Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a jewel in India's tourism crown. Awash with historic cities, muscular fortresses and tales of legend and valor, the Land of the Kings is what visitors dream about when planning a trip to India. The exotic battle-scarred landscapes are littered with majestic palaces imbued with a breathtaking opulence, a riot of colors and an undeniable sense of romance. Jaipur draws the crowds to its old city, also known as the "pink city" for the vibrant color of its buildings, particularly worth seeing in the soft evening light. Pushkar is touristy but an important place of pilgrimage and wandering sadhus are a common sight. November is the ...

Rajasthan is a jewel in India's tourism crown. Awash with historic cities, muscular fortresses and tales of legend and valor, the Land of the Kings is what visitors dream about when planning a trip to India. The exotic battle-scarred landscapes are littered with majestic palaces imbued with a breathtaking opulence, a riot of colors and an undeniable sense of romance. Jaipur draws the crowds to its old city, also known as the "pink city" for the vibrant color of its buildings, particularly worth seeing in the soft evening light. Pushkar is touristy but an important place of pilgrimage and wandering sadhus are a common sight. November is the time to come here when the Camel Fair, a massive congregation of animals, traders, pilgrims and film-makers, descends on the town - a unique and magical spectacle. Udaipur is possibly the most romantic city in the country with its Venice of the East tag. The old city is a jumble of tangled streets where Rajput extravagance and love of the whimsical is evident in palaces, temples and traditional residences.

About the Expert

Alan Murphy is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Britain, Scotland, India and North India. He has been writing and updating travel guidebooks for the past eight years.