Rajasthan, the biggest state in India (area-wise) was known as Rajputana or the home of Rajputs — a martial community who ruled over this area for centuries. The desert sands of Rajasthan are thick with their tales of valour and deeds of honour, and with towns founded by these princes in defences, in victory and as reward.

   In 1863, Jaipur dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria. Since then the city is known as ‘Pink City’. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1727 AD. Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Birla Temple, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Park and Museum are places of interest in this beautiful city.

   Historical sites of the state are majestic forts, palaces and other monuments at Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Alwar, Barmer, Bayana, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pokhran, Sikar, and Udaipur.

   Religious places are the Sharif Dargah at Ajmer; mela (festival) at Pushkar Lake are visited by people of all faiths. Also in Pushkar you can visit the only large temple of Brahma in India. Temples and Mosques of Merta, and temple frescoes and murals of Nagaur are renowned. The temples of Jalore, and the richly carved marble Jain temples of Dilwara at Mount Abu (1220 meters) — the lone hill station of Rajasthan in the Aravalli range, are holy to Jainism, while Ranakpur with its carved sandstone temples is one of Jainism’s five holy places. The old cave temples of Jhairapatan, ancient temple complex of Osian, and the Krishna Temple of Nathdwara, the temples of Deshnoke, Bijolia and Mandore.

   Nature of Rajasthan is presented with Rajsamand lake at Kankroli, desert resort of Churu and its annual desert festival, fossil woods of Akal, sand dunes of Sam, Jaisamand Lake. Sambhar’s largest salt-water lake in India are popular.

   Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are: Bassi, Bhainsrorgarh, Jamwa Ramgarh, Keoladeo Ghana, Ranthambore, Sariska, Shergarh, Sita Mata, Tal Chhapar.

   Industrial centre of the state is Kota. Educational centre is Pilani.