Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings”
2-4 November 1979
Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings”, is a realm of deserts, forts, and royal legend in northwestern India. Once home to ancient tribes and the proud Rajput clans, it was divided into many princely states ruled by warrior rulers such as those of Mewar, Marwar, and Amber. The Rajputs built magnificent forts and palaces — symbols of honour and resistance against Mughal and later British power.
The Pink City of Jaipur, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, became a marvel of urban planning, with grand avenues and the famed Hawa Mahal. Ajmer, founded in the 7th century, flourished under the Chauhans and is revered today for the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi saint whose shrine draws pilgrims of all faiths. Nearby Pushkar, one of India’s oldest towns, is sacred to Lord Brahma and encircles the holy Pushkar Lake.
Every year, the Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela) transforms the desert into a vibrant carnival of traders, pilgrims, and performers — blending devotion, music, and colour. Rajasthan’s timeless sands still echo with tales of chivalry and spirituality, where Jaipur’s elegance, Ajmer’s sanctity, and Pushkar’s mystique capture the spirit of India’s royal desert heart.
The Pink City of Jaipur, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, became a marvel of urban planning, with grand avenues and the famed Hawa Mahal. Ajmer, founded in the 7th century, flourished under the Chauhans and is revered today for the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi saint whose shrine draws pilgrims of all faiths. Nearby Pushkar, one of India’s oldest towns, is sacred to Lord Brahma and encircles the holy Pushkar Lake.
Every year, the Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela) transforms the desert into a vibrant carnival of traders, pilgrims, and performers — blending devotion, music, and colour. Rajasthan’s timeless sands still echo with tales of chivalry and spirituality, where Jaipur’s elegance, Ajmer’s sanctity, and Pushkar’s mystique capture the spirit of India’s royal desert heart.
