Rajasthan,
which means ‘Land of the Kings’, is awash with beautiful palaces
and majestic hilltop forts silhouetted against rich and varied topography.
As India’s second largest state, with a well-developed infrastructure,
Rajasthan simply pulsates with life. Everywhere people are walking, riding,
running, sitting, talking, buying, selling, haggling or just ‘being’,
and Rajasthan’s sheer wealth of culture, tradition, dazzling colour and
ancient sites have attracted and captivated generations of visitors.
Rajasthan India’s second-largest state – similar in size to
France – is largely covered by the ever-encroaching Thar Desert, but
despite its aridity, Rajasthan was once remarkably prosperous: Traders from
as far a field as Persia and China had to cross its dry plains to reach the
southern ports of Gujarat, something the warrior princes of Rajasthan were
quick to capitalize on. Today the principal attraction of Rajasthan –
the post-independence name for Rajputana, literally “land of princes”
– is the large variety of forts and palaces its aristocrats built
throughout the centuries, making it one of the most popular destinations in
India. But Rajasthan offers so much more than desert castles and culture –
from tracking down tigers in the Ranthambhore jungle (incidentally, the best
place to spot wild tigers in Asia) to gaping at the world’s most
intricately carved marble temples on historic Mount Abu. Peopled by proud
turbaned men and delicately boned women in saris of dazzling colors, the “land
of princes” is rich with possibilities, and offers easy road access to
the less-traveled state of Gujarat.
You could plan to spend your entire trip to India in Rajasthan, which is
within easy striking distance of Delhi (and the Taj) by train, plane, or
road. Certainly you’ll need at least a week to take in the major
destinations.
But perhaps the best reason to visit Rajasthan is to experience its unusual
hotels: The state has almost 80 heritage properties – castles, palaces,
forts, and ornate havelis – many of which are still home to India’s
oldest monarchies. This must be the only place in the world where, armed
with a credit card, you can find yourself sleeping in a king’s bed,
having earlier dined with the aristocrat whose forebears built and quite
often died for the castle walls that surround it. Known for their valor and
honor, and later for their decadence, the Rajputs are superb hosts, and it
is almost possible to believe that you, too, are of aristocratic blood, as a
turbaned aide awaits your every wish while you marvel at the starry night
from the bastion of your castle. Long live the king (and queen), for you are
it.
