Rajasthan is a key state for many tourists

Only a reduction in tensions between India and Pakistan could help bring back the thousands who used to visit this desert state, one tourism expert said.

The slump began after the 11 September attacks on America.

It got worse following the attack on India's parliament last month, say the authorities.

Massive fire

The parliament attack led to a heavy build-up of troops by India and Pakistan on their border.

A massive fire at an army ammunition dump earlier this month further added to the slump, a senior government official in Bikaner, Nirmal Wadhvani, told the BBC.

According to the tourism authorities, at least 28,000 foreign tourists visit Bikaner district alone every year.

The government estimates tourists spend nearly 10 billion rupees every year at Rajasthan state's various tourist facilities.

If the current stand-off with Pakistan does not ease soon, Rajasthan may well have to stop depending as much on its ability to bring in visitors from overseas.