Rajasthan today is made up a collection of what used to be independent princely states.
Jaisalmer in the top West Corner, Hanuman in its North, Alwar in the East, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner as its heart, Udaipur in the south with nearby Banswar, Chittor and Bundi are indelibly etched on the tourist map of this state.
If you have the time and the inclination, embark on a recreational trip to Rajasthan and gather a lifetime experience.
It's better for you to save time and money and join one of the Rajasthan Holiday Packages offered by tour operators for a concentrated dose of heady Rajasthan.
It will intoxicate you.
Does wildlife interest you? Join a Rajasthan safari tour and among other places the trip will take you to the famous Ranthambore National Park where you might just come across tigers.
Apart from tigers the Ranthambore National Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Located in the heart of the Park you will come across an old Fort that dominates the landscape.
From here to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a journey of a few hours.
This is one of the largest Bird Sanctuaries in India, home to hundreds of species besides migratory birds.
Close by are old Forts and Palaces.
For those who love history, each grain of sand in Rajasthan could tell you a story of valor and bravery.
From Bundi to Jaisalmer, Jaipur to Bikaner, from Chittorgarh to Churul, there are innumerable Forts and your Rajasthan historical tours will give you glimpses into what was once a glorious past.
You will undoubtedly visit Chittorgarh Fort, one of the largest of its kind, located on a 180 meter high hill, spread over 2.
8 square kilometers, it traces its origins to the Mauryans while some credit Bhima of Pandava fame as having built it.
The most famous of all persons you associate with Chittorgarhis Rana Pratap whose valor is the stuff of legends.
From here to Jaipur and this is a different, well planned modern city built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.
Most buildings are pink and the city is also known as the Pink City, famed for the Hawa Mahal, its palaces, the fort and also its fine jewelry, textiles and handicrafts.
Rajasthan Tourism uncovers one jewel after the other as you will discover in Jaisalmer, a city of sand dunes, old, palatial Havelis built mostly by Jain merchants of yore and a yellow sandstone Fort.
If Jaipur is Pink, Jaisalmer is decidedly golden yellow, the color dominating the city and the evening sky as the sun sets in a crimson blaze.
Enjoy a camel ride on the dunes and you will know why, with its rolling gait, it is the ship of the desert.
Not far away is Bikaner, a fort city founded by Rao Bika, the second son of Rao Jodha, Maharaja of Jodhpur.
The Laxmi Nivas Palace and Lalgarh Palace will simply leave you awestruck.
Jodhpur is yet another of the cities on the map of Rajasthan Tourism.
It has an old Fort and a new Palace.
A visit to both is enlightening, giving you glimpses into the lives of princes as they used to live and enjoy life.
These are the major attractions of Rajasthan.
Of course Sikar, Churu, Hanumangarh, Banswara, Bhilwara, Mount Abu and dozens of other places are still waiting for you to sample their specialties.
You'll definitely promise to come back on another Rajasthan tour!