Rajasthan, "Land of Kings", the largest of India"s States by area is a riot of colors and home to magnificent forts and palaces rising from the desert sands built around legends and myths centered around the Rajput tenet of ‘death before dishonor’. It is often said that there is more history in Rajasthan than the rest of India put together. Then there are the festivals of Rajasthan, numerous, boisterous and colorful that bring the desert to life every so often. Of particular interest are Jaipur"s Elephant Fair in March after Holi, the “Festival of Colors”, and Pushkar"s famous Camel Fair in October/November each year.
This weeklong tour of Rajasthan is the definitive tour of this state and offers glimpses into the history and culture of state and into the lives of the war-like Rajputs who legend has it descended variously from the sun, the moon and fire. Fiercely proud and independent their history of the last 1000 years is redolent with wars where they fought off all manner of invaders and in periods of peace fought among themselves, somehow finding time to build the magnificent forts and palaces that are their legacy to the world today.