Western India

There is plenty to see in the West, which makes it a particularly touristy area.

wildlife

Sariska National Park and Ranthambore National Park are both home to tigers. However, the chances of spotting them are low especially at Sariska since there are barely a handful left, unless you decide to spend a week or more at these places. The Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary on the outskirts of Bharatpur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to over 275 species of migrant birds. Don't expect miles and miles of forest green in these sanctuaries, most of the landscape is dry and slightly rocky scrubland.

forts and palaces

The spectacular forts of Rajasthan were originally unforgiving defensive citadels, but by the mid-16th century luxurious palaces, pleasure pavilions and gardens were added, displaying Mughal-inspired features. In the early 20th century there was another spate of palace building in Rajasthan and Gujarat. As a result of increasing contact with the British Raj, a marked European influence in both architecture and décor is clearly visible in these palaces.

Hill forts such as the ones in Chittorgarh and Jodhpur are the most impregnable examples of Rajasthani forts. The forts at Jaisalmer, on the other hand, lie amidst the sand-dunes of the Thar Desert. Bharatpur's Lohagarh fort used thick mud walls for protection.The Neemrana fort Palace, now a hotel (http://www.neemranahotels.com/) is another architectural wonder with brilliantly designed balconies and lush green patches.

Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner was built in 1902 and is a wonderful example of Indo-European architecture. The unique blend of both styles in reflected in the banquet halls and old-fashioned billiard rooms. The Wankaner Palace is crowned with Italianate pillars and Gothic arches. The cities of Jaipur and Udaipur have the best palaces.