Royally yours...
Royal, exquisite, sprawled languidly in ancient splendor - Rajasthan conjures an image drenched in romance and beauty. Referred to as the Desert Jewel of India, Rajasthan has so much going for it that it's difficult to decide where to start.

A line of supercilious camels silhouetted against a magnificent desert sunset. A blur of swirling color as a Rajasthani belle dances to hypnotic music. The unyielding façade of a splendid fort, or the delicate kiosks and balconies embellishing a palace wall. The bold, colorful sweep of a phat painting, depicting sword-bearing chieftains going off to battle. Rainbow-hued dupattas, ghagras, and cholis, twinkling with the light of a hundred tiny glinting mirrors. Rajasthan is a land of sparkling images, once seen never forgotten...

Flipping back the pages…
The kingdoms of erstwhile Rajputana were perpetually locked in armed conflict with their neighbors, a fact that makes the saga of Rajasthan a story of bloodshed as much as heroism and sacrifice. Many of these legends have come to us in the form of ballads sung by folk singers or in the accounts of bards and court poets. Many more find mention in history.

The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries, and were a major force to reckon with in medieval India. Passionately attached to their land, family and honor, the Rajputs treated war as a sport, and followed a strong chivalric code of conduct. Myths and legends of their velour, gallantry, sacrifice and courage are legion. There are many heroes among the Rajputs, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, who fought successfully against the invader Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Tarain (1191), although he died on the same battlefield in the following year. Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly withstood the might of the Mughals and continued to make raids on them even after his defeat. He died in 1597, and his son, Ambar Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to Mughal rule. Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most of the leading Rajput clans finally married into Mughal royalty and nobility, and went into direct state service of the Mughal Empire. This was chiefly at the behest of the wise and farsighted Mughal emperor, Akbar, who was able to consolidate and expand his empire because of his close ties with the proud Rajputs, who made formidable enemies, but steadfast and loyal friends.


How to travel to Rajasthan
Air
Jaipur is the main airport to enter Rajasthan. Serviced by all the domestic airlines of India, Jaipur has connections to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, and few more cities in India. Other major airports are in Udaipur and Jodhpur.

Rail
Traveling to Rajasthan, like many other facets of the state is another unforgettable experience, more if you consider traveling by train. Travelling on the Palace-on-Wheels, one of the most luxurious trains in the world, is the highpoint of any travel to Rajasthan. Seven days of unmatched hospitality, living life like a king in the moving kingdom of Palace-on-Wheels is just out of this world.

Road
Road transport on the other hand is much better than in the other parts of India. Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur have good flight connections with other parts of India. But, most enduring of the memories in Rajasthan is undoubtedly Camel Safari across the Thar Desert.