Rajasthan:
Take a desert - burning sand in the long summers,
large tracts of dune-decked plains, with scarce
water and even scarcer vegetation and create
a habitation with the mind's eye. if you can.
And then come to Rajasthan too see if your imagination
can begin to match where reality takes over.
Aeons ago, it is believed, Shri Ram drew an
arrow in his bow. The target was Lanka, the
island capital where his wife was held captive
be the demon king Ravana. However, such was
the power of its annihilation that the gods
pleaded with Ram to desist from his intended
purpose. Unfortunately, the arrow, once drawn,
could not be withdrawn.
Jaipur:
The Capital of the modern state of Rajasthan,
Jaipur is a modern city built according
to the specifications laid down in ancient
architectural texts. Known as the pink
city on account of the flush colour
of its sandstone palaces, it is a major
centre for handicrafts.
Udaipur
: A lake city, and the capital of the
Ranas of Mewar, founded in the 16th
century, Udaipur is known for its fairytale
palaces that nestle along the banks
of a lake, or completely cover islands
in its midst.
Jaisalmer
: The westernmost citadel of the desert,
Jaisalmer has an ancient history linked
with its development as a trading centre.
Parts of its 'golden' fort continue
to be inhabited, and its cobbled streets
lead through a journey of medieval enchantment.
