Rajasthan - The Land of Kings

Rajasthan the largest state in India (about the size of Germany). Boarding on Pakistan, it is primarily made up of the large, inhospitable Thar Desert. Emerging from a mosaic of 22 feudal kingdoms (princely states), Rajasthan was comprised of Moghul Kings who made their riches off the trade and the land being strategically located along the lucrative silk route. Bright silks and colourful buildings all contribute to having the state life up to its reputation as the colourful state. Home to some of the most decadent and massive forts and palaces, the architecture reflects the true opulence of indo-Islamic architecture. The elegant window screens are intricately a part of all the palaces and they were designed to bring in light and air while providing privacy and keeping the building shaded from the hot sun. These elegant designs make each palace a joy to explore from within, looking out from behind the veil into the courtyards, over the sweeping landscapes and towering over the cities.

Udaipur - The WhiteCity: The river bed captures the reflection of the blue sky and the white washed palaces and havales (mansions) built along its shoreline or floating in the middle of the lake - this ambiance gives the city the title of most romantic (it's other claim to fame is being home to the James Bond movie, Octopusy). The finale of a bollywood feature film was being shot when were at the palace - bringing the palace to life with full costume, music, dancing and confetti.

Jaisalmer - The GoldenCity: Located on the boarder of Pakistan, this city is one giant sandcastle - with a sand-stone fortress rising out of the desert and looking over the city of Jaisalmer. A 3-day camel safari into the Thar desert allowed us to experience the heat, isolation and tranquil solitude of the desert.

Jodhpur - The BlueCity: Towering 400 feet above the blue-washed cubed roofed houses, is the massive red-sandstone Mehrangarh fort rising out the red cliff. We were fortunate enough to bump into some fellow travelers that we met on the beach in Goa - Roman from NYC and Estella from Barcelona and stayed at this wonderful guest house with an amazing roof-top patio overlooking the lake.