Major Tourist Circuits and Stand-alone Tourist Sites of Rajasthan-
(Important GK for RAS Mains/ I Grade / II Grade Exams)I
THE BACKGROUND- Rajasthan has been emerged as very popular tourist destinations in India for both domestic and foreign tourists. The number of tourist arriving in the state, has increased four times in the last 30 years and in 2001. The state is famous for its diversity in terms of natural resources, cultural heritage, historical, archaeological wonders and rare wild life. The colourful fairs and festivals, forts and palaces, heritage hotels, local art and handicrafts, versatile cultural traditions etc. has been a unique proposition to attract tourists coming towards Rajastan. The desert environment in the western parts of the state is also a major attraction for visitors, particularly the foreign tourist. Four decades ago tourism in Rajasthan was small industry that was largely confined to the elite foreign tourists and domestic pilgrim traffic. Tourist arrivals were restricted to a few thousand tourists annually and were primarily recorded in selected places such as Jaipur,