Rajasthan is a vibrant, exotic state where tradition and royal glory meet in a riot of colors against the vast backdrop of sand and desert. It has an unusual diversity in its entire forms- people, customs, culture, costumes, music, manners, dialects, cuisine and physiography. The land is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palace havelis, rich culture and heritage, beauty and natural resources. It is a land rich in music, Dance, Art & Craft and Adventure, a land that never ceases to intrigue & enchant.There is a haunting air of romance, about the state, which is palpable in its every nook and corner. This abode of kings is one of the most exotic locales for tourist world over. The state has not only survived in all its ethnicity but owes its charisma and color to its enduring traditional way of life.
It is one of the 26 states that, along with seven union territories, form the republic of India. So rich is the history of the land that every roadside village has its own tales of valour and sacrifice, the winds sing them and the sands shift to spread them. Rajasthan is Spicy, but then, what is life after all without little bit of spice, Rajasthan provides abundant scope to explore it.
The panoramic outlook of the state is simply mesmerizing, with lofty hills of Aravali's - one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world and the golden sand dunes of the Great Indian Desert - the only desert of the sub-continent. No other region in the country is a conglomeration of so many paradoxes. It is a land of superlatives, everything over here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating! The state is well connected with other parts of the country and can be easily approached from Delhi and Bombay. Fast trains, direct bus and air connections make travel easy and comfortable.
A visit to this wonderland will leave a lasting spell on your mind. In fact, one visit is not enough to capture the real essence of this magical land. You will, we assure you, keep coming back for more.
Rajasthan is a destination that defies definition.
| S.NO | Item | Year | Unit | Particulars |
| 1. | Area | 1991 | Sq.Km. | 342239 |
| 2. | Population
(i) Urban
(ii) Rural
(iii) Sex Ratio (Female to Male)
(iv) Density | 1991
"
"
"
" | No.
"
"
No per’000
" | 44005990
10067113
33938877
910
129 |
| 3. | Cities & Towns | " | No. | 222 |
| 4. | Villages | " | " | 39810 |
| 5. | Net area sown | 1997-98 | `000 Hect. | 17074 |
| 6. | Area sown more than once | " | " | 5250 |
| 7. | Gross area irrigated | " | " | 6676 |
| 8. | Area under
(i) Foodgrains
(ii) Oil seeds
(iii) Cotton
(iv) Sugarcane |
1997-98
"
"
"
|
"
"
"
"
|
13740
4421
645
23
|
| 9. | Production
(i) Foodgrains
(ii) Oil seeds
(iii) Cotton
(iv) Sugarcane |
1997-98
"
"
"
|
’000 Tonnes
"
’000 Bales
’000 Tonnes
|
14033
3296
867
1159
|
| 10. | Livestock (P) | 1997 | ’000 No. | 54349 |
| 11. | Co-operative Societies | 1996-97 | No | 19970 |
| 12. | Membership of Co-operative Societies | 1996-97 | ’000 No. | 8294 |
| 13. | Sale value of minerals@ | 1996-97 | ’000 Rs. | 3996028.88 |
| 14. | Registered Factories | 1997 | No. | 10244 |
| 15. | Total Electricity generated
(including purchases) | 1996-97 | Million Kwh. | 19156.258 |
| 16. | Total Electricity available for supply in the state | 1996-97 | Million Kwh. | 17825.007 |
| 17. | Roads | 1998-99 | Kms. | 85008 |
| 18. | Educational Institutions | 1996-97 | No. | 52205 |
| 19. | Scholars in Educational Inst.* | " | ’000 No. | 9670 |
| 20. | Govt. Medical Institutions(i) Modern Medicinesx
(ii)Ayurvedic/Unani/Homeopathic |
1998-99
"
|
No.
"
|
12539
3739
|
| 21. | Communications
(i) Telephone Exchanges
(ii) Post Offices
(iii) Telegraph Offices
(iv) Public Call Offices (Rural) |
1998-99
"
"
"
|
No.
"
"
"
|
1777
10371
2310
17325
|
| 22. | Village Panchayats | 1999 | No. | 9184 |
| 23. | Panchayat Samities | 1999 | " | 237 |
| 24. | Net State Domestic Product: Q
(i) At constant price
(Base 1980-81)
(ii) At current prices |
1997-98
"
|
Cr.. Rs.
"
|
11599
47055
|
| 25. | Revenue Receipts (Accounts) | 1996-97 | Lakh Rs. | 755972.16 |
| 26. | Revenue Expenditure (Accounts) | " | " | 842567.02 |
| 27. | Annual Plan Provision (revised only) | " | " | 331049.00 |
| 28. | Annual Plan Expenditure | " | " | 312677.83 |
Tourism:
Rajasthan is where all the country's similies and metaphores appears to have together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and women in colourful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are all there in abundance.
Come, experience Rajasthan! A land drenched in hues and history. A magical spjourn reverberating wit age-old culture and tradition. The state enfolds in its lap a diverse kaleidoscope of nature ranging from shimmering sands to rugged ranges to lovely landscapes . It is this mystique of nature that enchanted the royal dynasties of the bygone era who added a resplendent touch to the state by building some of the most opulent palaces. formidable forts, ornamental gardens, exquisite temples and colourful havelis - each an architectural masterpiece. From here emerged some great tales of heroism and romance still echoing in the golden landmarks that dot the entire state. On your trip through the state, you will find discover that life is a celebration in Rajasthan. The spirit to rejoice every moment is reflected in the gaily coloured costumes, chunky folk jewellery and the ever bright smile of the people that brings alive even the drab desert landscape.
DHUNDHAR CIRCUIT
Jaipur - Samode - Ramagarh - Dausa
Jaipur, the Pink City and Rajasthan's colourful capital, is full of things to see and do. DIWAN-I-AAM, GANESH POL, SHEESH MAHAL, SUKH NIWAS, JAIMANDIR, MAN SINGH PALACE AND SHILA DEVI temple are some of the places that you should not miss.
When you enter the city, the first major monument that greets you is the spectaclar HAWA MAHAL, or the Palace of Winds that provides some excellent views of the streets from its fifth storey. Located just behind it are JANTAR MANTAR, the unique observatory built by the founder of Jaipur - Sawai Jai Singh and the CITY PALACE with its fabulous musuem that displays some of the most amazing treasures held by the Jaipur royal family.
Forty kilometres to the north is the popular SAMODE with its fairytale palace that has some of the most exquisite mirror work and frescoes. To the east is the resort of RAMGARH with its huge artifical lake and cottage where you can spend a quiet weekend.
BRIJ - MEWAT CIRCUIT
Alwar - Sariska - Deeg - Bharatpur - Karauli - Ranthambhor
Some important site are the Bala Quila, City Palace, Moosi Maharani ki Chhatari, Vinay Vilas Palace, Vijay Mandir Palace, Moti Doongri. A little further on the road to Jaipur is Alwar's most popular picnic spot - Siliserh. To the west lie the protected forests of Sariska. Once the hunting grounds of the rulers of Alwar, the Sariska Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary today provides shelter to a large variety of the wildlife.
The palaces and gardens of DEEG are among the most beautiful in this region. Being close to Agra and Delhi, the Mughal influences were stronger here.
The fort of Bharatpur is the focal point of the town. It took sixty years to build and was known as LOHAGARH or the Iron Fort. Bharatpur is a small city but what makes it special is the KEOLA NATIONAL PARK. Once the hunting preserve of the princes of Bharatpur, today, it is ranked among the world's best bird sancturies.
The stone of Dholpur is famous throughout the country and has been used for the construction of many of a fort and palace not only in Rajasthan but in Agra, Delhi and other states as well. JHOR was the site of the oldest Mughal Garden built by Babar in 1527 and rediscovered in the 1970s, there is the famous Machkund where a religious fair every year sees a gathering of devotees seeking a cure for their skin ailments after a dip in the holy kund.
The other area of international importance is the tiger land of Ranthambhor. This is the ideal place in Rajasthan to see the Indian tiger in its natural habitat.
HADOTI CIRCUIT
Bundi - Kota - Jhalawar - Baran
Towards the southeast is one of Rajasthan's least ecplored regions. It is a region that is full of great historical towns with a proud heritage dating back several centuries. Hadoti has a wealth of beautifully sculpted temples that seem frozen in time.
Sightseeing - Bundi, the first major destination in Hadoti to be reached from Jaipur, has a strong association with Rudyard Kipling, who drew inspiration from the beautiful town and its surrounding. The famous Chitra Shala with its exquisite pantings of the Bundi school that adorn the walls here. You can also visit the Phool Sagar Palace, Sukh Mahal, Shikar Burj and Sar Bagh. The stepwells of Bundi are works of art and a very beautiful example can be found in the centre of town - the Raniji ki Baodi.
The visiting palace in Kota are Jag mandir, the Brijraj Bhawan Palace and the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Kota is also famous for its sarees called Kotadoria. These cotton sarees are very popular as summer wear.
In Bara, the Badoli temples that date back to the 9th centuary, the 11th centuray Ramgarh Bhand deora temple, Sitabari, an ideal picnic spot with temples and seven tanks and the fort and mosque of Shahbad. The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, once used as the royal hunting ground, today protects panther, spotted deer, wild boar and the bear.
Jhalawar is a typical small Hadoti town where the focal point is the fort itself. There are other places of interest like the wooden cottage called Rain Basera, the 7th centuray temples of Chandrabhaga, Sun temple at Jhalarapatan and the magnificient 8th century Gagron fort.
MEWAR CIRCUIT
Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - Nathdwara - Chittaurgarh
Rajasthan's Mewar region encompasses dramatic hills, shimmering lakes, deep valleys and much more. It is a land rich in royal heritage, with romantic water places, historic hilltop forts and beautiful gardens.
Sightseeing- Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the sisodia dynastyfor 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the LAke Pichhola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourably located sport with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amplitheatre of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
The City Palace is the focal point of the city and has several areas of interest like the Suraj Gokhada, Badi Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Bhim Vilas, Chini Chitrashala, Mor Chowk, The Zenana Mahal, Fateh Prakash and Darbar Hall. The 18th century Sahelion ki Bari, or the Garden of Maidens, is a popular tourist spot with its fountains and delicately carved kiosks and elephants in marble. Udaipur has other attractions like the Gulab Bagh, Doodh Talai, Jag Mandir, Moti Magri, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Ahad and the Sajjangarh Palace.
Nathdwara is a renowned centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of Krishna and Vishnu a like. It is a town devoted totally to the Shrinathji temple and all activities in this little town revolve around the famous temple of Shrinathji.
Chittaurgarh - countless tales of this rugged fort and the battles fought here by its legendary heroes fill the pages of history books and its varous palaces and the temples do look out for rani Padmini's palace.
Travel to the west of Chittaugarh to reach the second most important bastion of Mewar - Kumbhalgarh covering an area of 12 sq. km this formidable fort.
VAGAD CIRCUIT
Dungarpur - Banswara
Dungarpur and Banswara are the two important cities of the Vagad region. These two districts are separated from each other by the magnificient Mahi river.
Sightseeing - Dungarpur is famous for its unique architectural style. The areas of interest here are Udai Bilas Palace and Juna Palace.
Banswara is another big town of Vagad to be visited for its natural beauty. The name Banswara, too has been derived from bans, or bamboo which once grew in abundance here. The lakes like the Anand Sagar and Dalab lake are worth to visit. Arthuna is famous for its 11th century temples, Talwara has ruins of some ancient temples that are famous for their carved idols, the temple of goddess Tripur Sundari is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has a beautiful idol of the goddess shaped out of black stone.
GODWAR CIRCUIT
Mount Abu - Ranakpur - Jalore
Mount Abu is located in the south-western corner of Rajasthan and is Rajasthan's only hill station. It is also a major pilgrim centre. The Aravali range that cuts across Rajasthan reaches its greatest height at the Guru Shikhar. Interestingly, not many people are aware that this is also the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalaya range upto North.
Sightseeing - Nakki lake, Gaumukh, Adhar Devi Temple, Sunset point, Gardens and Parks, Trevor's Tank, Achalgarh and Guru Shikhar.
Ranakpur-An important Jain pilgrim centre renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in sandstone. It is one of the five holy places of the Jain community, nestling in a tranquil valleydeep in the Aravalis.
Places to visit - Sun temple, Sadri, Desuri, Ghanerao, Muchhala Mahaveerji, Falna and Parshuram Mahadev.
Jalore- places to visit are Jalore fort, Mosque of Malik Shah, Sanchore, Bhinmal and Shivana.
DESERT CIRCUIT
Jodhpur - Barmer - Jaisalmer - Bikaner
Jodhpur, the fortified city standing sentinel to the great splendour and romance of Thar desert transports the visitor to the imperial times. Jodhpur is famous for handicrafts like tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered leather shoes or 'Juttis', lacquerware, 'Jodhpuri' baggy trousers, carpets, antiques and marble souvenirs from makrana.
Places to visit- Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Mandore, Mahamandir Temple, kailana Lake, Balsamand Lake and Palace, Osian, Dhawa and Doli.
Barmer is major centre of wood carving and hand block printing. Especially famous are the geometric Ajrak prints in dark shades of Red and Blue - typical of Barmer.
Places to visit - Juna barmer, Kiradu, Khed, Jasol, Mahaveer Park, Neemari.
Jaiselmer - The golden fort rises from the heart of the Thar desert like a golden mirage.
Places to visit - Jain Temples, Gyan Bhandar Library, Nathmalji Ki Haveli, Patwaon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Gadssar Lake, Amar Sagar, Bada Bagh, Ludrava, Wood Fossil Park, Sam Sand Dunes, Desert National Park.
Bikaner - A unique destination of the desert triangle is Bikaner. The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal is sheer beauty amidst the sand dunes.
Places to visit - Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Camel Breeding Farm, Bhandeshwar Jain Temples, Ganga Golden Jubilee Musuem, Devi Khund, Karni Mata Temple, Gajner Wildlife Sanctury, Kolayat, Kalibanga.
MERWARA - MARWAR CIRCUIT
Ajmer - Pushkar - Merta - Nagaur
Ajmer-The land of composite culture is wrapped in barren hills of the Aravali range. It is an amazing confluence of Hinduism and Islam.
Place to visit - Dargah Sharif, Akbar's Fort, Ana Sagar, Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra, Taragarh Fort, The Museum. Nasiyan Jain Temple, Anted ki Mata, Foy Sagar.
Pushkar - 11 kms from Ajmer, along the picturesque Pushkar Lake lies the tranquil town with deep religious significance.
Places to visit - Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple, Man mahal and Bathing Ghats.
Merta - A fortified town near Pushkar, Merta abounds in ancient temples and mosques.
Places to visit - Mal Kot Fort, Jama masjid, Temple of Charbhuja, Dudasagar - the 'Lake of Duda, the Ashram of Mauni Baba and Chhatri of Saint Kishandasji.
Naguar - A fortified city amdist the Thar desert is one of the fascinating towns of Rajputs having a past as chivalrous as the inhabitants of yeasteryears. Nagaur is the venue of an annual Cattle Fair held in January-February. The town comes alive during the seven day festival, when cows, bullocks, horses, oxen and camels throng here accompained by turbanned sellers and eager buyers.
Places to visit - Nagaur Fort, Cenotaph of Rao Amar Singh and Tarkin Ki Dargah.
SHEKHAWATI CIRCUIT
Sikar - Nawalgarh - Dundold - Mandawa - Fatehpur - Jhunjhunu
The entire region of Shekhawati is known for its exquisite frescoes and popularly called the "open art gallery"
Sikar - the walled city has lofty buildings, a massive fort and an array of splended 'haveli' and temples ornate with beautiful frescoes.
Places to visit - Lachhnamgarh, Temples of Gopinath, raghunath and Madan Mohan, madho Niwas, Bhiwani Haveli, Sodhani haveli, Harsh Nath Temple, Jeen Mata Temple, Kahtu Shyamji, Sakambhari and Lohayal.
Nawalgarh - has two old forts and a palace hotel with beautiful gardens and swirling fountains.
Places to visit - Aath (eight) Havelis Complex, Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Jodhraj Patodia Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani Haveli, College Clock Tower, Parasrampura, Chirana Fort.
Dundlod is known for its and its fort and a palace that has been turned into a heritage hotel. Havelis of the Goenka family ornate with fine frescoes are a visual delight.
Mandawa dominates the town and it was one of the earliest heritage hotels in this area.
Places to visit - Chokhani Haveli, Saraf Haveli, Goenka Haveli, Ladia Haveli, Shiva Temple and Cenotaphs.
Fatehpur has some beautiful frescoes in the Indian as well as western styles. Khatu Shyamji is more famous for its temple of Shri Shyamji and draws devotees throughout the year. People walk several miles to offer homage at the temple from all over India.
Jhunjhunu - The capital of Shekhawati, it was founded by the Kayamkhani Nawabs in the mid 15th century A.D. and was later taken over by the Rajput ruler Sardul singh in 1730 A.D.
