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GENERAL INFORMATION ON RAJASTHAN

Varied Geography : Deserts, Forests and Wetlands
The Desert : Eastern extension of the great Saharo-Tharian desert expanse
Only Hill Station : Mount Abu
Forest Range : Ranthambhore, Bharatpur

Desert, Rajasthan
Desert, Rajasthan


Geographical Overview of Rajasthan

The north-western state of India, Rajasthan is a land of discreet topography ranging from the desolate desert, scrub-thorn forests, lofty hill ranges, rock and ravines to wetlands and lush green forests. There are many beautiful meadows, crystal lakes, roaring waterfalls and shimmering rivulets meandering through the countryside, making the desert state of Rajasthan a favorite tourist destination.

As Varied As Fingers On Your Palm

Landscape of Rajasthan is dissected by the Aravalli Range, which extends diagonally across the state, restricting the wandering of the Thar desert eastwards. The Aravalli Hills is considered to be the oldest existing mountain range in the world with its highest point at Guru Shikhar (1721 m), the summit of Mount Abu. The view from the apex is mesmerizing and persuates a person to feel as the king of the world. The topography of rajasthan is drained by two major river systems. The Chambal, which is the only perennial river in the state, forms part of the eastern border between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The southern region of Rajasthan is nourished by the Mahi and Sabarmati rivers, while the Luni, which originates about 7 km north of Ajmer, is the only seasonal river in the barren western Rajasthan. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east. Get the general information on Rajasthan.

Mount Abu Hills, Rajasthan
Mount Abu Hills, Rajasthan


Come to the famous cities of Jaisalmer and Bikaner, to experience the eastern extension of the great Saharo-Tharian desert expanse, which embrace 68 % of the state's geographical area and represents 61 % of India's land covered by desert. Enjoy the arid climate in Marusthali (Region of Death) and the immortal experience of camel ride amidst the sand dunes, which are formed partly by the erosion of rugged, barren slopes dotting the desertscape and partly from sands carried from the Rann of Kutch by the south-westerly winds. It is difficult to imagine that this now arid desert region was once covered by massive forests and was a favored habitat to a large number of animals. Do you know that in 1996, two amateur paleontologists discovered animal fossils in the Thar desert, which dates back to 300 million years. Pay a tour to the Akal Wood Fossil Park, 16 km from Jaisalmer, to see the mammoth relics of dinosaurs and other primitive ancestors. Plant fossils preserved there, as old as 45 million years indicate that, geologically, the desertification of Rajasthan is relatively recent and an ongoing evolution.

The Hadoti Plateau zone falls to the eastern part of the state and is peppered by hill folds and ridges, most notably around Chittorgarh, Bundi and Ranthambhore. Composed mainly of sandstone, the terrain forms a tabletop rich in black soil and this landscape of Rajasthan makes it is the home of the Great Indian Tiger.

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