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RAJASTHAN DESTINATIONS |
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| Ajmer |
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Nuzzled in the base of Aravali mountain ranges, Ajmer is a renowned holy spot for both Hindus and Muslims. The great king of the Chauhan dynasty, Ajaipal Chauhan in the year 1100 AD, established this historic city. Ajmer signifies India's true rendezvous with religious convictions, where a saint is revered by all, irrespective of his caste or creed. The secular nature of true India is enlivened in the life and history of this great city.
Bestowed with the natural beauty, Rajasthan is flanked by majestic mountains on all sides. Formerly called as Ajaimeru, which is synonymous with 'Invincible Hill', Ajmer reflects all that is virtuous and thrilling about Rajasthan. Once the glorious domicile of the illustrious Prithviraj Chauhan, Ajmer is a miscellany of amusing cultures absorbed from various dynasties like the Mughals, the Scindias, Rajputs and the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. Founded in the 7th century, Ajmer withstood the mighty Turkish invasions and finally, it reached in the hands of the British. These famous dynasties had contributed much to the historic development of Rajasthan in to vibrant city.
A renowned pilgrim center, Ajmer presents a remarkable synthesis of Hindu culture with Sufi traditions. It has played a key role in the history of Rajasthan since it was tactically and politically a vital state in the early times.
Though not a shoppers delight, Ajmer provides excellent artifacts and Silver Jewellery. Well placed on the shores of a flamboyant watercourse, Ajmer is a retreat in a desolate tract shrouded in comforting greenery. With its magnificient peaks, majestic lakes, elegant Mugal style mansions and historical monuments, Ajmeer offers as a trendy tourist location that displays the celebrated Rajasthan traditions.
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| Bikaner |
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The deserts fascinate from a distance but it is only the true lovers of sun and sand who make it their homes and create miracles smack in the middle of the dry arid land mass. The city Bikaner narrates a similar tales of hardship and bravery of the founder, Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Rao Jodhaji.
The city of Bikaner was founded in 1488 from Jangaldesh or the country of wild bushes. It has been almost 550 years since its inception and the city has spread across the desert and has also acquired expertise viz, camel breeding and dry irrigation which is unique to it. Bikaner city alongwith its rocky scrubland, is located on an elevated plain in the desert. The old city is encompassed by a long embattlement wall which intermittently breaks to give way to five huge gates. Now a major trade center for wool, building stones, carpets, blankets, salt and grain, Bikaner has emerged as the lifeline of the state.
The handicraft industry of Bikaner and especially the Ivory and Lacquer ware articles are exquisite. The city acquires a yellowish red hue from the presence of various red and yellow sandstone buildings. The fortified town has a medieval charm about it which oozes from every street traversed by the tourists. Bikaner is renowned for the innovative idea of the filter (intricately carved Jharokas)specially created to provide the womenfolk with an window to view the proceedings outside whilst being hidden.
Apart from the regular tourism features associated with the desert, Bikaner boasts of a unique for overlooking it as well as a thriving market of various Rajasthani art forms. The taste buds can be satiated with a wide assortment of Bhujias, Rasgullas , Papad and Thandai. The Usta art of miniature paintings and gold embossing which is undertaken upon the ceilings, walls, pillars of buildings as well as wooden & glass items and ivory is a speciality of Bikaner. |
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| Bharatpur |
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Even if counting the feathers of a bird and watching them closely is just a pastime for you then welcome to Bharatpur for this is a place that would surely answer your question as to why Dr Salim Ali was so fascinated with birds. Period. Its not the beauty or the variety but sheer enormity of the region and the ease with which the birds have accepted this meager offering from us human makes Bharatpur area and its surroundings a paradise to visit.
Prince Bhamji of Morvi (Gujarat) was instrumental in mooting the idea and implementing it by converting this area into a wildlife reserve. It was a common practice to organize Duck shoots almost every year in honour of Viceroy Lord Curzon. Bharatpur used to be one of the most important princely states located on the edges of Thar desert. The land being marshy was always conducive for birds and animals searching water to quench their parched lips and throats.
The best part about Bahartpur is the location of the place which is very convenient for tourists from many states to access it. The area being a part of desert experiences extreme climates. This land of the Rajputs tells many stories of braveries against the attacks by Mughals and the British. The area is also famous for the forts, palaces and the Mughal and Rajput architecture visible almost everywhere. The Land, its people and the architecture tell an impassive story about these fighters who survived and flourished in these hostile conditions. |
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| Bundi |
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Bundi is a city in the Hadoti region of the state of Rajasthan. It is a city of roughly 88,000 inhabitants according to the 2001 census. This quaint little city is fast becoming a well-liked tourist attraction owing to the fact that it is representative of the culture prevalent in Rajasthan. It is of great architectural importance since this small city is dotted with ornate forts, splendid palaces, and step well tanks also known as baoris in the local dialect. Bundi city is the administrative capital of Bundi District.
In the olden times, the area in and around the city of Bundi was actually inhabited by different local tribes. The Parihar Meenas were famous amongst all the tribes. Bundi is believed to have derived its name from a previous Meena ruler known as Bunda Meena. Bunda-Ka-Nal was the name given to this city previously. The word Nal means “narrow ways”. Afterward, Rao Deva Hara, who took over Bundi from Jaita Meena in A.D. 1342, renamed the adjacent area.
Bundi is a small city in the state of Rajasthan and hence, has not joined the league of the metropolis in India as of yet. As a result, Bundi has retained its traditional charm. The locals living in this quaint city are old fashioned and follow the customs and rituals typical to the state of Rajasthan. Hindi and Rajasthani are the languages spoken here. The city is known for its typical Rajasthani cuisine like dal bati, churma, besan ki misi puri, lachha paratha etc. |
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| Mandawa |
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In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis. The structures of this place reminds one of the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in the bygone era. The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled and fortified in 18th century by the dominant merchant families of the region. The wealthy businessmen of the village constructed many havelis and baolis with colored painting adorning their walls. Later on, with the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Despite the time lapse and ignorance about these visual and architectural extravaganzas, their attraction did not fade and today they are some of the major attractions for the tourists visiting Rajasthan.
Mandawa provides the visitors with a sense of discovery at every turn; battlements that offer spectacular views of the town below, a whimsical peacock weather van, and an arched window that overlooks the verdant garden visited by peacocks. Most importantly, the fact that no two rooms are alike in the palace here. In the zenana or women's quarters, one room offers antique murals, another has a marble fountain, and the turret room boasts of walls that are seven feet thick. Looking out from the window of the turret room, it is easy to imagine the marauding bandits that once roamed freely here. Little wonder then that the family crest contains the motto, 'Veer Bhogya Vasundhara', which translates into 'the brave shall inherit the earth'. Founded in the 18th century, the medieval fort of Mandawa dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region's havelis. The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli has some curious paintings on its outer eastern wall-a boy using a telephone, and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli has some defaced erotic images. |
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| Jodhpur |
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Jodhpur is the second largest city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. It is increasingly becoming popular as a tourist destination, thanks largely to some monumental forts in the region and its proximity to the vast Thar Desert. Jodhpur is located in a strategically crucial point on the road that links the western Indian state Gujarat with the country’s capital New Delhi.
In the history of India, this region had been a silent witness to the violent rivalry between the Mugals, who ruled Delhi, and the Marathas, who ruled the states in the western part of India. It was in 1459 that Jodhpur rose to prominence when Rao Jodha (from whom the region got its name), a powerful Rajput king who headed the Rathore dynasty that ruled a kingdom known as Marwar, made Jodhpur the capital of his kingdom.
Jodhpur has a hot and dry climate, with occasional rains during monsoon, and is known as sun city for the bright sunshine it enjoys throughout the year. But its more famous sobriquet is blue city; known so because of the bluish hue of uniformly whitewashed houses in the town. The local wisdom is that the white colour of the wall helps in keeping the heat away during the day and mosquitoes during the night.
Jodhpur is also home of some unique food items such as Makhaniya Lassi (a drink made with curd and sugar), Mawa Kachori, Pyaaj Kachori and Mirchibada (a hot and spicy food), which are much sought after in the northern parts of India.
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| Jaipur |
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A vibrant city, which was established in the year1727, Jaipur has been acclaimed as the first planned city in India. The capital of the former Kachwaha rulers, Jaipur offers a multifaceted tourist destination. This thriving city has derived its name from the illustrious ruler Sawai Jaisingh II, whose progressive thinking gave birth to a perfectly planned city. The term Sawai has been bestowed upon him by the then Mughal Emperor as an honour to his multifarious personality. This poetic expression literally means Jaisingh was valuable than one.
Widely acclaimed as the Pink City of India, Jaipur proliferates in its magnificent past, bellicose history, renowned tradition, architectural elegance and natural vista. Though the Rajputs are famed for their valor and bravery, the rulers of Jaipur differ from the rest of the Rajput clan. Apart from exhibiting their chivalry, these great warriors have shown much diplomacy in their relation with the mighty kingdoms of their time. The planning of the city in accordance with the strict norms of Indian Vasthusasthra shows their credentials as good administrators. Perhaps this might be the only city in the world, which symbolizes the nine divisions of the Universe.
Jaipur is mostly renowned for its majestic buildings, which displays unique architectural grandeur. These stunning facades of medieval India have received a global acclaim for its intricate and exquisite charm. A quaint place, Jaipur reproduces its magnificient past through its sumptuous forts, captivating palaces, littered walls, serene temples and lovely havelis. Its effervescent panorama is attributed by the charismatic lure of its outstanding gardens. The serenity and tranquility of the verdant gardens with its marvelously tended landscapes and colorful floral arcades presents a picturesque appeal, which will certainly mesmerize any visitor.
It is not just monuments and palaces that Jaipur offers. Apart from an array of fascinating attractions this vivacious city holds exquisite handicrafts and marvelous jewelry. These delicate artifacts, which portray the rustic and colourful village life, would be a great treasure for every visitor.
With its charismatic panorama of architectural grandeur, tradition, and natural splendor, a trip to Jaipur would be a retreat to those who are enthusiastic and eager to know about the rich cultural heritage of India.
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| Jaisalmer |
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Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is located on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. Desert Safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience.
The city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike most forts in India, the Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. There are shops, hotels, age old havelis (homes) inside the fort area.
Like any other places near Thar Desert in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer also has extreme climate. Jaisalmer is extremely hot during summer (March to May) with mercury levels in the range of 25°C to 42°C. Winter is pleasant with low temperature ranges between 24°C to 8°C. Jaisalmer receives less rainfall during monsoon.
Best season to visit this beautiful place is between September to March, avoiding hot summer days. February is attractive with Desert festival conducted with many cultural programs and enthusiasm. September has Ramdevra fair attracting many tourists.
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| Kota |
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Kota is an inviting tourist destination on the banks of the Chambal river and is one of the most dynamic and picturesque cities in the state of Rajasthan. Historians put the date of establishing Kota in the 12th century and Kota as a part of Malwa Plateau. The basic foundation of the Kota city was laid on 1264 AD after the Rajput took over the place from a local tribal chief. With grandeur past and rich heritage and history, Kota rulers were known for their legendary deeds and wars fought with Mughal emperors.
A monument for the Rajput culture and gallantry, Kota is renowned for its splendid heritage. Kota’s coat of arms was highly accomplished for its marvelous design, which is displayed in museums in Kota. The coat design was a masterpiece with winged Garuda as the base. Attractive temples with many legendary stories behind, historical forts and imposing palaces with Rajput architectural styles are all housed in the landscape of Kota.
Modern Kota is an industrial town with all most modern and luxurious amnesties. The major attractions in Kota are the ancient temples. One of the great temples in the locality is Kansua temple enshrining the Lord Shiva with a unique feature of four faces. One of the best museums in Rajasthan is located in Kota and is a place most visited by tourists viewing the ancient and historical artifacts of Rajasthan. Animated miniature paintings are marvelous attractions of this museum.
Kota is famous for textile weaving, impressive handicrafts, cosmetic items, oilseed and cotton milling, distilleries and dairy products. Famous Doria Saris are originated from the weaving mills of Kota and it is the only place one can get best of these saris. Metal handicrafts are specialty items of Kota’s skilled artists. Kota is also very popular for the Victorian style buildings adapted from the British.
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| Kumbhalgarh |
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A stunning edifice in the magnificient history of medieval India, Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan offers a scenic tourist spot. This appealing and exceptional location entices tourists with its exquisite monuments, royal Chhathris and glorious palaces. Nested in the foothills of the pebbly mountains, this magnificient place reminds one of the valor and heroism of the legendary Rana Kumbha, the indomitable spirit behind the colossal stronghold of Rajput clan.
A historic place that houses one among the strongest fortress, Kumbhalgarh boast of so many intricately carved temples, which exposes the visitor in to the marvels of superb artistry. Though the fifteenth century bastion is the remarkable attraction, other fascinations of Kumbhagarh are not far behind. With its enthralling and verdant landscapes, deep jungles and pretty gorges this land is the abode of mesmerizing beauty.
Kumbhalgarh is not just these fabulous monuments and magnificient citadels, but abundance of natural splendors is gracefully bestowed on it makes it a pictorial location. The thick woody forests encompass the vibrant and rich foliage along with a rich variety of fauna. These forests, which house a wildlife sanctuary, are the popular destination of wildlife aficionados and birdwatchers. Its snaky paths and winding roads are a fascination to those who loves to be in the company of the animal world.
The most rocky terrain in the foot of Aravallies is clothed with the natural freshness when the surroundings reflects the cool gust of light breeze, stunning inferno of lightning, heavy thunder storms and the exciting stench of wet soil. These beautiful signals of tempting monsoon adorn this otherwise mucky terrain in to a blooming paradise of greenery. To enjoy the lavishness solitude or to meander in the midst of glorious past, Kumbhagarh would be a perfect choice. |
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| Mount Abu |
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Simple beauty, delicately styled temples, incarnation of the natural beauty - Mount Abu is one of the renowned Jain pilgrimage locations in India and is the only hills station in the state of Rajasthan, India. Mount Abu, the oasis among the deserts in Rajasthan, is located a height of 1220 meters from sea level and is enclosing a serene and beautiful lake. It is placed at the pinnacle of a granite table peak on Aravalli ranges and is surrounded by thickly populated green forests. The cool and fragrant ambience with rich flora in Mount Abu attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Mount Abu, known as ‘Arbudaranya’ as per legendary stories, derives its name from a serpent god named Arbuda. It is believed that the serpent come down to this hill spot to save Nandi, bull of Lord Shiva. Mount Abu attracts archaeologists much due to the plenty of archaeological sites scattered in and around. Ancient Dilwara Jain temples with marvelous appearances are also tourist attractions in this grandeur nature’s beauty.
Mount Abu breasts many world class and imposing tourist facilities with many luxurious hotels and resorts. Mount Abu is a romantic destination for honeymoon vacations. It is estimated that more than three million tourists, domestic and foreign, visit this enchanting place every year and enjoying the body and mind soothing scenic beauty, marvelous flora and fauna.
Mount Abu, a hill retreat with cool and soothing climate, is favored as the most sought tourist spot in Rajasthan with serene atmosphere, challenging treks, breathtaking picnic locations and calm lake views. Exquisite natural points like sunset point and honeymoon points attract thousands of tourists to the lap of Mount Abu.
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| Pushkar |
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Pushkar is one city in India that everybody is cognizant of and wishes to visit someday. This sacred city of Hindus, is only 10 km from the city of Rajasthan in Rajasthan.
This "Adi Tirtha" finds a revered mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharat. Lord Bramha is supposed to have killed the asura Vajra Nabha with lotus flower. The asura was destroyed by the contact, and petals fell at three places. One of those places is Pushkar, where a lake was formed. Brahma performed sacrifice on a Kartik Purnima (full moon day in the Hindu Kartik month), sanctifying it.
A holy bath in the lake at Pushkar and worship at Brahma temple (the only Brahma temple in the world) is held in very high regards. Pushkar, considered one of the five dhams (Badrinath, Rameswaram, Puri and Dwarka make up the penta), is abound with several temples, which trace their origin to ancient times. Aurangzeb, the Mogul emperor tried his best to eliminate all these temples. However they were always rebuilt and they still stand tall. Legends claim that, at one time, the shores of the Pushkar Lake were hosting 500 temples and 52 palaces (for numerous kings).
The city of Pushkar is comfortably settled between hills from tri-directions and the magnificent golden desert form the remaining. Though the climatic variations border the extreme ranges as is the true for any desert the always city is abuzz with activities (Festivals, Fairs, Safaris, pilgrimages etc.) throughout the year.
Apart from religious reasons Pushkar has also endeared itself to many for its wonderful shopping centers offering various fabrics, books, Handicraft goods, traditional and fusion music etc. Words of caution though; avoid consumption of meat and meat products and alcohol within 5 km of Pushkar. |
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| Ranthambore |
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Ranthambhore Tiger reserve is situated in the state of Rajasthan, India. This place holds quite several principle history and they are closely estranged in nature with bare peg down passageways connecting them to the kernel. Ranthambhore is familiarly known for its tourism attraction, as quite number of tourists makes their visit and enjoy the pleasure of visiting the place. The place has quite several troubles and problems. This place never just gives importance to tiger, but they also give importance in farming biotic pressures, menace of hunting, troubles with ethical motive, troubles with tourism managements and a lot more.
Ranthambhore is a sanctuary that has thick dry deciduous forest amidst a wide pathway of semi arid bush and setaceous vegetation environed by the mounts of the Vindhyas and the Aravalis. Along with, an antique old fort lies amongst the boundary circle and it adds an attractive beauty of the place. Also, the water bodies, water falls, nallahs, and ravines double the attraction and beauty of the place.
Tourist traveling to the place can make a comfortable stay, as they can avail classy rooms matching everyone's range. The hotel rooms are available from all range, right from economical to any other sophisticated business class. Also, they can avail the luxury resorts and enjoy the pleasure of their trip by enjoying the scenic attraction of the place. The rooms are well-equipped and it has a good flow of water supply. Individual can also taste the classy variety of foods when they visit the place. |
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| Ranakpur |
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Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, 23 kms. away from the Phalna railway station. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain Temple were built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns.
The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kgs. whose sound echoes in the entire complex.
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| Udaipur |
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Udaipur City, one of the beautiful cities and known as ‘Jewel of Mewar’, is the administrative head quarters of Udaipur District in the state of Rajasthan, India. The city on the banks of the calm Pichola lake , established in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh, is nick named as ‘Kashmir of Rajasthan’ or ‘Venice of the East’, owing to its natural beauty, enchanting location and picturesque surroundings.
The city is perfectly placed in the backdrop of lush green picturesque natural beauty in the midst of Aravalli Mountain Ranges. It is a lake city with three interconnected lakes, the Pinchola Lake, Swaroop Sagar Lake and Fateh Sagar Lake. The The spectacular view of the reddish sun setting beneath the mountain ranges in the backdrop of the lakes is an attraction to any visitor.
The city had eleven entrances in its glorious past, out of which five are still remaining. Suraj (Sun) Pol, the main entrance is very attractive with amazing structures and carvings on the structures. Udaipur is marked with beautiful buildings, temples and palaces with marvelous architectural styles. The beauty of exquisite Rajasthan Marbles adorning the erstwhile Royal palaces is worth mentioning.
Udaipur city, one of the most romantic cities in India, is a favorite place of tourists from all over the world. It has credited with many beautiful attractions in and around. The royal palaces reflecting in the clear blue Pichola Lake with all its illuminations and glossiness, shines like a jewel and the view is an eye feasting and unforgettable experience for any traveler. The city provides ample shopping facilities for local craft works, textiles and paintings. The city is also home to one of the most romantic hotels of the world, the Lake Palace Hotel. |
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