At many places, heirs of erstwhile royalty have managed to blend their glorious patronage with more democratic demands of present-day India and subdued opulence of international stature. The grandeur of Rajasthan’s forts and palaces come alive with interesting legends of intrigue, sacrifice, romance, chivalry and heroism of the local Rajput rulers and their queens. Local folk artists of the region immortalize their heroes through drama, puppet shows, dance, songs and music that etch vivid pictures of their lives in the minds of the audience. The acrobatic performances of the folk dancers find their parallels in bright colored frescoes found on the walls of houses and mansions in the Shekhawati region and various forms of Rajasthani paintings that are world-renowned. Tourists cherish the folk performances as well as love to explore the other arts and crafts of the state – be it woodwork, jewellery, unique prints and fabrics or embroidered accessories.
At Rajasthan, life is celebration itself. Whether it is architecture of the great temples or palaces or bright colored walls of mud houses in villages with wall paintings, people of Rajasthan find ways to express their jubilant spirit irrespective of their harsh surroundings. Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan offer tourists an opportunity to witness several unique characteristics of Rajasthan at once – including long mustaches, strange beard styles and carefully tied vibrant turbans that men are so proud of. If you are lucky enough to witness Pushkar’s famous camel fair, you will be surprised to see how camels are beautifully ornamented for the occasion and compete with each other in various races and dance shows.
Women of Rajasthan invariably have a graceful style of walking that perhaps comes from years of practice of balancing several pots of water on their heads without using their hands. Their flared ghagharas, cholis and odhnis attract tourists with mirror work, intricate embroidery designs and dazzling colors. Tie-and-dye and block prints and natural dyes are quite popular in Rajasthan. Even with veiled faces, their eyes will dazzle you with their intensity and brightness. Heavy jewellery is a mark of superiority of families and tourists can find some beautifully worked pieces to try themselves at the fairs. Festivals also offer you a chance to see unique traditions of the region.
Rajasthan’s royal elephant ride is an indispensable part of any luxury tour of the region. But it is the hospitability and warmth of the caretakers at the luxury heritage hotels throughout Rajasthan that form the crux of the luxury tour charm of the state. Most of the heritage hotels of Rajasthan were once the palace, fort, outhouse, guesthouse or hunting lodge of the erstwhile royalty of the region that were meant for their personal use or use of their special guests. All guests in these heritage hotels are still treated as eminent royal guests and accorded the same respect and servitude that befits this designation. Whether you opt for luxury tour of Rajasthan or not, the state offers a number of delights to make your vacations memorable.
