Rajasthan is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and mazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are all there in abundance. But they form only part of an intricate tapestry.

Beneath the surface, expect to find many contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly when you escape from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the unexpected, whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view.

The mood and the rhythm of the country side changes from one region to another, and from season to season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing natural beauty that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller.

The history of Rajasthan goes back 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich as its landscape, from the grand palaces and rugged forts to its tranquil and camel safaris to trekking.

Those looking for taste of royal lifestyle just need to check into one of the several palace hotels or heritage hotels that will make it possible for them to be treated like royal guests.

Whether you are visiting Rajasthan's big cities with a fast-moving westernised lifestyle, or exploring historic towns or quaint villages, you will always find the people warm and friendly. And if you want to move away from the regular tourist beat, it is very easy to organise your own tour.

Accommodation could be a palace hotel, a smaller heritage hotel in the country, a guesthouse, a tent or a village hut- the choice is yours. But whatever you choose, you holiday in Rajasthan will be an unforgettable experience and we hope this publication will help you make the most of your time here. Rajasthan has a superb range of shops, catering to every taste and pocket. It is among the richest states in the country as far as handicrafts are concerned. The craftsmen here have been creating the most opulent and richest of treasure. Stone, clay, leather, wood ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles are given the most brilliant forms.

Each little village had its own mohulla of craftsmen who were patronised by the local people as well as visitors to the village. Today, the Government encourages the local handicrafts as well as the small-scale industries and retail outlets have been set up in the major cities. Tourists can choose from the large variety on display, and at very reasonable prices.