Rajasthan

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Rajasthan, the largest state in India[1], is located in the northern part of the country. It’s known for its stunning palaces and is home to the Thar Desert. The state shares its borders with Pakistan and five other Indian states. Rajasthan is rich in history and culture. You can find ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization and the beautiful Dilwara Temples here. The state’s only hill station, Mount Abu, is a popular Jain pilgrimage site. For nature lovers, the Keoladeo National Park, a World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for its diverse bird life. Rajasthan[2] also houses three national parks that are tiger reserves.

The state was formed on March 30, 1949, and its capital is Jaipur, which is also its largest city. Other notable cities include Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Bharatpur, and Udaipur. Despite being the seventh-largest state economy in India, Rajasthan ranks 29th out of 30 Indian states in terms of human development.

Discover royal rajasthan

Jaipur: Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is famous for its historical forts and palaces like Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and City Palace[3]. It’s part of the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Udaipur: Often called the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur is home to the City Palace Complex and Lake Pichola1. The city is known for its romantic ambiance and beautiful lakes.

Jodhpur: The “Blue City” of Jodhpur is known for its blue-painted buildings and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort1. The fort provides a stunning outlook across Jodhpur’s blue buildings.

Jaisalmer: This “Golden City” rises from the Thar desert and is known for its sandstone architecture. The Jaisalmer Fort is a must-visit.

Bikaner: Known for Junagarh Fort and its temples.

Ajmer: Famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Soniji Ki Nasiyan Jain Temple.

Pushkar: Known for its vibrant colors and the annual camel fair.

Mount Abu: The only hill station in Rajasthan, it’s popular for the Dilwara Jain Temples.

Bharatpur: Home to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a World Heritage Site known for its bird life.

Chittorgarh: Known for the massive Chittorgarh Fort.

Kota: Famous for its gardens, palaces, and Chambal river safari.

Bundi: Known for its baoris (step wells) and forts.

Rajasthan is also home to three national tiger reserves: Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar, and the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota.

Wildlife sanctuaries in rajasthan

  • Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: This is a place in the Alwar district that’s famous for its Bengal tigers and a wide variety of plants and animals.
  • Ranthambhore National Park: Known for its Bengal tigers, this park is one of the most visited wildlife reserves in India.
  • Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary): This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s not just known for its birds, but also for various mammals that live there.
  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Kota district, this sanctuary has a rugged landscape and is home to diverse wildlife, including leopards and sloth bears.
  • Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is in the Aravalli Range and is home to leopards, sambar deer, and various bird species.
  • Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary: Located near Udaipur, this sanctuary is known for its Jaisamand Lake and is home to panthers, wild boars, and various species of deer.
  • Mukundra Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is in the Kota district and is home to animals like tigers, leopards, and various deer.
  • Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary surrounds the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort and is known for its diverse plants and animals.
  • Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Pratapgarh district, this sanctuary is known for its dense forests and diverse wildlife.
  • Phulwari Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the Banswara district, this sanctuary is home to animals like leopards, wild boars, and various deer.
  • Jhalana Leopard Safari Park: This park is in Jaipur and is known for its leopard population. It’s unique because it’s a safari park located within a city.

References