Rajasthan is not only the largest state in India but also covers most of the large Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert. This desert borders Pakistan to the west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north. The State of Rajasthan was formed in 1949, when The Rajput princely states merged into the Dominion of India.

Tourism is big in Rajasthan and accounts for 8% of Rajasthan’s domestic product as you’ll see for yourself. Who wouldn’t want to see the palaces, lakes and desert forts established by the Rajput Kings? Who wouldn’t want to stay in one of these palaces and forts that have been converted into hotels? We certainly did. If that isn’t enough for most people, prepare to shop until you drop. Rajasthan is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts.

Rajasthan is easy to get to. Fly from Delhi or other destinations directly to Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. The majority of tourists begin their Rajasthan exploration in Jaipur, the capital and largest city in the state. These three cities have airports and you can start a Rajasthani tour in any one of them. Hire a car with guide and driver, or train. If you really want to blow an inheritance or sell the family jewels, take the Palace on Wheels train. Prices aren’t even available unless you book on-line or contact a travel agent. For the rest of us, there are overnight trains that reach many of these cities. I suggest avoiding a nervous breakdown and pay the small price to have a local agent book your train reservations. Same goes for plane tickets.

You want to visit and stay in Jaipur, Bikaner, Mandawa, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Those are the big five. While in these places, see Havelis, a term used for a private mansion in India and Pakistan and decorated with incredible and artistic frescoes on the walls. There are Jain Temples, yellow sands, pink sandstone majestic forts standing high on rugged and rocky hills. It is said that Rajasthan has the highest number of forts in the world.

If you have more time, think about exploring Rajasthan on horseback, a camel safari, the bird sanctuary at Bharatpur for birders, and world-famous Ranthambore…tiger, tiger, burning bright, in the forests of the night…for a chance (and I do mean chance…there are no guarantees) to spot these magnificent cats.

For now, let’s begin in Jaipur…