Rajastan (India)

Advantages: Colourful, characterful, cheerful, chockfull of history
Disadvantages: Dry and dusty, dirty too

It was, I think, at Chhatra Sagar that we were told about the seven uses of the turban, which seemed to me to illustrate so much that is of interest in this part of India. Unlike its Sikh equivalent, the Rajasthani turban - properly known as the safa - has no religious role, though it can have social significance. But it is first and foremost a practical garment. Among its practical applications are that it can: * 1. Be worn as a hat. * No surprises ...
...of the Rajasthani safa does come as a surprise. It is strikingly colourful, in marked contrast to the otherwise drab and dusty clothing worn by most local males, whether trousered or clad about their loins in dhotis, all murky off-white, brown and grey. The womenfolk, of course, are radiant from head to toe in brightly dyed saris, elaborately patterned or embroidered. Somehow, too, they contrive to keep the flowing folds clean even while they toil ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful Scenary, so much culture and great food
Disadvantages: None,

Rajastan means 'King of the land', three/four centuries ago this part of Rajastan used to be one of the most richest and opulant parts of India. I visited Rajastan about three years ago, it wasn't the first time, it was actually my third, once when I was one and again when I was ten, so I couldn't remember much and was really looking forward to it. Rajastan has many wonderful places to visit, but unfortunately due to the lack of time we was only ...
...is a smallish village in Rajastan and this was our first stop. The train journey down from Delhi train station was a comfortable one and I managed to catch up on some sleep. Ajmer We arrived in Ajmer about 12:00pm, we left the train station and I started to feel real excited just thinking about the things we would be getting up to. As soon as we left the station, I was immediently hit by the wonderful aroma of the street ... Read review

Advantages: Wonderful setting, scenery, flora fauna and accommodation
Disadvantages: Didn't see any tigers

Ranthambore National Park sounded perfect in the brochure. It has been a tiger reserve since Project Tiger started in 1972 and was formerly the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur in Eastern Rajasthan. I have been on several safaris and there is nothing I enjoy more than sharing a drink with wildlife, with a gin and tonic in my sticky hand sitting in a lodge, watching large cats partaking in their equivalent of tiffin at a water hole. I have, ...
...to India in the past, so I booked a five-day visit to Ranthambore a couple of years ago, as part of a two-week trip to Rajasthan. There are about 40 tigers and 40 leopards in the Tiger reserve and it is claimed to be one of the best places to view them in the wild. The total area of the park is 1,334 sq km surrounded by mountain ranges and with two rivers running through it and several man-made lakes, it has an incredibly diverse selection of wildlife ... Read review

Advantages: Beautful area, Cheap to travel around
Disadvantages: Street sellers can be a bit pushy

Rajahstan translates to Kings Country. It has the most beautiful scenery and ancient architecture in the whole of India. Anyone I know going to India I tell them to go to Rajahstan. The people are the very friendly and keen to talk to any travellers they meet. The best time of year to go is August - beginning October. If you are going, take a lonely planet. It has very useful information and maps. Altough ignore the prices for hotels and tourist ...
...Shopping is very good value for money. Fabrics, ornaments and ceramics make very good gifts. Try to take out as little as possible as you will quickly fill any luggae you are carrying with you. Jodpuhr: Beautiful temples and blue-painted buildings. Jaisalmer:- Central walled market is the place to be, you can also take organised camel trips into the desert from here. Udaipur:- The palaces here are incredible. The lake palace is awesome and was the ... Read review

Advantages: land of royality, a truley colourful city with lots of history
Disadvantages: none, well maybe the temperature if I have to choose

...The forts and palaces in Rajastan have still managed to keep alive the magic of this historical culture. The fairs and festivals like Pushkar and Desert festival and dances like Kalbelia are not to be missed as these are really the best part of the visit. You can see all the colourful costumes and everyone enjoying themselves. AND if your really adventurous, then you need to try out the camel safari, in Jaisalmer which is in the Thar Desert. It creates ... Read review

Advantages: Exotic, extraordinary, educational
Disadvantages: Expensive

...think it might appeal to you too, Chhatra Sagar is well worth a visit. © torr 2006 A review of Rajasthan in general can be found at: http://travel.ciao.co.uk/RajastanIndiaReview5559875... Read review

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Advantages: World Heritage Site, beautiful, impressive, must see, etc.
Disadvantages: Crowds, conmen, oppressive atmosphere

...Tagore. Such delicacy of perception is impossible - or at least it was to me - at the regular tourist times. © torr 2006 A review of Rajasthan can be found at: http://travel.ciao.co.uk/RajastanIndiaReview5559875... Read review

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Advantages: Clean, comfortable, the only international hotel
Disadvantages: Limited facilities, not quite international standard

...Stepping off the train at Jalandhar station, the first thing the hit me - literally - were the FLIES! No, I was not looking at gentlemen's zips - these were the irritating, little, black, buzzing things swarming around my face from the moment I stood in the train doorway. I was not wearing "Doggy Pooh" aftershave, nor was I chewing anything sweet; this was just Jalandhar railway station. I batted them away from my face, repeatedly, and headed towards the exit. Either the flies followed me, or I just moved from swarm to swarm, but they didn't let up until I left the station and found the chap from the Radisson holding a piece of paper with my name on. Welcome to the Punjab. The Punjab is probably one of the two best known regions of India, the other being Rajastan. Other than being one of the larger cities in the Punjab... Read review

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