locals. Its Elephant Festival in March is also justly famous and worth seeing. Other festivals revolve around religious celebrations or trading fairs, most notable of which is the Nagaur Fair and Pushkar Fair in November.
The arts and crafts of Rajasthan are well known and offer a myriad of shopping possibilities, although avoid the trap of being taken to a shop by a rickshaw or taxi driver as they will be after a hefty commission. Explore on your own and enjoy the negotiation process! And if that sounds like too much hard work there are plenty of fixed price shops. Bargains include hand block printed textiles, jewellery, pottery, embroidered shoes, bangles, quilts, brass work and terracotta.
The state is also rich in natural heritage – there is a rich variety of wildlife including tiger, leopard, panther, sloth bear, crocodiles, many types of deer and monkey and a profusion of birdlife. Ramthambore National Park and Keoladeo National Park are the best known; however there are many other national parks and sanctuaries which are worth exploring.
Rajasthani food offers a huge variety of mouth-watering options. The cuisine was influenced by the arid climate, with winter offering the largest variety of vegetables. Traditionally the most widely eaten meat was mutton, along with game including wild boar, venison and partridge. Sadly these are no longer available and chicken is now increasingly seen on menus. The best known Rajasthani dishes include lal maas, a wonderful slow cooked mutton dish in a rich sauce, dal baati, dal served with an unleavened bread and halwa, a sweet dish made of semolina or carrots.
