Population: about 57 million

Area: 342,239 sq Km

Capital: Jaipur

Rajasthan 'the Land of the Kings' is a state of palaces and maharajahs, forts, deserts and camels, tigers and much more.

Lying to the south-west of Delhi, Rajasthan's western edge forms a border with Pakistan along the Thar Desert.  The state capital, Jaipur, is known as the Pink City due to the pink sandstone used in the buildings, most exquisitely demonstrated in the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds built in 1799.  Jodphur is known as the Blue City due to the indigo paint of the traditional Brahmin homes.  Jaisalmer, on the camel-train route between India and Central Asia is the most westerly town in the state and is dominated by a huge fort built in 1156.  Pushkar, centred around a sacred lake, is famous for its camel fair held annually in November.

Colour is also a feature of the people of Rajasthan; bright red mirror-inlaid saris and red, yellow or orange turbans are eye-catching , as are the large moustaches, large silver anklets and nose rings.