RAJASTHAN: PLACES TO VISIT

Rajasthan is one of the western-most states of India, bordering Pakistan to the West, Gujarat to the Southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the Southeast, Uttar Pradesh to the Northeast and the Punjab to the North. This state has numerous architectural marvels, that are relics of the past splendor. Thus, palaces abound in this state, most of which, however, have been converted into luxury hotels since India's independence.

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Rajasthan Locator Map

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RAJASTHAN STATS:

342,239 Sq. Km (132,139 Sq. Mi) Rank: 1st
POPULATION (2011): 68,621,012 Rank: 8th
CAPITAL CITY: Jaipur  
LITERACY RATE: 68% Rank: 20th
HDI: 0.637 Rank: 21st
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Hindi  
Official Website: www.rajasthan.gov.in  

 

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Rajasthan Tour Map

Aravalli Range of Mountains
Aravalli Range of Mountains

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
Laxmi Nivas Palace, Bikaner
Laxmi Nivas Palace, Bikaner

 

Jain  Temple, Bikaner
Jain Temple, Bikaner
Jain Temple at Ranakpur
Jain Temple at Ranakpur

 

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur

Jodhpur City
Jodhpur City

Pushkar  Lake
Pushkar Lake

Pushkar,  Thar  Desert
Pushkar, Thar Desert

Dahaulpur
Dahaulpur
Ghats at Pushkar Lake
Ghats at Pushkar Lake

 

Indira Gandhi Canal in Thar Desert
Indira Gandhi Canal in Thar Desert

City Palace,  Udaipur
City Palace, Udaipur

A decorated elephant in Jaipur
A decorated elephant in Jaipur

  Sati  Mata  Temple
Sati Mata Temple

Raj  Palace  Hotel
Raj Palace Hotel

Sukhadia Circle, Udaipur
Sukhadia Circle, Udaipur

Tawny Eagle in  Tal Chapar
Tawny Eagle in Tal Chapar

 

FESTIVALS

Gangaur Festival:

(March/April)

It is one of the most important festivals, falling after Holi, in March-April, and is celebrated for 18 days in honor of Goddess Parvathi mostly by the womenfolk of Rajasthan. Images of the goddess are made of clay or painted wood, the married ladies and unmarried girls applying mehndi, the red, vegetable dye on their hands, participating and honoring Parvathi/Gauri, and finally submerging the images in water. The festival in Jaipur is most famous all over the world. There are processions with palanquins, chariots, bullock carts, and folk artists; A sweet dish called ghewar is characteristic of the festival. Udaipur has a dedicated ghat named after the festival situated on the waterfront of Lake Pichola, the prime location for the festival. The festival is also the consequent celebration of the harvest.

 

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer:

(February)

Happening during February, in the Thar desert, this festival is an expressive way to indulge in the glorious heritage of Rajasthan. There is an abundance of celebrations with vibrant puppet shows, folk music and dance, camel races, camel polo matches, tug of war, juggling events, turban tying, and the longest mustache competition. Participants wear colorful traditional attires and display the best of Rajasthani folk culture and traditions.


 

 

STATE SYMBOLS: (COURTESY WIKIPEDIA)

State bird Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) bustard
State flower Rohida (Tecomella undulata)  
State tree Acacia nilotica (Acacia nilotica) acacia
State Dance Ghoomar  
State Game Basketball  


RAJASTHAN CUISINE

                                                                      SIGNATURE DISHES OF RAJASTHAN

                                                         

 

 

                                  

                                 RAJASTHANI THALI

 

RAJASTHANI THALI #2

 

                                                                                               

                                                                                               LAAL MAANS

 

ARBI KA SAAG

                                                                        

                                                                        BAJRA ALOO ROTI

 

                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                              BAJRA KHICHDI

 

                                                                       

                                                                                                        DAL-BATI-CHOORMA

 

GATTA

 

                                                                                             

                                                                                            MALPUA

 

RASGULLA

 

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                     LADDU