Rajasthan is the largest state of India. Located in northwest India, Rajasthan borders Punjab in the north, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the northeast, Madhya Pradesh in the east and Gujarat in the south. On the western side, it shares a long stretch of border with Pakistan. Most of the state is covered by the Thar Desert, and Rajasthan is one of the driest regions of India. The Aravalli Range runs through the state from southwest to northeast for almost 850 km (530 mi) and is among the oldest mountains in the world. The total population of Rajasthan is around 65 million, and the state capital is Jaipur.
Rajasthan is one of India's prime tourist destinations because of its natural beauty and great history. Among the top destinations in Rajasthan are: JAIPUR, also known as the Pink City, noted for its marvelous architecture and town planning, and for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue. Probably the best known attraction of Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). UDAIPUR is known as the Venice of the east. In the middle of Lake Pichola on Jag Niwas Island, Lake Palace was built in 1743-1746 of marble as a royal summer palace that seems to be floating on the lake. Now the palace is a five star luxury hotel, accessible by boat from the City Palace which overlooks it. JAISALMER, an important trading center because of its strategic location on the camel routes. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. AJMER is venerated as a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims. The white marble Bara-dari on the Anasagar Lake is exquisite.
Jain Temples dot rejection from north to south and from east to west. Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu, Ranakpur Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath near Udaipur, Jain temples in the fort complexes of Chittor, Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh, Lodarva Jain temples, Bhandasar Temple of Bikaner are some of the best examples.
Rajasthan is also noted for National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. There are four national park and wildlife sanctuaries: Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Desert National Park. Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary are both famous for their tiger population and considered among the best places in India to spot tigers. Besides, Rajasthan houses several small wildlife sanctuaries and eco-tourism parks.
Rajasthan is well connected to different parts of the country. Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur are the three main airports in Rajasthan, and are regularly operated by domestic and international flights. Some of the major railway stations in Rajasthan are at Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaipur. Besides National Highways and State Highways connect the different towns and cities of Rajasthan.
Hotels and accommodation in Rajasthan are plentiful and found in all categories. Furthermore many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels, many of them now ranked as 5 star luxury hotels. Rajasthan is often called a shopper's paradise and is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones, jewelry and handicrafts, all at cheap prices for quality goods.
