Kipling must have been thinking of Rajasthan when he labeled India the 'land of camels and snake charmers'. It would be no exaggeration to say that all the colour, vibrancy and richness of the Indian land is vividly reflected in Rajasthan. Even today, the place retains its medieval charm with the sounds of desert music wafting from the distant sands and mounds of red chilly drying in courtyards ready to be pounded.

This land was known as Rajputana, "the Land of Kings". Even today, there is majesty in every man of Rajasthan; they are after all the sons of kings.

Countering the barren landscape with vibrant hues in their everyday wear and charming murals painted on their drab sepia-colored mud homes, for the people, life is one big carnival. Here lie many tales of desperate courage written, of men donning saffron robes and riding out to confront the enemy and womenfolk preferring death to dishonor. Even in everyday life today, the Rajput's sense of honor, family and tradition come foremost.

Enchanting palaces, forts and finely carved temples at Rajasthan comprise of the country's richest crop of historic monuments. Its strong adherence to the traditions of the past is precisely what makes Rajasthan a compelling place to travel. Lying on the east of the Aravallis, this is the Cotton Country where peacocks dance in celebration of rain. Each of its cities is a great tourist attraction with pride of place going to Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ajmer.

Another incentive to venture into this state is its wonderful wildlife sanctuaries. Of these, the Ranthambhore National Park, the Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur and Sariska are must-sees.

Rajasthan, especially Jaipur, is one of the finest centers in the entire region for beautiful prints - specially on cotton fabrics and has perhaps India's largest centre of semi-precious/ precious gems and stones. Tie-and-die fabrics and Sarees; Sanganer prints; brocades, stone-set and semi precious jewellery; enamel work, there is no end to what Jaipur offers to shoppers.

The best time to visit is around Mid-October to Mid-March. During the monsoons, Rajasthan is a delight.

Must sees at Rajasthan: Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer.

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