The state of
Rajasthan
is the largest in India in terms of area and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, for both domestic and international tourists. Rajasthan is known for its great natural beauty and its golden desert along with historic forts and palaces, art and culture. The state is also part of the Golden Triangle, which includes the cities of Delhi and Agra.
Tourism in Rajasthan is flourishing, as every third foreign tourist visiting India also visits Rajasthan. The ancient palaces of Jaipur, beautiful and romantic lakes of Udaipur, the desert and sand dunes of Jaisalmer, the Jain temples at Mount Abu, the colourful cattle fair at Pushkar and the grand Umaid Bhavan Palace of Jodhpur, to name a few, are some of the key attractions of the state and draw a lot of tourism to it- to the extent that tourism accounts for 80% of Rajasthan’s Gross Domestic Product. Many old and neglected forts and palaces have been converted into
Rajasthan heritage hotels. Tourism has also increased employment in the hospitality sector.
The Palace on Wheels and the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels are luxury trains that are a great way to explore this splendid state on the go. Online bookings of these trains are available on the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation website.
Rajasthan is also known as India’s shopper’s paradise and is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts. Also popular in the state are textiles and gold and silver jewellery. Rajasthani furniture has fine carvings and bright colours. Different cities in Rajasthan are famous for different items, Bikaner for namkeen (savoury snacks), Jaipur for jewellery, Jodhpur for sweets, Jaisalmer for yellow stone and Bundi for wall paintings.
One of the key attractions of Rajasthan is that it has everything for everyone, be it outdoor jungle or desert safaris in Sariska or Jaisalmer, a romantic evening by the Pichola Lake in Udaipur, also known as the Venice of the East, peek into history at the Amber Fort in Jaipur or pamper yourself in one of the state’s finest heritage hotels- Rajasthan is a travelers delight!
Last Updated on 01 December 2011
