Classic Rajasthan Itinerary

The beginning of the 18th century marked the decline of the Mogul period, and with it came the decline of the Rajputs. The incoming British took advantage of the prevailing chaos. Not only did they introduce significant administrative, legal, and educational changes in Rajasthan, they also exposed the Rajputs to new levels of decadence. The British introduced polo and other equestrian sports, the latest rifles and guns, shikar (hunting) camps, Belgian glass, English crockery, French chiffons, Victorian furniture, European architecture, and eventually fancy limousines. The influence extended to Rajput children: sons were sent to English universities, and daughters to the best finishing schools in Switzerland.

Ironically, in their struggle to free India from British rule, many Rajput princes ended up defending the Raj. Unwilling to give up their world of luxury and power, they did their best to suppress rebellion in other pans of the country by sending their soldiers to help the British forces.

When India won independence, the Rajput princes and kings were forced to merge their kingdoms into one state as part of the new nation, but they still kept the titles to their palaces, forts, lands, jewels and other sumptuous possessions. Since then, the government has taken over much, of the land and many of the palaces and the forts. Stripped of their feudal powers, many of the maharajas have become hotel owners, while others have turned their properties over to leading hotel chains. A few have become paupers or recluses.

 Rajasthan's heritage goes well beyond the illustrious maharajas, however. The Marwari trading community is known far and wide for dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and its havelis (mansions with interior courtyards). Semi-nomadic indigenous tribes such as the ghats Meenas, Garasias, and Sahrias create a rich canvas of folk life and folk' lore, their art, dance, music, and drama contributing much to Rajasthan's vibrant, festive culture. The exquisite craft work of the state's rural artisan communities are celebrated around the world. The presence of saints and spiritual leaders from a variety of religious communities has, over the years, made Rajasthan a trove of shrines, temple art, and religions architecture. These and other communities give rise to tremendous revelry in fairs and festivals throughout the year.

Cultures within Rajasthan vary in everything from the colors of their sandstone buildings to the languages they speak. Though five principal Rajasthani dialects are spoken here (Marwari, Mewari, Dhundari Mewati, and Hadauti), a local saying has it that you hear a new language every 4 km. And despite the overwhelming spread of both English and Hindi, villagers continue to maintain the rich literary traditions, both oral and written, of their local tongues. Also regionally significant—and perhaps more noticeable to the traveler—are the brilliant colors of the women's lehangas (long skirts with separate veils), designed to stand out against the potentially maddening starkness of the desert. Women complete this garb with various forms of elaborate jewelry. Rajasthani men are famous for their turbans, which vary in style from region to region and caste to caste; the saafa style (high turbans with a tail) is preferred by Rajputs, for instance, while pagris (compact turbans, often orange) are worn by businessmen. Even facial hair is unique in these parts: Rajputs, in particular, sport long, Salvador Dali-like moustaches full of twists and turns.

Tourists visiting the region would find that the  natural variety is compelling. The Aravalli Hills divide Rajasthan into two natural parts, northwest and southeast. The northwest is characterized by arid sand dunes: The sizzling Thar Desert is referred to in the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata as the Maru-Kan-tar, "Region of Death." The southeast belies Rajasthan's image as a desert state with its craggy hills, lush forests, and shimmering lakes. A rich array of birds, animal life, and insect species makes its home in each environment.

With all this color and tradition, Rajasthan is perennially one of India's most popular tourist destinations. Recent nuclear tests in Pokharan and continuing tensions with Pakistan have made some people wary of coming here, but there is really nothing to fear. The cities and people remain lively and unaffected.

The Classic Rajasthan Itinerary Customized by Swan Tours incorporates all the important elements and travel experiences  of the region which make this tour one of the most exciting tours while you travel to India.