Rajasthan

Revel in the amazing spectacle called Pushkar. Thousands of camels, horses and other cattle along with their owners camp in the sand dune. Trade goes brisks and deals are made and animals exchanged. It is an assemblage of men with large colorful turbans, women wrapped in exquisite jewelry from head to toe, and children dressed in colorful, traditional attire. The fair is initially devoted to the trade of camels, sheep, horses and cows. Their owners, dressed in colorful attire use all of their persuasive skills to sell them at the most competitive prices. The festival also offers the women an opportunity to purchase a huge variety of jewelry items. There are also stalls where colorful clothing is sold as well as tattoo shops, jugglers and fire dancers. As the fair nears its climax, various competitive events are held, such as camel races, musical chairs, and beauty contests. All in all it makes for a photographer's delight. There is also the Brahma temple here. Brahma temple is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshiped and the main attraction of Pushkar. The temple has a special position in Hindu pantheons. There is life-size four-armed idol of Lord Brahma - the creator in the vestibule. Pushkar Lake has immense significance for the followers of Hinduism. According to the legends, the lake was dedicated to Lord Brahma after a lotus fell from his hands and dropped into this picturesque valley. A lake sprang up on the same spot latter on which is considered holy.

Guarded by the imposing Meherangarh Fort and surrounded by city walls, Jodhpur, with its blue houses, resembles a sea on the edge of the Thar Desert. Named after its 15th century founder Rao Jodha, this city, at the base of a sandstone ridge, is the second largest in Rajasthan and was capital of the Marwar kingdom for five centuries. Visitors can walk through the majestic Meherangarh Fort which has stunning views of 'the blue city', visit the Jaswant Thada memorial, stroll around the royal gardens at Mandore, and savour the wonderful food and hospitality that are hallmarks of this region. Another fascinating sight is the Umaid Bhawan Palace, built between 1929 and 1942 as a public works project to bring employment to impoverished locals. Today it is an incredible art-deco royal residence, as well as a luxury hotel, where the Maharaja of Jodhpur and his family still live.

A half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort. En route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people. Proceed to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037.

Set amongst rolling hills, with its shimmering lakes, beautiful views and large open spaces, Udaipur is considered by many as the most beautiful and romantic city in Rajasthan. Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, it is surprisingly quiet and traffic-free. It has the atmosphere of a small town, with winding alleyways and tree-lined streets leading to the impressive City Palace, which overlooks the legendary “floating” Lake Palace: a fantastical place that rises up from Lake Pichola itself. Udaipur is also one of Rajasthan’s great centres of contemporary art as well as of miniature paintings.