Rajasthan

The land of Rajputs of olden times, the golden glow of desert landscape, the shimmering emerald water surrounding the medieval lakes, grand palaces, bustling bazaars, endless desert sands, teeming wild & bird life are as much a part of Rajasthan. As the ships of the desert who sail majestically amidst the tranquility, colour and warmth all around. It is the land of brave people with a royal touch in their lifestyle. It is a land of superlatives where everything is breathtakingly beautiful…! Rajasthan is the Land of Royalty. Its imposing forts and grand palaces remind one of the sophisticated lifestyles of the Maharajas.

Steeped in tales of chivalry and romance, and famous for its striking desert landscape, massive forts, and fabulous palaces, Rajasthan represents, for many, the quintessential India.

History abounds in Rajasthan, a history replete with tragedy, romance and valour- of men for whom bravery was the code of conduct, and women whose beauty often led to battles being fought over them. Bearing testimony to this are some of the most magnificent and imposing forts and palaces, which even today reflect the richness of living, and conjure up visions of long-lost prosperity and splendor.

Rajasthan is the second largest state of India and is one of the few states that show a great contrast from one area to another. This disparity is noticeable in respect of climate, soil, vegetation, mineral resources etc. The land that revives age old legends of brave Hadi Rani of the beautiful Padmini of Chittaurgarh, the pious Mira Bai, and the love stories of Dholamaru and Moomal , Mahendra of Marwar. Rajasthan, the land of prince and princess has the most amazing legends of devotion, romance and heroism. It offers the visitors: both quite moments of relaxation and adventure in the desert state.

Widely known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur was color washed pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England who visited India in 1883 A.D. The city was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first planned city designed in accordance with “Shilpa Shastra”- epochal treatise of Hindu architecture.

Places Of Interest:

Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Birla Mandir, Sisodia Gardens, Birla Planetarium, Jal Mahal, Nawab Ki Haveli, Galtaji’s Temple.

Founded in 1100 AD by Aijpal Chauhan, Ajmer derives its name from ‘Ajaya Meru’ the invincible hill, at the foot of which the present city stands. Ajmer owes its composite culture to the reign of many dynasties that came, ruled and left, leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions. Ajmer is situated in a valley surrounded by the Aravali hills, 131km west of Jaipur. “Dargah Khwaja Sahib” is one of the holiest Muslim shrines in the country. The city has some splendid masterpieces of Indo-Islamic architecture..

11km west of Ajmer, along the picturesque Pushkar Lake lies the tranquil town with deep religious significance. The biggest attraction is being the temple of Lord Brahma. Pushkar fair is one of the largest and colorful cattle fair in the world.

Season: September to April.

Places Of Interest:

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.

On the banks of the shimmering lake Pichola, is one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan. Nestled among the lush hills of the Aravallis, it has inevitably been dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’. It is a kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carries the flavor of the heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry.

Founded in 1568 A.D by Maharana Udai Singh, the city is a harmonious Indian blend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces, lakeside gardens, temples and Havelis. According to the legend, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city. The marvelous architecture of the palaces is spell bounding.

The only hill station of Rajasthan, crowning at the highest peak of the Aravali hills at altitude of 1220 meters. It is one of the prettiest hill stations in the country. Mount Abu was dedicated to Lord Shiva before it became a Jain Pilgrimage Centre. The biggest draw for Mount Abu is the Dilwara Jain Temple for its carvings. The hill boasts of a rich vegetation and thick forest. It stands out like an oasis in arid environs.

Best Season: Mid-March to June and Mid-September to December.

Places of Interest: Adhar Devi Temple, Andhra Point (Honeymoon Point), Dilwara Jain Temple, Gaumukh, Nakki Lake, Red Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple, Sunset Point, Traver’s Tank.

Jaisalmer, the city of the golden fort is a fantasy in yellow sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. Rawla Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput King, founded the city in the year 1156 A.D.

Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. 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! 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’.

Altitude: 225 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Extremely hot summers with maximum temperature touching 47 C. Cold winters min 1C, Rainfall: 30 cm ,Clothing: Summer Tropical Winter Woolen, Best Season: July to March.

Places Of Interest:

Golden Fort with 99 bastions, Jain Temple, Gyan Bhandar, Salim Sing Ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli, Nathumal ki Haveli & Amar Sagar, Mool Sagar, Gadisar Lake, Jain Temples.

This is 500-year-old town standing still in time. The rulers here built beautiful forts that echo of opulence and images of monsoon clouds in this dry land. The wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples, magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living. Here is a temple where rats are held sacred. Today the city is known for flourishing industries of food, wool and camel breeding.
The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488A.D, when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called “Jangladesh” and transformed it to a charming city called Bikaner, after the founder’s name. Not only do the traditions come alive here in colourful bazaars and Havelis, but Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world.

Altitude: 237 meters, Rainfall: 44 cms, Best Season: July to March, Climate: Summer Mean Max. 44 deg. C Mean Min. 28 deg.C Winter Mean Max. 23.2 deg.C Mean Min. 10 deg.C, Clothing: Summer Light tropical or cotton Winter Woolen.

Places Of Interest:

Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Bhandeshwar Jain Temple.

The town is experience of royal past and encounter with majestic tiger. The area became a hunting preserve of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in A.D. Sprawling over a undulating terrain of Aravali and Vindhyan ranges is wilderness of Ranthambhor National Park. The park is one of the finest Tiger Reserve of India. A system of three artificial lakes enhances beauty of the park.

Best Season: November to May

Places Of Interest:
Amreshwar Mahadev- 8 km, Mahavirji-110 km, Kela Devi- 125 km, Shivad- 30 km, Khandar- 60 km, Rameshwaram- 90 km in Khandar Area.

Alwar is nestled between clusters of small hills of the Aravali range. It is the gateway tone of the finest wildlife sanctuary – Sariska that is an excellent home of tigers, birds and variety of animals. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valleys thickly wooded in parts. The medieval fort crowning a scarped hill, over looks the town below. Rao Pratap Singh founded Alwar in 1775 A.D.

Area: 8.2 sq. km., Altitude: 268 meters, Climate: Summer Max. 37 Deg C Min. 24 Deg C Winter Max. 31 Deg C Min. 11 Deg C, Rainfall: 63.5 cms., Best Season: October to March.

Places Of Interest:

City Palace, Museum, Puran Vihar, Sagar (tank) Bala Fort, Vinay Vilas Mahal..

Bharatpur, along with Deeg and Dholpur, holds an important place in the history of Rajasthan. Visited mainly for Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur is a small town. Located near the world famous bird sanctuary amidst 40 acres of landscape environs, the Laxmi Villas Palace was built in 1899, for the younger brother of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. The architecture is a blend of the Mughal and the Rajputana styles. Today government offices and a museum occupy most of the forts. The museum in the fort has some interesting sculptures, collected from various ancient and early medieval sites in nearby areas.

Area: 22 sq. km., Altitude: 205 meters, Climate: Summer Max. 45 C Min. 37 C Winter Max. 31 C Min. 21 C, Best Season: October to February.

Places Of Interest:
Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary, it is famous for rare avian species. Bharatpur Fort, Government Museum, Bharatpur Palace.

Rao Madho Singh, who was nominated as the ruler by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan, formed Kota in 1631 A.D. The city is known for impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples dating back over several centuries retain the past glory with an exciting contrast to the modern edifices and industries. Standing over the river Chambal is commanding ‘Garh-fort Palace’, dating back to the time when Kota was a part of Hada Rajput kingdom.

Places Of Interest:

City Palace, The Fort overlooking Chamba River, Jagmandir – artificial water reservoir, Brig Vilas Palace Museum, Rao Madho Singh Museum and Darrah Wild Life Sanctuary – 50 Km away from Kota.

This picturesque little town in Rajasthan, the atmosphere of which more or less remains, fills a narrow valley in the oldest hills in India: the Aravallis. This walled town, 37 km north of Kota, lies in the north of the former Hadaoti state, shielded on the north, east and west by jagged outcrops of the Vindhya range. Bundi, renown for its intricate paintings and murals, made a perfect capital of a major princely state during the heyday of the Rajputs.

According to legend, back in the 12th century, restless young nobles of the warrior Chauhan clan conquered the Bhil and Meena tribals of these lands.. Kota was a part of Bundi until its separation in 1624 at the instigation of the Mughal emperor, Jehangir.

Places Of Interest:
Taragarh Fort or Star Fort, Palace, Chitra Mahal, Phool Sagar Palace, Nagar Sagar Kund, Sukh Mahal, Shikar Burj, Rani Ki Baori.