here can be sub-zero in the winters, though at 12° C as average, and with days filled with sunshine, this is the best time for visitors to travel within the state. Summers, not surpris ingly, are hot and dry, and though the fierce luh winds have now ceased as a result of the large-scale plantation, the temperature hovers in the vicinity of 45° during the day.

Principal Destination :- So rich is the history of the land that every roadside village has its own tales of valour and sacrifice for the telling. However, for most visitors, lengthy forays would be difficult, though camel safaris sometimes offer them the opportunity to interact with people who may have never stepped out of their villages ­ or seen rainfall. A quick reference to the principal settlements is provided alphabetically below.

Ajmer :- A 7th century Chauhan stronghold, Ajmer is a pilgrimage centre for Muslims tho~ people from all religious backgrounds come to pray at its dargah. The British developed Ajmer as an educational centre, and Mayo College, once an exclusive school for boys from royal families, is now among the country's best private schools.

Alwar :- Once known as Mewat, the Rajput kingdom came under Muslim domination during the 13th-18th centuries with intermittent attempts to win it back which, Kachchawaha prince succeeded in doing in 1771. Alwar has some beautiful lakeside palaces, no all open to the public.

Barmer :- A 13th century fortified town, Barmer is in the heart of the desert and is known for the quality of its wood and stone carvings. Earlier fortifications reveal the far limits where the Rajputs raised defense out­ posts.

Banswara :- Ribbed with streams and covered with dense forests. Banswara lies off the conventional tourist circuit. Artificial lakes and dams, and the ruins of ancient temples make this an exciting place to discover.

Bharatpur :- The only Jat kingdom in the state, the rock-hard mud fortifications of its fort proved invincible even under repeated siege. The fort houses early rem­ nants of artifacts and sculpture, while the modern palace outside is a sprawling structure. However, Bharatpur is better known as a bird sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park).

Bikaner :- Founded by one of the scions of the house of Jodhpur, Bikaner's 15th century history combines adventure with enterprise. In later centuries, as an ally of the Mughals and the British, it was able to develop as a modern state, though its architectural attractions remain splendidly Rajput. One of the principal outposts of the desert, it is also a major centre for camel breeding.

Bundi :- Nestled in a fold of the Aravalli hills, Bundi bristle with medieval enchantment. Its fortifications house palaces and apartments, artificial lakes and water­ side pavilions. Ruled by the Hada Rajputs, Bundi is renowned for its Rasleela frescos.

Chittaurgarh :- The former capital of the Sisodia rulers of Udaipur, Chittaur perches atop the scraggy spine of the Aravallis. Sacked by Allaudin Khilji in the 14th century, by the sultans of Gujarat in the 16th century, and finally by the Mughal emperor Akbar's forces, it was abandoned by its rulers who vowed never to return unless they could avenge their defeat. The few remaining palaces and towers are part of its stirring history.

Deeg :- The summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, it is known for its Jat architecture and for the coloured fountains and pleasure pavilions that are contained within a fortified environment.

Dungarpur :- A Bhil stronghold in the foothills of the Aravallis, this fertile region was created into a state in the 13th century. Since the natural protection afforded it isolation, a highly decorative style of architecture developed.

Jaipur :- The capital of the modern state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a modern city built according to the specifi­ cations laid down in ancient architectural texts. Known as the pink city on account of the flush colour of its sandstone palaces, it is a major centre for handicrafts. Its former capital, Amber, consists of fortifications with an interesting range of highly decorated public and private apartments.

Jaisalmer :- The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has an ancient history linked with its development as a trading centre. Parts of its 'golden' fort continue to be inhabited, and its cobbled streets lead through a journey of medieval enchantment. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite stone-carved havelis or mansions of the merchants who held the reins of its destiny.

Jhalawar :- A 19th century offshoot of Kota, its verdant land­ scape is unusual for a desert state. Its fort functions as a government office but the 9th century Gagron Fort close by is one of the most important citadels of Rajput history.

Jodhpur :- The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's history is evident in the hilltop eyrie, Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written. Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the innards of the fort. Once within, the architecture is less formidable, with delicate windows and painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view of the 20th century artdeco Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Kota :- One of few perennial rivers in Rajasthan, the Chambal is flanked by verdure and fertile plains. Located on its banks, Kota is a modern, industrial­ ised city, but its antecedents are as romantic as any other Rajput kingdom. This is evident in its many palaces, and the large fort with its fabulous paint­ ings known for their hunting scenes.

Kumbhalgarh :- Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh is Rajasthan's highest fort, and its most formidable. If its air is rife with medieval tales of intrigue and treachery, it is be­ cause its history is characterised by some of the pivotal points that characterised the Sisodia dynasty.

Mount Abu :- A summer retreat in the Aravallis with a large lake and several temples, it also doubles ay pilgrimage centre with its 11th-13th century Dilwara Jain temples known for the quality of their sculpturing.

Nagaur :- Located between Bikaner and Jodhpur, yet largely bypassed, Nagaur serves as an important link in the state's martial history, and its fort has frescos in the Mughal and Rajput styles.

Pushkar :- A pilgrimage centre with the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma, the Creator, Pushkar is the venue of an annual camel fair.

Udaipur :- A lake city, and the capital of the Ranas of Mewar, founded in the 16th century, Udaipur is known for it fairy tale palaces that nestle along the banks of a lake, or completely cover islands in its midst. The Sisodia rulers of Chittaurgarh who ruled here obviously had more leisure to exercise their taste than at Chittaur where much of their time was spent at war.