The location of Rajasthan is in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is bounded on the west and northwest by Pakistan, on the north and northeast by the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, on the east and southeast by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and on the southwest by the state of Gujarat. The Tropic of Cancer passes through its southern tip in the Banswara district. The state has an area of 132,140 square miles (342,239 square kilometres).
Rajasthan is located in the Thar Desert region and is composed of two distinct geographical regions, the dividing line being the Aravalis, the oldest mountain chain in India. Aravalis runs southwest to northeast, the last low ridge ending up in Delhi. These hills block the southeast monsoon so the eastern region receives good rainfall and parts of it are covered with dense green forests of sal, axlewood, dhak, and mesquite.
Climate of Rajasthan
Given its varied topography, the climate of Rajasthan greatly varies throughout the state. In the west, Rajasthan is relatively dry and infertile; this area includes some of the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. In the southwestern part of the state, the land is wetter, hilly and more fertile. The climate varies throughout Rajasthan. On average winter temperatures range from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and summer temperatures range from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F). Average rainfall also varies; the western deserts accumulate about 100 mm (about 4 in) annually, while the southeastern part of the state receives 650 mm (26 in) annually, most of which falls from July through September during the monsoon season. The best time to travel to Rajasthan is during the winter, or cold season, which extends from December to March. January is the coolest month of the year.
