Rajasthan People & Culture

A beautiful place in the desert of Northern India. Jaisalmer is a fortress with amazing architecture, where people (along with their animals) still live. You will find happy children playing in the small, labyrinth-like streets, and lazy cows resting on a corner or in a yard. While you're there, make a trip to the desert. Camel safari's are very popular, although I can say from experience that they are not very comfortable! But very worthwhile: where else can you find a real 'Fata Morgana' and sleep under a million stars! (with scorpions...)

When coming here from Agra--as many people do--do NOT take the bus. I repeat, DO NOT TAKE THE BUS. Buy yourself a train ticket, and save yourself 8 hours in intense heat, on trafficky and pot-holed roads, where you creep by stinking and decaying cow carcasses.

The shopping in Jaipur is amazing! I recommend traditional indian shoes, rugs, and hand stamp printing, all done by the local Rajasthan people.

Allow yourself to be fascinated by one of the many facets of India, Jaipur. Often referred to as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharajah Jai Singh II (1693-1743) at the intersection of ancient commercial routes.

The flourishing civilization of the Rajputs, descended from nomadic Hunic tribes and central Asian populations, built Jaipur to be a witness of its glorious past.

Today, ancient palaces, bazaars, temples, and mosques are found at the heart of an ever-expanding city. Jaipur remains the only city in the world to symbolize the nine divisions of the universe by its nine neighborhoods.

Rajput history, culture, and symbolism are open to the world, and the city’s art, craft, and industry stand as proof of it.

Jaipur offers an endless variety of amazing fabrics, enamelware, paintings, and for more than 250 years, emeralds and other gems.

But Jaipur’s real treasure is its people. Jaipur’s inhabitants are proud and curious, and they understand the true meaning of hospitality. Accept their invitation and Jaipur will open its charms to you.

just beautifull !!! one of the cities I prefered to visit in India ! incredible architecture, kinds people.

Jaipur is a typical Indian City, also termed as Pink City. Its famous as Pink City as old City was made with Red Stone. Its a good shoping Destination of traditional Rajasthani Clothes and items. Famous for its Near by Forts Jaigrah and Nargarh Forts. HawaMahal is also one good place to visit. Excuse the traffic and cleanliness of the city though.Check out Chokhi Dhani for good evening and traditional local culture. Good Hotels include Clarks Amer and Oberoi. Jal Mahal in night would be one good experience. For other details... mail me n ill let you know. :)

Allow yourself to be fascinated by one of the many facets of India, Jaipur. Often referred to as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharajah Jai Singh II (1693-1743) at the intersection of ancient commercial routes.

The flourishing civilization of the Rajputs, descended from nomadic Hunic tribes and central Asian populations, built Jaipur to be a witness of its glorious past.

Today, ancient palaces, bazaars, temples, and mosques are found at the heart of an ever-expanding city. Jaipur remains the only city in the world to symbolize the nine divisions of the universe by its nine neighborhoods.

Rajput history, culture, and symbolism are open to the world, and the city’s art, craft, and industry stand as proof of it.

Jaipur offers an endless variety of amazing fabrics, enamelware, paintings, and for more than 250 years, emeralds and other gems.

But Jaipur’s real treasure is its people. Jaipur’s inhabitants are proud and curious, and they understand the true meaning of hospitality. Accept their invitation and Jaipur will open its charms to you.

When you go to bikaner make sure to arrange for a home stay. links are available online..you can stay with locals eat their food and learn more about the culture there..it's a great experience

Love the food (both taste presentation!) and shows at Chokhi Dhani - a great intro to Indian culture and a short ride away from the central market area, where you can experience the real thing.

dont stay only in the village ! rent a bike and go travel arround. climb to the monestries and watch the beautifull sunrises and sunsets. very good and cheap place for shoping :)

Jaisalmer is one of the most mystical of cities that arises from the horizon of the Thar desert.  As for tips for the modern day traveler, my experience of this isolated place dates back 25 years, when it was difficult to get to but well worth the effort.        I'm sure it now abounds with places to stay for the budget and more discerning visitor but the interior of the fort must offer the best in spectacular architecture, haveli's and winding streets begging for exploration.  The very colour of the stone used in construction gives a rose gold hue to the place and the views from the highest point are magical in the evening.  I even managed to hitch a ride back to Jaipur on the empty Raj Express steam train and was entertained with silver service by a delightful elderly gentleman who retained fond memories of the days of the British Raj.  I spent perhaps the most comfortable night of my six month stay in india wrapped within crisp, white sheets in a luxurious berth.     India is a large country and I've yet to find myself back in Rajasthan, having spent four months in that state the first time.  It's probably about time I returned with my husband and son and I would urge anyone planning to visit India to spend time in this majestic of areas.

Udaipur in Rajasthan is one of the romantic cities in the world. You can enjoy this fantastic city at water level, roof top, or from the hills and valleys close by. You need at least a week here to take everything in and explore the sights. Their are many hotels/guesthouses at very competitive prices. If moneys no object then you may want to stay at one of the most famous luxuy hotels in the world 'Lake Palace'.

Udaipur is one of india's romantic cities. Embrace it from a roof top, on the water, or from their close by hills and valleys. competitive prices for rooms or if mony is no object then stay at the famous, luxury 'Lake Palace'.

Jaipur is defintely worth a visit. Its got some excellent must see sights, great accomadation and excellent food (eat all you want thaili for 30rups)!

dont stay only in the village ! rent a bike and go travel arround. climb to the monestries and watch the beautifull sunrises and sunsets. very good and cheap place for shoping :)

The fort is interesting for a visit, but maybe stay only one night and try and go for a homestay somewhere outside the fort as it's much queiter (i.e. no crazy old ladies screaming day and night outside your window). Check and double check around for a decent camel safari guide as some can be verrry dodgy!! Don't tip the guide if you're unhappy, as they have come to expect it no matter how awful they are.

Avoid staying in Pokaran, the only hotel is the Government Hotel at about 1 km outside the village on the crossroads... besides, there's not much to do or see in Pokaran.

Pushkar Camel Fair.
Not to be missed!
Held yearly,this event attracts the desert folk of India ,thousands of Camels,and a serious mix of travelers and a few of the the upper end adventurer's for this so so cool gathering unlike no other.
Puskhar is regarded as a a Holy town,so if you want booze you just cruise out a couple of K,s to the liquor shop on the edge of town.
Your local place of stay will usually lend a blind eye to your bottle of rather well made indian Gin that you embibe in your roof top lounge gathering area back in Pushkar.[At least the brits tought the indians how to make gin, something usefull!]
If you want the heady pleasure of the local Bhang lassi, a tasty fruit whip up drink, containing bhang , a liquid derivative of cannabis (marijuana),
and available at most of the cafes, and legal go for it.
Watch the strength though if your a newbie! In Jaislamer there is even a government operated Bhang shop,so its no big deal in Rajasthan. Also watch out for the pickpockets that gravitate here in Pushkar for the rich pickings in the crowded lanes and alleys during the fair. Accommodastion priced go up 4 fold during this event,so you need to do some serious googling. There is So much about the fair if you want to Google it. Enjoy!