Rajasthan is the dessert state in India. The Thar Desert lies along north-western Rajasthan. Yet this state is endowed with natural beauty and a great history and tourism is flourishing in Rajasthan. The palaces of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, desert forts of Jodhpur, Bikaner & Jaisalmer and the Fort of Chittorgarh are among the most preferred destination of tourists, Indian and foreign. Tourism accounts for major part of the states revenue. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into beautiful heritage hotels and restored to its old splendour. These five star hotels are the hot spots for movie shots (including James Bond) and preferred tourists.
Rajasthan is culturally rich and has artistic and cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. The folk culture is both fascinating and mesmerizing with its own distinct style. Dancing in groups is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music is of uncomplicated innocence and songs depict day-to-day relationships and chores. Nature is adored in these songs and dances.The culture of the people here are very environmentally friendly.
In the desert belt of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, cooks use the minimum of water and prefer, instead, to use more milk, buttermilk and clarified butter. Dried lentils, beans from indigenous plants like sangri, ker etc. are used liberally. Gram flour is major ingredient here and is used to make some of the delicacies like khata, gatte ki sabji, pakodi, powdered lentils are used for mangodi, papad. Bajra and corn is used all over the state for preparations of Raabdi, khichdi, and rotis. Various chutneys are made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic.The end product is very tasty.
Rajasthani cuisine is predominantly vegetarian and dazzling in its variety. The spice content is on the higher side, even by standards of normal. Rajasthanis also relish ghee which is an integral part of many of the preparations. The most famous dish would probably be dal-bati, which are spicy lentils with baked balls of wheat with lots of ghee. The variety of sweet dishes is also immense and sweets are relished as much as the spicy curries in Rajasthan.