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Rajasthan
Rajas
than, India’s desert state, was once a collection
of princely kingdoms where feudal traditions still carry
on amidst forts and palace hotels.
Bharatpur is famous for its 29 sq km bird sanctuary
which has the largest concentration and variety of birdlife
in Asia. Throughout the year Bharatpur’s native
population of tree and water birds can be seen, the
latter breeding in July-August. However, the sanctuary
has gained worldwide attention as being the winter home
of several migratory species including the endangered
Siberian crane.
The capital 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 colour 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.
Jodhpur’s exquisitely lovely fort, now a museum;
art deco royal palace converted into a hotel, and quaint
markets, all vividly testify to the history of the princely
state.
Jaisalmer, in the heart of the desert, is surrounded
by sand-dunes which rendered the sand coloured fort
impregnable. Today it is an inhabited city whose chief
attraction is lacy filigree of pierced stonework facades
of private houses, and a series of ornately carved Jain
temples.
Bikaner too has echoes of the past in its sandstone
palace, temples and cenotaphs.
In the north of Rajasthan, Shekhavati is approachable
by road from Jaipur. The greatest attraction here are
the deserted mansions of local merchants decorated with
a profusion of wall paintings. The subjects and styles
vary greatly, and are not encountered elsewhere in India.
Nearby Dundlod and Mandawa are forts, now converted
into charming hotels.
Seldom visited Bundi is remarkable for its palace fort
and gallery of fine frescoes, executed in the style
for which the state is famous.
Approachable by road from Jaipur are Ajmer and Pushkar.
Ajmer’s pre-eminence is due to the shrine of a
Muslim saint who is believed to fulfill one’s wishes.
Nearby Pushkar has one of the very few temples dedicated
to Brahma the Creator. The sleepy town with its placid
lake is catapulted into prominence for 10 days every
November as India’s most splendid camel fair takes
place here, attended by thousands of locals flashing
jewellery and exuding colour. For the thousands of tourists
who visit Pushkar, accommodation is in the form of tents
which cater to all budgets.
Also in Rajasthan is the wildlife sanctuary of Sariska
where a royal hunting lodge has been converted into
a hotel. Sariska’s wildlife includes the tiger,
panther, deer and antelope.
Jaipur
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 imperial city, replete with amazing legends of
romance and heroism. A land where the past thrives still.
This is the fortified city of Jodhpur, standing a wary
sentinel to the great Thar Desert. Beckoning you to
the wilderness of fascinating dunes, rocky terrain and
thorny vegetation.
Once the capital city of the Marwar state, it was founded
in 1459 by Rao Jodhaji - chief of the Rathore Clan of
Rajputs who claimed descent from Lord Rama. A major
trade centre of 16th century, the city, today, has grown
to become the second largest city of Rajasthan, retaining
the medieval splendour.
The city is encompassed by a high wall, 10 km. long
with eight gates. Within the city, atop a rocky hill,
stands the massive fort, 120 mtrs. above the plains.
Packed with history, art and culture, this princely
state is a treasure – trove of some exquisite palaces,
forts, temples and havelis – standing a testimony
to the imperial grandeur. But what entices the most
in Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and
smiling people.
Ajmer
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.
Udaipur
A famous city of Rajasthan state, standing on the banks
of lake Pichola with white marble palaces. Udaipur is
one of the most romantic cities of India.
Chittorgarh
The
history of Chittor is one of the most stirring chapters
in Indian history for it was there that the flower of
Rajput chivalry sprang to life and the immense stretch
of its sacred walls and ruined palaces relate the saga
of innumerable sieges and heroism which has almost become
a myth now. Western railways connect Chittorgarh on
the metre guage with Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Ratlam, Udaipur.
However the convenient railhead is Udaipur. Rajasthan
State Roadway Transport Corporation operates regular
bus service from Agra 557 kms, Ajmer 182 kms, Delhi
578 kms, Jaipur 320 kms, Jodhpur, Kota 000 kms, Mount
Abu 390 kms and Udaipur 115 kms to Chittaurgarh.
Jodhpur
Encircled by a stone wall, Jodhpur City was founded
in 1459 by Roa Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan
of Rajputs & was the capital of the State of Marwar.
Jaisalmer
Golden splendour 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, awesome 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.
Bikaner
Founded in 1488, Bikaner is a desert built on an elevation
and surrounded by a long embattled wall pierced by five
gates. A magnificient fort built betwen 1588 & 1593
by Raja Raj Singh dominates the city. Season: October
to March.
Sheer beauty in the desert is the royal fortified city
of Bikaner. Lying at the northern tip of the famous
triangle of the desert cities, Bikaner stands on a slightly
raised ground and is circumscribed by a long embattled
wall having five entrance gates.
The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488, 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. Its location on the ancient
caravan routes, which linked Central Asia and North
India with the Gujarat seaports, made Bikaner a bustling
trade centre in the times of yore.
Bikaner’s forts, palaces and temples – magnificent
creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living manifestations
of its rich historical and architectural legacy. One
can feel the medieval aura pervading the city’s
lifestyle.
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. One can witness
gaily caparisoned camels at the spectacular Camel Festival
at Bikaner, held annually.
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