The nation’s largest state, Rajasthan is said to have more history then the nation put together. The literal meaning of Rajasthan being “Land of kings”, it indeed justifies the name with all the exquisite forts and palaces since time immemorial. So here I bring before you, 10 reasons why you should visit Rajasthan:
1/. Desert Safari:
Walk through the yellow sands glowing under the sunlight, far away from the boisterous city life. The only sound you may hear is the sound of the shifting sand dunes, dancing to the tunes of the wind. As the sun slowly disappears, easing the temperature and making way for a calm evening, the view is breathtaking. Taking a camel ride, walking through the deserts, enjoying some local cuisine as well as some traditional dance performances far away from your daily routine, doesn’t it sound like a perfect vacation?
2/. Forts and Palaces:
Rajasthan is a place where all your childhood stories of Prince and Princesses come alive with the well preserved forts and palaces, speaking out loud about their glorious past. From Lake Palace to Amber Palace, Hawa Mahal to Jai Mahal, the artwork, architecture, concept and paintings are of sheer brilliance. With a slight imagination, one can travel back in time and get a glimpse of the way of living back then.
3/. Culture:
India is a nation known for its culture where various communities are webbed together. So in Rajasthan too, you get to see a rich and varied folk culture from villages and they are renowned for their folk music and dance. To a certain extent, the topography or the landscape has played a major role in shaping the existing cultural practices of Rajasthan. The exuberant environment of fairs and festivals and the colorful costumes will leave you wanting for more.
4/. Rajasthani cuisine:
“There is no sincerer love than the love of food.”– George Bernard Shaw.
If you believe so too then, Rajasthani cuisine would not disappoint you. Like culture, the food habits has also been majorly affected by the location of the state. Due to the scarcity of water and lack of green vegetation, they are mostly known for snacks, which can be preserved. They also use a lot of milk and its products, to reduce the use of water, thus making it a vegetarian food lover’s delight. The way of preparing meat is also slightly different from the rest of the nation.
5/. Heritage Hotels:
Indulge in the first hand experience of Rajasthan’s affluent culture and tradition by staying in one of the luxurious heritage hotels of Rajasthan. The old forts and palaces converted into a heritage hotel, still thrives in an old kingly atmosphere. It is here you get to experience the combination of modern day facilities, well clubbed with the age old traditional practices with a tinch of elegance. The unearring hospitality will surely make your dream of living the life of a Prince/Princess come true.
6/. Festivals:
The largest state of India, known for its rich tradition and culture surely has so much more to offer when it comes to Festivals. The colorful essence of the place is well reflected during its festivals. Its not everyday you come across camel races, turban tying competitions, cock and bullfights, elephant polo and many more. The festivals offer you the opportunities to be a part of the rich Rajasthani culture and take home the best of memories.
7/. Pushkar Fair:
One among the various fairs and festivals, celebrated throughout Rajasthan, Pushkar is indeed well renowned. A five day livestock and camel fair, and one of the largest camel fairs in the world, Pushkar has attracted visitors from all around the world. You not only get to witness the trading of the life stock but also competitions such as the “matka phod”, “longest moustache”, and “bridal competition”. The kaleidoscopic festive environment of the Pushkar Fair will definitely enchant you to plan your next trip to Rajasthan, India right away. But also note, if you are not so fond of the chaotic environment, this might not be the right place for you.
8/. Wildlife:
Because of the landscape, we cannot think of anything else other than the camels to be found in the land of ‘Golden Sands’ but, despite of limited greenery, Rajasthan has been a home to a large number of birds and animals. The semi green forest, deciduous forest and the wetlands have provided a perfect environment for the habitation of the various plants and animals. It has also preserved many endangered species, tiger being one among them.
9/. Shopping:
Because of its cultural framework, Rajasthan is well celebrated for shopping purposes. Be it jewellery, pottery, leather items, paintings, textiles, stone items, wooden furniture or sarees, the magnificent artistry & workmanship are simply irresistible. The indulgence of art in every small piece of work, fills the market with colorful and vibrant souvenirs at display. When you take home a souvenir, you not only take it as a reminder of the place but you also take a piece of art with you.
Are you still waiting for the 10th point to encourage you to visit Rajasthan? Certain things are better experienced than narrated by someone else. Now go plan your trip to Rajasthan, because if this doesn’t encourage you to visit the place, i’m afraid nothing will.