Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India. It is the largest Indian state by area and the seventh largest by population. Rajasthan, often referred to as the "Land of Kings" or "Land of Rulers". It covers most of the vast and inhospitable Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert.

The Aravalli Range runs through the state, dividing it into a more arid northwest and a more fertile southeast. Mount Abu is the state's only hill station.

Rajasthan was formed on March 30, 1949, by merging 22 kingdoms and principalities of the Rajputana Agency.

Rajasthan is home to numerous magnificent forts and palaces that showcase Rajput architecture and history. Notable examples include: Amber Fort (Jaipur), Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur), City Palace (Udaipur), Hawa Mahal (Jaipur), Jaisalmer Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur).

The state boasts national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including: Ranthambore National Park (known for tigers), Keoladeo National Park (bird sanctuary), Sariska Tiger Reserve, Desert National Park.

Famous cities with unique attractions include: Jaipur (The Pink City), Udaipur (The City of Lakes), Jodhpur (The Blue City), Jaisalmer (The Golden City), Pushkar (sacred town with a lake and Brahma Temple), Bikaner, Mount Abu, Ajmer.

Rajasthan is renowned for its vibrant festivals and rich traditions. Popular festivals include: Teej Festival, Gangaur Festival, Pushkar Camel Fair, Jaipur Literature Festival, Desert Festival (Jaisalmer), Braj Holi, Elephant Festival.

The state is known for its folk music and dance forms like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya.

Rajasthani cuisine includes popular dishes like Dal Baati Churma and Laal Maas.

The best time to visit Rajasthan is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers (March to June) can be extremely hot, especially in the desert regions.Monsoon (July to September) brings some rainfall, refreshing the landscape, but also high humidity.

Its major features include the ruins of the Indus Valley civilisation at Kalibangan and Balathal, the Dilwara Temples, a Jain pilgrimage site at Rajasthan's only hill station, Mount Abu, in the ancient Aravalli mountain range and eastern Rajasthan, the Keoladeo National Park of Bharatpur, a World Heritage Site known for its bird life.

Rajasthan is also home to five national tiger reserves, the Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar, the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota, Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger reserve and Karauli Dholpur tiger reserve.

The Legislative Assembly consists of 200 members. The state contributes 25 seats to Lok Sabha and 10 seats to Rajya Sabha. Rajasthan has its High court Jodhpur which has its principal seat at Jodhpur and a bench at Jaipur. Rajasthan is divided into 41 districts within 7 divisions.

Rajasthan's Jaipur Jantar Mantar, Mehrangarh Fort and Stepwell of Jodhpur, Dilwara Temples, Chittor Fort, Lake Palace, miniature paintings in Bundi, and numerous city palaces and Havelis are part of the architectural heritage of India. At Ajmer, there is white marble Bara-dari on the Anasagar lake and Soniji Ki Nasiyan.

Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu, Shrinathji Temple of Nathdwara, Ranakpur Jain temple dedicated to Lord Adinath in Pali District, Jain temples in the fort complexes of Chittor, Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh, Lodurva Jain temples, Mirpur Jain Temple of Sirohi, Sarun Mata Temple at Kotputli, Bhandasar and Karni Mata Temple of Bikaner and Mandore of Jodhpur are some of the best examples.

Rajasthan

Amber Palace