Rajasthan is perhaps what people think of when they envisage India. The enchanting labyrinthine palaces, majestic forts and ancient cities epitomize the grandeur of India, whilst the brightly coloured traditional Rajasthani dress with heavily ornate jewelry are some of the best examples of India’s myriad of colour.
From camel treks in the Great Thar Desert to a boat trip in the placid blue waters of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, Rajasthan holds an enormous range of scenery and places to visit. Jaipur, the state’s bustling capital and [art of the “Golden Triangle” including Delhi and Agra, is known as the “Pink City”. Jodhpur, contrastingly, is the “Blue City” with its bright and faded blue houses gathered under the form of the monumental Meherangargh Fort. Udaipur, famed for its romantic beauty with its white palaces rising out of the blue lakes, is found amongst the green Aravalli hills. The beautiful ancient walled city of Jaisalmer, on the other hand, is immersed within the Thar Desert.
Rajasthan is also renowned for its handicrafts. As well as its magnificent textiles and jewelry, other crafts include woodwork, metalwork, ceramics, leatherwork… It could almost be said that anything you wanted to buy in India, you could find in Rajasthan. The cities have several networks of colourful bazaars, many with different areas for different items, such as leather shoes or gem stones. The distinctive and rich flavours of Rajasthani cuisine are also to be enjoyed, such the delicious non-veg food typified by the state’s ruling Rajput class and the wide ranging thalis of assorted dishes.
Rajasthan’s climate reaches the extremes common to desert areas, with the western half of the state hotter and drier than the eastern and southern areas. In winters, October to March, daytime temperatures are around 25ºC and night-time temperatures can drop to near freezing. During summer, from April to September, temperatures soar to the mid 30s and in May and June temperatures can top 45 ºC. The best time to visit, therefore, is during winter time between October to March.