Recreate a classic Rajasthani dish, quickly and without fuss with our simple recipe for mouthwatering results!

There is no place on earth that shares the same vibrancy or wild beauty of India. It’s no wonder then that the Tourism Department have coined the phrase ‘Incredible India’, as it seems unjust to describe it as anything less. That is why we are very proud to present the first issue of RJ, a luxury travel magazine which invites you to explore India’s most majestic state, Rajasthan.

Jaipur's famous royal observatory was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, bringing the Indian total to 28. Built in 1728 by Maharajah Jai Singh, the 20 oddly-shaped stone structures are precisely placed to allow exploration of the stars with the naked eye. The complex also includes a sun dial of no less than 27 metres in height. One of many historical monuments in the centre of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar already attracts large numbers of foreign tourists every year.

Since July the phased introduction of Delhi's new Terminal 3 at Indira Gandhi International has been ongoing, creating a whole new impression for travellers arriving the capital. The new facility has the potential to serve 60 million passengers annually and can handle around 75 flights per hour – establishing it as India's largest airport – bigger than Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad combined. The terminal will handle both international and domestic flights, making transfers much simpler, and with world-class facilities, more accurately reflects the ambitions and capabilities of modern India. On 15th July UAE airline Emirates became the first carrier to operate an A380 in to Delhi, part of a wider plan for the plane to become a regular feature of its Dubai-Delhi schedule.

Atkins, Yogalosophy, and Goji berries are just a few of the health fads that we’ve all heard about and may have even dabbled in at some point - although we might be reluctant to admit to it! Thankfully, many Indians turn to more traditional methods in a bid to achieve a sense of calm and well being minus the hunger pains or yo-yo weight loss.

Nestled between Jodphur and Udaipur and at the very heart of Rajasthan, is the ultimate gem for all luxury travellers - Deogarh Mahal. A 17th century Mewari fort that once sat at the centre of one of Rajasthan’s largest feudal empires, today it is a heritage hotel, renowned for its hospitality, stylish suites and delicious food - all setting the standard to which other properties might only aspire.

Directly between the lavish City Palace in Jaipur and the breathtaking Taj Mahal in Agra it’s no wonder that the small town of Karauli often slips under the radar. It is however well known amongst Hindu devotees who undertake the ritual of Kanak Dandoti, whereby each pilgrim covers a distance of 15-20km by prostrating themselves, marking lines with their hands on the ground and then advancing to that mark only to prostrate themselves once again. With that in mind, this unsuspecting town built from pale red sandstone must have something special to offer.

Planning a luxury trip to Rajasthan? Get our top tips for making sure that everything lives up to your expectations and exacting standards.

With some experts estimating that there are less than 1450 tigers left in India it’s no wonder then that a chance encounter with a tiger on the streets of Rajasthan is about as likely as meeting the Pope along your local high street. However, with a little organisation and a lot of luck you might be able to get within a breathtaking distance of these beautiful creatures at Sariska or Ranthambore National Park, both within driving distance from Jaipur.

In every issue of RJ we give a voice to the locals to let you know how they feel about their home state, what they particulary like about Rajasthan and why they think you will have a great time here as well. Man Singh is 37 years old and lives with his extended family, his parents, three brothers and their wives and children, in Chak, a small village about 60km North-East from Jaipur and makes a living doing the finest embroidery you've ever come across.

The Taragarh Fort is propped high on a hillside, overlooking the refreshingly peaceful city of Bundi. Although the ‘Star Fort’ may have lost some of its original sparkle, it is by no means lacking in charm with its impressive gateways, enormous 16th century bastions and breath-taking night time illuminations.

180km northeast of Mumbai lies the picturesque city of Nashik, one of the holiest and fastest growing cities in India. For several years now it has been known as The Wine Capital of India thanks to the work of Rajeev Samant and his business partner and winemaker Kerry Damskey. Their combined hard work, innovative thinking and expertise has borne fruit and they now own India’s most successful wine label, Sula.