Rajasthan

The best time to visit Rajasthan is October to March as days are sunny, not too humid, with cooler nights.

Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Rajasthani

Rajasthan's history is entangled with real life stories of great warriors - depicting the great example of conquest and sacrifices. The trails which takes a tourists on a path to explore the vividness of the vibrant Rajasthan is obviously more than what words can speak! Colorful festivals, art & culture, forts and palaces, winds of sand dunes, dance of enjoyments, camel safari etc. are the best showcase of Rajasthan glorious history.

This unique and versatile Indian state is abode of Kshtriyas, warrior clans who claims to originate from the Panch Tatava (Sun, Moon & Fire). This North-Western part of India had been controlled by them for over more than 1000 years. The history of human settlements in the state is about 5000 years old. The richness of its history can be estimate by visiting the place many a times. It is said about the Rajasthan's history that the state has more history that the rest part of the country.

The major parts of the Rajasthan have been occupied by the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappans). The land was invaded by various empires of that time. Excavations carried out in northern Rajasthan at Kalibanga around 1998 revealed the existence of human settlements of Harappan times on the banks of river that dried up later which is believed to be Sarswati. During 321 - 184 BCE Rajasthan was the part of the Mauryan Empire. Republics like Hunas, Kushans, Malvas, Arjunas. Saka Satrap etc emerged in a Rajasthan.

The climate of Rajasthan varies from arid to sub-humid as it is situated in the desert area. The west of Aravallis receives low rainfall, low humidity and high velocity winds annually. Whereas, the east of Aravallis enjoys low velocity wind with high humidity and much better rainfall.

Summer season in Rajasthan is hot and humid. Average temperatures can rise up to 45 degrees. Mount Abu is a good option for a summer visit to Rajasthan.

Monsoon stretches from July to September with increased humidity. Udaipur is the best place to visit in Rajasthan during monsoon season.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

Taxis –  A car hire is the most preferred way to travel in Rajasthan due to its well-built roads. However, beware of drivers who overcharge tourists. 

Buses –  The Rajasthan Tourism Department (RTDC) runs luxury buses connecting various cities in the state.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

Do’s

• Do cover yourself with travel insurance for thefts, loss and medi-claim. Do exchange money only through authorize banks or money changers.
• Change money only at Authorized Foreign Exchange Outlets / Banks / Hotels and insist on receipt.
• It is advisable to avail paid taxis/auto-rickshaws (three wheeler Taxis), wherever available at the airports and railway stations. For metered taxis insist on paying by meter or ask for a fare chart.
• Use Licensed  guides for sightseeing who owns a valid ID card.
• Keep valuables in hotel locker / safe deposit valid and get receipt.
• Always  take safe and packages drinking water and consume fresh fruits and food.
• Do immunize yourself against various diseases like  typhoid, malaria, hepatitis and tetanus that are prevalent in India.
• Respect the religious and sacred places of worship. Always take off your shoes while entering there. Some Hindu temples and Gurudwaras don’t allow you to enter unless you cover your head. So take care of that.

DON’TS

• Don’t accept any food or drink from your fellow passengers at any circumstances and equally do not offer your food to any other.
• Don't act confused while traveling. Keep a posture of a person known to the region.
• Don't accept lavish hospitality extended by strangers/unknown persons especially while shopping for jewellery and expensive items.
• Don’t consume street food and raw food salad, fruits etc.
• Do not offer to shake the hand of a person of the opposite sex unless they offer first.
• Do not take pictures of people without asking permission. Photography within airports, of military installations, bridges and at "sensitive" border areas are not permitted.
• Do not take offers of spiritual salvation and magic remedies from saints, god men and quacks. There is no way you can distinguish the genuine ones from the crooks.
• Don't encourage beggars.
• It is quite a closed society. So avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing and too scanty.