Rajasthan is a land of great kings, palaces, and forts and
of course, land of desert. Tour to Rajast
han is a great
insight into the colorful past of India still having its
mesmerizing reflection ever standing monuments, rippling
sand dunes and its culture. Rajasthan is the only Indian
State that has captured the imagination of the people,
rulers and invaders through the ages as well as tourists
both national and international. Earlier known as Rajputana
or the land of the Rajputs – brave and proud, it is still an
exotic and colour vibrant state that has retained the very
essence of the bygone royal era. This part of India was
dominantly ruled for over 1000 years by the Rajputs, a
warrior clan who claim descent from the sun, the moon and
the flames of a sacrificial fire.
They have a strict
sense of honour and chivalry similar to that of the
mediaeval European Knights and preferred to die an
honourable death rather than face defeat at the hands of the
enemy. The Rajput women on the other hand threw themselves
onto immense funeral pyres to escape dishonour at the hands
of the enemy. In order to defend their kingdoms the Rajputs
built massive forts and fortresses all over this harsh
desert land. Though known as the Desert State, Rajasthan has
a number of exotic palaces with beautiful gardens,
fountains, temples and forts with amazing artistry, mirror
walls and galleries, painted streets and kaleidoscopic men
and women as if they have walked out of life sized frescos.
Attractions of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist spots in India
– well it has so much to offer. From the romantic forts and
palaces of Jaipur and Jodhpur, the lake cities of Udaipur
and Pushkar, the painted town of Shekhawati, the golden fort
and sand dunes of Jaisalmer to the national parks of
Bharatpur and Sariska. and not to forget the camels, the
widely accepted representative of the state, threading their
way through the streets and bazaars, at the traffic signals
or making a beautiful silhouette against the sunset on the
Sam sand dunes
Camel Festivals
The Camel Festival
is an event organized in Bikaner by the
Department
of Tourism, Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan, every
year in the month of January. Desert region's Folk dances
and Music, add on to what is otherwise an exclusive camel
affair. A festival when the ships of the desert are seen at
their best. Camels fascinate tourists from all over the
world with their movements, charm and grace. A spectacle of
unusual camel performances: camel races, camel dances, and
the bumpy, neck shaking camel rides.
Activities
The festival starts with the procession of beautifully
decorated camels. The procession heads towards the open sand
grounds. Here, the festivities begin in earnest. The Camel
Pageant is held on the first day wherein the camel owners
show off their Camels' decorations and jewellery. Camel
dance performances are also held. A competition for best
decorated camel, fur cutting design, camel milking and the
best camel hair cut is organized The camels display amazing
footwork, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of
their drivers. Colourful bridles, bejewelled necks, jingling
anklets and long, lanky camel shadows on dusky sands, cast a
magical spell.
Cities of
Rajasthan
Ajmer
Ajmer was founded by Raj
a
Ajay Pal Chauhan and it is situated in the green oasis
wrapped in the barren hills.Ajmer used to be a major center
of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when the Ruler
Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. After
Prithwiraj Chauhan Ajmer witnessed dynasties, which came and
left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and
traditions on the city’s history, converting it to an
amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam.
Today, Ajmer is one of the most significant pilgrimate
destination equally important for Hindus as well as Muslims.
Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi
saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.
Ajmer is very close to Pushkar (11 kms) which is significant
for the famous fair held normally in the month of
October/November. Pushkar, the abode of Lord Brahma, lying
to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake. The
Pushkar lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month
of Kartik (Oct./Nov.) ,devotes throng in large numbers here
to take a dip in the sacred lake
Transportation
» Air : Nearest Airport Jaipur is Jaipur .
» Rail: Ajmer is connected by rail to Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad,
Barmer, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mount Abu and
to Bombay .
» Road: Ajmer is well connected by road with Agra, Bharatpur,
Bikaner, Bundi, Chittaurgarh, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer,
Jodhpur, Kota, and Udaipur.
What to see
Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra, Ana Sagar Lake, Circuit House, Dargah
of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Soniji ka Nasiyan, Mayo
College, Swami Dayanand Saraswati Smarak, Taragarh Fort and
the Museum. Pushkar 11 kms, Foy Sagar Lake 12 kms and
Kishangarh 27 kms.
Excursions
Bhand Sagar Temple 5 km, Camel Breeding Farm 10 km, Devi
Kund 8 km, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary 32 kms, Deshnok's
Karniji Temple 33 kms.
Bharatpur
Bharatpur is
considered as the E
astern
Gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is popular for its bird
sanctuary-the Keoladeo Ghana National Park - finest in Asia
rich avian variety. Every year the rare Siberian cranes come
to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur.
Of the remnants of the royal past remains the marvellous
Bharatpur Palace housing a rich repository of a large number
of ancient exhibit that date back to the early 15th century.
Transportation
» Air : The nearest airport, Agra is 54 kms
» Rail : Bharatpur is on Bombay-Delhi sector of Western Rly.
» Road : Bharatpur is well connected by good motorable roads
to Agra (54 km), Delhi (182 km), Fatehpur Sikri (20 km),
Jaipur (174 km), Mathura (36 km) and Sariska (130 km).
What to see
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Excursions
Deeg.
Bikaner
The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in
the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many
sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that
pervades the city’s lifestyle. More popularly called
the camel country , the city is renowned for the best riding
camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an
inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts ,
transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the
prime helpers. The wells of Bikane
r:
an important source of water are other attractions of the
city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted
towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even
from a distance.
Binaker’s history dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore
Prince,Rao Bikaji- a descendant of the founder of
Jodhpur(1459 A.D.), Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom
here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most
enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness
called ‘Jangladesh’ and transformed it to an impressive
city, called Bikaner after the founder’ name.
Transportation
» Air : Nearest Airport is Jodhpur .
» Rail: Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur and
Jodhpur.
» Road: Bikaner to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer .
What to see
Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Bhandeshwar Jain Temples.
Excursions
Bhand Sagar Temple, Camel Breeding Farm, Devi Kund, Gajner
Wildlife Sanctuary, Deshnok's Karniji Temple.
Jaipur
Rajasthan's
beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of
rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the
city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City
because of the colou
r
of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur's
bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie
and dye scarves and other exotic wares. Western Rajasthan
itself forms a convenient circuit, in the heart of the Thar
desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles and
architecture.
Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II, Jaipur the capital
of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City with broad
avenues and spacious gardens. The capital of Rajasthan,
Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past
comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink,
where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of
Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes,
possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove
for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic
charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.
The old city of Jaipur has neat and broadly laid-out
avenues; all painted pink that gives a magical glow to the
city, especially in the evenings. Jaipur therefore is
blessed with the opulence of cultural and architectural
beauty that surpasses most other regions of India. All of
this can be easily seen in the various sites of historical
and aesthetic significance that dot the city.
Transportation
» Air : Indian Airlines connect Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur,
Udaipur,
Aurangabad, Bombay, Varanasi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad.
» Rail : Jaipur is connected by rail with Delhi, Agra,
Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Bombay.
» Road : Roads connect Jaipur with Delhi, Agra, Bikaner,
Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer and Bombay.
What to see
City Palace & Museum , Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Dolls
Museum, Zoo, Amber Pal & Jaigarh Fort, Gaitor, Vidhyadharji
Ka Bagh, Jal Mahal, Nawab Ki Haveli, Galta, Sisodia Palace &
Garden.
Excursions
Nahargarh Fort, Sanganer, Ramgarh Lake and Shekhawati
Jodhpur
Jodhpur, once the
capital of the former princely state of Marwar, is now the
second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western
side by the Mehrangarh Fort, and on the eastern side by the
stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan; the monuments
temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted
grandeur.
Founded in 1459 AD by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur
gradually grew around the towering Mehrangarh Fort, built as
a stronghold on the advice of a sage. Alongwith Bikaner and
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur too
is situated on the ancient silk route that linked Central
Asia and Northern India with the seaports of Gujarat. As a
result it became a major trading centre in the 16th century.
Reminiscent of the bygone years is the fact that Jodhpur is
still the leading centre for cattle, camels, wood, salt and
agricultural crops. The beauty and imagination that has gone
into the making of this monumental city proclaim the
life-springs of creative genius that appear incongurent with
the harshness of this land and its climate.
Transportation
» Air : Indian Airlines connect Jodhpur with Jaipur, Delhi,
Udaipur and Bombay.
» Rail : Jodhpur is connected by rail with Jaisalmer,
Bikaner, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, , Bombay and Udaipur.
» Road : By road Jodhpur to Agra, Ajmer, Barmer, Bikaner,
Bombay, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur.
What to see
MehrangarhFort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada,
Mehrangarh Fort Museum, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Marwar.
Excursions
Balsamand Lake and Garden, Mandore, Sadar Samand Lake,
Guda Bishnoi, Mahamandir Temple, Kailana Lake, Jhalamand
Garh, Luni Fort.
Jaisalmer
Golden splendor
amid the desert Jaisalmer – the golden beauty, etched in
yellow sandstone. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands
tall against miles of gleaming sand. Epitomising the
desolate, aw
esome
charm of the desert.
Jaisalmer, the city of the golden fort is a fantasy in
yellow sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city
was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput King.
Legend has it, that Lord Krishna – the head of Yadav Clan,
foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of Yadav Clan would
build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was
fulfilled, when in 1156 AD Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of
Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, founded the city of
Jaisalmer.
This amber-hued city, in the heart of the desert, dazzles
gloriously in the early morning. The sunset has a peculiar
glow here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames,
which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black. A
breathtaking sight indeed!
Jaisalmer is famous for cobbled streets, strewn with
palaces, forts, temples and havelis. Every house, here, is
exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These
houses date back to 12th – 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer
is called 'the Museum city'.
Filled with colour, festivity and smiles, Jaisalmer is truly
a memorable experience across the shimmering sands.
Transportation
» Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur
» Rail: Jaisalmer is connected with Jodhpur by night train
service.
» Road: Well connected by road with all the major cities of
India. Direct bus services to Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jodhpur,
Bikaner, Barmer, Ajmer and Jaipur. Ahmedabad and Bhuj
(Gujarat),
What to see
Jaisalmer , Gadsisar , Salim Singh-ki-Haveli ,
Patwon-ki-Haveli , Jain .
Excursions
Devikot, Ramdeora , Sam Sand Duna , Lodhruva , Bada Bagh ,
Wood Fossil Park , Desert National Park , Barmer .
Ranthambore
Lying on the main Delhi-Mumbai railway line,
Swai Madhopur is the gateway to the world renowned
Ranthambhor National Park- the famous Tiger Reserve , just
12 km away from here. Ranthambhor has been a witness to the
raise and fall of many rulers and a series of battle scenes.
In the 13th century A.D. Govinda, the grandson of Prithviraj
Chauhan took over the reign of the land. Later his successor
Vagabhatta, beautified the city and built a noteworthy
temple at Jhain.In the middle of the 15th century A.D. Rana
Kumbha captured the fort and gifted it to his son to be
occupied later by the Hada Rajputs of Bundi and Mughal
Emperors Akbar and Aurangazeb. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam
gifted it to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1754
and since then it was maintained as the hunting preserve of
the Maharaja. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh
were part of the royal hunting who stayed here.
Transportation
» Air : Nearest airport is Jaipur (175 kms).
» Rail: Nearest railhead is Sawai-Madhopur which is on the
Bombay-Delhi section of Western Railway.
» Road: Ranthambore is connected by regular bus service to
Sawai-Madhopur 12 km, Agra 226 km, Bharatpur 166 km, Delhi
434 km, Kota 217 km, Jaipur 180 km.
What to see
The Fort Ranthambhor, Ranthambhor National Park.
The best time to visit is between November and April. Jeeps
are available to take you around the park.
Excursions
Amreshwar Mahadev 8 kms, Mahavirji 110 kms, Kela Devi 125
kms, Shivad 30 kms, Khandar 60 kms, Rameshwaram 90 kms in
Khandar Area.
Udaipur
The city of Dawn,
Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lake, hemmed
in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white
drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating
blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspir
ation
for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its
kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens
and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a
heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their
reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an
enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar-a kingdom
ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. The foundation
of the city has an interesting legend associated with it.
According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was
hunting one day when he met a holy man meditations on a hill
overlooking the Lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the
Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorable
located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a
lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheatre of low
mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and
founded the city in 1559 A.D.
Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola
stands the splendid City Palace-a marvel in granite and
marble. Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City,
only five remain. The Suraj Pol the original or Sun Gate on
the eastern side is the main entrance to the city. Exquisite
lake palaces of Udaipur shimmering like jewels on Lake
Pichhola are overwhelming in splendor. Several places of
interest around Udaipur, including the majestic,
Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh,
beautiful Jain temple of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara
and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a
memorable one.
Transportation
» Air : I. A. connects Udaipur with Bombay, Delhi, Jodhpur,
Jaipur, Aurangabad.
» Rail: Udaipur is connected by rail with Ahmedabad,
Chittorgarh, Bombay via Ahmedabad, Delhi and Jaipur.
» Road: By road Udaipur to Ahmedabad, Bombay, Delhi, Jaipur
, Chittorgarh .
What to see
City Palace, Lake Pichhola, Jag Mandir, Gulab Bagh, Fateh
Sagar.
Excursions
Kankroli, Eklingli, Haldighati, Jaisamand Lake, Nathdwara,
Ranakpur, Rishabhdeo
Population :
49.7 million
Area : 3,42,239 sq km
Population Density : 129 (per sq km), Population
Growth: 28.4%
Principal Languages : Rajasthani & Hindi
Capital : Jaipur
Date of Statehood : November 1, 1956
Religion : Hindu 89%, Muslim 7%, Jain 1.8%, Sikh
1.5%, Christian 0.1%., Best time to
Time To Visit : November-March
Major Crops : Jowar, bajra, wheat, maize, pulses,
barley, gram, oilseeds, cotton, tobacco, sugarcane.
Minerals : Gypsum, mica, copper, tungsten, emerald,
asbestos, felspar, glass-sand gypsum, iron ore, lead, zinc,
limestone, marble, salt, silver, soapstone & marble.
Industries : Textiles, cement, sugar, chemicals,
glass, wool, handicrafts.
Roads : 83,469 km
Railways : 6,228 km
