India Vacations: Rajasthan Blue City

Where is Rajasthan India?

Rajasthan is a state of northwestern India and is located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. Rajasthan is surrounded by the states of Punjab and Haryana from the north and northeast and by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh from the east and southeast. From the southwest, it is surrounded by Gujarat, and from the west and northwest; there are Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan. 

Jaipur, an essential part of the Golden Triangle is its capital and it is the main gate to Rajasthan. The State is bordered by The Aravalli Range which runs from Guru Peak on Mount Abu in the southeast to Khetri town in the northeast forming a line across the state. This makes Rajasthan divided into two parts, the first which is about three-fifths of the state lies in the northwest of that line and the other is about two-fifths and lies in the southeast of that line.

History of Rajasthan Blue City:

Throughout history, the state was ruled by several dynasties: Rajputs, Marathas, Chauhans, Mughals, Marathas, and the British. This specific part of the country has always been a location of power, wealth, art & literature, and architecture. Being a house to several rulers with their mixture of cultures, Rajasthan has risen as a sublime destination in the history of India. Just like a phoenix that rose from its ash, Rajasthan rose from being a desert land to being a huge state!

Rajasthan or "The Land of Kings” was previously called 'Rajputana' meaning the country of Rajputs (sons of princes Rajas). After India achieved independence from Britain, it consisted of a few two dozen states and chief ships, the little British-ruled territory of Ajmer-Merwara, and some pockets of domain exterior with the most boundaries. After 1947, the state took the title Rajasthan. The thing that makes Rajasthan a strategic location in history is its geographic location and favorable condition.

Before the Rajput Era, the first human settlement found in this region goes back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Then came the rise of the Rajput Era during the 9th century. Most of what we know about Rajasthan today is mostly the outcome of this era. The state was ruled by so many rulers, however, Rajputs are marked as the most powerful rulers who influenced today's Rajasthan. Though the whole thing regarding this era started in the 8th century, the era flourished, rose, and became powerful in the 9th Century. However, by the 12th century, this clan was divided into thirty-six different clans.

In Medieval times, India had many Invaders from the outside such as Afghanistan, Kabul, and other Muslim countries. Those invasion waves made the Rajput and the Chauhan unite by the 10th century to help the latter build their empire in Rajasthan. By this Pact, they managed together to survive the Muslim rulers that came to invade. They remained like this till they were defeated in the battle of Tarain, then the first Muslim empire was established by Muhammad Ghori marking the Chauhan downfall.

Later, Rajasthan was ruled by the hands of the Mughal emperor 'Akbar' who married 'Jodha Bai' a Rajput Princess, and allied with Rajput rulers. However, Akbar was defeated by Rana Pratap, the thing that caused the downfall of the Mughal Empire.

In the early 1700s, Rajasthan witnessed the rise of the Martha Empire. During this time, the Martha empire kept expanding and almost took everything under the Rajput rulers.

Then, a whole new change took place in Rajasthan, when the East India Company arrived in the 19th century. By their arrival, Rajasthan was ruled by several rulers, the thing that made the British government interfere and impose different policies to guarantee to carry out of their operations. The establishment of some cities such as Jaipur, Marwar, and others is what marks this era, and also it is the time when the term 'Rajasthan' appeared and was coined.  

Later, India won its independence from the British Rulers. The Nehru government had a political treaty with the Rajput rulers. Under this agreement, the Rajput rulers were granted their titles, properties, and regular royalty according to their status.

In the present day, Rajasthan has a total of 33 districts, 105-sub-divisions, 222 towns, and numerous villages and tehsils. Most of its population consists of Indians who happen to be of various social, occupational, and religious backgrounds, and as per estimated figures in 2020, the population of the state is around 77 Million.

Rajasthan Blue City Top Attractions:

Rajasthan's Magic comes from the fact that it is a mixture of both ancient heritage and modernity. The more you explore the forts, the places that feel as if you are living a fairytale along with the bazaars the more you will realize how magical this place is. Being 'The land of Kings' maharajas who ruled it throughout history were competing to leave a print in this state as if they were telling the whole world we were here. It is easy to fall in love with this state and here are some of the main attractions that will make you fall in love with it:

Jaipur ' The Pink City', situated at the end of Thar Desert and it is boarded by the Aravalli Hills, is the jewel of Rajasthan and it is its opening gate. The City is a part of what is called The Golden Triangle which is every tourist's dream. The City is full of palaces, forts, bazaars, and Cuisine that will leave you speechless. There you can enjoy the Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, and many other attractions.

Jaisalmer ' The Golden City' which is located in the middle of the Thar Desert. It is like the city that came out straight from the Arabian Nights. The City is rich with dunes, forts such as the fort that is located on Trikuta ( three-peaked hill) which is not only the main tourist attraction but also the families that still live there are the descendants of the maharajas' workers who used to live there. The City was founded in the 12th Century and it is a great example of the mixture between ancient and modernity. There you can see Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, Gadsisar Lake, and more.

Jodhpur 'The Blue City’, located in western Rajasthan will hit you with a mass of blue houses. When you take a walk in this city you will be dazzled with the magical combination of the sunlight and the blue color of the houses. There you will enjoy Mehrangarh Fort, Khejarla Fort, Umaid Bhavan Palace Museum, Ghanta Ghar, and the Tripolia Market

Pushkar, 'The Land of Multi-Hued-Fairs' is unique for its religious background and vibes. The city is famous for the Hindu pilgrimage town that includes around 400 temples and more than 50 bathing ghats that take place over the sacred lake, according to Hindu mythology. Additionally, there is a camel fair that takes place there every October/November that is considered a lifetime experience no one should miss.  

Last but not least, there is Mountain Abu which is an amazing spot for adventure lovers. The wildlife there spreads over 289 sq.Km. There are several treks. The Place is also home to more than 80 Hindu shrines and temples. All of the above and more are waiting for you when you visit Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit the Blue City Rajasthan:

Rajasthan's Climate Varies from arid to humid. The humid part is more to the southeast and east, except in the hills. During summer the heat can be intense everywhere with the temperature rising from 30: 40 C daily in June (the hottest month. Occasionally, hot winds and sand storms happen in summer most specifically in the desert in January. On the other hand, in winter months, the daily temperature reaches 20 C. 

The western Desert can have a little rain. Based on this, the best time to visit Rajasthan is between October and February which is the winter season as the temperature remains warm during the day during winters making it perfect to explore all the attractions. July to September can also be an excellent time to visit as the mostly dry state receives some amount of rainfall, but the humidity and the temperatures are mostly high.