The enigma of enchanting forts, palaces, havelis, the shimmering dunes and sanctity of religious places in Rajasthan will no longer be a 182-day phenomenon. The effervescence of the desert state continues to enthrall tourists well into what was once considered "not the right time to be in Rajasthan," and thereby making it a round-the-year, 365-day destination for domestic as well as foreign tourists. 

If the inbound tourist figures to the state are any indication, then Ajmer has a clear edge over Jaipur as the hottest destination with the domestic travellers. As per the figures of the last four years, compiled by the department of tourism, the pilgrim city, Ajmer has been the favoured destination for domestic tourists. Pushkar follows on the quick trot followed by the Pink City, ranking third on the tourists itinerary. 

And if you thought that the state thrives mostly on foreign tourists, then the figures prove otherwise. The number of domestic tourists have marked a steady increase compared to foreigners. With the economy on a roll, and with higher earnings and disposable incomes, the travel bug seems to have bitten people living even in smaller cities. Travel packages are in plenty for a frequent weekend get-away and off peak season is no longer a term to reckon with. If in January 2007, 10,500 people travelled to Pushkar, in April when the weather in the state is considered not as pleasant, about 1,15,900 domestic tourists made it to the pilgrim city. 

Similarly, against a number of 11,40,219 domestic tourists who visited the state in January in the peak season, the hot and sultry May 2007 saw about 12,50,090 with nearly two lakh tourists at Mt Abu alone. 

According to Madhavan Menon, managing director, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, Mumbai, "The real expansion is coming from small-town India. Tier II and tier III cities are the new markets. People from these cities have begun travelling the domestic circuit more often than before. Families and individuals have now re-invented travel and holidaying - blending the two as a package. They are no longer content with travelling to their homelands once a year, but do it multiple times including short-haul destinations over the weekend, with off season discounts and deals being a great incentive." 

Keeping it in mind, most travel companies are now gearing up to tap the potential of domestic travel, with an estimated 400 m travelling within the country each year, and the number is growing by over 20% annually. 

According to officials, about 60% per cent of the domestic tourists and 38 per cent of the foreign tourists visit the state between April and September. Besides the intricate tapestry of mysticism, grandeur and rusticity, several festivals and cultural events are a big draw for tourists. 

Besides, several festivals, fairs and cultural events have almost got branded with tourism in Rajasthan. Now for the first time to be held in Jaipur, the Confederation of Indian Industries and Rajasthan Tourism event ‘Jaipur by 
nite’ has already received immense response. 

According to Apruv Kumar, chairman, CII, Rajasthan, "The event will draw tourists, professional and industrialists from across the country. About 40-50 corporates have already confirmed their participation for the first day alone.

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