Rajasthan Tourism

CHAPTER 2
ABOUT RAJASTHAN TOURISM &
RAJASTHAN TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Ltd.
(A Govt. of Rajasthan Undertaking)

CHAPTER 2 ABOUT RAJASTHAN TOURISM & RTDC
CHAPTER 2
ABOUT RAJASTHAN TOURISM &
RAJASTHAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Ltd.
(A Govt. of Rajasthan Undertaking)
INDEX
Sr. No. Particulars Page No.

2.1 Introduction 83-87
2.2 Tourism in Rajasthan 88-92
2.3 Tourism Products in Rajasthan 93-107
2.4 Types of Tourism in Rajasthan 108-112
2.5 Tourism Policy of Rajasthan 113-117
2.6 Types of Tourism Services 118-121
2.7 Awards & Appreciation Won by Rajasthan for Tourism 122-123
2.8 Statistics for Tourism in Rajasthan 124-128
2.9 About RTDC - Introduction 130-131
2.10 Objectives & Functions of RTDC 132-133
2.11 Organization Structure of RTDC 134-135
2.12 Services Provided by RTDC 136-140
2.13 Marketing Agents of RTDC 141-143
2.14 References 144-145
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RAJASTHAN TOURISM
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Rajasthan - 'The Land of Kings, Palaces, Valor and Sacrifices'. Rajasthan

derives its name from “Rajah” “Sthana”, which literally means home of Kings.1
Rajasthan being situated in the Northwest part of India, is a land of majestic
Aravali Hills, crowned with sand dunes of Jaisalmer and Bikaner, Scenic and
serene beauty and warrior princes – the land of regal creatures bird watcher
and many more. The formation of Rajasthan in its present form has come in
gradual states after the independence of the country. The present state of
Rajasthan is effectively a union of 22 former princely states. Rajasthan has a
total area of 0.342 Sq. Kms, making it geographically the largest state in the
country. The state shares its geographical boundaries with the states of
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in India and
also has a long 1070-Kms west boundary with India’s neighboring country
Pakistan. The topography of Rajasthan mainly comprises of three regions,
namely, the Aravali hills range, the Great Indian Thar Desert and the Eastern
part of the state. The population of the state is around 56.5 Million according
to the 2001 census which constitutes nearly 5.5% of the nation’s population.
The principal language of the state is Rajasthani, the four important dialects
being Marwari in the West, Jaipuri in the East, Malwi in South-east and
Mewati in North-east. Hindi is widely spoken and is rapidly replacing
Rajasthani language.
Rajasthan is a land of great beauty and diversity. From the Thar Desert in the
west to the fertile Southeastern plains, Rajasthan's topography too shares in
this diversity. The state is home of brave Rajput warriors, is popular for its
culture, from the lively folk dances to the many schools of Indian classical
music. The main cities in Rajasthan are Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mount Abu,
1
Ashok Aima, Jaya Bhasin and Rachna Gupta, Research Paper on “Heritage
Tourism in Rajasthan: Study of Leadership Styles” in Colombo Conference of
India Tourism Congress, 14th June 2011.
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Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Chittor, Bharatpur and Alwar which enjoying benefit of

tourists attraction. The customs and traditions, fairs and festivals, handicrafts,
art and music reflect the very broad spectrum of the Rajasthani culture where
much of the Rajasthani thought, philosophy and culture is being reflected all
over the state.2
Rajasthan accounts a major contributor to the country’s production of gypsum,

silver ore, asbestos, feldspar and mica and has rich salt deposits at Sambhar
and copper mines at Khetri and Dariba. The state is also famous for
production of building stones like sandstone, marble, kotastone and granite in
different colors and in large quantities. Rajasthan also has an emerging
industry sector, the main industries being textiles, manufacture of rugs and
woollen goods, vegetable oils and dyes. Traditional handicrafts such as
jewellery, marble work, embossed brass, block printing, embroidery, pottery
and decorative paintings are good foreign exchange earners for the state. The
state includes heavy industries such as railway rolling stock, copper and zinc
smelting. The chemical industry produces caustic soda, calcium carbides,
fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides. The principal industrial clusters in the
state are at Jaipur, Kota, Alwar, Udaipur and Bhilwara. Another sector that
has always played an important role in the state economy, particularly during
the last few decades is tourism. Rajasthan tourism industry has seen a strong
growth in both the domestic and international tourist arrivals over the
decades.
Tourism industry in Rajasthan is a vital breath in the economic activity.

Tourism has direct and indirect impact on financial, social and cultural life of
people. This industry is considered as leisure industry with many economic
benefits like foreign exchange earnings, regional development, promotion of
local handicrafts and artisans, infrastructure development and increasing
standard of living. The state government has already realized the potentials of
2
Chaman Lal Raina & Abhinav Kumar Raina, “Fundamentals of Tourism and
Indian Religion – Principles and Practices”, Kanishka Publishers, Distributors,
New Delhi, 1st Edition, 2005, Pg.182.
84
this industry for the economic development in the state and has adopted vital
measures to promote tourism in the state adopting schemes like “Padharo
Mhare Desh” means “Rajasthan Invites You”.3 The former president of
USA, Bill Clinton’s visit to Rajasthan helped to turn the world’s spotlight on
this popular tourist destination and the state is already witnessing an
increasing tourist traffic ever since. No doubt officials of Rajasthan tourism are
very enthusiastic about this welcome development and pitching with their
efforts to make Rajasthan a most preferred destination in the world. There are
good reasons to believe why tourism in Rajasthan is being accorded the
priority it deserves? The Chief Minister of Rajasthan has declared tourism as
one of the key area of economic development and termed this sector as the
“Hope Sector” for Rajasthan.
No wonder that Rajasthan has been called the “Designer State” as far as
tourism is concerned because of its people, culture, cuisine, costumes,
clothes and its numberless art forms. In the end it can be said that tourism is
poised to become a people’s industry in Rajasthan by 2010. Really for
Rajasthan Tourism sky is not the limit”. Tourism in Rajasthan is a major
source of revenue earnings and it contributes about 15% of the economy of
Rajasthan. Rajasthan contributes about 11.2 per cent and 3.3 per cent share
in India's foreign and domestic tourist arrivals respectively. To enhance the
role of tourism in the state the Rajasthan government has brought down the
luxury tax from 10% to 8% to boost the tourism industry in the state. Hence
the state Rajasthan has all potential to attract more number of tourists by
providing various types of tourism facilities which play an important role for
growth of the economy.
3
A.K. Raina & Neelu Jain, “Dynamics of Tourism – Concepts, Philosophy and
Strategies”, Kanishka Publishers, Distributors, New Delhi, 1st Edition, 2004,
Pg. 39.
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[www.mapsofindia.com]
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87
2.2 TOURISM IN RAJASTHAN
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Rajasthan is a popular tourist spot in North India and emerged as one of the
popular tourist destinations in India for both domestic and foreign tourists. The
royal land dotted with numerous tourist attraction sites. The rich tourist
attractions of Rajasthan includes numerous forts and palaces, monuments
and structures, lakes and mountains, sand dunes and desert beauty, national
parks and wildlife destinations. Even the cities and towns of Rajasthan are
worth exploring. The state is known for its diversity in terms of natural
resources, cultural heritage, historical as well as archaeological wonders and
rare wild life. The forts and palaces, heritage hotels, colourful fairs and
festivals, local art and handicrafts has been a unique selling proposition for
tourists coming to the state. The desert environment in the Western parts of
the state is also a major attraction for visitors, particularly for foreign tourist.
Rajasthan has emerged as one of the leading state in India and Rajasthan
was the third preference of tourist after Goa and Kerala as travel destination
in India.4
However four decades ago tourism in Rajasthan was small industry that was
largely confined to the selected foreign tourists and domestic pilgrim traffic.
Tourist arrivals were restricted to a few thousand annually and were primarily
recorded in select places such as Jaipur, the state capital, Udaipur and
Jodhpur for foreign tourists and the pilgrim centers of Ajmer, Pushkar and
Nathdwara for domestic tourists. The employment in the sector and the
sector’s contribution to the state economy were limited. However, over the last
few decades, due to the focused efforts of Rajasthan Tourism, various state
government agencies and selected entrepreneurs, tourism has grown from an
elite and pilgrim phenomenon to a mass phenomenon putting Rajasthan firmly
on the foreign and domestic tourist map. Also, as compared to the past,
where the tourism in the state meant only for desert tourism, heritage tourism
and pilgrim tourism, today the tourists have a wide canvas of places,
4
Pg. 164.
89
attractions and activities to choose from the state, which enhances the overall
tourism experience. Thus, Rajasthan recognized the potential attractions of
tourism and it takes various efforts to enhance tourism in the state.
The government of Rajasthan has granted the status of industry to tourism

sector in the year 1989 and all the facilities and concession available to
industries in the state would also be available to tourism units in the state as
per rules in force. The government of Rajasthan takes many measures to
enhance the role of tourism such as efforts will be made to arrange special
tourist trains such as Palace-On-Wheels which has been launched in the year
1996-97 and it has proved to be extremely popular for International tourists
and NRIs, special Intra-state and Inter-state package tours would be
encouraged through private tour operators and travel agents, the state also
encourage air taxi service and helicopter service by air taxi operators within
the state so that tourists visiting the state can visit many places within the
available time and establishing modern well equipped Tourist Reception
Centers (TRC) at important tourists’ destinations which provides important
information like package tours, fairs and festivals and paying guest
accommodation. In order to facilitate dissemination of information to the
tourists from foreign and domestic market, the state will origin such literature,
films, videos and other published material. The special efforts identified in
major areas such as overseas publicity about Rajasthan as a tourist
destination, private marketing and publicity linkages would be established with
the help of travel agents and tour operators to promote tourism in Rajasthan
in the world tourism market. The state also encourage private investment in
developing ancient buildings and heritage properties as tourist resorts,
government and various NGOs operate many fairs and festivals especially
Desert Festival and Pushkar Cattle Festival to attract more number of tourists.
To enhance the role of human resource development in tourism sector, the
state select and train appropriate number of tourists guides at all destinations
and tourist circuits within the state, so that they provide their unique facilities
to tourists.
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Tourism in Rajasthan is an important economic activity which has vital impact

on financial, social and cultural life of people. This industry gives the benefits
of infrastructure development, increasing standard of living, earning foreign
exchange and development of local handicrafts and culture. The tourism
potential and future promise of Rajasthan is very well known and well
documented all over the world. Each and every corner of Rajasthan is an
enjoyable experience in its own way and there are many of tourist attractions
in the state which can offers to tourists. Different cultures, customs and
traditions, fairs and festivals, heritage and pilgrimage places, forts and
palaces and the most hospitable local people can make Rajasthan as the
most peaceful and safest tourist destination of India as well as in South Asia.
The state government of Rajasthan introduces many new tourism products
such as eco-tourism, a canal cruise in river Chamble, camel and horse
safaris, camp tourism, new package tours at reasonable rates, special tax
rebates and exemptions for the tourism sector.
Tourism has a significant multiplier effect on the state economy. It increases

employment opportunities, generating revenue, developing infrastructure,
increasing investment opportunities and revival of traditions and heritage
conservation and management5. It is estimated that every rupee spent by a
tourist changes hands 13 times and that every hotel room generates direct
employment to three persons and indirect employment to eight persons. In
Rajasthan, tourism is the third largest employer after agriculture and textiles
sector. Today the tourism industry in Rajasthan employs many people directly
and indirectly. Its contribution to the State economy is estimated to be over Rs
2000 Crores.
No doubt tourism industry in Rajasthan suffer some social and environmental

problems such as increase in begging, prostitution, cheating and pressure on
local community by influencing their customs and traditions, deforestation,
5
Pg. 95.
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unplanned or unregulated management of tourism programmes, damage to

heritage and pilgrimage places, environment pollution, lack of connectivity and
shopping malpractices. Though it is true that state made many efforts to
increase tourism in the state and to provide tourist facilities government of
Rajasthan establish Department of Tourism (DoT), Rajasthan Tourism
Development Corporation Ltd. (RTDC), Rajasthan Institute of Travel and
Tourism Management (RITTMAN) and many other organizations which play a
vital role for increasing tourism in the state. Also the government of Rajasthan
has undertaken many steps for the improvement and development of tourism
trade in the state yet there is a room to think, to plan and to implement new
and attractive way to give a further boost to this trade. In connection to this
the major new dimensions for the advancements of tourism suggested are
improvement in transportation network by rail, road and air connectivity,
adequate fund allocation to tourism sector and free loans to tourism projects,
human resource development, increasing private sector participation,
preservation of rich heritage palaces, and encouraging new area of tourism
such as MICE tourism, rural tourism, adventure tourism.
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2.3 TOURISM PRODUCTS IN RAJASTHAN
Tourism in Rajasthan is one of the fast growing industry which gives higher
contribution in state by increasing revenue, increasing standard of living,
providing platform to local artisans and culture and developing infrastructure.
There are many tourism products in the state which attracts tourists such as
forts and palaces, shopping, safari tours, wildlife sanctuary parks, heritage
and pilgrimage places, lakes in Rajasthan and many more.
Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan:
Amer (Amber) Fort in Jaipur City Palace in Jaipur
The Royal state of Rajasthan offers many grand forts and palaces, which are
part of the heritage of India and attract a large number of tourists from all over
the world. The capital city Jaipur and other cities such as Jaisalmer, Udaipur,
Chittorgarh and Jodhpur are major popular cities for their historical forts and
palaces in the state. The Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort,
Nahargarh Fort and Jantar Mantar are most visited forts and palaces in the
pink city Jaipur. The city of Jaisalmer is also dotted with many significant
golden fortresses, historical carved havelies.6 Jaisalmer (Sonar) Fort in
Jaisalmer is one of the major attractions for domestic and foreign tourists in
Jaisalmer. The majestic Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhavan Palace
represent the city of Jodhpur which is known for its magnificent palaces.
6
Prakash Talwar, “Travel and Tourism Management – Volume 2”, Isha
Books, Delhi, 2006 Edition, Pg. 34.
93
Similarly Juangarh Fort in Bikaner, City Palace and Lake Palace in Udaipur
are the major attractions for tourists to enjoy heritage of Rajasthan. As all
these forts and palaces in Rajasthan attract more and more tourists in the
state which gives knowledge about history and royal life of king’s who ruled in
the state.
Rajasthan Safari Tours:
Camel Safari in Rajasthan
The state of Rajasthan in western India is a treasure trove of natural beauty,

historic monuments and an amazing wildlife. Rajasthan tourism is one of the
best organized tourism in India and the results of its efficiency, the authorities
have handled tourism which can be seen in the rise in the number of tourists
every single year. Rajasthan has a varied landscape that comprises
magnificent golden sand dunes, majestic hills and good-natured lakes. The
best way to explore this vast land is organized by safaris. The Rajasthan
safari tours offer a different way to explore various tourist destinations in the
state. There are many famous forts and palaces in the state which attract a
large number of tourists from all over the world. The Rajasthan safari tours
are fast becoming the preferred options for most tourists, especially the
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adventurous. The most popular safaris are camel safari, horse safari,
elephant ride and jeep safari.7
The camel safari provides tours to certain places in Rajasthan on camel back,
accompanied by the trainers of the animals and tourist guides. The camel
safaris are very popular in the regions of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
Camel safaris can be quite an experience in Thar Desert which is a part of
Rajasthan.8 Similarly Jeep safaris are quite popular among the tourists owing
to the speed and maneuverability of the vehicles. They can be used to go to
places where the normal tourist vehicles cannot access and where horses
and camels will take a lot of time to reach. Jeeps are particularly useful in
exploring the wildlife in Rajasthan. Jeep safari tours throughout Rajasthan is
an all together new concept which is born to give immense excitement as it is
unique in its kind. Jeep safaris are one of the fastest ways for visit of colorful
Thar Desert. Some of the most popular jeep safari routes in Rajasthan are
Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.
Rajasthan and horses are like the two sides of the same coin. The Rajputs on
horseback, with swords symbolize the royalty of the place. Horse safaris in
this kind of a land are the most innovative, exciting and adventurous way of
leaving behind marks of enjoyment across the sands of Rajasthan. Horse
safaris are relatively a recent addition to the safari tours of Rajasthan. In
Rajasthan, region around Jodhpur, Bikaner and Udaipur are covered by most
horse safaris. In recent times horse safari is organized by some private tour
operators also. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation organizes a
safari on request which starts from Jaipur and the duration of the safari is four
days. The places which could be visited are Anokhi, Shikarbadi, Aodhi and
Ghanerao. The horse safaris during Pushkar fair take the tourist trotting long
the cultural present and reminiscent past of Rajasthan. Elephant ride was
7
Pg. 42.
8
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usually arranged by the archaeological department of the state in the past

years at Amer, but since last few years it is operated by the tourism
department on rotation system and is very popular among the tourists.9
Wildlife Sanctuary Parks:
Sariska Tiger Reserve Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Rajasthan has one of the most varied forms of landscapes and natural
attractions that offer to the tourist. On one side, it has dry Great Indian Thar
Desert while on the other side it has one of the oldest mountain ranges in the
world - the Aravalis. It has also over 25 sanctuaries parks, which can offer a
different tourism experience. The forests of Rajasthan cover an approximately
9.3% of the total geographical area of the state. These forests are spread
unequally in northern, southern, eastern and southeastern parts of the state.
Rajasthan has 4 National Parks and 25 Wildlife Sanctuaries identified by the
State Forest Department. The total area of National Parks and Sanctuaries is
9,161.21 sq. km., which is roughly 2.8% of the geographic area of the state or
30.2% of the forest areas in the state. Although the state has over 25
sanctuaries parks, out of them the National Parks at Bharatpur, Ranthambhor
and Sariska are amongst the popular tourist attractions in the state.10 The
Rajasthan wildlife tourism is the ideal way to systematically explore this
9
Pg. 42.
10
Jagdish Verma, “Dynamics of Indian Tourism – Issues and Challenges”,
Cyber Tech Publications, New Delhi, 1st Edition, 2007, Pg. 106 - 108.
96
fascinating aspect of tourism in Rajasthan. The species that can expect to

spot on the Rajasthan wildlife sanctuary parks include tigers, leopards, jungle
cat, civet, mongoose, hyena, wild boar, sloth bear, sambhar, four horned
antelope, spotted deer, nilgai, gaur, langur and the rhesus macaque. The
black bucks and the great Indian bustard are among the severely threatened
species that are found in Rajasthan.
The major wildlife national parks in the state are Keoladeo Ghana National
Park, Ranthambore National Park and Desert National Park are protected
sanctuary having nearly more than 375 species of birds, Tiger, Elusive jungle
cat, Stealthy leopard, Panther, Neelgai Hyena and Sambhar are major
animals finds in this park which offer good opportunity for tourists who
interested in natural wealth.
Pilgrimage Places:
Dargah Sharif in Ajmer Brahma Temple in Pushkar
Rajasthan is undoubtedly the most charming and colorful state of the country
acknowledged for its lively and colorful traditions, arts, heritage and culture. At
the same time, Rajasthan is home to a number of religious communities that
reside in peace and harmony here. People of various faiths including Hindus,
Muslims, Jains and Christians have lived in perfect communal harmony for
many centuries. This has consequently given rise to a number of religious
sites around the state. The Rajasthan Pilgrimage places can be found spotted
all over the town and are visited by a large number of religious devotees not
only from Rajasthan but from all over the country. Some of the famous
pilgrimage sites in Rajasthan are Dargah Sharif in Ajmer, Dilwara temple in
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Mount Abu, Jain temples in Ranakpur, Karnimata temple in Deshnoke,

Eklingji temple in Udaipur, Shrinathji temple at Nathdwara, Brahma temple in
Pushkar and Govind Devji temple at Jaipur.11 This pilgrimage places in
Rajasthan are easily connected with transport network and right kind of
accommodation are also available. Many tour operators also arrange a
special tour packages for visit of these pilgrimage places which are mostly
visited by tourists.
Shopping in Rajasthan:
The state has something for every traveler, presenting a vast range of arts
and crafts, which is a treat for the visuals and are ready to be picked. The
bazaars spill with products and there is a magnificent glow of colors all over.
Intricate work carved on handicrafts and the wonders of gems and stones and
even more. For instance, the colors dancing on the textiles and fabrics with
silver or gold thread settings and complimented with variety of silk-threads,
beads, gota, zari, zardosi and banarasi are designed by the age old families
of skilled artisans. The major shopping paradise cities of Rajasthan are
Jaisalmer, Kota, Udaipur, Bikaner, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Jaipur. The major
shopping products are vibrant embroideries, wool carpets and blankets, light
cotton quilts and brilliantly dyed cotton fabrics, embroidered fabrics, silver
jewellery, wooden toys, leather goods, paintings, weave cotton sarees, camel
11
Books, Delhi, 2006 Edition, Pg. 88 - 90.
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saddles, blankets, shawls, beads, bangles and many more. Here in Rajasthan
tourists attracts to purchase colorful, handmade cultural products which are
available at many places of Rajasthan at reasonable prices.
Luxury Trains in Rajasthan:
There are numerous ways to explore the majestic state of Rajasthan in

Western India; the most fascinating is the tour in the famous Rajasthan luxury
trains. These trains are not only luxurious but also they take back to the age
of the Maharajas of Rajasthan who used to travel in these grand coaches
within their estates. These trains are the most important attractions of tourism
in Rajasthan. The luxury trains of Rajasthan, India have been formed by
bringing together the coaches and components of the lavish personal trains
used by the erstwhile rulers of wealthy states of Rajasthan and other parts of
India. The Nizam of Hyderabad, the rulers of Rajputana and the viceroy of
India used to travel in these trains. After independence, these coaches were
pulled out of service as they could not be incorporated in the regular trains,
being excessively lavish for such purposes.
At present, most famous Rajasthan luxury trains include the Palace on

Wheels, the Fairy Queen, the Royal Orient and the Royal Rajasthan on
Wheels. Out of all these trains the Palace on Wheels train is the most
celebrated of the four. It is a world famous train, known for its royal splendor.
The coaches of this train have come from the erstwhile estates of Rajasthan
and bear the names of the states they belong to. The train has achieved the
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most fame among the luxury trains of India. This train won the "Readers
Travel Award" by Conde Nast Traveller where Palace on Wheels rated No. 4
Luxury Train in the World. The trip aboard the Palace on Wheels includes
visits to some of the best known destinations in Rajasthan.
The Fairy Queen is yet another among the famous Rajasthan luxury trains.
The train derives its name from the locomotive that draws the two air
conditioned coaches. The Fairy Queen is the world’s oldest running
locomotive. It started its service in 1855 and was taken off service in East
India railway in 1908. The tour covers the cities of Delhi and Alwar and a visit
to the Sariska tiger reserve. The Royal Orient train also gives fascinating
experience of Rajasthan. The train starts from Delhi and travels across the
desert of Rajasthan before moving over to the state of Gujarat. The
destinations covered by the Royal Orient include Chittorgrarh, Udaipur,
Dilwara, Junagarh, Sasangir, Palitana, Jaipur, New Delhi and Ahmedabad. As
considering the success of the “Palace of Wheels” train a new luxury train
“Royal Rajasthan on Wheels” has been introduced by RTDC which also gives
a royal touch of Rajasthan. The ‘Royal Rajasthan on Wheels’ is a joint venture
of the Ministry of Railways, Government of India and Rajasthan Tourism
Development Corporation Ltd., supported by the Department of Tourism,
Government of India. The Rajasthan luxury trains are special trains operated
jointly by the tourism authorities of India and the Indian railways and covering
the many important tourism sectors in India.
Folk Dances of Rajasthan:
Terahtali Folk Dance Chart Fork Dance
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Folk dances of Rajasthan derived from various folk art cultures. They have
their own significance and importance. A medieval history includes the
existence of princely states, which provided patronage to these art forms and
their artists. The major cultural things in Rajasthan include dancing, singing,
drama, devotional music shows and other community festivities which
transform their performance into folk dance. The most famous styles of folk
dance in Rajasthan are Ghoomar Dance, Gait Ghoomar, Gair, Chart Dance,
Terahtali Dance, Kathputli Dance, Kachhi Ghodi and fire dance.12 The
Ghoomar Dance which is basically a community dance for women and
performed on auspicious occasions. The word Ghoomar derived from the
word ghoomna, piroutte, this is a very simple dance where the ladies move
gently, gracefully in circles. Gait Ghoomar is one of the dance form of the Bhil
tribals performed during Holi festival, this is among a few performances where
both men and women dance together. Gair is also another type of fork dance
of Rajasthan which is performs on festival Holi. This dance form known with
different names such as Dandia Gair in Jodhpur and Geendad in Shekhawati.
This magnificent dance is performed by both men and women. This dance
has two versions being the the Dandi Gair of the Marwar region and the
Geendad belonging to the Shekhawati region.
Chart Dance is popular in the Kisherigarh region and involves dancing with a
chari or pot, on one’s head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the pot. Kachhi
Ghodi is a dance performed on dummy horses. Men in elaborate costumes
ride the equally well decorated dummy horses. This is also one of the
remarkable folk dances of Rajasthan and its origins in Shekhawati region. The
primary motive of this dance performance is the amusement of the
bridegroom's party. The performers are dressed in elaborate costumes and
dance as if riding on a dummy horse. Terahtali Dance form is also performed
by women and it is considered as a devotional form of dance. In this folk
dance Manjeeras are tied on the wrists, elbows, waists and arms of the
performers. The women with dexterous and fine movements dance at a
12
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strong rhythm on beats of ‘Manjeeras’, whereas, the male partners sing songs
and play Tandoora.
Fire Dance is the Jasnathis of Bikaner and Chum are renowned for their
tantric powers and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground
is prepared with live wood and charcoal where the Jasnathi men and boys
jump on to the fire to the accompaniment of drum beats. Kathputli Dance
means the dances of puppets. It is a traditional dance of Indian state of
Rajasthan. Through the puppet shows all the real stories of great heros have
been told from village to another. In all these folk dances male and female
dancers wear colourful, embroidered and mirror worked costumes and use
variety of musical instruments such as sarangi, ghunroos, dhol, kartal,
shahenai and ektara to bring out sweetest melody which is one of the major
tourist attraction of Rajasthan for domestic and foreign tourists.
Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan:
Marwar Festival Teej Festival
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Gangaur Festival
In Rajasthan, Department of Tourism, RTDC and other tourism organizations,

organize number of fairs and festivals with fun, frolic excitements and rituals
which are observed throughout the year in the state. The major fairs
organized by these organizations are Desert Triangle, Golden Triangle,
Rajasthan Package, Wildlife Package and Mewar Tour which provides a
unique opportunity to tourists to visits various historical and pilgrimage places
of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is a vibrant, exotic state in India where tradition and
royal beauty meet in a riot of colors against the vast backdrop of sand and
desert. In Rajasthan there is a celebration for every religious occasion almost
round the year. The major celebrations of festivals are Desert Festival,
Gangaur Festival, Pushkar Festival, Marwar Festival, Teej Festival, Nagaur
Fair, Urs Ajmer Sharif, Summer Festival and Baneshwar Fair.
In the all well-known festivals of Rajasthan, the Pushkar Festival is one of the
famous festivals in Rajasthan which is celebrated in the month of Kartik of
each year. An incredible number of camels travel their way across the golden
sands of Rajasthan to collect at Pushkar for the week-long fair devoted to
them. Pushkar is an important pilgrimage in the state and play a role of
important venue of cattle fair. In Pushkar the only temple dedicated to Lord
Brahma (the creator) is located. The Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 flights
of steps called ghats. Pushkar is among the five principal places of Hindu
pilgrimage. The highlight of the Pushkar fair is the trading in camels. Desert
Festival in Jaisalmer is one of the most popular among the festivals of
Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a journey into the heart of the
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Rajasthan desert. Folk performers like musicians, ballad singers, snake

charmers and puppeteers exhibit their traditional skills. There are exciting
camel dances, camel acrobatics, camel races and camel polo, competitions
for the best decorated camel, tug-of-war between musclemen and a turban
tying competition. The Jaisalmer fort provides a delicate backdrop to the
annual desert festival. The Rajasthan State Tourism Corporation sponsored
this festival which is a joyful celebration of the traditional performing arts and
creative crafts of Rajasthan.
The Gangaur Festival is the most important local festival of Rajasthan which
is observed throughout the state with great fervor and devotion by womenfolk
who worship Gauri, the partner of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress
up in their finery and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women
pray for the well-being of their husbands. This Gangaur Festival celebrated
among the all over the Rajasthan and people prepare many sweets, wear
colorful cultural clothes and celebrate this mythological festival. The Marwar
Festival in Jodhpur devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar
region. This is a festival that allows visitor to understand and enjoy the folk
traditions of the state. This festival is organized by the Department of Tourism
and Government of Rajasthan. The Marwar Festival was originally known as
the Maand Festival. Maand is a classical style of folk music centered on the
romantic life style of Rajasthan's rulers and Maand Raag recreates the old
world charm and graceful dances of the desert. Teej Festival in Jaipur is
essentially a women's festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in
groups and at various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery.
Song & dance mark the fun of the Teej Festival celebrated in Jaipur. Teej is
held every year during the Hindu Month of Shravan and marks the advent of
the monsoons. Nagaur Fair in Nagaur essentially an animal fair, it provides an
opportunity to participate in some of the local sports. Nagaur is situated half
way between Bikaner and Jodhpur with the thronging of cattle, horses and
camels accompanied by their colorfully turbaned owners. Games, tug-of-war
contests, camel races and strains of ballads create a joyful atmosphere with
the setting sun in the background. The Nagaur Fair is the second largest fair
in Rajasthan and it is held every year during the Hindu month of Magh. The
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fair is renowned for the trading of cows, bullocks, camels and horses. Their
owners are seen with wearing colorful turbans and flaunting long mustaches.
The Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer held in the memory of the honored Sufi Saint
Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti. It is an occasion for thousands of believers to
congregate at the memorial and offer their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take
on a festive air and several programmes are organised to mark the festival.
The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saints mortal remains lay
covered and is the site of the largest Muslim Fair in India. There are
thousands of devotees offering Chadar; Ghilaph and Neema to the tomb of
Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti to fulfill their wishes.
The Summer Festival, Mount Abu organised at hill station of Rajasthan, this is
the coldest place in the state. Folk dances and a general atmosphere of
gaiety prevail in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample time to relax and
enjoy himself. Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar a religious festival with simple and
traditional rituals. This fair is the centre of attraction of a large number of tribal
from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join their
brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to Lord Shiva. The Baneshwar fair
is predominantly a tribal fair with more than half of the worshippers consisting
of Bhils. Hence all these colorful fairs and festivals create a picture of culture
of Rajasthan and attract many tourists to visit the state and to get experience
the vibrant fairs and festivals of Rajasthan during their royal journey.
Heritage Properties in Rajasthan:
Bhanwar Niwas, Bikaner Bissau Palace, Jaipur
105
The state Rajasthan famous for its history and culture, there are many
heritage properties exist in the state since the time of kings who ruled on the
state which gives experience of their royal lifestyles and knowledge of their
culture. As the government of Rajasthan declares tourism as a brand “Atithi
Devo Bhava” which provides tradition of hospitality which is instant and
spontaneous to visitors, guests and even strangers, continues undiluted since
the days of kings and princes. The post independence democratic India
witnessed the integration of the princely states, abolition of 'jagirs', land
reforms and finally the withdrawal of the special privileges from the royal
families. Consequently the noble families lost their traditional means of
livelihood. In order to tide over the prospect of financial hardship, large
palaces of the Maharajas set the trend by becoming five star hotels. Now
some of the ancestral homes transfer in the new lease of life - as heritage
hotels. Each of these heritage hotels or ancestral homes are different and
having their own history and tradition. In fact one can replicate the experience
of living like a king in a heritage hotel. There are more than 85 heritage
properties in Rajasthan at different cities in such as Jodhpur, Jaipur,
Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Bharatpur and many more. The major heritage properties
are Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur, Bhanwar Niwas, Bikaner, Bissau Palace,
Jaipur, Ajit Bhawan, Jodhpur, Connaught House, Mount Abu, Basant Vihar
Palace, Bikaner and Balsamand Lake Palace, Jodhpur.
Lakes in Rajasthan:
There are number of lakes in Rajasthan which are popular for their pilgrimage
place and tourist place for its natural surroundings and beauty which attracts
tourists to visits these lakes. The famous lakes in Rajasthan are Pushkar
Lake, Pichola Lake, Lake Fetch Sagar, Rajasamand Lake at Udaipur and
Nakki Lake at Mount Abu. One of the famous lakes situated in the middle of
Nag Pahad Hills of the Aravali range, right on the edge of desert, the only one
temple for Brahma the deity in the country is Pushkar Lake. The Lake Pichola
is another lake situated at the back of the city palaces of Maharana. It was
constructed by a Banjara in the 15th century. This lake is fringed by hills,
shrines and ghats on its southern and western periphery. One of the great
attractions of Udaipur is Lake Fetch Sagar which is an artificial lake created
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by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 and reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh.

The Rajasamand Lake also known as Raj Sagar Lake was founded by
Maharana Raj Singh in the late 17th century which 64 kms from Udaipur.
There is also one of the famous lakes in the state Rajasthan is Nakki Talab
which is an artificial lake which was dug by the nails (nakki) of the gods and
therefore it is known as Nakki Lake. The main attraction of this lake is
surroundings hills. The beautiful lake that has never been known to become
dry is surrounded by rocks, parks and temples.13
13
Jagdish Verma, “Dynamics of Indian Tourism – Issues and Challenges”,
Cyber Tech Publications, New Delhi, 1st Edition, 2007, Pg. 267 - 269.
107
2.4 TYPES OF TOURISM IN RAJASTHAN
Figure 2.1
Types of Tourism in Rajasthan
Heritage
Tourism
Adventure Spiritual
Tourism Tourism
TYPES
OF
TOURISM
MICE Cultural
IN RAJASTHAN Tourism
Tourism
Desert Wildlife &

Tourism Eco -
Tourism
Heritage Tourism:
The state Rajasthan has been always famous for its rich heritage and ancient
cultural diversity with glorious past which attracts millions of tourists in each
year. Rajasthan’s rich heritage is adequately reflected in the various temples,
palaces, monuments and forts that can be found everywhere in the state. The
state abounds with some of the best forts and palaces in the country spread
throughout the state. The state government will encourage the preservation,
conservation and upkeep of such heritage properties and selectively open
some of them for being developed into hotels and tourist complex.
The state Rajasthan occupies unique place in heritage tourism because of
various forts, palaces and monuments at various cities of Rajasthan such as
Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mount Abu (Hill station) and Udaipur which attract domestic
108
and foreign tourist every time. Rajasthan is also famous for Mandawa castle.
The government also invited corporate sector to join hands for conservation of
historical heritage and monuments in the state.
Spiritual Tourism:
India is one of the most spiritually enriched places on the earth with gift of
structure of spirituality. India is the spiritual capital of the world because of the
land of the vedas and temples. India, its people, its infrastructure and in fact,
it’s very soil, encourage and foster spiritualism, allowing religions to succeed,
flourish and prosper. Spiritual tours of Rajasthan take one on tours to several
spiritual destinations of the state which are much renowned for their religious
and spiritual significance. The major spiritual places visited in the state are
Khwaja Saheb Dargah (Ajmer), Eklingji temple in Udaipur, Govind Devji
temple at Jaipur, Dilwara temples in Mount Abu and Jain temples in Ranakpur
where tourist receives the peace of mind, refresh their essence, body and
mind.
Cultural Tourism:
India is known for its rich cultural heritage and an element of mysticism, which
is why tourists come to India to experience it for themselves. One can see the
influence of various cultures in dance, music, festivities, architecture,
traditional customs, food and languages. This richness in culture goes a long
way in projecting India as the ultimate cultural tourism destination. Among the
various states for cultural tourism in India, Rajasthan is the most popular state
for its cultural tourism. Rajasthan is famous for its rich cultural heritage and
renowned for many magnificent palaces and forts which showcase the rich
cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The various folk songs and music also reflect
the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. A large number of fairs and festivals held in
Rajasthan such as the Camel festival, Marwar festival and Pushkar festival
which shows image of Rajasthan culture. All these fairs and festivals attract
many tourists to Rajasthan so that they get to see the rich culture of the state.
109
Wild life & Eco-Tourism:
Wild life and Eco- tourism involves personal growth and learning new ways to
live on the planet and enjoying company of nature without harming it. The
conceptual experience of eco-tourism is for the travelers who research and
understand the environmental phenomena around them. Rajasthan is a hot
destination for eco tours. Rajasthan is proud for being a responsible eco-
tourism place and it includes programs to minimize the negative aspects of
traditional tourism on the environment and gives immense possibilities to
relate with the local people. Hence, in addition to environmental and cultural
features, eco-tourism in Rajasthan is also a promotion of recycling, energy
efficiency, water conservation and creation of economic opportunities for the
local communities. Tourist will see solar panels for hot water provision, bio-
gas and solar for cooking purpose. The clean ambiance, bio degradable
utensils like leaf plates, glass bottles are some of the characteristics of
Rajasthan eco-tours. The numbers of eco parks are here for attraction of
tourists and they also preserve and restore the endangered wildlife. The wild
life parks provide a natural habitat to a plentiful species of wild animals, birds,
reptiles and floral kingdom. The most notable wild life parks in Rajasthan are
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Sariska Tiger
Reserve and Keoladeo Ghana National Park which gives an immense picture
of wildlife tourism.
Desert Tourism:
The Thar Desert in Rajasthan also known as the Great Indian Desert, the
Thar Desert extends into two states of North West India (Rajasthan and
Gujarat) and in the Eastern region of the neighboring country, Pakistan. The
desert environment in the western parts of the state is a major attraction for
visitors, particularly the foreign tourist. Rajasthan receives a great gift in the
form of Thar Desert where various desert festivals are celebrated to attract
tourists to visit this colorful festival. The major desert cities in Rajasthan are
Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur where Tourism Development Corporation
arranges many desert festivals.
110
The golden city of Jaisalmer, which lies courageously as the western guard of
India, is a place worth visiting. The Jaisalmer fort provides a delicate backdrop
to the annual desert festival. This festival is sponsored by the Rajasthan State
Tourism Corporation, which is a joyful celebration of the traditional performing
arts and creative crafts of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is the place where this desert
festival is celebrated with great passion and enthusiasm. The grand part of
this festival is to enjoy pleasure of a camel ride.14
MICE Tourism:
India is a perfect destination for hosting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences

and Exhibitions. This makes MICE tours India very exciting. India offers
excellent business opportunities for business houses such as IT, Medical,
Telecommunications, Tourism, Textiles, Media, Banking, Insurance, Oil and
Petroleum, Sporting and Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Food
Products.
With an impressive combination of accommodation and other conference

support amenities, Rajasthan is a perfect venue to hold successful
conferences and business meetings. The state offers a lot of groundwork that
is involved while executing the conferences and business trips successfully.
The hotels and resorts of Rajasthan are good in terms of budget,
accommodation and other basic facilities that make a business trip
successful. The five star hotels, heritage hotels, village resorts and other
venues are equipped with all modern facilities to provide the businessmen
high quality service. Dotted with business hotels and resorts, Rajasthan is
proud for its MICE infrastructure. Some of the Services offered for MICE tours
in Rajasthan include Reception, Hotel Accommodation, Land and Air
Transport, Information and Hospitality and Technical Visits.
14
Books, Delhi, 2006 Edition, Pg, 231.
111
Adventure Tourism:
As a kind of tourism, Adventure Tourism in India is endless because the

country has a rich diversity in terms of climate and topography. The various
kinds of adventure tourism in India are Rock climbing, Skiing, Camel safari,
Para gliding, Mountaineering, Rafting in white water and Trekking. The
various places in India where tourists can go for adventure tourism are
Badami, Kanheri Caves, Manori Rocks and Kabbal for rock climbing. The
state Rajasthan provides a great attraction to foreign and domestic tourists for
adventure tourism in the state. Most of the tourist shows their preference for
adventure activities like Trekking, Horse and Camel Safaris, Polo and Golf.
Apart from the Desert, there are numerous lakes in all over the state where
water sports would be developed in a phased manner. The major water sport
activities are Yachting, Canoeing, Kayaking and Water Sports would be
launched in collaboration with the Department of Sports.
River cruises would be launched in perpetual rivers like Chambal and

possibilities of launching Canal Safaris and Canal Cruises in the Indira Gandhi
Canal would be explored in consultation with authorities of Indira Gandhi
Nahar Project (IGNP). The efforts also made to procure houseboats from the
states of Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala and secure them in big lakes of
Rajasthan under the brand name of Palace-On-Waves. These Houseboats
would have facades in typically Rajasthan style. These activities will not only
provide recreation to the tourists but also help in extending the period of stay
inside the state and would generate a lot of employment opportunities for the
local residents.
112
2.5 TOURISM POLICY OF RAJASTHAN
The mission behind formulation of tourism policy in Rajasthan is to ensure

optimum utilization of rich tourism resources of the state, to generate
employment specially in rural areas, to develop market for the rich and varied
handicrafts, to preserve and to accelerate contribution of tourism industry
in socio-economic development of the state by making tourism a truly
People's Industry in Rajasthan. The primary agenda of tourism policy for
government is to promote tourism as a means to ensure sustainable
economic development and positive social change through development of
tourism while preserving and protecting the environment and heritage.
Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2002:
The State Tourism Policy was released on 27th September, 2001. The main
objectives of this policy is to increase employment opportunities, especially in
rural areas for unemployed rural youth, optimum utilization of rich tourist
resources of the state in order to attract the maximum number of domestic
and international tourists, to facilitate the growth of tourism in the state and
further involving the private sector in the development of tourism in the state,
preservation of rich natural habitat and bio-diversity, historical, architectural
and cultural heritage of Rajasthan, a special emphasis given on conservation
of historical monuments in Rajasthan and to develop a ready market for the
rich and varied handicrafts and cottage industries of Rajasthan.
The main objective of the government, to make tourism a "People's Industry"

in the state is to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and promote
sustainable tourism, to open new areas in tourism like Adventure tourism,
Eco-tourism, Camel/Horse safaris, River and Canal cruise, House boats in
Rajasthan (Palace-On-Waves), Educational Tourism, Caravan Tourism and
Village Tourism.
113
The major measures of this tourism policy taken by the government are:
To develop various areas of tourism infrastructure,
To increase accommodation facilities and encouraging private
investment in hotel industry,
To develop Nazool Properties of Heritage Value where these
properties transferred to Department of Tourism for developing them as
tourist museums, complexes and resorts,
To prepare projects for utilizing land for creating Dharamshalas/ Yatri
Niwas/ Tourist Complexes for promotion of pilgrimage and cultural
tourism,
To facilitate flow of institutional finance for increasing hotel and tourism
units in Rajasthan,
To formulate joint ventures between public and private sector for
maintenance and development of valuable properties in many cities of
the state,
To arrange special Intra-state and Inter-state package tours which
would encourage private tour operators and travel agents,
To encourage air taxi service and helicopter service by air taxi
operators within the state so that the tourists visiting the state can see
many places within the available time,
To develop modern well equipped TRC at important entry points and
destinations, for looking the large tourist traffic of domestic and
international tourists,
To facilitate dissemination of information to the tourists from foreign
and domestic market, the state will produce literature, films, videos and
other materials which is published in many foreign languages such as
French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, Arabic and English,
Make efforts to develop local artisans by advance marketing efforts,
The government encourage such fairs and festivals which are not
presently popular but have a potential for attracting tourists,
The effort of the state to select and train appropriate number of guides
at all destinations and tourist circuits within the state,
114
A State Tourism Advisory Board has been constituted under the

Chairmanship of Chief Minister of Rajasthan to provide policy
guidelines for the development of tourism in the state,
To redress the grievances of inter-departmental nature a standing
committee under the chairmanship of Secretary Tourism is developed
and
To encourage many incentives for Hotel Industry in Rajasthan such as
remission in stamp duty, remission in land building tax, exemption in
luxury tax, extension of loans which is received already, interest
subsidy on loans, relief in income tax and many more.
Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy 2007:
In the year 2006, the Tourism Department had announced a New Hotel Policy
of Rajasthan. This policy is proposed to be replaced by Rajasthan Tourism
Unit Policy 2007. Rajasthan is one of the leading tourism states of India and
magnificent heritage and colorful culture of the state is a special attraction for
foreign tourists. During the last few years heritage assets used for
development of tourism in all over the state. There has been tremendous
increase in the number of tourists to the state. However Rajasthan is suffering
a keen problem of the infrastructural facilities which have not kept pace.
Presently there are 36,000 rooms available for tourists and by year 2012 an
additional 20,000 hotel rooms would be required for tourists in the state. For
this objective, the state government had announced a New Hotel Policy
proposing in 2006 with several concessions. The concessions in the Hotel
Policy 2006 were to be extended to the star category of hotels only, whereas
several other categories of hotels, heritage hotels and other tourism units
such as camping sites, holiday resorts and restaurants are also providing
accommodation for tourists.
In this regard, Tourism Unit as defined in Rule 1AA of Rajasthan Land

Revenue (Industrial Area Allotment) Rules, 1959, and Rule 2 (r) of Rajasthan
Land Revenue (Conversion of Agricultural Land for Non-Agricultural purpose
in rural areas), Rule, 2007, includes all types of hotels, heritage hotel, holiday
115
resorts etc. In view of the new definition of Tourism Unit, it has become
essential for tourism development not only to include classified hotels in the
Hotel Policy but also include all other category of hotels, heritage hotels and
other tourism units in the New Policy. With this objective Rajasthan New
Tourism Unit Policy 2007 is being announced. The following concessions and
facilities have been made applicable for all types of Tourism Units:
In Rule 2(r) (d) of Rajasthan Land Revenue (Conversion of Agricultural

Land for Non-Agricultural purposes in Rural areas), Rule, 2007, a
restaurant having investment of Rs. 10.00 Lacs or more, has been
included and investment will be increased to Rs. 1 Crore.
Considering the new developments taking place in the tourism sector
and the possible need for inclusion of new definitions in the policy to
avail of the benefits, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Principal
Secretary, Urban Governance would define and recommend to the
concerned departments to include such activities as Tourism Units in
applicable rules.
Health Spa or other medical health related activities such as Yoga and
Meditation attached with Tourism Units, Golf Academy, Golf Course
and other sports related activity would be included in the definition of
Tourism Units in applicable rules.
As per the above definition and interpretation with regard to the Tourism Unit,
the concerned departments would amend their respective rules, sub-rules and
notifications accordingly. The various measures under this tourism policy are:
Allotment of land for hotels and other Tourism Units,

Conversion of agricultural land in urban areas,
Conversion of residential land and heritage properties into hotels and
other tourism units,
New hotels and tourism units will be fully exempted from land
conversion charges and
For infrastructural development of all tourism units, Tourism
Department shall work as Nodal Department.
116
The main focus of this tourism policy is on Hotel industries for tourism
because to provide appropriate accommodation and hospitality is the main
source of increasing tourism for the state and increasing revenue from
tourism.
117
2.6 TYPES OF TOURISM SERVICES
The government of Rajasthan has granted status of the industry to tourism

sector in the year 1989 and all the facilities and concession available to
industries in the state would also be available to tourism units in the state as
per rules in force. For the purpose of enhancement of tourism in the state and
providing various benefits to tourists the Government of Rajasthan provides
various services like transportation, tourist information centers and publicity.
Figure 2.2
Types of Tourism Services
Transport services Tourist Reception Centers Tourist

Information & Publicity
Rail Transport Road Transport Air Services
Transport Service
Tourist Transport (Rail):
In Rajasthan major destinations are already on the rail map. With conversion
of Meter gauge to Broad gauge connectivity with major tourist entry points has
been greatly enlarged. Efforts will be made to arrange special tourist trains,
with convenient timings to facilitate tourist travel by rail. Broad gauge train
Palace-On-Wheels has already been launched in the year 1996-97 and this
train has proved extremely popular with International tourists and NRIs.
Efforts would be made to launch an economy version of luxurious Palace-On-
Wheels for budget tourists. At present, there are many famous trains run by
Indian Railway with joint effort of RTDC to provide easy and cheapest
convenience by rail to domestic and foreign tourists. The major luxury trains
which attract tourists are the Palace on Wheels, the Fairy Queen, the Royal
Orient and the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
118
Road Transport:
Due to inadequate air and rail links, surface transport assumes added
importance in the context of Rajasthan. To upgrade essential road links
external assistance would be sought to augment state plan resources. Air-
conditioned tourist coaches, tourist cars and specially designed non-air-
conditioned sightseeing coaches, as recognized and approved by the
Department of Tourism would be encouraged to work. Special intra-state and
inter-state package tours would be encouraged through private tour operators
and travel agents. On nationalized roots RTDC would enter into joint venture
with interested parties to manage tours and local sightseeing. RTDC would
offer local conducted sightseeing tours at important tourist places in the State.
The government will initiate steps to ensure charging of standard fares by all
surface transport operators from the domestic and international tourists.
Prepaid taxi services would be encouraged in the state. There is a need to
improve the quality of local transport at various tourist destinations. Car taxies
for transportation of tourists will be encouraged. Three wheelers will be
metered and point to point fixed fare will be introduced to reduce over-
charging and harassment of tourists.
Air Services:
For easy conveyance of tourist the state will encourage air taxi service and
helicopter service by air taxi operators within the state. There are large
number of airstrips and helipads available in all over the state. The RTDC in
collaboration with the State Department of Civil Aviation and District
Collectors would take steps to make use of these air strips and helipads and
would motivate Air Taxi Operators (ATO) to undertake special air tours.
Private sector investment would be encouraged in setting up airports in
Rajasthan. Air Taxi operators (ATOs) would be encouraged to operate civil
aviation services for tourists as feeder/ regional airlines. The RTDC also
explore the feasibility of collaboration with ATOs to promote travel by air.
119
Jaipur Air Port would be developed as an International airport and Ministry of

Tourism and Civil Aviation would be requested to allow special tourist charter
flights to Jaipur. In order to increase volume of high spending foreign tourist
special charter flights would be encouraged. For the purpose of tourist
promotion, collaboration also attempted with tourist promotion boards of
countries like Singapore for setting up an "Air Bridge".
Tourist Reception Centers (TRC)
Looking to the large tourist traffic of domestic and international tourists, it

becomes increasingly necessary to have modern well equipped TRC at
important entry points and destinations. Apart from TRCs within the state, at
present TRCs are functioning at Delhi, Calcutta and Chennai. New TRCs
would be started at Mumbai and Bangalore and present TRCs at Delhi,
Calcutta and Chennai would be further strengthened and linked by Computer
Network.
Apart from offering tourist information, these TRCs would also make available
confirmed reservation for RTDC hotels and even for private sector hotels
situated within Rajasthan. Information on other details like package tours, fairs
and festivals, paying guest accommodation would also be made available at
this TRCs. Private Commission Agents will be appointed in other cities to
promote tourism from other states. Joint ventures would also be sought with
other Tourist Corporations for opening TRCs outside Rajasthan. Joint sector
ventures like inter-state packages for tourists will also be attempted with other
States and Central Public Sector Corporations, including the Railways,
involved in the tourism trade. These TRCs, especially during the tourist
season, would be operational for 24 hours in the important tourist places like
Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Mount Abu.
Tourist Information and Publicity
In order to facilitate dissemination of information to the tourists from foreign

and domestic market, the state will origin such literature, films, videos and
120
other material published and produced as is necessary. A multipronged

strategy will be evolved to make optimal use of the media for promoting
Rajasthan as an attraction for tourists. Sufficient literature will also be
distributed to important Travel Agents and Tour Operators, Air-lines and Hotel
groups for discrimination among important people connected with tourism
industry. High quality tourist literature would be published in foreign languages
like French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, Arabic and of course
English.
Special efforts would be made for overseas publicity about Rajasthan as a

tourist destination. Private marketing and publicity linkages would be
established with the help of travel agents and tour operators to promote
tourism in Rajasthan in the world tourism market. Special drive would be
launched to publicise tourism highlights of Rajasthan in electronic media with
the help of e-mail, internet and latest means of communication available for e-
commerce. Efforts would be made to device interactive tourism information
packages, online reservation facilities for goods and services in tourism sector
would be made available in public and private sector.
121
2.7 AWARDS & APPRECIATION WON BY RAJASTHAN FOR

TOURISM
Rajasthan is emerging as a premier tourism destination in worldwide. It is

emerged as one of the popular tourist destinations in India for both domestic
and foreign tourists. The tourism products offered by Rajasthan are in varied
nature such as Heritage Tourism, Spiritual Tourism, Wild Life & Eco-Tourism,
Cultural Tourism, Film Tourism, MICE Tourism and Desert Tourism. Tourism
occupies a significant place in the state economy as a major source for
revenue and employment. Realizing the importance of tourism in the
economic development, the state government has taken various policy
measures for establishing tourism as an industry. The state government has
been constantly endeavoring towards maximizing benefit of tourism sector.
Rajasthan occupies unique place for tourism in India and various measures
has been taken by Ministry of Tourism and Government of Rajasthan to
improve tourism in state and due to various measures for tourism in state,
Rajasthan won various National awards for tourism.
Table 2.1
National Tourism Awards

Types of Awards Nature of Awards Year
National Tourism Best State/UT (Tourism related
2007-08
Awards programmes) Rest of India
National Tourism Best State/UT (Tourism related
2008-09
Awards programmes) Rest of India
National Tourism
Best State – Rest of India – Third Prize 2009-10
Awards
National Tourism Best Tourism Promotion Publicity
2009-10
Awards15 Material (States and UTs) – Joint winner
15
Ministry of Tourism, National Tourism Awards.
122
Table 2.2
There are various Awards won by the Department of Rajasthan for Best
Tourism Literature and Excellent Exhibition:
Event Date Prize
TTF, Kolkata 14 - 17 Aug, 2003 Best Pavilion
ITTM, Bangalore 19 - 21 July, 2003 Runner up for Best Pavilion
ITTM, New Delhi 26 - 28, September, 2003 Group Participation
Appreciation and awards given by different special

personals/institutions for departmental activities and schemes:
Ministry of Tourism, GOI awarded Rajasthan State in "Best State"
category for award of "Excellence in National Tourism Award".
Department has won ''Best Decorative Stall'' award for Travel and
Tourism Fair - 2009 organized at Ahmadabad between 31st July to 2nd
August, 2009.
"Best Decorative Stall" award was given in the Travel and Tourism Fair
held at Surat from 7 - 9 August, 2009.
The Department begged the award for "Best Poster (Teej Festival
Poster)" in the Annual Convention of Indian Association of Tour
Operators held at Bangalore from 3 - 6 September, 2009.
Ministry of Tourism, GOI awarded Rajasthan State in "Best State"
category in first week of March, 2010 for award of "Excellence in
National Tourism Award" for the year 2008 - 09.
Department "Rajasthan Tourism" has won "Favorite Indian State
Award" in “Conde Nast Readers Travel Award - 2010" function
organized on 28th April, 2010 in Mumbai.
"Best Tourism Destination Awareness Award" was given in the India
Travel Mart - 2010 held at New Delhi from 26 - 27 August, 2010.
123
2.8 STATISTICS FOR TOURISM IN RAJASTHAN

Table 2.3
Arrival of Domestic Tourists in Rajasthan from 2001 to 2010
Arrival of Domestic Percentage (%) Changes

Year
Tourists in Rajasthan Over The Year
2001 7757217 -
2002 8300190 6.99
2003 12545135 51.14
2004 16033896 27.81
2005 18787298 17.17
2006 23483287 25.00
2007 25920529 10.38
2008 28358918 9.41
2009 25558691 -9.87
9.87
2010 25543877 -0.06
0.06
[Source: www.rajasthantourism.gov.in]
www.rajasthantourism.gov.in
Graph 2.1
Arrival of Domestic Tourists in Rajasthan

Arrival of Domestic Tourists
283.59
30000000 259.20 255.58 255.44
234.83
25000000 187.87
in Rajasthan
20000000 160.34
15000000 125.45
77.57 83.00
10000000
5000000
0
Year
The Table 2.3 shows figures of domestic tourists arrival in Rajasthan from the
year 2001 to 2010. As above table shows that from the year 2001 to 2003
arrival of domestic tourists
tourists is increasing from 77.57 Lacs to 125.45 Lacs.
L As
124
this statistical data shows that in this year more number of domestic tourists
visits the state Rajasthan because of heritage and pilgrimage tourism in the
state. But from the year 2004 to 2010 these statistics shows decreasing
trends and reaches to negative from 27.81 per cent to -0.06 per cent because
of high infrastructure cost, less safety at tourists places, lack of tourists
facilities at tourists places and lack of governmental and local people support
to enhance domestic tourism. Hence above statistical shows that the state
governments needs to take effective measures so that domestic tourists traffic
increase which increase revenue for government, increase employability rate
for local people and increase standard of living.
Table 2.4
Arrival of Foreign Tourists in Rajasthan from 2001 to 2010

Arrival of Foreign Percentage (%)
Year
Tourists in Rajasthan Changes Over The Year
2001 608283 -
2002 428437 -29.57
2003 628560 46.71
2004 971772 54.60
2005 1131164 16.40
2006 1220164 7.87
2007 1401042 14.82
2008 1477646 5.47
2009 1073414 -27.36
2010 1278523 19.11
[Source: www.rajasthantourism.gov.in]
125
Graph 2.2
Arrival of Foreign Tourists in Rajasthan
Arrival of Foreign Tourists in

14.78
1600000 14.01
12.20 12.78
1400000 11.31
1200000 10.73
9.72
1000000
Rajasthan
800000 6.08 6.28

600000 4.28
400000
200000
0
Year
The Table 2.4 shows statistics of foreign tourists arrival in the state which
shows fluctuating trends from the year 2001 to 2010. As many years of above
statistics shows high rate of foreign tourists arrival in the state because of
various types of tourism offered by Rajasthan such as heritage tourism,
spiritual tourism, desert tourism and rural tourism. Most of foreign tourists are
attracted to the state Rajasthan because of its culture, tradition, customs and
traditions, fairs and festivals, handicrafts, art and music. As declining trends of
foreign tourists figures shows that due to Increase in shopping malpractices,
lack of safety at tourists places, poor infrastructure and lack of publicity gives
adverse effects to tourists arrival which result in decreasing rate
ra of
employability for local tourists guide and tour operators, decrease in foreign
exchange earnings from tourism and less development of local traditional
handicrafts and business. Hence it is keen requirement for government and
private bodies to take initiatives
initiatives to enhance tourism in the state so that rate of
foreign tourists arrival goes high.
126
Table 2.5
City Wise Domestic Tourists Arrival in Rajasthan from 2001 to 2010
Places 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Mount Abu 1282940 1072879 1302980 1467618 1414672 1535984 646524 1779135 2067327 1916836
Udaipur 662826 471576 440702 460774 566076 582504 578643 572415 547102 582297
Jaipur 655715 589414 640130 968123 198000 1278603 1287072 1138859 995996 1133543
Pushkar 865000 1161859 937850 1065703 1523600 1762700 1749240 1820090 1745040 1965382
Jodhpur 383479 335700 403548 469626 385109 429497 453775 493717 427532 445271
Ajmer 1269309 1334557 970255 1125421 1515960 1701000 1985600 2067475 1977605 2585110
Jaisalmer 103319 96642 132881 182292 177238 204776 211928 228859 248712 274885
Nathdwara 319159 312200 316001 352197 573447 605650 633537 599338 546700 567485
Chittorgarh 120390 230200 147829 261895 254988 289531 334901 324996 404075 393970
Bhartpur 101181 61361 70336 73691 87427 70140 63253 42902 41689 46962
Bikaner 185645 165407 181654 177898 197275 214716 224089 235206 244547 275191
Ranakpur 61535 244436 175811 270687 224668 225277 848184 675837 590115 614023
Kota 62438 77120 78988 86478 90946 98319 104059 100227 107358 97971
S.Madhopur 50598 48632 41688 93960 123685 250390 261325 321500 230397 59700
Jhunjhunun 76446 83874 84085 90666 92680 104487 102091 101139 111117 115577
Banswara 115101 108916 126538 107677 115664 112492 116675 117480 106682 96964
Alwar 100995 119456 176209 196132 220225 281078 227528 71849 54765 53313
Sariska 11817 11277 7331 7495 9770 11255 12787 13977 13383 19752
Rishabhdeo 8200 22930 94695 126114 209050 279352 120045 145907 2881 3830
Bundi 20911 11811 17041 14296 21582 24332 34781 50406 55150 53867
Sikar 6382 33717 36200 40237 41991 44275 44600 46870 47949 48804
Siliserh 1843 1669 1540 1684 2039 1758 1663 1609 1710 2090
Baharor 3799 4202 4957 5550 7507 9486 10148 10170 13047 7653
Jhalawar 174262 156652 96941 113202 125361 132091 184987 133337 95818 96012
Other Spots 1113927 1543703 6058945 8274480 9608338 13233594 14683094 17265618 14881994 14087389
Total 7757217 8300190 12545135 16033896 127
18787298 23483287 25920529 28358918 25558691 25543877
Table 2.6
City Wise Foreign Tourists Arrival in Rajasthan from 2001 to 2010
Places 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Mount Abu 13752 8483 9460 11213 14377 14590 14483 14210 15565 13607
Udaipur 56760 101303 15692 198556 173804 188026 160627 185261 165210 173016
Jaipur 172950 81451 105161 206272 387295 441910 464841 456165 283423 368512
Pushkar 46182 28413 31190 43980 63312 73573 76956 86030 75155 79682
Jodhpur 69812 38565 64928 100161 90201 93847 123056 123942 73080 108073
Ajmer 54040 51230 5422 11415 15139 16494 17513 25796 22517 25731
Jaisalmer 46914 25862 50768 81208 99439 117740 128675 135329 98652 113520
Nathdwara 562 3440 623 5468 629 147 115 70 71 115
Chittorgarh 7552 5312 7607 9827 12868 23663 25595 25789 42787 33719
Bhartpur 9553 5181 8949 33525 24052 20145 17355 18816 23052 30360
Bikaner 31441 17060 28081 48712 61123 65347 74961 77068 59857 74508
Ranakpur 24144 13296 10261 17612 19102 16464 120527 58272 81758 107950
Kota 1991 1352 1671 2594 4205 3994 4440 4550 2732 3450
S.Madhopur 10064 6185 6965 17413 29098 26895 40958 47380 39810 41400
Jhunjhunun 33751 17401 26528 42963 50604 44904 44685 45943 45121 54911
Banswara 273 227 3842 3778 210 214 60 99 51 44
Alwar 3334 3659 7553 9854 14621 13089 16693 20311 15957 14322
Sariska 12351 3633 1090 1497 5372 4241 5535 5610 3212 4737
Rishabhdeo 60 1690 3297 991 4 2 0 0 0 0
Bundi 4334 4000 6916 5516 7866 9072 10665 13244 13695 16188
Sikar 295 198 239 221 356 236 202 193 171 193
Siliserh 120 69 61 62 115 69 47 81 45 30
Baharor 36 7 7 3 50 97 597 117 24 42
Jhalawar 72 103 51 89 108 136 168 209 141 215
Other Spots 7940 10317 85346 118842 57214 45269 52293 33161 11328 14198
Total 608283 428437 628560 971772 1131164 1220164 1401042 1477646 1073414 1244919
128
RAJASTHAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Ltd.

(A Government of Rajasthan Undertakings)
129
2.9 INTRODUCTION
The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (RTDC) is a

company registered under Companies Act 1956 with its head quarter at
Jaipur. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (RTDC) was
incorporated on 24th November, 1978 as a wholly owned Government
Company to promote tourism in the state of Rajasthan and to cater incoming
foreign and domestic tourists by way of providing accommodation, catering,
transport, package tour and bar facilities.
The state Government has initiated the development of hotel infrastructure by

establishing RTDC hotels at all the major tourist centers in Rajasthan. In order
to cater the needs and requirements of incoming tourists, the state
government has provided financial support to the developmental activities of
RTDC. The Central Government also provides financial assistance for the
tourism development projects under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
Since the inception of RTDC, the tourism industry in the state got a forward
motion. The tourism sector in the state has progressed well with the diverse
products, launched by the Tourism Department. RTDC has tried to achieve its
objectives by establishing a network of tourist accommodation in all the
important tourist centers, providing the midway, cafeterias and yatrikas
facilities along the important national highways and the major link roads.
RTDC is also a player of foreign exchange earnings through operating various
heritage trains such as Palace on Wheels (POW) and Royal Rajasthan on
Wheels (RROW) in the state. RTDC portrays role of a developer, facilitator
and catalyst in the development of tourism industry of the state. The RTDC
works with major motive of R – Respect, T – Trustworthiness D – Dedication
and C – Care in the state.
RTDC acts as a catalyst to establish, develop and executes project and

scheme that accelerate tourism in the state by managing numerous
restaurants, cafeterias, motels and bars. To enhance the experience of the
tourists the corporation also organizes package tours, fairs, festivals and
130
entertainment, shopping and transport services. RTDC through its well

established marketing network in India and abroad plays a vital role in
promoting the tourism in impact services markets at domestic and
international level. RTDC has successful history of Public Private Partnership
(PPP) in Jal Mahal Tourism Project with 100 acres of land at the threshold of
Jaipur City in which a multi component tourism product having hotels,
convention centre for above 1500 people with food courts, craft bazaar and
recreational centre are in course of implementation. Yet another successful
PPP is done for Tijara Fort, a Nazool Property of Government of Rajasthan.
RTDC gives the opportunity to experience the charm of the most exotic
destination of Rajasthan in most refined lodging and cuisine at budgeted
price.
131
2.10 OBJECTIVES & FUNCTIONS OF RTDC
The main duty of the Corporation is to develop tourism in Rajasthan and

provide better facilities and infrastructure to tourists of inland as well as
international.
(A) Main objectives of RTDC behind incorporation are:
To establish, develop, promote, execute, operate and otherwise carry
on projects, schemes, business activities, which in the opinion of the
corporation are likely to facilitate or accelerate the development of
tourism in the state of Rajasthan both internal as well as international.
To construct, run and maintain Tourist Information Bureau and Centers
in the state of Rajasthan and outside both within and outside the
country.
To acquire and take over from the Government of Rajasthan all assets
belonging to it and situate at any place within or outside the state of
Rajasthan and which were being or are being or can be used in any
manner whatsoever in connection with any activity or enterprise
relating to tourism together with the liabilities, if any, thereof in
particular to take over all tourist homes, tourist bungalows, holiday
camps, travelers bungalows, State Guest Houses, Motels, Dak
Bungalows, Circuit Houses Camping and caravanning sites, pavilions
and dormitories, together with the catering establishments attached
thereto.
To acquire by purchase, lease or otherwise howsoever, maintain and
develop all places of tourist interest like wild life sanctuaries, parks,
beauty and recreational spots in the state of Rajasthan.
To establish and manage transport units, travel and transport counters,
import, purchase, lease, sell and run or otherwise operate cars, cabs,
buses, coaches, trucks, launches, rope-ways, air-crafts, helicopters
and other modes of transport.
To provide entertainment by way of cultural shows, dances, music
concerts, film shows, sports and games and other forms of
entertainment.
132
To promote tourism by all ways and means and to adopt such methods
and devices desirable and necessary to attract tourists both Indian and
foreign in large numbers.
(B) The other ancillary objects incidental to the attainment of the main
objects of RTDC are:
To plan and execute schemes for Development of Tourist Complex and
tourist resorts and promote and operate anywhere schemes for
development of tourism and for the purpose, to operate and get
prepared reports, blue prints statistics and other information.
To start, operate and promote establishments, undertaking, enterprises
and activities of any description whatsoever which in the opinion of the
company are likely to facilitate or accelerate the development of
tourism.
To act as travel agents for airlines, railways, shipping companies and
road transport operators.
To acquire by purchase or lease land for the purpose of development
and sell or otherwise dispose of the same to agencies connected with
development of tourism.
To enter in to agreements and contracts with Indian or foreign
individuals, companies or other organizations for technical, financial
and other assistance for carrying out all or any of the objects of the
Corporation.
To establish and administer Hotel Development Fund for the purpose
of rendering financial and other assistance to persons establishing
hotels, motels, travelers and lodges in Tourist Centers.
133
2.11 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE OF RTDC
Table 2.7
Board of Directors of RTDC
Chairman and Managing Director, Chairman and

Smt. Usha
1 Rajasthan Tourism Development Managing
Sharma
Corporation Ltd. Director
Principal Secretary &

Smt. Usha
2 Commissioner, Tourism Director
Sharma
Department, Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Principal Secretary to Government, of

Kiran Soni
3 Rajasthan, Department of General Director
Gupta
Administration, Jaipur.
Dr. Manjeet Managing Director, Rajasthan State

4 Director
Singh Road Transport Corporation, Jaipur.
Secretary to Government of Rajasthan

Shri Y.S.
5 Finance Department (Budget), Director
Mathur
Jaipur.
Principal Chief Conservator of

Shri R.N.
6 Forest, Government of Rajastjan, Director
Mehrotra
Jaipur.
[Source: Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., Manual of

Information, 2010, (Under Right to Information Act, 2005), 2010 Edition,
Pg.10]
Chart 2.1
ORGANIZATION CHART OF RTDC
134
135
2.12 SERVICES PROVIDED BY RTDC
In Rajasthan, RTDC provides various types of services to facilitate all

domestic and foreign tourists so that corporation can enhance its role in
tourism sector and increase revenue for corporation and government. The
major services provided by RTDC are:
RTDC Chain of Hotels and Motels,
Package Tours - Rajasthan Bhraman,
Pink - city by Night tour (Jaipur),
City Sight Seeing,
Boating,
Luxury Trains - Palace on Wheel & Royal Rajasthan on Wheels,
Fairs & Festivals,
Sound & Light Show and
Camping in Fairs.
Hotels Under RTDC:
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (RTDC) is a well

established brand name in tourism industry, operating 33 hotels, 10 motels
and 1 restaurant in Rajasthan. RTDC also set up Tourist Villages during
important fairs and festivals to provide cultural tourism experience. RTDC has
classified its properties in various categories such as:
* Heritage * Classic * Comfort * Motels * Wildlife Resorts * Tourist Villages.
The hotels of RTDC are strategically situated with its praise presence in the
state. Motels offer a refreshing break on the important state and National
Highways. Hotels and motels provide an experience of Rajasthan with safety
and security to the traveler. Variety of rooms such as suite, AC and non-AC,
standard and tents provide rests to traveler. These hotels serve variety of
North and South Indian dishes, Continental and Chinese cuisine along with
traditional Rajasthani dishes. The RTDC hotels and motels are recently
renovated and upgraded to provide better facilities and services such as new
furnishings, furniture and linen to the guests. The hotels and motels are
136
standardized for categorization in three to one star and heritage category.

These hotels provide facilities of travel counters, shopping arcades, indoors
and out door games for children and city sight seeing tours which make the
stay in RTDC hotel a complete experience. The various hotels under RTDC in
different cities are as follows:
Table 2.8
Hotels, Motels and Midways under RTDC in Different Cities
District Place Hotels

Hotel Khadim, Near Savitri College, Civil Lines,
Ajmer Ajmer
Ajmer
Pushkar Hotel Sarovar, Near Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Ajmer
Pushkar Hotel Tourist Village, Gonehara-Nagaur
Pushkar
Road, Pushkar, Ajmer
Hotel Meenal, Near Circuit House, Topsingh Circle,
Alwar Alwar
Alwar
Hotel Tiger Den, Near Forest Rest House, Sariska,
Sariska
Alwar
Siliserh Hotel Lake Palace, Silisherh Circle, Silisherh, Alwar
Behror Motel Behror, Jaipur-Delhi NH 8, Behror
Barmer Barmer Hotel Khartal, Near Circuit House, Barmer
Bharatpur Bharatpur Hotel Saras, Saras Choraha, Agra Road, Bharatpur
Mahuwa Jaipur-Agra NH 11, Mahuwa
Bhilwara Gulabpura Motel Gulabpura, Gulabpura (On lease)
Menal Cafeteria RTDC, Menal (On lease)
Bikaner Bikaner Hotel Dhola Maru, Nr. Puran Singh Circle, Bikaner.
Hotel Vrindawati, Doblana Road, Opp. Jait Sagar,
Bundi Bundi
Bundi
Hotel Panna, Pratap Nagar Road, Near Railway
Chittorgarh Chittorgarh
Station, Chittorgarh
Churu Churu Hotel Chirmi, Near Housing Board Colony, Churu
Ratangarh Motel, Jaipur-Bikaner NH 11, Ratangarh
137
Dausa Dausa Motel RTDC, Jaipur-Agra NH 11, Dausa

Mahuwa Motel RTDC, Jaipur-Agra NH 11, Mahuwa
Dholpur Dholpur Motel Dholpur, Agra-Gwalior NH, Dholpur
Dungarpur Ratanpur Motel, Udaipur-Ahmedabad NH 8, Ratanpur
Hotel Swagatam, Opp. Railway Station, Jaipur
Hotel Teej, Opp. Moti Mahal Cinema, Bani-park,
Jaipur
Jaipur Jaipur
Hotel Gangaur, Near Khasa Kothi, M.I. Road,
Jaipur
Tourist Hotel, Opp. G.P.O., M.I. Road Jaipur
Nahargarh Nahargarh Hotel Durg Café, Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
Hotel Jheel Tourist Village, Near Lake Ramgarh,
Ramgarh
Jaipur
Shahpura Motel RTDC, Jaipur-Delhi NH 8, Shahpura
Jaisalmer Jaisalmer Hotel Moomal, Sam Road, Jaisalmer
Sam Hotel Sam Dhani, Sam, Jaisalmer
Pokaran Motel Pokaran, Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Road, Pokaran
Hotel Chandrawati, Patan Road, N.H. No. 12,
Jhalawar
Jhalawar Jhalawar
Hotel Gabri Talab, Dak Bunglow, Bhawani Mandi
Road, Jhalawar.
Jhunjhunu Jhunjhunu RTDC Hotel, Mandawa Circle, Jhunjhunu
Jodhpur Jodhpur Hotel Ghoomar, High Court Road, Jodhpur
Hotel Chambal, Near Chatravilas Park, Nayapura,
Kota Kota
Kota
Nagaur Nagaur Hotel Kurja, Nagaur
Merta Motel RTDC, Merta (closed)
Pali Pali Hotel Panihari, NH-14, Sumer Road, Pali
Ranakpur Hotel Shilpi, Near Jain Temple, Ranakpur
Barr Motel RTDC, Ajmer-Jodhpur Road, Barr
Hotel Gokul, Near Lal bagh, Nathdwara
Rajsamand Nathdwara
Hotel Yatrika, Nathuvas, Nathdwara
Devgarh Motel RTDC, Rajsamand-Ajmer Road, Devgarh
138
Hotel Jhoomar Baori, Ranthambhor Road, Sawai

Sawai Sawai
Madhopur
Madhopur Madhopur
Hotel Vinayak, Sawai Madhopur
Fatehpur Hotel Haveli, NH-11, Near SDM Court, Fatehpur
Uaipur Udaipur Hotel Kajri, Shastri Circle, Udaipur
Rishabdev Hotel Gavri, Udaipur-Ahmedabad Road,Reshabdev
Package Tours:
RTDC acts as an apex body for tourism in the state which establish, develop
and execute project and scheme that accelerate tourism in the state. The
RTDC arrange and manage numerous package tours, fairs, festivals and
entertainment, shopping and transport services to tourist for entertainment.
RTDC through its well established marketing network in India and abroad
plays a vital role in promoting the tourism which gives positive impact to
services markets at domestic and International level. RTDC provides various
types of tours like Religious Tours, Rajasthan Darshan, Pearls of Rajasthan,
Best of Wild life Packages, Rajasthan Packages, Desert Circuits, Best of
Rajasthan, Exotic Rajasthan, Desert Package, Aravali Packages, Rajasthan
Exclusive with Pushkar, Best of Rajasthan II, Wild life Packages and wild life
Packages II. RTDC also provides various packages for students at a
reasonable charge.
Luxury Trains – Palace on Wheel & Royal Rajasthan on Wheels:
Palace on Wheels:
Under the joint venture between RTDC, Indian Railways, Department of
Tourism, Government of India and Rajasthan, a train named Palace on
Wheels was started in 1982 and then in September, 1995 new Broad Gauge
POW was introduced. Now the same train is running in joint collaboration of
Indian Railways and RTDC with revenue sharing of 56:44 respectively.
139
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels:
Building on the success of the “Palace of Wheels”, a new luxury Train “Royal
Rajasthan on Wheels” has been introduced by RTDC. Total capacity of the
Train will be 82. The ‘Royal Rajasthan on Wheels’ is a joint venture of the
Ministry of Railways, Government of India and Rajasthan Tourism
Development Corporation Ltd., supported by the Department of Tourism,
Government of India.
Fairs & Festivals:
Festivals hold an unusual experience for the people of Rajasthan and they
find many numbers of reasons to celebrate these festivals. Some of these
occasions for celebrations have been recently introduced by the Rajasthan
Tourism Department Corporation Ltd. to showcase the heritage of the region.
While traveling in the state, tourists will come across a number of local fairs
and festivals in which they can participate. However, some of the larger and
more important celebrations are listed below:
Pushkar Fair,
Chandrabhaga Fair,
Teej Mahotsav,
Desert Festival,
Nagaur Fair,
Kotal Dussehra Festival and
Gangaur Festival.
140
2.13 MARKETING AGENTS OF RTDC
RTDC working successfully through its well establish network in India and in
abroad. There are many marketing agents of RTDC who are engage with
corporation and they provide their valuable services to domestic and foreign
tourist in the state and also in India at reasonable charges. The major
marketing agents of RTDC are as follows:
Table 2.9
Marketing Agents of RTDC
Ahmadabad Hyderabad
Dangari Desert Safari Holiday Dharani Travel Service
Ground floor Hemkoot Complex, 3-6-369 Sanatana Ecstasy, 4th Floor,
Opp. Capital Commercial Centre, Near TTD Street No. 1, Liberty,
Ashram Road, Ahmadabad. Hyderabad - 500029
Aurangabad Thane-Maharastra
Heramb Travels Sudarshana Travels
7, Age Arcade (1st Floor), Near 201, Taskar House, Ram Murti Road,
Eknath Rang Mandir, Osamnpur, Naupada,
Aurangabad-431005 Thane (W) Maharastra - 400602
Pune
Bangalore
Aumkar Tours & Travels
Jagdish Air Travels Pvt. Ltd.
Nadan Pride,opp. Carve Statue Shop
# 11 Sankey Road,
No. 1
Bangalore - 560020
Karve Road, Kothrud, Pune - 400029
Pune
Chennai
Simas Travels
Travel Times (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Painter Bedekar Building Vijay
11, Club House Road, Anna Salai,
Talkies Chowk, Near Pankaj Music
Chennai - 600002
House, Laxmi Road, Pune - 411030
Chennai Kolkata
M/s Travel House Khaitan Air Travels
Tarapor House, Chitrakoot Building, 230A, A.J.C.
141
826, Anna Salai Bose Road, 6th Floor, Room # 62-63,

Chennai - 600 003 Kolkata - 700020
Chennai
Kolkata
M/s Sugal Tourism Development (P)
Himal Chura Travels & Tours
Ltd.
P-263, C.I.T. Road, Scheme IV-M,
#26-27, Poonamallee High Road,
Kolkata - 700010
Ground Floor, +*/Next to Royal
Regency Hotel, Periamet,
Chennai - 600 003
Chennai
Kolkata
M/s Sugal Tourism Development (P)
Daimond Tours and Travels
Ltd.
155 Lenin sarani Nigam Cinter 2nd
#26-27, Poonamallee High Road,
Floor,
Ground Floor, +*/Next to Royal
Suite No, 2-F Kolkata - 700013
Regency Hotel, Periamet,
Chennai - 600 003
Delhi Kolkata
Lakshya Tours & Travels Parjatakguru Tours & Travels (P) Ltd.
20, D/3/1A Opp. Govind Gali, P-899, Lake Town,
Babarpur, Shadara, Delhi-110032 Block "A" 1st Floor,
Marketing office: C-3/ 341, Yamuna Kolkata - 700089
Vihar, Delhi - 110053
New Delhi
Kolkata
Viva Holidays Tours & Travels Pvt.
Link India Tours & Travels
Ltd.
8/2, B.B.D. Bagh (East) Ground Floor,
G-36, DDA Commercial Complex,
Kolkata - 700001.
(Triveni), Shekh Sarai, Phase Ist,
New Delhi - 110017
Delhi Kolkata
M/s Hamara Holiday Pvt. Ltd. Poorva Travels
143- Gagan Vihar Extension, 183/2, Lenin Sarini 1st Floor,
Delhi - 110051 Kolkata - 700017
Delhi Mumbai
142
M/s Rajender Tourist Suyash Tours

24/47, 100 Ft. Road, Near Shiv L.J. Business Center, 364, N.C.
Mandir, Kelkar Road
Chhajjupur, Shahdra, Behind Lazaree & PNB Bank, Dadar
Delhi - 110032 (W) Mumbai - 28
Mumbai Mumbai
DDS Holidays Lohana's Tours & Travels
48/50, Mint Road Brahma Krupa, Kamla Nehru Cross
Above R.K. Chemist Road No. 2, Near fire Brigade
Sunder Bhai Niwas, 1st Floor Kandivli (W)
Room No. 2 Fort (Mumbai) - 400001 Mumbai - 400067
Mumbai Pune
Travelers Paradise, Shiva Datta Travels
D-137, Govthan, 15, Murli Dhar Kunj, Lane No. 10,
Near Jain Temple Chembur, Dahanukar Colony, Kothrud,
Mumbai - 400 071 Pune - 411038
Mumbai
Marwar Travels
Shop no. 1, Padmavati Tower, Balaji
Nagar, Station Road, Bhayandar (W),
District Thane, Maharashtra - 401101
143
2.14 REFERENCES
1. A. K. Raina, Dr. S. K. Agarwal, “The Essence of Tourism Development:

Dynamics, Philosophy, and Strategies”, Sarup & Sons Publications,
New Delhi, 2004.
2. Akshay Kumar, “Tourism Management”, Commonwealth Publishers,
New Delhi, 1997.
3. A. Satish Babu, “Tourism Development in India: A Case Study”, A.P.H.
Publishing Corporation, New Delhi, 2008.
4. Asif Iqbal Fazili, S Husain Ashra, “Tourism in India: Planning and
Development”, Sarup & Sons Publications, New Delhi, 2006.
5. Bijender K. Punia, “Tourism Management: Problems and Prospectus”,
A P H Publishing Corporation, New Delhi, 2008.
6. Jagdish Verma, “Dynamics of Indian Tourism – Issues and
Challenges”, Cyber Tech Publications, New Delhi, 1st Edition, 2007.
7. K.K. Sharma, “Tourism and Economic Development”, Sarup & Son’s
Publications, New Delhi, 1st Edition, 2004.
8. K.K. Sharma, “Tourism and Hospitality”, Sarup & Sons Publications,
New Delhi, 1st Edition, 2003.
9. Lambert M Surhone, Mariam T Tennoe, Susan F Henssonow,
“Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation”, VDM Verlag Dr.
Mueller AG & Co. Kg Publications, 2010.
10. L.K. Singh, “Fundamentals of Tourism and Travel”, Isha Books
Publication, Delhi, 2008.
11. Prakash Talwar, “Travel and Tourism Management – Volume 2”, Isha
Books, Delhi, 2006.
12. Rabondra Seth and Om Gupta, “Tourism in India – An Overview”,
Volume – 1, Kalpaz Publications, New Delhi, 2005.
13. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., Manual of
Information, (Under Right to Information Act, 2005), 2010.
14. R.K. Goswami, “Tourism and Environment”, Cyber Tech Publications,
New Delhi, 1st Edition, 2007.
144
15. R.K. Malhotra, “Nature and Tourism”, Cyber Tech Publications, New
Delhi, 1st Edition, 2006.
16. Sagar Singh, “Studies in Tourism – Key Issue for Effective
Management”, APH Publishing Corporation, New Delhi, 1st Edition,
1999.
17. Sanchey Maviya, “Tourism Leisure and Recreation”, Isha Books
Publications, Delhi, 2005.
145

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CHAPTER 2

ABOUT RAJASTHAN TOURISM &

(A Govt. of Rajasthan Undertaking)

ABOUT RAJASTHAN TOURISM &

RAJASTHAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Ltd.

(A Govt. of Rajasthan Undertaking)

Sr. No. Particulars Page No.

Rajasthan - 'The Land of Kings, Palaces, Valor and Sacrifices'. Rajasthan

Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Chittor, Bharatpur and Alwar which enjoying benefit of

Rajasthan accounts a major contributor to the country’s production of gypsum,

Tourism industry in Rajasthan is a vital breath in the economic activity.

2.2 TOURISM IN RAJASTHAN

The government of Rajasthan has granted the status of industry to tourism

Tourism in Rajasthan is an important economic activity which has vital impact

Tourism has a significant multiplier effect on the state economy. It increases

No doubt tourism industry in Rajasthan suffer some social and environmental

unplanned or unregulated management of tourism programmes, damage to

2.3 TOURISM PRODUCTS IN RAJASTHAN

Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan:

Amer (Amber) Fort in Jaipur City Palace in Jaipur

Rajasthan Safari Tours:

Camel Safari in Rajasthan

The state of Rajasthan in western India is a treasure trove of natural beauty,

usually arranged by the archaeological department of the state in the past

Wildlife Sanctuary Parks:

Sariska Tiger Reserve Keoladeo Ghana National Park

fascinating aspect of tourism in Rajasthan. The species that can expect to

Dargah Sharif in Ajmer Brahma Temple in Pushkar

Mount Abu, Jain temples in Ranakpur, Karnimata temple in Deshnoke,

Luxury Trains in Rajasthan:

There are numerous ways to explore the majestic state of Rajasthan in

At present, most famous Rajasthan luxury trains include the Palace on

Folk Dances of Rajasthan:

Terahtali Folk Dance Chart Fork Dance

Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan:

Marwar Festival Teej Festival

In Rajasthan, Department of Tourism, RTDC and other tourism organizations,

Rajasthan desert. Folk performers like musicians, ballad singers, snake

Heritage Properties in Rajasthan:

Bhanwar Niwas, Bikaner Bissau Palace, Jaipur

by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 and reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh.

2.4 TYPES OF TOURISM IN RAJASTHAN

Desert Wildlife &

Wild life & Eco-Tourism:

India is a perfect destination for hosting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences

With an impressive combination of accommodation and other conference

As a kind of tourism, Adventure Tourism in India is endless because the

River cruises would be launched in perpetual rivers like Chambal and

2.5 TOURISM POLICY OF RAJASTHAN

The mission behind formulation of tourism policy in Rajasthan is to ensure

Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2002:

The main objective of the government, to make tourism a "People's Industry"

A State Tourism Advisory Board has been constituted under the

Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy 2007:

In this regard, Tourism Unit as defined in Rule 1AA of Rajasthan Land

In Rule 2(r) (d) of Rajasthan Land Revenue (Conversion of Agricultural

Allotment of land for hotels and other Tourism Units,

2.6 TYPES OF TOURISM SERVICES

The government of Rajasthan has granted status of the industry to tourism

Transport services Tourist Reception Centers Tourist

Rail Transport Road Transport Air Services

Tourist Transport (Rail):

Jaipur Air Port would be developed as an International airport and Ministry of

Tourist Reception Centers (TRC)