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Rajasthan is one of the 26
states that, along with seven union territories, from the
republic
of
India
. Located in the north-west, it shares its borders with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, and an international border with
Pakistan
. The 3,42,274 sq km of its topography comprises 22 former princely states that merged
at the time of Indian independence.
Located between 22 and 30
north latitude, and 69 and 78 east longitude, the region consists of the Aravalli hills,
the plateau of Haroti and the Malwa tableland that blocks the flow of the monsoons to
the region, creating the vast desert that lies to the west. Temperatures here can be
sub-zero in the winters, though at 12 c as average, and with days filled with sunshine,
this is the best time for visitors to travel within the state. Summers, not
surprisingly, are host and dry, and though the fierce luh winds have now ceased as a
result of the large-scale plantation, the temperature hovers in the vicinity of 45
during the day.
PRINCIPALS DESTINATIONS
So rich is the history of
the land that every roadside village has its own tales of valour and sacrifice for the
telling. However, for most visitors, lengthy forays would be difficult, though camel
safaris sometimes offer them the opportunity to interact with people who may have never
stepped out of their villages – or seen rainfall. A quick reference to the principal
settlements is provided alphabetically below.
AJMER
A 7th century Chauhan
stronghold, Ajmer is a pilgrimage centre for Muslims though people from all religious
backgrounds come to pray at its dargah. The British developed
Ajmer
as an educational centre, and Mayo Collage, once an exclusive school for boys from royal
families, is now among the country’s best private schools.
ALWAR
Once known as Mewat, the
Rajuut kingdom came under Muslim domination during the 13th-18th centuries with
intermittent attempts to win it back which, Kachchawaha prince succeeded in doing the
1771. Alwar has some beautiful lakeside palaces, not all open to the public.
BARMER
A 13th century fortified
town, Barmer is in the heart of the desert and is known for the quality of its wood and
stone carvings. Earlier fortifications reveal the far limits where the Rajputs raised
defense out-posts.
BANSWARA
Ribbed with streams and
covered with dense forests, Banswara lies off the conventional tourist circuit.
Artificial lakes and dams, and the ruins of ancient temples make this an exciting place
to discover.
BHARATPUR
The only Jat kingdom in
the state, the rock-hard mud fortifications of its fort proved invincible even under
repeated siege. The fort houses early remnants of artifacts and sculpture, while the
modern palace outside is a sprawling structure. However, Bharatpur is better known as a
bird sanctuary
(
Keoladeo
Ghana
National Park
).
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