Oct 30, 2004 10:56 PM
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(Updated Oct 30, 2004 10:57 PM)
Rajasthan is the land of massive forts, grand palaces, bustling bazaars, endless desert sands, dense forests, teeming wild life and bird life. A land that is rich in music, dance, art & craft and adventure. This entire sum the enchantment called Rajasthan. There is certain magic about traveling through Rajasthan, which is, unequalled by any other place in the world. It is a land of superlatives every thing here is breath takingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating. It is packed with history, art and culture that go back several centuries.
It is well connected with other parts of the country and can be easily approached from Delhi and Mumbai. Fast trains, direct bus and air connections make travel easy and comfortable. The most striking feature of this land is its division by majestic Aravali range.
Rajasthan is among the richest state in the country as far as the field of arts and crafts is concerned. Stone, clay, leather, wood, ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold, textiles and so on are given the most brilliant forms here. Rajput paintings are perhaps the most fascinating and distinctive styles that have existed here. Different schools of paintings like the Mewar School, the Jaipur, Bikaner, Marwar and Kishengarh were the prominent ones.
Various folk Music and Dances like Ghoomar Dance, Gair Dance, Chari Dance, Kachi Ghodi, Fire dance, Kathputli, Maand and so on is mindboggling.
Various fairs and festivals prove the Rajasthan?s love for color and joyous celebrations. Desert festival, Jaisalmer, Baneshwar fair, Baneshwar, Gangaur festival, Jaipur, Mewar festival, Udaipur, Elephant festival, Jaipur, Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer, Summer festival, Mt.Abu, Teej festival Jaipur, Marwar festival, Jodhpur, Pushkar Fair, Ajmer, camel festival, Bikaner and so on.
Rajasthani cooking and food is famous all over the world. In the desert belt of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner cooks use the minimum of water and instead use more milk, buttermilk and clarified butter. Dried lentils, beans from indigenous plants like Sangri, Ker, etc are liberally used. Gram flour is a major ingredient here and is used to make some of the dishes like Khata, gatta ki sabji, pakodi, powdered lentils are used for mangodi, papad etc. Bajra and corn is used all over the state for preparations of rabid, kheechdi and rotis. Various chutneys are made from locally availale spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic. Perhaps the best-known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma. Popular sweets Ladoos from Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Malpuas from Pushkar, Jalebies from big cities, Rasogullas from Bikaner, Mishri Mawa and Ghevar from Jaipur, Sohan Halwa from Ajmer, Mawa from Alwar -------.
Besides all these Rajasthan is a haven for a wide spectrum of wild life. Ranthambore National Park for Tiger reserve (Bill Clinton also visited this park), Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo Ghana National Park for migratory birds at Bharatpur is world Famous.
Luxurious train palace on wheels is a veritable regal delight takes 7 nights ?8 days from Delhi to Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra and then back again. Heritage hotels and havelies in a class by them selves extend their own unique services to the tourist.
Rajasthan is a year round destination but the best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to March when it is dry and pleasant.
In the end I would say
'' Kesariya Balam Padharo ne mare Desh''.
I hope you would understand the meaning of this line.
