Rajasthan is one of the largest states of the Republic of India in terms of area and is part of West India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert, which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with Pakistan. One of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli Range, cradles the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, and its world- famous Dilwara Temples, a sacred pilgrimage for Jains. Eastern Rajasthan has two national tiger reserves, Ranthambore and Sariska, as well as Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, once famous for its bird life. Rajasthan was formed on 30 March 1949, when all erstwhile princely states ruled by Rajputs, known as Rajputana, merged into the Dominion of India. Portions lying geographically outside of Rajputana such as the Sumel-Tappa area were included in Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan is endowed with impregnable forts, splendid palaces, waves of sand dunes and tranquil lakes and the sheer variety that it displays acts as a major draw for the tourists. The Rajasthan tour packages aim at acquainting you with the various aspects of this charming city. |