Think of the ultimate destination-every third foreign tourist to India visits. This not-to-be-missed location is Rajasthan, the desert jewel of India. Here, the landscape is contrasting with forested hills, valleys, the desert, lakes and wildlife parks. History, religion, music & dance, year-round festivity and art & craft remain vibrant. Indeed, the State has so much going for it that it's difficult to decide where to start. The very images that Rajasthan conjures up are steeped in romance and beauty. The images of magnificent forts and palaces, golden deserts, colorful and smiling faces, vibrant dances and music, and the sight-seeing of king of jungle- the tiger.

For the uninitiated-if there are any such people left-there is much more to Rajasthan than just Jaipur and Udaipur, though these two uniquely lovely cities have their own substantial, well-documented charm. There is Jodhpur - the citadel city, Pushkar - renowned for its camel fair, Jaisalmer - the desert capital of Rajasthan, and Mount Abu - only hill station of Rajasthan and a famous Jain pilgrimage.

Rajasthan is one of the largest Indian states physically though the major part of it is desert. Population density is low compared to other state in Rajasthan. Hinduism is the major religion and Hindi is spoken by a majority of people (the local dialect is Rajasthani). Rajasthan has-

Rajasthan is a majestic tapestry of camels plodding over soft sand dunes of the Thar Desert. It is a kaleidoscope of brightly turbaned men with proud moustaches, women with twinkling anklets in colorful swirling ghagras. The landscape is dotted with island palaces shimmering on idyllic blue lakes, temples and fortresses situated on hilltops of the rugged and rocky Aravallis, gardens with pavilions and kiosks and always a few dancing peacocks. The mansions have exquisite a miniature paintings or life size frescoes. Dancing wooden puppets and wandering minstrels have for generations transmitted folklore, legend and local history - many an episode of romance, knightly prowess and chivalry connected with the 'Land of Kings.'

Forts and palaces of Rajasthan have still managed to keep alive the magic of the fierce culture and traditions of this state. Ravaged by the wars and impact of time, these great monuments are now again playing hosts to number of visitors. The initiative taken by the government and the former occupants of these structures to recreate them for modern hospitality industry has led to great demand amongst the tourists to visit them.