Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the Land of the Kings, is India at its exotic and colourful best. It is the home of the Rajputs a group of warrior clans who have controlled this part of India for 1000 years according to a code of chivalry and honour akin to that followed by medieval Europe's knights. Although the fortunes of its former rulers may be in tatters, the culture of Rajasthan, with its battle-scarred forts, amazing palaces, riotous colours and sense of gallantry, is still very much alive.

The harsh Rajasthani landscape and tribal customs have fashioned a people and culture which are visibly different from those found in the rest of India. From the huge, pastel-coloured turbans and soup-strainer moustaches sported by the men to the bright mirrored skirts and chunky silver jewellery of the women. They have also endowed the state with a magical air of romance, speckled with desert forts, lush oases, and exotic cities that rise out of the landscape like shimmering backdrops to Tales of the Arabian Nights. No-one visits Rajasthan without taking home superb memories and a swag of folk art.

Jodphur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan which is situated on the edge of the inhospitable Thar Desert and dominated by a formidable fort straddling an unlikely sandstone bluff that protrudes some 125m in the middle of the city centre. The city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and the old quarter is surrounded by a 10km long 16th century wall. It's a truly fascinating place to wander around with a jumble of raucous, narrow streets, textile, silver and handicraft bazaars.

Dont's:
When visiting mosques or temples shorts or sleeveless tops are not to be worn. Smoking and the holding of hands, the touching of carvings or statues and the touching of someone's head is not permitted. Removal of shoes prior to entry. These apply to both men and women. In some mosques you will be required to cover your head.

Never point the soles of your feet to another person or statue.

The right hand should be used for all occassions. The left is considered dirty.

When swimming nudity is not allowed, even in remote areas. Women should wear a sarong if they are in public view.

Some animals are considered sacred, please check with local authorities.

Extreme climate, warm inland from April to mid-June falling to almost freezing at night in winter, between November and February. Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September. The climate is pleasant between October and March, blast-furnace hot between April and June, and dripping with humidity between July and September.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens in summer with warmer clothes in winter and on cooler evenings. Waterproofing is essential during monsoons. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer between June and September.