Known as the land of Maharajahs, the desert lands of Rajasthan are an utmost colorful mix of agglomeration, temples, forts, palaces, and Havelis or Nobel Houses. The Hindu rites and rituals are like the sprinkling of bright paint on a land known for its warm hospitality and grace. The State offers a mix of delights for sightseeing, cultural experience and wild adventures.

The state is a destination created by Maharajahs well known for their historical resistance to the invading Mughals...and at the same juncture they established architectural emblems known for creativity and grandeur. That is Rajasthan the land of warrior tribes the brave hearts that paddled resistance against the invaders and are yet extolled for warm hospitality and architectural excellence by tourists.

The era of conquests is over now hospitality and festivities rule the roost in Rajasthan. The greatest attractions are the forts and palaces that exhibit grandeur and marvelous craftsmanship. On one visit you will realize that India is much more than the Taj Mahal and the Mughal creators. A visit to the land of Maharajahs opens the window that peeks into architectural excellence this country portrays all over.

Most of the Rajasthani monuments are popular for their latticed screen or jaali work as known in India. This is extreme fine carving in stone using geometric patterns or animal motifs. They served as look out for women in purdah especially the royal harems and sometimes where used for spying. But the lure of the artwork is stunning and intrigue for visitors. The lattice work is also part of Indo-Islamic designs where ornamental or plant based motifs find greater use through calligraphy.

Another notable structure in Rajput Architecture is the construction of chattri or umbrella or dome shaped turrets or small pavilions seen in many palaces, forts and cenotaphs. This is a common element of architecture in monuments all over the State. Found on rooftops and corners of building they find little use but are more of a sign of power or wealth of the owners a short of royal insignia. These are raised on four pillars with fine paintings in the interiors.

You can see this ornamental structures on visit to Alwar, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ramgarh, Junjhunu, Fatehpur and Jaisalmer. There are found in edifices of small towns and as well.

Jharokhas are another unique features of Rajasthani architecture. An overhanging enfolded balcony that juts out or protrudes from the structure more like a extended window out of the wall plane. But these are exquisitely carved and were mostly used by the royal ladies to witness outside events.

But these are components the palaces and forts are unique features of Rajasthan in themselves. These colossal giants include of all elements of construction and are in fact citadels comprising of various components like the palace halls or darbar, the living quarters of Royals, temples, the elegantly manicured gardens and the unique step wells. In case of attacks the community could hold in for long period of time. The forts have been built at higher elevation over looking the vast urbanity and plains. The ramparts can be seen for miles which could host a garrison and their armaments.

Jaipur has three forts of which most popular is the Amer Fort. The Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Forts are also worth a visit. Other interesting structures are the Jaipur Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar an astronomical structure constructed by Maharajah Jai Singh II.

Udaipur the City of Lakes is a Mewar Kingdom in Rajasthan. Places of interest are the Udaipur Summer Palace at Pichola Lake and famous Jag Mandir in between the lake . Forts worth a visit are the Kumbhalgarh Fort and Chittorgarh Fort.

In between Udaipur and Jodhpur is a village called Ranakpur which is of religious significance. This spiritual destination houses famous Jain Temple with unique construction and fine carvings. The architectural excellence attracts thousands of visitors every year. Made of marble it contains 1444 pillars each with unique features that stand apart. The pillars are intricately carved with designs of damsels, animals, plants and complex geometrical patterns.Spread over a base of 48000 sq.ft Ranakpur Temple houses 84 Jain Idols and twenty nine halls for worshipers.

The State is truly enchanting. A visit of Rajasthan on tour will be a cultural experience of exotic and esoteric kind. New Delhi is the best place to begin the journey here. Well connected is the Golden Triangle which includes a visit to Agra and Jaipur but more towns could be included in the itinerary.